The effect of two different types of music played to cancer patients during chemotherapy on anxiety, nausea, and satisfaction levels.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of two different types of music on anxiety, nausea, and satisfaction levels in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy (CT) for the first time. METHODS: The study was conducted as a single-blind, pre-test, post-test, three-group randomized controlled trial in an outpatient CT unit between August 2022 and February 2023. A simple (computer-based) and stratified (age and gender) randomization method was used to assign 75 patients to the relaxing music group (RMG), Turkish classical music group (TCMG), and control group (CG) (n = 25 each). The primary outcome was the change in anxiety levels measured by Spielberger's State Anxiety Inventory before (T0) and after (T1) CT session. Secondary outcomes were the change in the severity of nausea from T0 to T1 and the level of satisfaction at T1. RESULTS: The groups were similar in terms of baseline sociodemographic and health-related characteristics. Anxiety levels were lower than the baseline in RMG and TCMG in comparison to CG, and repeated measures analysis showed a significant group × time interaction (p = 0.001, F = 210.221, η2 = 0.745). Nausea severity increased from T0 to T1 for CG but decreased for RMG and TCMG with a significant group × time interaction (p = 0.001, F = 100.785, η2 = 0.583). The satisfaction level was significantly higher in TCMG than in CG and RMG (8.64 ± 0.95 vs. 7.88 ± 0.72, and 7.00 ± 0.70, respectively). CONCLUSION: Music may be an effective non-pharmacologic option to relieve patients' anxiety and nausea during first-time CT. Larger, multicenter studies evaluating the long-term effect of music are needed to confirm these findings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05687838)/2022-13/18.

Practices of the ABCDEF care bundle in intensive care units as reported by nurses: A cross-sectional study from Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Recent critical care guidelines recommended the evidence-based ABCDEF care bundle for intensive care unit (ICU) patients. However, limited information is available on the implementation of the bundle in Turkish ICUs. AIM: To assess the current practices of the ABCDEF care bundle as reported by ICU nurses. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study using a web-based survey was conducted. Researchers invited nurses with at least 1 year of ICU experience to participate by sending the link to the research questionnaires they created in Google Forms to the one ICU nurse association and one communication group of which they are members. RESULTS: A total of 342 ICU nurses completed the survey. Although 92% of the participants performed pain assessments in their ICUs, 52.7% reported not using protocols. Based on the responses of the nurses, spontaneous awakening and breathing trials are performed in 88.8% and 92.4%, respectively, of ICUs. Fewer than half of the participants reported following a sedation protocol in their ICUs. Only 54.7% of ICU nurses surveyed reported routinely monitoring patients for delirium. It was reported that early mobilization was practised in 68.7% of ICUs, but non-ventilated patients were mobilized more frequently (70.2%), and 9.7% of ICUs had mobilization teams. Family members were actively involved in 95% of ICUs; however, 9.7% used dedicated staff to support families and 3.5% reported that their unit was open 24 h/day for visits. CONCLUSIONS: While the implementation of most pain and sedation evaluations in ICUs were reported by nurses, many of them did not use structured delirium assessments. There is a need to encourage early mobilization programs and family participation. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Health institutions can improve patient care and outcomes by establishing and standardizing a protocol for each component of the ABCDEF care bundle in ICUs.

Association between effect of acceptance of illness and medication adherence, metabolic control, and risk of diabetic foot in individuals with diabetes.

AIMS: This study aimed to determine the association between the level of acceptance of illness and medication adherence, metabolic control, and risk of diabetic foot in patients with diabetes. METHODS: This descriptive study was conducted with 298 patients with diabetes. The questionnaire comprised the demographic characteristics of the patients, Modified Morisky Scale and the Acceptance of Illness Scale. The study data were collected by the researchers through direct interviews using the questionnaire. RESULTS: Acceptance of illness in patients with diabetes was statistically significantly higher in the group with a higher level of knowledge of medication adherence (p < 0.001). Moreover, the acceptance of illness had a statistically significant negative correlation with fasting plasma glucose (r = -0.198; p < 0.001) and glycated hemoglobin (r = -0.159; p = 0.006) levels in individuals with diabetes. Levels of acceptance of illness had a statistically significant association with the risk of diabetic foot (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The study found that the level of acceptance of illness was associated with the level of knowledge about medication adherence, metabolic control, and risk of diabetic foot in individuals with diabetes. It may be recommended to conduct clinical trials to determine the effect of evaluating the level of acceptance of the illness on diabetes management and to increase this level.

