Effect of Stress Ball Application On Anxiety Levels of Pregnant Women During Non-Stress Test: Randomized Controlled Experimental Study.

Background: This randomized controlled trial was designed to assess the efficacy of stress ball application on stress levels of pregnant women during non-stress tests. Methods: The study included 80 primiparous pregnant women (n = 40 in the experimental group and n = 40 in the control group) and was carried out in a state hospital's non-stress test room. Data for the study were gathered using Individual Description Form, and the State Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Results: Both groups are independent and homogeneous in terms of the sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics of pregnant women (P > .05). While there was no statistically significant difference between the STAI-1 score averages of the experimental and control groups in the pre-test of the research (P > .05), in the post-test of the research, it was determined that the STAI-2 average score of the women in the experimental group was significantly lower than the women in the control group (P < .001). In the intra-group comparison, while there was a statistically significant difference between the STAI-1 and STAI-2 score averages in the experimental group (P < .001), no statistically significant difference was detected between the STAI-1 and STAI-2 score averages in the control group (P = .696). Conclusion: In this study, the use of a stress ball during the non-stress test is effective in reducing anxiety levels in pregnant women.

The effect of tele-education delivered to mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic on breastfeeding success and perceived breastfeeding self-efficacy: Randomized controlled longitudinal trial.

This study was conducted to determine the effect of tele-education offered to mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic on breastfeeding success and perceived breastfeeding self-efficacy. The mothers were divided into experimental (n = 28) and control groups (n = 28). They were followed-up postnatal 1st week, 4th week, 3rd month, and 6th month in both groups. The researchers provided a 4-week long education and counseling service to mothers in the experimental group via direct phone calls and text messages. It was determined that the tele-education given to mothers about breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic increased breastfeeding success and perceived breastfeeding self-efficacy.

The effect of online hypno-breastfeeding and solution-focused psychoeducation on mothers' breastfeeding motivation and perception of insufficient milk: Randomize controlled study.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of hypno-breastfeeding (HB) and solution-focused psychoeducation (SFP) on breastfeeding motivation and insufficient milk perception in mothers. It is a randomized controlled experimental study. The sample of the study consisted of 90 women who met the inclusion criteria. Women in the intervention groups had increased motivation to breastfeed and decreased perception of insufficient milk. Those in the SFP group had significantly lower midwife support scores than the HB group. HB and SFP are safe and effective methods to increase mothers' motivation to breastfeed and reduce the perception of insufficient milk.

The effect of oxytocin massage and music on breast milk production and anxiety level of the mothers of premature infants who are in the neonatal intensive care unit: A self-controlled trial.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of music and oxytocin massage on production and anxiety in mothers of premature infants. The study was designed in the self-controlled trial type and conducted with 73 mothers. The anxiety scores of mothers decreased in the oxytocin massage and the music interventions, and the amount of their breast milk secretion increased (p < 0.05). Music and oxytocin massage has a positive effect on increasing breast milk and decreasing the anxiety of mothers.

Gene Expression Profiles of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α and Endothelin-1 in Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to observe the relationship between the gene expression profiles of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and endothelin (EDN)-1 and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). METHODS: A prospective, cross-sectional study performed at a tertiary-care academic center; 108 patients with snoring and day-time sleeplessness were included in this study carried out in the Otolaryngology Department. All patients were evaluated with 1-night polysomnography (PSG). There were 63 patients with OSA and 45 patients without OSA. In the OSA group, the median apnea hypopnea index (AHI) was 29.1; in the non-OSA group, the median AHI was 2.1. Blood samples were obtained from all 108 patients for the genetic analysis of the expression of TNF-α and EDN-1. PSG findings and gene expression levels were evaluated in both groups. RESULTS: The median (range) age was 46 (20-81) years, BMI 24.9 (15-49), EDN-1 gene expression 0.45 (0.02-67.88) pg/µL, and TNF-α gene expression 1.71 (0.08-59.52) pg/µL. We found that EDN-1 and TNF-α gene expression levels were significantly higher in the OSA group than in the control group (p = 0.009 vs. p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: EDN-1 and TNF-α gene expression levels were associated with the occurrence of OSA.

