Evaluation of the relationship between self-care agency and quality of life in adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus during COVID-19 pandemic.

PURPOSE: This study aims to explore the relationship between self-care agency and quality of life among adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) during the pandemic. DESIGN AND METHODS: The study was conducted with 186 adolescents aged 13-16 who have T1DM and attended a pediatric endocrinology clinic at a Training and Research Hospital in the capital city of Turkey between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2022. Data from 118 adolescents who met the inclusion criteria and fully completed the survey were used in the analysis. Data were collected using the 'Participant Information Form', 'Self-Care Agency Scale', and 'Kiddo-KINDL Quality of Life Scale'. RESULTS: The study found that adolescents with higher self-care agency reported significantly better quality of life. Additionally, significant correlations were observed between self-care agency and adherence to pandemic measures, dietary adjustments, hygiene practices, diabetes management challenges, family communication, sleep duration, dietary patterns, and exercise difficulties (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: During the COVID-19 pandemic, it was evident that the self-care agency and quality of life of adolescents with T1DM were impacted, with those possessing higher self-care agency experiencing better and more meaningful quality of life. APPLICATION TO PRACTICE: T1DM affects all aspects of life, and quality of life is considered a critical outcome of diabetes care. It is essential for adolescents to adhere to practices such as regular nutrition, physical activity, blood sugar monitoring, and appropriate insulin intake to achieve optimal glycemic levels and the best possible quality of life. Adolescents should be trained on these issues by pediatric nurses.

Effects of Social Exclusion on Psychological-Well-Being and Suicidal Possibilities Among People With Physical Disabilities.

This study aimed to examine the effect of social exclusion on psychological well-being and suicide possibilities among people with physical disabilities. This descriptive and cross-sectional type study was conducted among people with physical disabilities who are members of the Association of Disabled People. Data were collected using the face-to-face interview method with the "Participant Information Form," "Social Exclusion Scale for the People with Disabilities," "Psychological Well-Being Scale," and "Suicide Probability Scale." It was found that the disabled people participating in the study experienced moderate social exclusion with a score of 72.35 + 31.53, a moderate level of well-being with a score of 34.79 + 16.80, and above a moderate level of suicidal ideation with a score of 78.58 + 9.85. Also, there was a negative moderate and significant relationship between social exclusion and psychological well-being (p < 0.01; r: -0.492), while there was a positive strong relationship between social exclusion and the possibility of suicide (p < 0.01; r: 0.518).

Evaluation of frailty, abuse and depression among community-dwelling older adults in a nortwest city of Turkey.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the frailty, abuse, and depression experienced by community-dwelling older adults and to raise awareness in society about the abuse of the elderly. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out in three family health centres in a city centre in the northwest of Turkey. The sample consisted of 429 older adults. Data were collected with Descriptive form, FRAIL Scale, Hwalek-Sengstock Elder Abuse Screening Test, and the Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form. In data analysis, percentage, mean ± SD, t-test, analysis of variance, Tukey test, Pearson correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis were used. The significance level in the tests was taken as P < 0.05. RESULTS: In this study, 28.68% of the elderly were in the fragile group, 22.84% experienced abuse and 24.0% were depressed. The elders who participated in the study were evaluated according to the scale scores used. It was determined that they were in the fragile group with a score of 2.21 + 1.47; they were exposed to low level of abuse with 1.58 + 1.17 points and they were depressed with 5.15 + 4.82 points. There was a high and positive significant correlation between the frailty and abuse experienced by the elderly (P < 0.001; r: 0.621), there was a middle and positive significant correlation between frailty and depression (P < 0.001; r: 0.492), and high and positive correlation were found between abuse and depression in the elderly (P < 0.001; r: 0.647). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that frailty, abuse, and depression are important problems in community-dwelling older adults and there are significant relationships between them. In order to prevent the abuse that the elderly in the fragile group are exposed to, it is recommended that especially health workers should be trained on elder abuse in in-service training programs.