The effect of spiritual well-being on illness perception of lung cancer patients.

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of spiritual well-being on the perception of people who have lung cancer. The study was conducted with 100 volunteered patients with living lung cancer who were monitored and treated at a university hospital in Turkey. Patient Identification Form, Spiritual Well-Being Scale and Illness Perception Scale were used for the data collection procedure. Using SPSS 21.0 program, independent sample t-test and one-way ANOVA test were performed in statistical analyses. The probability value was considered significant as p < 0.05. The mean score of Spiritual Well Being (SWB) was found 28.48 ± 7.20. The findings were as follows: (1) the patients who stated that they comply with the drug treatment had a high score, and SWB scores were found to be lower in those who thought that the disease could not be cured. (2) there was a significant positive relationship among SWB and sub-dimensions of the illness perceptions; acute-chronic duration (p = .668), personal control (p = .811), treatment control (p = .682), emotional representation (p = 0.184) 3), as the SWB mean score increases, the scores in the illness perception section increase 4; however, when the SWB score increases, the cyclic time decreases. It was concluded that the spiritual well-being of people who have lung cancer positively affects the perception of the disease. It was further suggested that spiritual well-being should be evaluated and improved within holistic care in order to ensure patients perception of disease and compliance with treatment.

Diabetic foot care training and the presence of nurses in Turkish YouTube videos.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, the content of Turkish YouTube videos as a source of information on diabetic foot care training and the presence of nurses in these videos were examined. METHODS: A search was performed in the video sharing platform YouTube with the keyword "diabetic foot care" on 09.12.2020. From 200 videos, 87 were included in the study, and they were independently evaluated by two investigators for their usefulness, reliability, and quality. RESULTS: Of the videos, 8% were categorized as very useful, 33.3% moderately useful, 51.7% somewhat useful, and 6.9% not useful, while 4.6% contained misleading information. It was also found that the instructor was a nurse in only 12.6% of these videos. CONCLUSION: There is useful information about diabetic foot care on YouTube; however, there are also videos with misleading information. In addition, it has been observed that very few of these videos were prepared by nurses. In order to improve the foot care behaviors of individuals with diabetes, it may be suggested that professional groups, especially nurses who are primarily responsible for training and care, should create original, detailed, and interesting videos on appropriate diabetic foot care.

Nurses' views and applications on palliative care.

PURPOSE: This study was carried out descriptively to determine the view and applications about pallative care of nurses working in a university hospital. DESIGN AND METHODS: The data were collected with the questionnaire form: "Individual Information Form" and "Views and Appllications on Palliative Care," created by the researchers in line with the literature. FINDINGS: A total of 96.6% of the nurses evaluated the scope of palliative care as pain relief, and the most common difficulties in care were identified as bad news (88.1%). In all, 22.0% of the nurses talked to the patient and their family about death. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: It is thought that the majority of nurses are not trained in palliative care and their opinions about palliative care are affected by this situation.

Rheumatology patients' attitude regarding Ramadan and fasting.

