Effects of dependent care theory-based post-surgical home care intervention on self-care, symptoms, and caregiver burden in patients with primary brain tumor and their caregivers: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the effect of dependent care theory-based post-surgical home care intervention on self-care, symptoms, and caregiver burden in primary brain tumor patients and their caregivers. METHODS: A parallel-group randomized controlled trial was conducted with patients who underwent surgery for a primary brain tumor between March 2019 and January 2020 in a tertiary hospital and with caregivers who cared for them at home. Eligible patients and caregivers were determined by block randomization. Outcome measures included validated measures of self-care agency (Self-Care Agency Scale), symptoms and interference by symptoms (MD Anderson Symptom Inventory Brain Tumor-Turkish Form), and caregiver burden (Caregiver Burden Scale). Two-way analysis of variance was used in repeated measurements from general linear models compared to scale scores. RESULTS: Self-care agency was significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group in the first and sixth months after surgery (p < 0.05). The severity of the patients' emotional, focal neurologic, and cognitive symptoms and interference by symptoms were significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group (p < 0.05). Caregiver burden was significantly lower in the intervention group in the first, third, and sixth months after surgery (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Dependent care theory-based post-surgical home care intervention increased patients' self-care and reduced symptoms and their effects. It also reduced the caregiver burden. Dependent care theory can guide the nursing practices of nurses who provide institutional and/or home care services to patients with chronic diseases and their caregivers. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT05328739 on April 14, 2022 (retrospectively registered).

The Reliability and Validity Study of Turkish Version of the Death Depression Scale-Revised Among Nurses.

The study aimed to establish the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Death Depression Scale-Revised (DDS-R) with a sample of 284 nurses. Cronbach's coefficient for the whole scale was .909 and the sub-dimension values were calculated as .934, .798, .715, and .537. The test-retest reliability coefficient was found to be .880. The content validity index (CVI) of the scale was calculated as .86. The results of the exploratory factor analysis showed that 62.254% variance was explained in 4 sub-dimensions of the scale (existential vacuum, death emptiness, other death, death sadness). Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that a four-dimensional structure yielded a good fit (X2/df = 3.124, RMSEA = .087). TDDS-R was found to be a valid and reliable measurement tool in determining the death depression levels of nurses.

Modification and Validation of the Vaccine Hesitancy Scale for Turkish Adult Vaccination.

Background and Purpose: For public health, it is important to investigate vaccine hesitancy, determine populations reluctant for vaccines, and investigate barriers and facilitators for vaccination in these groups. This study aims to modify and validate the Vaccine Hesitancy Scale specific to adults in Turkish society. Methods: The study, which was designed as a methodological and survey type, was conducted using a Google questionnaire with 720 participants who met the inclusion criteria with a convenient sampling method. Results: After factor and reliability analysis, a 2-factor, 10-item scale with an acceptable and perfect range of fit index values emerged. It has been observed that individuals who are young, single, do not have children, have vaccine allergy, do not believe that the vaccine will protect the society, are adversely affected by the environment, and do not have COVID-19 and flu vaccine have a high level of hesitancy to vaccine. Conclusions: The Vaccine Hesitancy Scale is a valid and reliable tool to detect vaccine hesitation in adults in Turkish society.

The Turkish Validity and Reliability Study of the Healthy Lifestyle Screening Scale.

Background and Purpose: A healthy lifestyle is an important condition for the protection and improvement of the health of individuals. The aim of the study is to adapt the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Healthy Lifestyle Screening Tool (HLST) in adults and to analyze their healthy lifestyle levels. Methods: It is a methodological type of research. The factor structure of the scale was evaluated by exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, and the sample of 377 adult individuals was evaluated with Cronbach's alpha value for reliability. Results: The Cronbach alpha value of the scale is 0.825 and it is above the accepted limit. In the seven-factor structure, 48.95% of the total variance was explained. The scale has 34 items and the factor loads of each item vary between 0.24-0.58. Confirmatory factor analysis was compatible with the data obtained with theoretical data. Conclusion: The Turkish version of the HLST scale is a valid and reliable scale that can be used to evaluate healthy lifestyle behaviors in adults.

The relationship between kinesiophobia and physical activity levels, gestational weight gain, and musculoskeletal pain in pregnant women.

