The effect of hydrogen-rich water consumption on premenstrual symptoms and quality of life: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) consists of psychiatric or somatic symptoms negatively affecting the daily life. PMS treatment can involve the use of complementary-alternative approaches. Hydrogen-rich water (HRW) has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may treat PMS. This study aimed to investigate the effect of drinking HRW on the severity of premenstrual symptoms and the quality of life of women who suffer from PMS. METHODS: This study is a randomized controlled trial. Participants were randomized into two groups (intervention group=33, control group=32) using the block randomization method. Participants were requested to consume 1500-2000 mL of HRW daily in the intervention group and drink water in the placebo group. Participants began drinking either HRW or placebo water from day 16 of their menstrual cycle until day 2 of the following cycle for three menstrual cycles. The research data were collected using a Demographic Information Form, Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMSS), and Short form of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL- BREF). RESULTS: The intervention group had significantly lower mean scores than the control group in both the first and second follow-ups on the PMSS (P<0.05). In the first follow-up, the intervention group had significantly higher mean scores in the Physical Health and Psychological domains of the WHOQOL-BREF compared to the control group (P<0.05). Group × time interaction was significant for PMSS (F = 10.54, P<0.001). Group × time interaction was insignificant for WHOQOL- BREF (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The consumption of HRW reduces the severity of premenstrual symptoms and improves individuals' quality of life in physical and psychological domains.

The effect of virtual reality and music on anxiety, non-stress test parameters, and satisfaction of high-risk pregnant women undergoing non-stress tests: Randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Prenatal tests cause high-risk pregnant women to experience high anxiety levels. AIM: This paper investigated the effect of Virtual Reality (VR) and music on anxiety, non-stress test parameters, and satisfaction of high-risk pregnant women undergoing non-stress tests (NSTs). METHODS: This was a randomized controlled trial. The sample consisted of 102 participants randomized into three groups (VR = 34, music = 34, and control = 34). Maternal anxiety was assessed using the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-S (STAI-S) before and after NSTs. Satisfaction was evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) after NSTs. NST parameters were evaluated after NSTs. The findings were reported based on the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT). RESULTS: The VR and music groups had significantly lower mean posttest STAI-S scores than the control group (p <.05). There was no significant difference in NST findings (reactive/nonreactive) between the groups (p >.05). The VR group had a significantly shorter reactive NST duration than the control group (p <.05). The VR and music groups had significantly higher mean VAS-satisfaction scores than the control group (p <.05) CONCLUSION: Virtual reality and music during NSTs help high-risk pregnant women experience less anxiety and satisfy them more with the procedure. We recommend that obstetric midwives and nurses use these low-cost, simple, and noninvasive methods to reduce anxiety in high-risk pregnant women during prenatal testing.

Development of the Breastfeeding Myths Scale.

Introduction: Breastfeeding myths are culturally ingrained misconceptions related to breastfeeding and adversely affect the breastfeeding process. The objective of this study is to develop the Breastfeeding Myths Scale. Methods: This methodological study was conducted with a total of 413 participants. In the first phase, exploratory factor analysis was employed, followed by confirmatory factor analysis in the second phase. Furthermore, a test-retest was conducted to assess the reliability of the scale scores. Results: As a result of psychometric analyses, the single-dimensional 30-item Breastfeeding Myths Scale was deemed a valid and reliable instrument. The Cronbach's alpha value of the scale was established at 0.91, and the test-retest reliability at 0.90. According to the results of the receiver operating characteristic analysis, the optimal cutoff point was determined to be 119.50, with a sensitivity of 86% and a specificity of 53%. Conclusions: Breastfeeding Myths Scale was deemed significant for identifying the prevalence of breastfeeding myths. Utilization of the Breastfeeding Myths Scale is recommended for future research endeavors and individual clinical assessments.

The effect of stoma self-efficacy of people with stoma on their sexual function and satisfaction.

AIM: The aim of this research is to determine the effect of stoma self-efficacy of people with stoma on their sexual function and satisfaction. METHOD: This descriptive research was carried out between November 2022 and May 2023. One hundred and forty people with stoma were included in the research. A descriptive information form, a visual analogue scale (VAS) for satisfaction with sexual life, the Stoma Self-Efficacy Scale (Stoma SE) and the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX) were used for the research. RESULTS: According to the findings of the research, it was established that 90% of the participants had sexual dysfunction according to the ASEX. The average VAS satisfaction with sexual life score was 2.77 ± 3.19, the average Stoma SE Total score was 76.26 ± 19.63 and the average ASEX score was 21.62 ± 7.88. The VAS-satisfaction with sexual life score of the participants had a positive relationship with the social self-efficacy score and a negative relationship with the ASEX score. There was a negative relationship between the social self-efficacy score and the ASEX score of the participants. It has been determined that the social self-efficacy scores of the participants affect their ASEX and VAS-satisfaction with sexual life scores. CONCLUSION: Development of care self-efficacy is as critical as the development of social self-efficacy for people with stoma. Development of social self-efficacy by people with stoma can contribute to their sexual function and satisfaction with sexual life.