OBJECTIVE: Fasting may lead to some problems in patients who have to use drugs on a regular and continuous basis. The objective of this study is to identify rheumatology patients' attitudes toward Ramadan and fasting. METHOD: The descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 374 patients. The study data were collected using a questionnaire form. SPSS was used and percentage and Chi-square analyses were performed. RESULTS: It was determined that 56.1% fasted during Ramadan. When asked about the effect of fasting on the disease, 88.4% of those who fasted answered "it had no effect", and 80.1% of those that did not fast said "it affected negatively" (P < .05). It was determined that 41.9% of the fasting patients did not visit the doctor during Ramadan, 52.9% continued using their drugs without any change, and 73.3% did not ask for information on fasting. The rate of patients who were informed by the doctor without any request for information was found to be only 9% (P < .05). CONCLUSION: It was determined that more than half of the rheumatology patients fasted, the majority of these patients thought that it would not affect their disease, and the rate of request for information from the doctor was low. It is considered that a drug program could be prepared for fasting individuals who are willing to fast, in which drugs are taken between the Iftar and Suhur times, and patients can safely fast without any additional risk to their disease.

Level of Daily Life Activities and Learning Needs in Renal Transplant Patients.

OBJECTIVES: Transplantation affects the patient's psychological state and daily life activities. Although there are various studies regarding the quality of life of patients, there are limited studies on the daily life activities and learning needs of patients after renal transplant. Here, we investigated the daily life activities and learning needs of patients after renal transplant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted on 120 renal transplant recipients. Data were collected using the "Patient Information Form," the "Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living Scale," and the "The Patient Learning Needs Scale." Data were evaluated with t test, analysis of variance, and Pearson correlation analyses. RESULTS: In our patient group, the mean general health score was 6.8 ± 2.34, and the fatigue score was 4.53 ± 2.88. Although 66.7% of our patients reported that they had information about the drugs that they used, 58.3% could not answer questions regarding the most important adverse effects of their drugs. We found that 20% of the patients had a respiratory problem, 34.2% had sexual problems, and 26.7% had sleep problems. The average Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living Scale levels were lower in patients with only primary school education, patients who did not work, and patients with other illnesses. Learning needs of patients were as follows in order: quality of life, feelings related to the conditions, treatment, and complications. CONCLUSIONS: Our study patients reported that their overall daily life activities and quality of life, given the holistic approach to treatment and care, were good. However, when we examined each activity separately, our findings showed that patients lacked information regarding how to cope with stress, emotions, and the effects of renal transplant on their life.

Relationship Between Death Anxiety of Turkish Nurses and Their Attitudes Toward the Dying Patients.

This study aims to investigate the relationship between death anxiety of the Turkish nurses and their attitudes toward the dying patient. This study involved 203 nurses who were working at a university hospital. The data were collected using "Nurse Information Form" (which was prepared by the authors of this research), "Thorson-Powell Death Anxiety Scale," and "Attitude Scale about Euthanasia, Death, and Dying Patient." There was a positive correlation between death anxiety and dying patient avoidance behavior and euthanasia score (p < .05). The findings showed that nurses, death anxiety, and death scores were high in the loss of a close relatives (p < .05). Our findings suggest that the situation of the dying patients and their families and also nurses should be improved. Thus, special psychological education/training should be given to the nurses to deal with death anxiety and their attitude to the dying patient.

Effects of aromatherapy massage on pain, functional state, and quality of life in an elderly individual with knee osteoarthritis.

AIM: To investigate the effects of aromatherapy massage on pain, functional state and life quality of elderly individuals with knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: This controlled and experimental study was conducted in two nursing homes. In this study, 90 elderly individuals with knee osteoarthritis were randomized as aromatherapy, massage and control groups. Data were collected in weeks 0, 4, and 8 using Patient Information Form, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) Knee Osteoarthritis Evaluation Scale, OsteoArthritis Knee and Hip Quality of Life Scale (OAKHQoL). Aromatherapy and massage groups received a total of 15-20 min total classic leg massage twice weekly for 3 weeks. In the aromatherapy group, two essential oils (ginger and rosemary) were added to the black seed oil. RESULTS: In the aromatherapy group, WOMAC (pain and functional state) scores were lower and quality of life scores were higher than the massage and control groups in week 4, and these differences were statistically significant (p < .001). These significant differences were present in the massage group when compared with the control (p < .001). These significant differences in the aromatherapy group were also sustained decreasingly in week 8 (p < .001), while the means were not different from baseline in the massage group (p > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Aromatherapy massage performed in elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis reduced pain and improved functional status and quality of life. The week 8 findings showed that aromatherapy has more favorable and longer sustained effects than the massage.