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the effect of kinesiophobia on musculoskeletal pain, physical activity levels, and gestational weight gain in pregnant women. One hundred and sixty-three pregnant women participated in the study by completing a personal characteristics information form along with the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire, and the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire. The results showed a weak negative correlation between total physical activity scores and Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia scores (p = .005). Excessive gestational weight gain was associated with a 1.27-fold increase in kinesiophobia and a 1.16-fold increase in musculoskeletal pain compared to adequate weight gain (p < .001). Those with musculoskeletal pain had significantly higher kinesiophobia scores than those without musculoskeletal pain (p = .012). In the pregnant women in this study, an increase in kinesiophobia was associated with a decrease in physical activity. Sedentary and light-intensity activities prevailed among the pregnant women in the study. Musculoskeletal pain and kinesiophobia were associated with excessive weight gain, and those with pain had higher levels of kinesiophobia. Therefore, during pregnancy follow-ups, health professionals should evaluate pregnant women for kinesiophobia, pain, physical activity status, and weight gain.

The effect of solution-focussed education and counselling on problematic internet usage, sleep quality and school achievement: A randomized controlled trial.

AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of solution-focussed education and counselling on problematic internet usage, sleep quality and school achievement. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial was conducted between January - December 2016 with 44 adolescents who participated in a solution-focussed intervention to address their problematic internet usage and poor sleep quality. After the intervention, the teens were followed up for 6 months to measure problematic Internet usage, sleep quality and school achievement using the Internet Addiction Test, Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index, Parent-Child Internet Addiction Scale and the students' end-of-term school grades. Data were analysed in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences programme using Chi-square test, Independent t test, Man-Whitney U test, Friedman test and Spearman correlation analysis. RESULTS: The median Internet Addiction Test and Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index scores of the adolescents in the intervention group were significantly lower than those of the controls (P < 0.05), and there was a positive and moderate association between problematic Internet usage and sleep quality in both groups after the follow-up (r = 0.537, P = 0.010; r = 0.576 P = 0.005). CONCLUSION: The education and counselling intervention decreased problematic Internet usage and increased sleep quality. There was also an improvement in school achievement, but the difference was not significant.

The Effect of Sun Light Exposure to the Level of Vitamin D in Elderly People Living in Nursing Home.

BACKGROUND: Elderly people are considered to be in the risk group for vitamin D deficiency. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of nursing interventions and sunlight exposure to reach optimum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels by individuals living in nursing homes. METHODOLOGY: Randomized controlled experimental study was carried out in June-August 2018 period in the nursing home. The question form, standardized mini mental test, Fitzpatrick skin typing questionnaire and Katz Index of activities of daily living were applied. Individuals in the intervention group (n=20) was exposed to sunlight five days a week for four weeks in July with an average duration of 21 ± 5 minutes (min 15 - max 30 minutes). For the participants in the control group (n=20), sunbathing was not offered. 25(OH)D, calcium, parathormone, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase and albumin levels of all individuals were measured at the beginning and end of the study. RESULTS: At the end of the study, the 25(OH)D was significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group (8.06 ng/ml and 0.96 ng/ml, respectively; p = 0.008). It was observed that in the intervention group, sunlight exposure increased the 25(OH)D regardless of gender and age. Increases were observed in intervention groups for calcium and albumin levels. At the beginning of the study, 25(OH)D was sufficient only in five elderly people in the intervention group, while at the end, 11 elderly people had sufficient levels of 25(OH)D. CONCLUSION: At the end of the study, it was concluded that sunlight exposure was a sufficient source to increase 25(OH)D in most elderly people living in the nursing home. Organizing sunbathing sessions as an independent nursing intervention is recommended for the elderly people living in nursing homes in order to prevent vitamin D deficiency and related consequences.

The Effect of Reiki on Pain, Fatigue, and Quality of Life in Adolescents With Dysmenorrhea.

This randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Reiki applications on pain, fatigue, and quality of life in adolescents with dysmenorrhea. There were 38 patients in the Reiki group and 37 in the placebo-controlled group. Reiki was found to be effective on pain and fatigue in adolescents with dysmenorrhea but with no effect on the quality of life.