Effect of inhaled steroids on clinical and inflammatoryparameters in children with cystic fibrosis

Background/aim: The effectiveness of inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) in cystic fibrosis (CF) is controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of an ICS on bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR), oxidative status, and clinical and inflammatory parameters in CF patients. Materials and methods: CF patients were randomized to receive either 2 mg/day nebulized budesonide or 0.9% normal saline as placebo for 8 weeks. Results: Twenty-nine CF patients (mean age: 10.5 ± 2.9 years) were enrolled in the study. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups at the end of 8 weeks in terms of symptoms, pulmonary function, BHR, oxidative burst, hs-CRP, or ESR. Although there was a significant decrease in malondialdehyde levels in both groups, there was no difference between the two groups. Percentage of neutrophils in the sputum of patients decreased in the budesonide group (P = 0.006). Although sputum IL-8 levels significantly increased in both groups, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion: Although there was a significant decrease in the percentage of neutrophils in sputum with budesonide, 8 weeks of 2 mg/day nebulized budesonide was not effective in terms of BHR, oxidative status, or clinical and other inflammatory parameters in children with CF.

Leptin levels in children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to assess the effect of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) severity on leptin levels in children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Children with habitual snoring underwent overnight polysomnography. Fasting venous blood samples were obtained between 8 AM and 9 AM, following the night of the sleep study. Children with an apnea-hypopnea index of ≥ 5/h were included in the moderate-to-severe OSAS group while those with an apnea-hypopnea index of < 5/h formed the mild OSAS/primary snoring group. RESULT: 47 children (51% male and 49% female; mean age 7.8 ± 2.6 years) were recruited. Twenty seven participants were diagnosed with moderate-to-severe OSAS, and twenty children who had AHI < 5 were included in the mild OSAS/primary snoring. The two groups did not differ regarding age, gender and body mass index z score (p> 0.05). Furthermore there were no differences in log serum leptin levels (p= 0.749). Log serum leptin levels correlated with the BMI z score in the whole study group (p= 0.001; r= 0.499) but they were not associated with apnea-hypopnea index, mean and lowest oxygen saturation during sleep. CONCLUSIONS: Serum leptin levels are affected by adiposity but not by OSAS severity among children with habitual snoring.

The effect of mandala coloring on pregnancy-related anxiety.

PURPOSE: In the literature, the efficacy of mandala coloring on pregnancy-related anxiety has been investigated, and no study has been found on its effect on anxiety. This randomized controlled trial was designed to assess the efficacy of mandala coloring application on pregnancy-related anxiety. METHODS: The study included 77 primiparous pregnant women: 39 in the control group and 38 in the experimental group, and was carried out in an education-research hospital's obstetric clinic. Data for the study were gathered using Information Form, the Pregnancy-related Anxiety Scale, and the State Anxiety Inventory. While the experimental group did mandala coloring during a month twice in a week, and the control group was not do anything. The "Pregnancy-related Anxiety Scale" and "The State Anxiety Inventor" were used to assess anxiety in all groups before and after application. In the statistical analysis of the data, the SPSS 23.0 package program was used. In all tests, p < 0.005 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Immediately post-intervention, the women in the experimental group had a significantly higher reduce pregnancy-related anxiety (p < 0.05). Especially in the mandala group within according to control group were found to have significantly reduced anxiety the application (PrAS-1 82,50 ± 2,47 vs. 84,41 ± 4,12; PrAS-2 77,92 ± 2,16 vs. 83,89 ± 3,80; PrAS-3 72,05 ± 3,97 vs. 84,10 ± 4,35; PrAS-Total 77,49 ± 5,21 vs. 84,13 ± 4,07; STAI-1 52,39 ± 2,50 vs. 51,17 ± 1,16; STAI-2 49,73 ± 0,75 vs. 49,05 ± 1,27; STAI-3 48,84 ± 3,17 vs. 49,02 ± 1,22; STAI-Total 50,32 ± 2,8 vs. 49,75 ± 1,58). CONCLUSIONS: Mandala coloring is effective in reducing pregnancy-related anxiety. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: (NCT05534867).

