Assessment of postoperative pain in children with computer assisted facial expression analysis.

PURPOSE: The present study was conducted to evaluate the use of computer-aided facial expression analysis to assess postoperative pain in children. DESIGN AND METHODS: This was a methodological observational study. The study population consisted of patients in the age group of 7-18 years who underwent surgery in the pediatric surgery clinic of a university hospital. The study sample consisted of 83 children who agreed to participate and met the sample selection criteria. Data were collected by the researcher using the Wong Baker Faces pain rating scale and Visual Analog Scale. Data were collected from the child, mother, nurse, and one external observer. Facial action units associated with pain were used for machine estimation. OpenFace was used to analyze the child's facial action units and Python was used for machine learning algorithms. The intraclass correlation coefficient was used for statistical analysis of the data. RESULTS: The pain score predicted by the machine and the pain score assessments of the child, mother, nurse, and observer were compared. The pain assessment closest to the self-reported pain score by the child was in the order of machine prediction, mother, and nurse. CONCLUSIONS: The machine learning method used in pain assessment in children performed well in estimating pain severity.It can code facial expressions of children's pain and reliably measure pain-related facial action units from video recordings. APPLICATION TO PRACTICE: The machine learning method for facial expression analysis assessed in this study can potentially be used as a scalable, standard, and valid pain assessment method for nurses in clinical practice.

Evaluation of breastfeeding success and self-efficacy in mothers giving birth via vaginal delivery or cesarean section: a cross-sectional study.

This cross-sectional observational study was conducted to compare breastfeeding success and breastfeeding self-efficacy levels of mothers who gave birth via vaginal delivery (spontaneous or via epidural analgesia) or cesarean section (under general or spinal anesthesia). The study was conducted between September 2019 and February 2020 in the obstetric clinic. Data were collected using a Data Collection Form, the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (BSES-SF), and the LATCH Breastfeeding Evaluation Tool. Throughout the study, we followed the STROBE Checklist. Mothers who gave birth via spontaneous vaginal delivery had a statistically higher mean Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy score (54.92 ± 7.72; p < .001) than those who gave birth under spinal anesthesia (43.21 ± 10.04; p < .001) and then those who gave birth via cesarean section under general anesthesia (37.39 ± 10.64; p < .001). The difference between the delivery modes in terms of breastfeeding self-efficacy and breastfeeding success scores was statistically significant (respectively, KW = 40.168, p < .001 and KW = 52.420, p < .001). In order to increase the breastfeeding success of mothers who give birth via cesarean section under general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia, lactation nurses need to strengthen the perception of breastfeeding self-efficacy and provide more breastfeeding support to them compared to mothers who give birth via SVD.

Individual hygiene behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the hygiene behaviors of individuals during the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. METHOD: During the pandemic (April 2021-September 2021), 439 adults were surveyed online via Google Forms, which assessed the individuals' introductory information and hygiene behaviors as determined by the COVID-19 Hygiene Scale. RESULTS: Out of the participants, 71.3% were female and 68.3% were 18-33 years old. The mean COVID-19 Hygiene Scale score of the participants was 94.62 ± 26.56. Individuals belonging to the 18-33 years age group had significantly higher hand hygiene scores than the other age groups (p < 0.05). Women showed a higher mean total and subdomain scores in the COVID-19 Hygiene Scale than men. A significant difference between the social distance and mask use and hand hygiene subdomains was observed (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The hand hygiene scores of the individuals varied by age and gender, whereas the social distance and mask use scores varied by only gender. Based on the above mentioned results, the nurses should focus on the individuals' development of effective hygiene behaviors, and schedule and implement trainings according to the sociodemographic differences among the individuals.

Individual hygiene behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic / Comportamentos individuais de higiene durante a pandemia de COVID-19 / Conductas individuales de higiene durante la pandemia de COVID-19

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the hygiene behaviors of individuals during the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Method: During the pandemic (April 2021-September 2021), 439 adults were surveyed online via Google Forms, which assessed the individuals' introductory information and hygiene behaviors as determined by the COVID-19 Hygiene Scale. Results: Out of the participants, 71.3% were female and 68.3% were 18-33 years old. The mean COVID-19 Hygiene Scale score of the participants was 94.62 ± 26.56. Individuals belonging to the 18-33 years age group had significantly higher hand hygiene scores than the other age groups (p < 0.05). Women showed a higher mean total and subdomain scores in the COVID-19 Hygiene Scale than men. A significant difference between the social distance and mask use and hand hygiene subdomains was observed (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The hand hygiene scores of the individuals varied by age and gender, whereas the social distance and mask use scores varied by only gender. Based on the above mentioned results, the nurses should focus on the individuals' development of effective hygiene behaviors, and schedule and implement trainings according to the sociodemographic differences among the individuals.