The effect of foot care protocol applied to older people on foot health problems and foot care behaviours: a randomised controlled trial in a nursing home.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to develop a protective and improving protocol for foot health of the older people and to assess the effect of this protocol on foot problems, foot care knowledge levels and foot care behavior. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial that was conducted in a nursing home in Turkey. The research was completed with 57 older people (28 intervention group, 29 control group) over the age of 60 living in a nursing home who met the eligibility criteria. Data were collected using the Older Person Identification Form, Foot Examination Form, Foot Care Knowledge Level Form, and Foot Care Behavior Scale at baseline and 6 months later. When assessing the study data; Descriptive statistics, Student t-test, Mann Whitney U test, Wilcoxon signed ranks test, chi-square test, continuity (Yates) correction, Fisher exact chi-square test, McNemar test and GEE were used. RESULTS: At the end of the research, there were statistically significant improvements in problems related to dermatology (appearance, hygiene, and moisture); problems related to circulation (temperature); problems related to sensory issues (feeling and pain); problems related to footwear; and problems related to self-care between the intervention and control groups. Also, there were statistically significant improvements in problems related to dermatology (appearance and hygiene); problems related to circulation (temperature, color, and edema); and problems related to sensory issues (feeling and pain) for the posttest compared to the pretest in the intervention group (p < 0.05). In terms of foot care knowledge level and foot care behavior scale mean scores, statistically significant differences were found between the groups and for the intervention group pretest and posttest mean scores. CONCLUSION: The foot care protocol applied to older people was identified to reduce foot problems by a significant level, and increase mean points for knowledge levels about foot care and the foot care behavior scale.

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).

The effect of a transtheoretical model-based motivational interview on self-efficacy, metabolic control, and health behaviour in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized controlled trial.

AIM: This study aimed to determine the effect of a transtheoretical model-based motivational interview method on self-efficacy, metabolic control, and health behaviour in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: A randomized controlled study design was used. The study was conducted with 50 individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus, divided into an intervention group and a control group. The researcher held motivational interviews with the patients in the intervention group. Both groups were observed at the beginning of the study and 6 months after the baseline interview. The study data were collected between January 8 and November 18, 2014. RESULTS: Comparing the intervention and the control groups, the differences in the level of self-efficacy and participants' metabolic values were significant (P < .05). The number of participants in the action stage of the intervention group for nutrition, exercise, and medication use significantly increased compared with the control group (P < .05). CONCLUSION: The transtheoretical model-based motivational interview method increased the self-efficacy level of participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus, which helped them improve their metabolic control and health behaviour stages over this 6-month period.

The Effect on Health Outcomes of Post-Intervention Transtheoretical Model-Based Motivational Interview in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Follow up a Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction: The individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus were supported with the individual motivational interview in the previous randomized controlled trial. The aim of this study was to assess whether the effect of motivational interview persists relative to the self-efficacy, metabolic control, and health-behavioral change of them. Methods: This study was contacted a cross-sectional design. This study was the follow-up to the previous randomized controlled trial. Total of 32 participants, including 18 from the intervention group and 14 from the control group, were contacted. No new intervention was performed to previous groups (control and intervention). The participants in the intervention and control groups were contacted by phone in the 18th month, and their self-efficacy, metabolic control and health behaviors were assessed. Results: The intergroup comparisons showed that the difference between the sixth month and 18th month was statistically significant except for medical treatment self-efficacy subscale score, postprandial blood glucose and waist circumference. The groups were similar in terms of their use of medicine, nutrition and physical activity behavior stages according to the 18th-month follow-up. Conclusion: This study found that the self-efficacy scores of the intervention group decreased negatively, and their metabolic values increased negatively in the 18th months, compared with the sixth month. In this respect, it is recommended that motivational interviews should be carried out at certain intervals assessing the characteristics of participants without discontinuing them after the intervention.

Opinions and observations of caregivers of children with cerebral palsy about changes seen after reflexology: A qualitative study.

The aim of this research was to examine the effect of reflexology on the problems of children with cerebral palsy from perspective of caregivers. Qualitative study was made after 24-session reflexology program. 12 caregivers who have 2-18 year-old children with spastic type cerebral palsy receiving special education and received reflexology. The thematic questions were determined and in-depth interviews were conducted. Themes of the study were determined as; the caregiver's views on reflexology, the effect of reflexology on health of children with CP and the caregivers' observations on child after reflexology therapy, positive and negative aspects and causes of reflexology treatment. As a results; the caregivers expressed that there were increases in self-confidence of children, improvement in walking, reduced spasticity, relaxation, decreases in constipation, and increases in communication, speech and perception after reflexology.