Investigation of midwifery students' opinions on the digital storytelling method in midwifery education and assessment of their digital stories.

BACKGROUND: In today's digitalized world the use of innovative technologies in education systems is very important. In midwifery education, where learning by researching, applying, and experiencing is important, research on the effects of digital storytelling, which involves the use of innovative technology, is limited. AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate midwifery students' views on the digital storytelling method in midwifery education and to assess the digital stories they produced. DESIGN: This is a qualitative descriptive study. PARTICIPANTS: The research was conducted with senior students of the midwifery department of a state university. A total of 26 students participated in in-depth, semi-structured interviews. METHODS: Interview data were evaluated using content analysis and the Digital Storytelling Evaluation Scale was used to evaluate the digital stories produced by the students. FINDINGS: Students' opinions about the digital storytelling method in midwifery education reflected three main themes: "benefits of the digital storytelling method," "difficulties in preparing digital stories," and "the place of digital storytelling technique in midwifery education." At commencement, students did not think that the digital storytelling method would have an effect, but they found this method quite effective. The digital stories prepared by the students were evaluated by the researchers between 28 and 36 points and it was determined that the content of the digital stories was sufficient. CONCLUSION: Students reported that the digital storytelling method was very effective, encouraged creativity and supported learning through fun activities. However, they also stated that this method was time-consuming and they had difficulties. It is recommended that the use of this innovative teaching method in midwifery education should be expanded and its effect should be evaluated.

Midwives' views about the effects of climate change on maternal and child health: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Midwives have important responsibilities to protect the health of mothers and children from the negative effects of climate change. AIM: This research was conducted to determine how midwives perceived climate change, the effects of climate change on maternal and child health, and what midwives could do to combat these effects. METHODS: The research was designed as a case study, one of the qualitative research designs. The research sample consisted of 11 midwives selected by snowball sampling, which is one of the non-random sampling methods. FINDINGS: The data obtained were collected under five main themes. The themes were determined as "(I) the causes of climate change, (II) concerns about the consequences of climate change, (III) the effects of climate change on mother-child health, (IV) measures to mitigate the effects of climate change, and (V) midwives' role in protecting mother-child health against the effects of climate change." CONCLUSION: Midwives are knowledgeable about climate change. They are aware of the effects of climate change on maternal and child health and they are doing some practices in this regard (breastfeeding, promoting the regulation of fertility and adequate/balanced nutrition, etc.). Midwives are aware of the importance of the midwifery profession in raising awareness of the individual and society, in addressing the effects of climate change on human health and in reducing the negative effects of climate change on health, and they want to take action at the national level (with the support of the midwifery organization and the state) for the sustainability of health.

Pelvic floor muscle training patient reported Outcome Measures (PROM) (PFMT-P): Turkish adaptation and its validity and relibiality.

OBJECTIVE: Although there are several patient reported outcome measures (PROM) regarding knowledge, source of knowledge and practice about pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT), there is a lack of a valid and reliable PROM that includes the practice component of PFMT along with knowledge and source of knowledge. There is no valid and reliable measurement tool in Turkish used for this purpose. In this context, the aim of our study is to evaluate the psychometric properties of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROM) (PFMT-P) and to test whether it is a valid and reliable measurement tool for Turkish women. STUDY DESIGN: This study has been carried out psychometric testing (validity and reliability) of a new assessment tool concerning PFMT-P. A total of 170 female healthcare professionals (midwives, nurses, doctors, physiotherapists) who were between the ages of 23 and 49 and who volunteered to participate were included in the study. SPSS 25.0 and LISREL 8.80 statistical programs were used for the analysis of data. Descriptive statistics were evaluated with numbers, percentages and means. Content validity index and confirmatory factor analysis were used for validity. Cronbach Alpha value and test-retest were used for reliability. Level of significance was p < 0.05. RESULTS: Content validity index (CVI) was found to be 0.96 for the overall scale. Model fit indices were found as perfect and good matched. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was found as 0.813 for the overall scale. Test-retest correlation was found as 0.658, it was 0.998 for practice component and 0.997 for source of knowledge component and a positive, significant and high correlation was found. CONCLUSIONS: It has been determined that PFMT-P is a valid and reliable measurement tool suitable for Turkish culture. With this, it is a short, comprehensive and useful tool that can be used in both pregnancy and the postpartum period for women of reproductive age or menopause.