Patients' concerns regarding biological agents in rheumatology.

OBJECTIVE: The potential side effects of biological agents may increase the anxiety levels of patients and influence not only their desire to use these therapies but also their concordance to treatment. This study aimed to determine the level and prevalence of drug-related concern in patients treated with biological agents and to acquire additional information regarding the related causes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1134 patients who were using biological agents for at least 3 months with a diagnosis of rheumatic diseases were enrolled. General anxiety levels were evaluated using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). RESULTS: The most common cause for drug-related concerns was the potential side effects of the drugs (59.5%). Among the potential side effects, cancer risk was the most common cause for concern (40.1%), followed by the risk of tuberculosis activation (30.7%). Anxiety levels were higher in patients who experienced side effects than in other patients, and this difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). STAI trait and state scores were moderately correlated with anxiety levels related to the drug (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Anxiety related to biological agents may significantly affect the patients' anxiety levels. Awareness regarding the patients' concerns and expectations related to the drug is important to ensure drug adherence and concordance to treatment.

Investigation into Complementary and Integrative Health Approaches for Turkish Patients with Gastrointestinal Cancer.

The study was conducted to determine the levels of usage of complementary and integrative health (CIH) approaches and the symptoms experienced by Turkish patients with gastrointestinal cancer. A descriptive study was conducted on 81 patients with gastrointestinal cancer attending the medical oncology department of an oncology hospital. In the data collection stage, the patient description form that prepared by the researchers and the "Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale" were used. Data were evaluated via Chi-square and student t test. It was determined that 55.6% of the patients with gastrointestinal cancer applied at least one CIH approaches, and these CIH approaches were praying (80.0%), herbal medicine (57.7%), a special diet (40.0%), therapeutic touch (15.6%), exercise (13.3%) and psychotherapy (4.4%). 68.8% of patients who used the CIH approach stated that they applied the CIH approaches in order to supplement the medical treatment, and 91.1% stated that they did not inform health employees about that they using the CIH approach. It was also found that the use of CIH approaches was not related to socio-demographic characteristics, disease characteristics and experienced symptoms. It is very important that patients with gastrointestinal cancer be questioned in terms of CIH approaches used.

Sleep quality and factors affecting sleep in elderly patientswith rheumatoid arthritis in Turkey.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Sleep disorders are more common in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We aimed to determine the sleep quality in adult and elderly people with RA and the factors associated with sleep disorders in each group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted with 182 patients (83 elderly and 99 adult patients) diagnosed with RA. Data were collected through a patient identification form including sociodemographic and disease characteristics. The Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used to assess quality of life and sleep. RESULTS: The mean PSQI scores of the elderly group were lower than those of adult subjects (P = 0.055). Patients in remission and those with knee involvement had significantly lower PSQI scores (P < 0.05). Mean PSQI scores of elderly single patients and subjects with sleep disorders and restless leg syndrome were significantly higher (P < 0.05). In elderly subjects, the pain and HAQ scores were positively correlated with the PSQI. CONCLUSION: Sleep quality of elderly rheumatoid arthritis patients was determined to be worse than that of adults; however, the difference was not statistically different. Factors negatively affecting sleep included pain, joints involved, high disease activity, and restless leg syndrome.

Comfort and quality of life in patients with breast cancer undergoing radiation therapy.