Sexual Dysfunction in Married Women With Urinary Incontinence.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted in descriptive and cross-sectional design in order to determine prevalence of urinary incontinence severity in women with urinary incontinence (UI), correlation between UI and sexual dysfunctionMaterials and Methods: The study had descriptive and cross-sectional design. In sample selection, four Family Health Centers areas were determined by lot and totally 384 women with UI were reached by making home visits in these regions. As data collection tool, severity index in female urinary incontinence determining UI condition and Female Sexual Function index determining sexual functioning were used. RESULTS: Average age of the women participating in the study was 37.3 ± 1.02. Mean body mass index of the women was 26.3 ± 5.41. It was determined that 22.1% of the women participating in the study had UI for 3-5 years and 15.1% had UI for six years and a longer time. It was determined that 53.9% of the women participating in study had mild incontinence, 40.6% had moderate incontinence, 3.6% had severe incontinence, and 1.8% had very severe incontinence. A significant correlation was found between severity index in female urinary incontinence (ISI) score and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) score (p < 0.05). There was a positive and weak correlation between ISI scores and age, duration of marriage, and number of pregnancy of the women who participating in the study; and a positive and very weak correlation between ISI scores and body mass index and spontaneous abortion (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Almost half of women with UI were determined to have moderate and more severe urinary incontinence. A significant correlation was found between ISI and FSFI score.

How intensive care nurses perceive good death.

This study was to determine the attitude of nurses regarding the concept of a good death and terminal phase was conducted to determine the effect on patient care. This is a descriptive and analytical study. The study was conducted with 102 nurses who worked at an intensive care unit and were willing to participate to the study. The mean Good Death Scale total score was 56.75 ± 8.90 and the Frommelt Scale score was 95.10 ± 8.53. In conclusion, our study results suggest that the attitudes of the nurses during care to moribund patients are moderate and, when appropriate care is given, they perceive the death as a positive experience.

The effect of reflexology upon spasticity and function among children with cerebral palsy who received physiotherapy: Three group randomised trial.

PURPOSE: To assess the effectiveness of reflexology method upon spasticity and function among children with cerebral palsy who received physiotherapy. METHODS: A three group, randomised trial with blinded evaluator. Randomization was made sealed and opaque envelopes. 45 children with cerebral palsy who were trained at a Special Education and Rehabilitation Centre. In the reflexology and placebo group; a 20min reflexology was performed twice a week in a total 24 sessions. In the control group; no intervention was done. Before and after the implementation; measurements of the participants were obtained. The data were collected using Gross Motor Function Measure, Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Modified Tardieu Scale, Pediatric Functional Independence Scale, Pediatric Quality of Life Scale (PedsQL) and demographic data. RESULTS: A total of 45 children completed the study. The groups were homogeneous at baseline. Between right MAS Gastrocnemius muscle was a difference and right and left Soleus muscles was significant among the groups (p<0.05). Also; there was significant difference in between right and left Tardieu value in the legs; right M. Gastrocnemius V1,V3 and M. Soleus V1, V3 values; p<0.001 and left Gastrocnemius V1 and M. Soleus V1, V3 values; p<0.001. In Gross Motor Function Measure total scores and sitting position; in Pediatric Functional Independence Scale total scores, self-care and communication subscales (p<0.05). But in terms of PedsQL was no statistically significant difference among the groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Reflexology with physiotherapy reduced spasticity in legs, improved gross motor functions, decreased dependency but led to no change in quality of life.

The effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: randomised controlled trial.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. BACKGROUND: In patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation has been known to attain improvement in forced expiratory volume in 1 seconds, physical activity, and quality of life. However, information about the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is quite limited. DESIGN: A single-blind, randomised controlled trial. METHODS: Data were collected between August 2013-May 2014. Eighty-two patients who were hospitalised with a diagnosis of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were randomly assigned to a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation group receiving transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation treatment for 20 seance over the acupuncture points with pharmacotherapy or placebo group receiving the same treatment without electrical current output from the transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation device. Pulmonary functional test, six-minute walking distance, dyspnoea and fatigue scale, and St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire scores were assessed pre- and postprogram. The program started at the hospital by the researcher was sustained in the patient's home by the caregiver. RESULTS: All patients were able to complete the program, despite the exacerbation. The 20 seance transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation program provided clinically significant improvement in forced expiratory volume in 1 seconds 21 ml, 19·51% but when compared with the placebo group, the difference was insignificant (p > 0·05). The six-minute walking distance increased by 48·10 m more in the placebo group (p < 0·05). There were no significant differences between the two groups' St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire, dyspnoea and fatigue score (p > 0·05). CONCLUSION: Adding transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation therapy to pharmacotherapy in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease provided clinical improvement in forced expiratory volume in 1 seconds and add benefit in exercise capacity, but no significant effect on the other outcomes measured. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation can be used as a non-invasive complementary therapy due to its beneficial effects on forced expiratory volume in 1 seconds and exercise capacity in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Sexual lives of women with diabetes mellitus (type 2) and impact of culture on solution for problems related to sexual life.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To examine sexual lives of women with diabetes mellitus (type 2) (DM) and impact of culture on solution for problems related to sexual life. BACKGROUND: DM has long been considered a risk factor for sexual dysfunction in men and women, although the evidence in women is less clear. This study was conducted to emphasise the effect of DM and culture on sexual life. DESIGN: A descriptive and qualitative study. METHODS: Planned as descriptive and qualitative, this study was conducted with 38 women who matched with the following inclusion criterion: living in a neighbourhood with low socio-economic status in the province of Kayseri, Turkey. The Participant Information Form, Diabetes Control Form, the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX), Sexual Life Definition Form and Semi-Structured Interview Form for revealing problems lived in sexual life, besides the results of laboratory tests, were used for data collection. RESULTS: Mean age of the participating women was 51·34 ± 5·85 years. Total score of ASEX was found to be correlated with the type of DM treatment, duration of DM diagnosis, complications of DM, relation with her husband, level of HbA1c and systolic-diastolic blood pressure (p < 0·05). Of the participating women, 47·4% expressed that they had problems with sexual relation. CONCLUSION: Most of the women with DM were determined to have problems in sexual functions besides the disease, and the impact of culture on the solution for problems lived within sexual life was effective. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: These findings can help guide to raise the health of Turkish women with diabetes and to plan appropriate nursing interventions.

Prevalence of urinary tract infections and its risk factors in elementary school students.

BACKGROUND: Childhood urinary tract infections (UTI) are one of the most important factors affecting adult health. AIM: The study was a cross-sectional investigation to identify the prevalence of UTI and its risk factors. METHODS: The study included 2,511 6-8th grade elementary school students. Data were collected by questionnaire form and medical diagnosis. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: 7.1% of all participating students had UTI (10.1% girls, 4.2% boys). Students with a family history of UTI had a 3.763-fold risk of developing UTI (p < 0.05) compared to those without. Students who drank <1 liter of water daily had a 1.077 times higher risk of having the infection than those who drank >1 liter of water daily (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Students drinking an inadequate amount of water and having a family history had a high prevalence of UTI.

Social support and symptoms of postpartum depression among new mothers in Eastern Turkey.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between symptoms of postpartum depression and social support in new mothers in a semi-rural province (Malatya) of Eastern Turkey. METHODS: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study. The study was conducted with a 12-item Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) questionnaire, a 10-item Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) questionnaire, and a 16-item demographic/obstetric questionnaire designed by the authors. 364 women who were between 6 to 48 weeks postpartum were included in the study. RESULTS: Symptoms of postpartum depression were negatively correlated with social support (-0.39, P = 0.000). The frequency of the prevalence of symptoms of postpartum depression was 33.2%. The study showed that EPDS mean score was related to several factors, including age, woman's education, woman's occupation, socioeconomic status of family, spouse's education, number of years married, parity, planned pregnancy, method of delivery, knowledge of infant care, sharing of problems with a close person, past psychiatric history and family support during the postnatal period in an Eastern province of Turkey. CONCLUSION: Symptoms of postpartum depression were negatively correlated among Turkish women living in the Malatya province of Eastern Turkey and were associated with the level of social support. The prevalence of postpartum depression was higher than in the published reports regarding most regions of Turkey, with the exception of Northeastern Turkey.