Management of Pediatric Convulsive Status Epilepticus From the Perspective of Emergency Nurses: A Cross-sectional, Multicenter Study.

INTRODUCTION: Pediatric convulsive status epilepticus is one of the most common neurologic emergencies and should be managed by health care professionals as soon as possible based on current guidelines. This study aimed to determine the nursing approaches and management of pediatric convulsive status epilepticus from the perspective of emergency nurses in Turkey. METHODS: A cross-sectional, multicenter study was conducted with 162 emergency nurses working in emergency departments in 35 different provinces in Turkey. The data were collected via an online form. Descriptive statistical methods were used in data analysis. RESULTS: Most emergency nurses (72.2%) attempted an intravenous access immediately to administer antiseizure medications during the stabilization phase. Approximately half the emergency nurses stated that rectal diazePAM was frequently administered in the initial therapy phase and intravenous diazePAM was administered in the second therapy phase. The emergency nurses had most difficulties attempting intravenous access, determining status epilepticus types, and calming the parents. DISCUSSION: As health care professionals and important members of the health team, emergency nurses have the responsibility to manage pediatric convulsive status epilepticus in the fastest and the most appropriate way based on current practice guidelines in emergency departments. When intravenous access is not available, nonintravenous benzodiazepines should be considered in the first-line treatment of pediatric convulsive status epilepticus, followed by immediate intravenous access.

The relationships of parents' mental well-being and sociodemographic characteristics with digital parenting awareness: Structural equation model analysis.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to explain the relationships between parents' mental well-being and sociodemographic characteristics with digital parenting awareness. DESIGN AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study used structural equation modeling. It was conducted between January and May 2023 in a province in the Mediterranean region of Turkey with 262 parents with children aged 5-11 years. Research data were collected using the Personal Information Form, the Digital Parental Awareness Scale, and the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale. RESULTS: Parents' mental well-being and digital parenting awareness were significantly associated with the sub-dimensions of being a negative model (ß = -0.313), digital negligence (ß = -0.187), efficient use (ß = 0.284), and protection from risks (ß = 0.432; all p < 0.001). Additionally, parental mental well-being, parent's internet usage time (years), the perception that their child/children are using digital tools unnecessarily, the monthly income of the family, parent's age, and education levels significantly impact digital parenting awareness (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Parents' mental well-being was moderately and significantly associated with digital parenting awareness. Furthermore, the high number of years of internet usage by parents, having high levels of education and income, being younger, and the perception that their children use digital tools unnecessarily are positively related to digital parenting awareness.

The effect of individual values on self-esteem and meaning in life in adolescents: A cross-sectional study from Turkey.

AIM: This study aimed to determine the effect of personal values on self-esteem and meaning in life in adolescents. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 404 adolescents in Turkey. The data were collected with the "Portrait Values Questionnaire" (PVQ), the "Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale" (RSE), and the "Meaning in Life Questionnaire" (MLQ) between September and December 2021. Descriptive statistics were used in the analysis of the data, and multivariate correlation and regression analyses were performed. The STROBE checklist was used for reporting. RESULTS: The mean PVQ score was 4.84 ± 0.59, indicating good individual values. The mean RSES score was 1.86 ± 0.62, showing moderate self-esteem. The mean MLQ score was 4.24 ± 1.17, indicating a moderate meaning in life. There was a positive relationship between the PVQ scores of the adolescents and their RSE and MLQ. PVQ was a positive predictor of RSE and MLQ in these adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that adolescents have good individual values, and moderate self-esteem and meaning in life. Individual values have a positive effect on adolescents' self-esteem and meaning in life. Future studies are expected to explore how personal values affect self-esteem and meaning in life in adolescents using longitudinal study data. Understanding how adolescents' personal values affect self-esteem and well-being can contribute to the development of further strategies to increase adolescents' self-esteem and happiness levels.

The effectiveness of user-focused mobile health applications in paediatric chronic disease management: A systematic review.