PURPOSE: Radiation therapy is generally applied after surgery for the treatment of breast cancer, which is among the most frequently observed types of cancer in females. Radiation therapy may have some negative effects on the quality of life due to various side effects such as changes in the skin, mucositis and fatigue. Our study was planned as a descriptive study, in order to examine the relationship between comfort and quality of life in breast cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. METHODS: This study involved 61 patients with breast cancer undergoing radiation therapy. Data were collected using "Patient Information Form", "Radiation Therapy Comfort Questionnaire" and "EORTC QLQ-BR23". The scales were applied twice, before the start and at the end of treatment. Data were evaluated via Wilcoxon test and Spearman correlation analyses. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was determined between comfort and quality of life average score before and after radiotherapy (p>0.05). A positive relationship was determined between the pain and symptom quality of life (p<0.05). Although a positive relationship was determined between comfort score and the functional and general quality of life areas, a negative relationship was detected with the symptom quality of life (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Radiation therapy applied to breast cancer patients did not affect comfort and quality of life, On the contrary, the quality of life of patients increased along with their comfort levels and that comfort levels decreased as the experienced symptoms increased.

Study of ideal topical pharyngeal anesthesia in upper gastrointestinal system endoscopy: A double-blind, randomized, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study is designed to determine which drug forms provide ideal pharyngeal anesthesia when used during upper gastrointestinal system endoscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 180 patients were included in the study. Using the random number table, these patients were divided into three groups. Group 1, lidocaine gel+isotonic spray; Group 2, base lubricant gel+lidocaine spray; and Group 3: lidocaine gel+lidocaine spray. Data were collected from the patient identification form, compliance to operation form, and State Anxiety Inventory. RESULTS: Anesthetization and compliance to procedure scores were higher and anxiety scores were lower in Group 3 than in other groups (p<0.05). It was observed that as the compliance score increased, the anesthetization and satisfaction scores also increased; however, coughing during the procedure, duration of the procedure, and anxiety scores decreased (p<0.05). It was determined that as anesthetization scores increased, discomfort in the throat caused by the device, coughing during the procedure, and anxiety scores decreased (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Lidocaine gel and spray combination is the most ideal pharyngeal anesthesia to ensure the adaptation of the patient to the procedure and to decrease anxiety and discomfort during the procedure.

Relationship between hopelessness, loneliness, and perceived social support from family in Turkish patients with cancer.

PURPOSE: Life-threatening diseases such as cancer can create hopelessness and loneliness by altering the lifestyle of the patient and family. Perceived social support may facilitate coping with illness. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between hopelessness, loneliness, and perceived social support from family in Turkish patients with cancer. METHODS: This study involved 188 patients with cancer. The data were collected using a questionnaire that determined the sociodemographic features, the Beck Hopelessness Scale, the UCLA Loneliness Scale, and Perceived Social Support from Family Scale. Data were evaluated with Mann-Whitney U and Kruskall-Wallis and Spearman product moment correlation coefficients. RESULTS: The mean scores of hopelessness (0-20), loneliness (20-80), and perceived social support from family (0-20) were 6.8 ± 0.4, 35.8 ± 0.8, and 15.2 ± 0.2, respectively. A statistically positive relationship existed between hopelessness and loneliness. A negative relationship between loneliness, hopelessness, and perceived social support from family was found (p < 0.05). Cancer patients who had family history of cancer and long disease duration had low social support from family. The hopelessness score was significantly higher in female, older, illiterate, and village-dwelling cancer patients. CONCLUSIONS: In cases where the perceived social support levels were determined to be high; the cancer patients were not hopeless or lonely. We found that decreased social support was associated with increased loneliness and hopelessness. The present evaluation indicates that although the levels of perceived social support of patients from their families may be sufficient to prevent loneliness or hopelessness, these parameters need to be evaluated periodically to maintain the patients' well-being.