What Should a Breastfeeding Place in Public Spaces Be Like? A Qualitative Study on Women's Experiences.

BACKGROUND: Mothers need a place in public spaces where they can comfortably breastfeed and care for their babies. The availability and design features of these places are critical for meeting mothers' safety and comfort needs while they are breastfeeding. AIM: This study was conducted to examine mothers' experiences with breastfeeding places in public spaces. METHODS: This study, which was planned as a phenomenological research, one of qualitative research designs, was conducted with mothers (n = 18) with breastfeeding experience in public places. Data were collected through in-depth interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire developed by the researchers. The thematic analysis method was employed to evaluate the data. RESULTS: Study findings were examined under two main themes and 12 subthemes. Getting to the breastfeeding place was actually enough for many of the participants. Women who could not breastfeed for any reason in breastfeeding places stated that they came up with some solutions, such as breastfeeding in the car, feeding with formula, and not taking the baby with them. Participants' basic expectations about the breastfeeding place were that it met cleanliness, hygiene, privacy, and ventilation conditions. CONCLUSIONS: It was found that women who tended to spend more time in public spaces recently encountered similar problems during the breastfeeding process. Breastfeeding environments should meet minimum standards such as cleanliness and privacy as well as having the necessary comfort, aesthetics, and decoration features.

Multicentric analysis of childhood tuberculosis in Turkey.

Only a few series of pediatric tuberculosis (TB) have been reported in the last 20 years. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical, radiological, microbiological, and treatment characteristics of childhood TB. A total of 539 children with childhood TB diagnosed over a 12-year period (1994-2005) in 16 different centers in Turkey participated in the study. The medical records of all childhood TB patients were investigated. A total of 539 children (274 males, 265 females) with childhood TB aged 10 days-17 years participated in the study. Age distribution was nearly equal among all age groups. We detected the index case in 39.8% of the patients. More than one index case was detected in 17.3% of the patients. A minimum 15-mm induration is accepted on tuberculin skin test (TST) following Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination. The TST was positive in 55.3% of the patients. Acid-fast bacillus smear was positive in 133, and polymerase chain reaction for Mycobacterium tuberculosis was positive in 45 patients. In 75 patients (13.9%), cultures yielded M. tuberculosis. One hundred fifty-one patients (28%) did not present for followup, and families of 5 patients (0.9%) discontinued the treatment. Pulmonary TB (n=285) and meningeal TB (n=85) were the most frequent diseases. In 29% of the patients, there was poor adherence to treatment or patients were lost to follow-up. We have demonstrated that household contact screening procedures play a major and important role, especially considering the high ratio of cases with contact index cases. We also recommend that the positive TST values should be reviewed according to the local cut-off data and should be specified in as many countries as possible. In view of the considerably high percentages of patients lost to follow-up and treatment discontinuation observed in our study, we suggest that application of directly observed treatment short-course (DOTS) is preferable.

Determination of pre-pregnancy fear of childbirth levels in Turkish and Syrian refugee individuals with no children: A comparative study.

Objective: This study was conducted to determine pre-pregnancy fear of childbirth levels and related factors in Turkish and Syrian refugee individuals with no children. Study design: A cross-sectional-descriptive design was used. The study was carried out between September 29 and November 15, 2022 with Turkish and Syrian refugee women with no children who presented to the Obstetrics and Gynecology Polyclinic of a state hospital and their spouses. A total of 545 people, including the spouses of the women who wanted to participate, were included in the study. The data were collected by the researcher in the waiting room of the outpatient clinic by using the face-to-face interview method. A Personal Information Form and the Childbirth Fear-Prior to Pregnancy Scale were used to collect the research data. Results: There was no statistically significant relationship between participants' culture and their age, education level, employment status, family type, income level, and birth preferences (p > 0.05), and the groups were independent and homogeneous in terms of the specified characteristics. It was determined that Syrian refugee women had a significantly higher total score on the Childbirth Fear-Prior to Pregnancy Scale than Turkish women. Also, the score of Syrian refugee men on the same scale was significantly higher than that of Turkish men. A statistically significant difference was found between the total scores of the Turkish and Syrian participants according to age, education level, and preferred mode of birth. Conclusions: In the current study, it was determined that both genders and cultures had a fear of childbirth, although it was more common in women and Syrian refugees. According to the findings of the study, culture, gender, age, education level, and preferred mode of birth were factors related to childbirth fear prior to pregnancy.