PROBLEM: This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of user-focused mobile health (mHealth) applications in paediatric chronic disease management. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Articles were included under the Population Intervention Comparator Outcome Study (PICOS) design framework for (P) children with a chronic disease, (I) mHealth user-focused apps, (C) usual care/control groups, (O) health outcomes related to chronic diseases, and (S) randomised controlled trials. This study followed the guidelines provided by Cochrane, Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis, and Mobile Health Evidence Reporting and Assessment. SAMPLE: A comprehensive literature search screening was conducted via CINAHL, PubMed, CENTRAL, ELSEVIER, SAGE, Science Direct, Scopus, Taylor Francis, WoS, and IEEE XPLORE from inception to November 15, 2020. RESULTS: The review included seven articles, which combined provided data for a total of 755 children. The effects of the mHealth applications on the investigated 31 unique outcomes of five chronic paediatric diseases were mixed, ranging from effective to no effect. The risk of bias in the included studies was mostly either high or concerning according to Risk of Bias tool 2.0. The mobile apps that were evaluated were not standalone apps but were designed to interact with and provide data to healthcare providers. CONCLUSION: Some mHealth interventions in this systematic review produced clinically meaningful and statistically relevant reductions in health outcomes related to chronic disease management. However, based on the available data, it is not possible to make definitive conclusions concerning the preferred target population of the interventions. IMPLICATION: mHealth apps may be beneficial in improving selected patient outcomes in chronic disease management. Our results may assist the digital health services of hospitals, paediatric nurses who are interested in mHealth, and children who have a chronic disease.

A grounded theory study to explore the digital gameplay experiences of adolescents at risk of addiction in Turkey.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore the experiences of adolescents at risk of digital game addiction in Turkey. DESIGN AND METHODS: Guided by a grounded theory design, data were collected from 14 adolescents through one-on-one in-depth interviews between January and April 2021. Simultaneous data collection and analysis involved theoretical sampling, constant comparison, and memo writing. Open, axial, and selective coding were used in data analysis, while analytic coding identified the core category and subcategories and provided the foundation for the substantive theory. RESULTS: The core category, "I want to limit my time playing digital games, but I need the support of my family to do so," demonstrated the adolescents' awareness of their situation. The analysis yielded an interpretive theory comprising three inter-related categories: causal factors, effects on life, and solution pathways. CONCLUSIONS: The participants' reasons for playing digital games included meeting their need for socialization and passing the time. However, digital gaming affects adolescents physically, psychosocially, and culturally. Solutions include early childhood education and family support, which can significantly reduce the risk of digital game addiction. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Preventing digital game addiction is an important goal, and identifying risks contributing to digital game addiction is fundamental to establishing preventive measures. This study's findings may increase awareness of the subject for teachers, school nurses, and parents. Among the potential remedial measures are future studies focused on preventing digital game addiction and adding instruction to school curricula regarding necessary and beneficial uses of digital technologies.

Is foot reflexology effective in reducing colic symptoms in infants: A randomized placebo-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: Infantile colic and its accompanying crying represent a major source of stress and have negative physiological, emotional and psychological effects on infants and parents. The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of foot reflexology for reducing symptoms of infantile colic. DESIGN: The study was conducted as a single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial with a sample population of 45 infants diagnosed with infantile colic. METHODS: Simple randomization was used to select a reflexology (study) group (n = 20) and a placebo group of infants with colic (n = 25). The parents and biostatistician were blinded to group assessment. Foot reflexology, or stimulating reflex points on the foot, was implemented with the reflexology group. Placebo foot reflexology, or noneffective touch, was used with the placebo group. Over a two-week period, both interventions were performed four times for 20 min each time by the researcher. The researcher collected data using the information form, the Infant Colic Scale (ICS), and a diary of daily crying duration. RESULTS: The trial ended with the completion of the data. In each group, 20 infants were studied. The means of the Infant Colic Scale scores and daily crying duration were significantly lower in the foot-reflexology group than in the placebo foot-reflexology group (p < .001). Infants with colic in the reflexology group cried less and experienced fewer symptoms than before treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Foot reflexology is a non-invasive and safe nursing intervention that is effective for reducing crying duration and symptoms in infants with colic.