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar os comportamentos de higiene dos indivíduos durante a pandemia da Doença Coronavírus-2019 (COVID-19). Método: Durante a pandemia (entre abril de 2021 a setembro de 2021), 439 adultos foram entrevistados on-line por médio do Google Forms, que avaliou as informações introdutórias e os comportamentos de higiene dos indivíduos, de acordo a Escala de Higiene COVID-19. Resultados: 71.3% dos participantes eram do sexo feminino e 68.3% tinham entre 18 e 33 anos. A pontuação média dos participantes de acordo a Escala de Higiene COVID-19 foi de 94.62 ± 26.56. Indivíduos pertencentes à faixa etária de 18 a 33 anos apresentaram escores de higiene das mãos significativamente mais altos do que as outras faixas etárias (p < 0.05). As mulheres apresentaram pontuações médias totais e de subdomínios mais altas na Escala de Higiene COVID-19 do que os homens. Observou-se diferença significativa entre os subdomínios distância social e uso de máscara e higiene das mãos (p < 0.05). Conclusão Os escores de higiene das mãos dos indivíduos variaram por idade e sexo, enquanto os escores de distância social e uso de máscara variaram apenas por gênero. Com base nos resultados referidos acima, os enfermeiros devem se concentrar em desenvolvimento de comportamentos de higiene eficazes nos indivíduos, agendar e implementar treinamentos de acordo com as diferenças sociodemográficas entre os indivíduos.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Investigar las conductas de higiene de las personas durante la pandemia de la Enfermedad por Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). Método: Durante la pandemia (Abril de 2021-Septiembre de 2021), se encuestó en línea a 439 adultos a través de Formularios de Google, que evaluaron la información introductoria y las conductas de higiene de las personas como lo determine el COVID-19 Hygiene Scale. Resultados: De los participantes, el 71.3% eran mujeres y el 68.3% tenían entre 18 y 33 años. La puntuación media del COVID-19 Hygiene Scale de los participantes fue de 94.62 ± 26.56. Los individuos pertenecientes al grupo de edad de 18-33 años tuvieron puntuaciones de higiene de manos considerablemente más altas que los otros grupos de edad (p < 0.05). Las mujeres mostraron una puntuación media total y de subdominio más alta que los hombres en el COVID-19 Hygiene Scale. Se observó una diferencia importante entre la distancia social y los subdominios de uso de mascarilla e higiene de manos (p < 0.05). Conclusión: Las puntuaciones de higiene de manos de los individuos variaron por edad y sexo, mientras que las puntuaciones de distancia social y uso de mascarillas variaron solo por género. Basado en los resultados mencionados, las enfermeras deben enfocarse en el desarrollo de conductas efectivos de higiene de los individuos, y programar e implementar capacitaciones de acuerdo con las diferencias sociodemográficas entre los individuos.

Hand Dermatitis among Nurses during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Frequency and Factors.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of hand dermatitis among nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic and factors affecting its prevalence. METHODS: The research sample consisted of 175 nurses working in state hospitals. Research data were collected via Google survey between September and October 2020. The data were collected using a sociodemographic data collection form, and a self-assessment form was used to determine dermatologic symptoms. RESULTS: The frequency of hand dermatitis among nurses was 70.9%. A statistically significant difference was found between sex, allergy history, and increased frequency of handwashing and the frequency of hand dermatitis. No significant difference in terms of the frequency of hand dermatitis was found between nurses who provided care to patients who were COVID-19 positive versus nurses who provided care to patients who were COVID-19 negative. However, the frequency of washing hands and using hand disinfectants and hand creams was found to have increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the prepandemic period. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of hand dermatitis increased among nurses during the pandemic. The increased frequency of handwashing during the pandemic poses a risk for hand dermatitis among nurses, although this should not discourage nurses from appropriate hygiene.

Nursing Students' Career Plans After Graduation: Perspective From Generation Y.

AIM: The aim of this study is to define the plans for professional work in the field of nursing, of nursing students in their senior year of post-graduation studies, and the factors affecting them. METHOD: This descriptive study included 2818 senior nursing students from 27 schools of nursing from different geographical regions of Turkey. The Questionnaire for Career Planning and Affecting Factors was used to collect the data. RESULTS: Most of the students (59.2%) see themselves as nurses in the next five years, and 31.7% of them see themselves as academicians in the next ten years. The rate of students who wish to work in a non-nursing profession within the next five years is 2.3%. Geriatric services were the least preferred. CONCLUSION: Most students stated that they wanted to work as a nurse. The elder-care centers should be made attractive options for new graduate nurses to choose to work there.