Effect of providing information to the patient about upper gastrointestinal endoscopy on the patient's perception, compliance and anxiety level associated with the procedure.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Diagnostic tests such as endoscopy are anxiety-provoking. The best intervention to reduce anxiety is to inform the patient about the procedure. Our study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial to determine the effect of providing information on the patient's perception of endoscopy, compliance with the procedure and their anxiety level associated with the procedure. METHODS: This study included 300 patients allocated to three groups (controls, and provision of written versus verbal information). Data were collected with identification form, perception form, State/Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Visual Analogue Scale completed by the patients and the physician regarding patient compliance. Chi-square test, paired sample t-test and one-way ANOVA tests were used for statistical evaluation of the data, and Tukey's HSD test was used for further analysis. RESULTS: According to the results of the study, it was noted that the patients in the verbal information group responded more accurately to the questions related to the procedure. These patients experienced less pain, breathing difficulties and regret. Furthermore, they felt better during the procedure, were more satisfied, and evaluated the procedure as less difficult (p<0.05). The mean anxiety score of the patients in the verbal information group was significantly lower than of patients in the other groups (p<0.05). Compliance with the procedure was better in these patients than in the other groups, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In light of our findings, we suggest that providing verbal information to patients is recommended due to its positive effects on the patient's perception, compliance and anxiety level associated with the procedure.

The use of complementary therapies in cancer patients: a questionnaire-based descriptive survey from southeastern Turkey.

OBJECTIVES: A study was designed to measure the frequency of complementary therapy (CT) usage in cancer patients in southeastern Turkey. The demographic characteristics associated with the use of CT are sought in patients undergoing or following conventional treatment. METHODS: A descriptive survey was performed in a total of 560 cancer patients. Questionnaire-based measures of demographics, expectations, and effects of using different types of CT and perceived benefits were recorded. RESULT: Demographic characteristics (age, gender, education status, etc.) did not differ among CT users and non-CT users. Three hundred ten patients (55.4%) had used at least one type of CT since the time of the initial diagnosis of cancer. The most frequently used CT method was herbal therapy, and the most commonly used herb was the stinging nettle. The source of information about CT was mainly from friends/family, whereas physicians and nurses played a small part in providing CT-related information. The majority of the patients used CT to benefit more from medical treatment. Only 20.7% of the patients considered themselves not benefiting from using CT. CONCLUSIONS: Currently more than half of Turkish patients with cancer use CT in addition to the standard medical approaches. CT usage is not associated with any specific demographic variables. Health professionals should not disregard the reality of CT usage in cancer patients. Because the majority of cancer patients use CT regardless of the medical advice, randomized clinical trials are needed to explore risks and benefits associated with CT modalities in cancer.

Listening to Turkish classical music decreases patients' anxiety, pain, dissatisfaction and the dose of sedative and analgesic drugs during colonoscopy: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

AIM: To determine whether listening to music decreases the requirement for dosages of sedative drugs, patients' anxiety, pain and dissatisfaction feelings during colonoscopy and makes the procedure more comfortable and acceptable. METHODS: Patients undergoing elective colonoscopy between October 2005 and February 2006 were randomized into either listening to music (Group 1, n = 30) or not listening to music (Group 2, n = 30). Anxiolytic and analgesic drugs (intravenous midazolam and meperidine) were given according to the patients' demand. Administered medications were monitored. We determined their levels of anxiety using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Test form. Patients' satisfaction, pain, and willingness to undergo a repeated procedure were self-assessed using a visual analog scale. RESULTS: The mean dose of sedative and analgesic drugs used in group 1 (midazolam: 2.1 +/- 1.4, meperidine: 18.1 +/- 11.7) was smaller than group 2 (midazolam: 2.4 +/- 1.0, meperidine: 20.6 +/- 11.5), but without a significant difference (P > 0.05). The mean anxiety level in group 1 was lower than group 2 (36.7 +/- 2.2 vs 251.0 +/- 1.9, P < 0.001). The mean satisfaction score was higher in group 1 compared to group 2 (87.8 +/- 3.1 vs 58.1 +/- 3.4, P < 0.001). The mean pain score in group 1 was lower than group 2 (74.1 +/- 4.7 vs 39.0 +/- 3.9, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Listening to music during colonoscopy helps reduce the dose of sedative medications, as well as patients' anxiety, pain, dissatisfaction during the procedure. Therefore, we believe that listening to music can play an adjunctive role to sedation in colonoscopy. It is a simple, inexpensive way to improve patients' comfort during the procedure.