Low socioeconomic level and enterobius vermicularis: A interventional study to children and their mothers in home.

To determine the effects of care and monitoring provided at home to children in whom Enterobius vermicularis is detected and their mothers on the presence of observing the parasite and the knowledge and practices of the children and their mothers on the issue. This study used a pre-test-post-test quasi-experimental design. In the study, 20 students and their mothers were determined as the experimental group, while 18 students and their mothers were determined as the control group. Home visits were made to the families of the children in the experimental group for 6 months. At these home visits, health education on the parasite was provided to the mothers and the children. There were highly significant differences between the experiment and control groups in terms of E. vermicularis presence, knowledge and hygiene practice scores (p < .001).

Effects of reflexology on child health: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: It is known that the parents of one of every two children who need health care seek at least one complementary health-care approach. Reflexology, which is one of these, increases well-being while maintaining the continuity of homeostasis. As studies with children are limited, there is a need for evidence that includes the positive as well as the negative effects of reflexology that can be transferred to clinical practice and recommendations for future studies. AIM: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of reflexology on child health by systematically summarizing the results obtained. METHOD: In this study, which was structured as a systematic review, data were obtained by scanning CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Academic Search Complete, WoS, Scopus, Science Direct, PubMed, and ProQuest. According to MeSH terminology, (zone therapy OR reflexology OR foot massage OR hand massage) AND (pediatrics OR child OR infant OR baby) were used. Randomized controlled studies (RCTs), systematic reviews, and meta-analyses conducted with a pediatric population and accessible in English and full text up to 07.08.2019 (with no time limitation) were included. Exclusion criteria for the present study included applying a massage procedure different from reflexology, the inclusion of an adult sample, or publication of the article in a predatory journal. The Cochrane guidelines (Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions Version 5.2.0, 2017) were applied and the article reported on according to the PRISMA checklist. RESULTS: In all six of the RCTs, which included a total of 277 infants and children, the only method used was foot reflexology. Regarding the results of nine investigated outcomes, reflexology was found to be effective in infancy for reducing pain level and regulating heart rate, for increasing oxygen saturation, for relieving infantile colic symptoms, and neonatal abstinence symptoms. Reflexology was also found to decrease spasticity and improve motor skills in children with cerebral palsy, but it failed to produce positive change in regard to constipation and quality of life. Four of the studies were performed in a nursing context, one in midwifery, and one in physiotherapy. CONCLUSION: As a common result of the studies conducted with different sample groups, it is possible that reflexology had positive effects on children. However, the absence of standardization related to reflexology, inadequate use of a study protocol and guidelines, the heterogeneity of the data, and the determination that half the studies were conducted with high-risk groups according to the bias analysis with RoB 2.0 indicate that it is too soon to generalize the results. Well-structured, randomized controlled double-blind trials are required.

The Effect of Care Provided at Home by Public Health Nurse on Control of Type II Diabetes Mellitus.

AIM: The aim of the study was to examine the effect of home care provided for patients with type II diabetes by public health nurse on HbA1c, and to investigate the opinions of these patients regarding diabetes. METHOD: The quantitative aspect of the study consisted of a pre and posttest with the control group; the qualitative aspect consisted of a semi-structured interviewing technique. The sample size was 48 patients receiving treatment within the clinic of hospital during 11th-30th April 2016. Because some patients were excluded from the study, the research was completed with a sample size of 20 for the experiment and 20 for the control group. The following forms were used during data: Pre and post measurement and qualitative interview forms. A total of seven home visits were conducted for the experiment group and two home visits for the control group, during 2nd May to 27th October, 2016. RESULTS: HbA1c decreased by 0.75% in the experiment group (p<0.05). It was found that faulty usage of insulin was treated; all patients developed the habit of tracking blood glucose. Blood glucose of three patients continued to remain at high levels, and most of the patients failed to develop healthy eating habits and regular exercising. CONCLUSION: According to these results, it is advised that long-term interventions be planned with the contributions of other experts.