Efficacy of Buzzy® on pain and anxiety during catheterization in children.

BACKGROUND: The use of a peripheral intravenous cannula is a common clinical practice, and it is known to be a major source of pain and anxiety in children. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of the use of the Buzzy® on pain and anxiety in children during peripheral cannula application. METHODS: The research sample consisted of 60 children between the ages of 8 and 16. For children in the experimental group, external cold and vibration were applied by means of the Buzzy® device. Before and during the peripheral intravenous cannula procedure, the levels of fear and anxiety relating to the procedure of the child patients in both the experimental and control groups were assessed by the children themselves and by an independent observer. Immediately after the vein entry procedure had been carried out, the level of pain felt by the children was determined. RESULTS: The results of the statistical analysis showed no statistically significant difference between the anxiety levels of the groups before and after the procedure (P > 0.05). The results of the statistical analysis also showed no statistically significant difference between the postprocedural mean pain scores of the children as reported by the children themselves and by the observer (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, unlike most studies in the literature, the conclusion was reached that the use of the Buzzy® to reduce pain and anxiety during the application of a peripheral intravenous cannula in children was not effective.

Hand Dermatitis in Nursing Students.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of self-reported hand dermatitis and the factors influencing its prevalence among nursing students. METHODS: Researchers collected demographic data and used a self-assessment form to identify dermatologic symptoms. The questionnaires were distributed to the students and collected again after the students completed the forms. RESULTS: Hand dermatitis was present in 20.9% of nursing students. The most common symptoms were irritation/pruritus, redness/cracking, flaking/rash, swelling, and vesicles in hands. The grade of the student, the presence of allergy complaints, and medication used to treat dermatitis were statistically significantly associated with dermatitis prevalence. The use of gloves and cleansing agents used in handwashing were factors linked to hand dermatitis. CONCLUSIONS: Hand dermatitis increases in parallel with the increase of clinical practice hours among nursing students. Familial and environmental factors also increase the risk of hand dermatitis.

Using a Virtual Reality Headset to Decrease Pain Felt During a Venipuncture Procedure in Children.

PURPOSE: This experimental study was conducted to determine the effect of using a virtual reality headset on decreasing the pain felt during a venipuncture procedure in children. DESIGN: This was a randomized controlled study. METHODS: The population included 120 children (experimental group = 60, control group = 60) aged 9-12 years who underwent blood collection at a children's hospital clinic. This study collected data using the information form regarding introductory characteristics of children and the venipuncture procedure, the Visual Analogue Scale, and the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Scale. FINDINGS: This study found that the levels of pain that experimental group children felt during the venipuncture procedure were lower than the levels of pain indicated by control group children (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: It was determined that using a virtual reality headset has an effect on decreasing the pain felt during the venipuncture procedure.

Evaluation of students' knowledge about paediatric dosage calculations.

Medication errors are common and may jeopardize the patient safety. As paediatric dosages are calculated based on the child's age and weight, risk of error in dosage calculations is increasing. In paediatric patients, overdose drug prescribed regardless of the child's weight, age and clinical picture may lead to excessive toxicity and mortalities while low doses may delay the treatment. This study was carried out to evaluate the knowledge of nursing students about paediatric dosage calculations. This research, which is of retrospective type, covers a population consisting of all the 3rd grade students at the bachelor's degree in May, 2015 (148 students). Drug dose calculation questions in exam papers including 3 open ended questions on dosage calculation problems, addressing 5 variables were distributed to the students and their responses were evaluated by the researchers. In the evaluation of the data, figures and percentage distribution were calculated and Spearman correlation analysis was applied. Exam question on the dosage calculation based on child's age, which is the most common method in paediatrics, and which ensures right dosages and drug dilution was answered correctly by 87.1% of the students while 9.5% answered it wrong and 3.4% left it blank. 69.6% of the students was successful in finding the safe dose range, and 79.1% in finding the right ratio/proportion. 65.5% of the answers with regard to Ml/dzy calculation were correct. Moreover, student's four operation skills were assessed and 68.2% of the students were determined to have found the correct answer. When the relation among the questions on medication was examined, a significant relation (correlation) was determined between them. It is seen that in dosage calculations, the students failed mostly in calculating ml/dzy (decimal). This result means that as dosage calculations are based on decimal values, calculations may be ten times erroneous when the decimal point is placed wrongly. Moreover, it is also seen that students lack maths knowledge in respect of four operations and calculating safe dose range. Relations among the medications suggest that a student wrongly calculating a dosage may also make other errors. Additional courses, exercises or utilisation of different teaching techniques may be suggested to eliminate the deficiencies in terms of basic maths knowledge, problem solving skills and correct dosage calculation of the students.