Sexual attitudes and sexual functions during pregnancy: A comparative study.

Background: Sexuality is a multidimensional, not shallow, concept that involves the biological make-up and desires of women and men. It is a complex process that is shaped by the culture to which the individual belongs and the social conditions in which he/she lives. Aims: This descriptive and cross-sectional study aims to determine the sexual function status and sexual attitudes of Turkish and Syrian pregnant women who admitted to birth clinics in Turkey to investigate the relationship between pregnancy processes and some variables. Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study population (n:200) consisted of Turkish and Syrian pregnant women who met the research inclusion criteria, agreed to participate in the research and admitted to the Y City Education and Research Hospital in Turkey. Findings: In the study, the mean "Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI)" score of Turkish pregnant women was found to be (20.83 ± 9.28), whereas the FSFI score of Syrian pregnant women was (16.28 ± 11.45), Considering the Attitude Scale Towards Sexuality (ASTS), Turkish women score was found to be (123.77 ± 45.35), in contrast the ASTS score of Syrian pregnant women was (94.74 ± 43.69). Clinical implications: Since sexual myths can have a negative impact on pregnant women's sexual functions, clinicians should be knowledgeable about sexuality and sexual myths. Strengths & limitations: Regarding the limitations, first, the sample size was small. Second study results can only be generalized to this group. Last limitation, spouses of the women who participated in the study did not participate in the study. Conclusion: The study found that there is a difference in the sexual dysfunction and sexual attitudes of the women, depending on to be the refugee and socio-cultural structure.

Challenges and perspectives of tobacco cessation in special groups of patients and populations.

During the first 2 years of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, health systems worldwide were put under extreme pressure, and healthcare professionals had to manage unprecedented health crises as well as provide healthcare services to an increased number of patients. Therefore, public health policies with respect to smoking and education of the general population regarding the harmful effects of active and second-hand smoking may not have received adequate attention during this period. More specifically, certain subpopulations suffering from chronic diseases may not have received adequate information about the effects of smoking on the course and outcome of their disease; high-level, evidence-based pharmaceutical therapies; and the potential for follow-up. However, adequate education and awareness regarding short- and long-term health benefits from smoking cessation for the general population as well as special subgroups remains of utmost importance. Healthcare professionals should understand that it is only through high-quality evidence and results from independent studies that they will be able to provide their expertise and scientific knowledge concerning newer tobacco products and their effects on human health.

Turkish validity and reliability study of the "respectful maternity care" knowledge and practice scale of midwives.

Objective: Increasing cesarean rates in Turkey show that respectful maternity care services should be given priority and importance. It is difficult to achieve sustainable development goals without adopting a respectful maternity care approach, and there is no Turkish measurement tool to evaluate the knowledge and practices of midwives on "respectful maternity care". The aim of this study is to evaluate whether the "respectful maternity care knowledge and practice scale of midwives" is an appropriate measurement tool for Turkish women by conducting a Turkish validity and reliability study. Study design: The methodological study was carried out by midwives working in three Public Hospitals. Data were collected face-to-face using the "introductory information form" and "the respectful maternity care knowledge and practice scale of midwives". Results: The scale consists of two sections knowledge and practice. Both sections have three sub-dimensions: "providing emotional support", "providing safe care", and "preventing abuse". The cronbach alpha internal consistency coefficient value ranged between 0.76 and 0.95 for both sections.This study has determined that this scale, which was adapted, consists of three sub-dimensions and 46 items (23 items each) in both knowledge and application sections, is a highly valid and reliable scale compatible with Turkish culture, as a result of the validity and reliability findings.