The effect of acupressure on the level of fatigue in hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Fatigue is one problem that is seen in high numbers in hemodialysis patients. Fatigue decreases quality of life by negatively affecting an individual's daily performance, activities, professional life, relations with family and friends, and treatment process. OBJECTIVE: This study was carried out to determine the effect of acupressure on the level of fatigue in hemodialysis patients. METHODS/DESIGN: The study was conducted as experimental research with an acupressure (intervention) group and a control group. SETTING: The research, for which an ethics committee's approval and institutional permission was obtained, was conducted in two central provinces of Turkey, Nevsehir and Aksaray, at two hemodialysis centers with similar characteristics. PARTICIPANTS: The research was completed with a total of 118 participants (52 in the intervention group and 66 in the control group) who met the inclusion criteria. INTERVENTIONS: A total of 12 acupressure sessions, 3 ×/wk for 1 mo, were performed for all participants in the intervention group, as required by the acupressure application protocol, applying acupressure at the Stomach 36 (ST-36), Gallbladder 34 (GB-34), Spleen 6 (SP-6), and Kidney 1 (K-1) acupuncture points with a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) acupuncture pen (XFT-320 acupuncture pen, Shenzhen Xunfegtong Electronics Co, Ltd, Shenzhen, China). PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES: A visual analog scale (VAS) for fatigue and the Piper Fatigue Scale (PFS) were used to evaluate the fatigue level of the participants before and after the acupressure application. RESULTS: After the acupressure applications for 1 mo, the subscale and total fatigue scores for the VAS (P < .001) and PFS were lower (P < .05) for participants in the intervention group compared to the controls, except for the cognitive subscale on the PFS (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The study found that acupressure, applied using an acupuncture pen, was effective in decreasing fatigue in hemodialysis patients. Based on this result, the current research team suggests that hemodialysis patients and nurses should be informed about acupressure application so as to extend the use of acupressure in reducing fatigue symptoms.

Effect of acupressure on patients in Turkey receiving hemodialysis treatment for uremic pruritus.

CONTEXT: Pruritus develops for various reasons at any stage of treatment for the majority of patients receiving hemodialysis (HD) due to end-stage renal failure (ESRF). Today, many nonpharmacological treatment methods, including acupressure, are used to relieve the discomfort experienced by patients due to pruritus. Acupressure has been proven to reduce the intensity of pruritus when it is used alone or in combination with pharmacologic methods. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to determine the effect of acupressure on pruritus in patients receiving hemodialysis treatment. DESIGN: This study was a nonrandomized, controlled trial. SETTING: The study occurred at four hemodialysis centers in Turkey. PARTICIPANTS: Seventy-eight patients, 38 in the intervention group (IG) and 40 in the control group (CG), met the inclusion criteria and completed the study. INTERVENTION: The IG received acupressure that was applied using a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) acupressure apparatus, and the control group (CG) received no acupressure. The study used the SP6, ST36, SP10, and LI11 acupuncture points, with acupressure occurring three times/wk for 6 wks for a total of 18 sessions. OUTCOME MEASURES: The study's data were collected using a patient identification form, a visual analogue scale (VAS), and a pruritus score. RESULTS: It was found that IG participants' mean VAS and pruritus scores significantly decreased at wk 6 (P < .001), as compared to the CG, and that the decrease showed a stable trend in wks 12 and 18 (P > .05). The IG was observed to use less medication than the CG throughout the study (P < .001). CONCLUSION: It was concluded that acupressure provided to hemodialysis patients was effective in reducing pruritus. The research team suggests that the use of acupressure should be expanded by informing HD patients and nurses working in HD units about the benefits of acupressure.