The effect of virtual reality on women's perceived pain, fear, anxiety, and views about the procedure during hysterosalpingography: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Hysterosalpingography is a stressful procedure that causes pain and anxiety. Therefore, measures must be taken to reduce or eliminate the pain and anxiety associated with it. OBJECTIVES: This paper investigated the effect of virtual reality (VR) during hysterosalpingography on pain, anxiety, fear, physiological parameters, and satisfaction. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial design was used. Patients were randomized into two groups (VR group = 31, control group = 31). The study was conducted between April 26 and June 30, 2022. Anxiety was evaluated using the State Anxiety Inventory. Pain, fear, and satisfaction were evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation were followed up. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the mean VAS scores during and 15 min after hysterosalpingography between the VR and control groups. There was no significant difference in the mean SAI scores between the groups. The VR group participants were significantly more satisfied with hysterosalpingography than the control group. There was no significant difference in physiological parameters just before, immediately after, and 15 min after hysterosalpingography between the groups. CONCLUSION: Virtual reality helps patients experience less pain and fear and makes them more satisfied with hysterosalpingography. However, it does not affect their anxiety and vital signs. Patients are highly satisfied with VR technology.

Midwifery Students' Traumatic Childbirth Experiences, Traumatic Childbirth Perceptions, and Levels of Fear of Childbirth.

INTRODUCTION: Although childbirth is generally seen as a positive phenomenon, negative childbirth events can be experienced as well. Midwifery students are at risk of encountering traumatic events throughout their education. The primary aim of this research was to reveal midwifery students' experiences of witnessing traumatic events at childbirth. The secondary aim was to determine the effects of traumatic childbirth experiences witnessed by midwifery students on their traumatic childbirth perceptions and levels of fear of childbirth. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted between January 1 and June 30, 2021. The study sample consisted of 517 midwifery students in Turkey. Data were collected using a descriptive information form, the Traumatic Childbirth Perception Scale (TCPS), and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for measuring fear of childbirth. RESULTS: The majority (88%) of students witnessed a traumatic event at childbirth. The mean (SD) TCPS score was 59.7 (26.1), and the level of fear of childbirth measured with VAS was 5.1 (2.7). A moderate positive correlation was found between the VAS score and TCPS scores (r = .63; P < .001). Although the mean TCPS scores of students who witnessed a traumatic event were not signficiantly different from those who did not, their mean VAS score was higher than those who did not (P = .001). Among students who experiences traumatic events at childbirth, 35.8% stated that the traumatic events negatively affected their education, and 65.6% reported that they thought it would negatively affect their future professional life. DISCUSSION: Witnessing traumatic events at childbirth is associated with increased perception of childbirth as traumatic and fear of childbirth in midwifery students. Traumatic experiences can affect midwifery students' educational and professional lives. Educators in the field of midwifery should support students in coping with traumas.

The effect of the approach based on the Neuman Systems Model on stress and coping in women receiving intrauterine insemination treatment: A randomized controlled trial.

This randomized controlled study was conducted to determine the effect of the approach based on the Neuman Systems Model (NSM) on stress and coping in women receiving intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatment. The study participants consisted of 62 women. Data was collected using a personal information form, the COMPI Fertility Problem Stress Scale, and the COMPI Coping Strategy Scale. Women in the intervention group had lower stress levels in their personal and marital domain post-test median scores than those in the control group. Women in the intervention group also had lower active-avoidance coping method and higher meaning-based coping method post-test mean scores. The NSM-based approach is beneficial in decreasing stress and positively affects women to cope with stress. Both infertility and its treatments are stressful. Health care professionals have important responsibilities for reducing the stress of infertile women and strengthening infertile women's ability to cope. The NSM-based approach is considered to have positive effects on stress and the ability of women to cope who receive IUI treatments. In addition, IUI is a widely applied method which is used before switching to assisted reproductive techniques. If this treatment fails, the stress coping techniques learned during this treatment can be used in later treatment processes. We conducted this study to investigate the effects of the NSM-based approach on stress and coping strategies in women receiving IUI treatment.

A SWOT analysis of the opinions of midwifery students about distance education during the Covid-19 pandemic a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic led to the suspension of face-to-face education and its replacement with distance education. This has caused important changes in midwifery education. OBJECTIVE: To determine midwifery students' opinions about distance education. DESIGN: This qualitative study employed an exploratory case study design. SETTING: This study was carried out at a national university in Ankara, Turkey between December 2020 and January 2021. PARTICIPANTS: The sample of the study comprised 50 students in the midwifery department. MEASUREMENTS AND FINDINGS: Data were collected using a SWOT analysis interview form developed by the researchers. The research findings were grouped into four themes: Satisfaction with distance education, barriers of distance education, facilitating aspects of distance education, and concerns about professional career. KEY CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Distance education in midwifery education in Turkey was found to have aspects involving obstacles and concerns in addition to many pleasing and facilitating features. Our findings suggest distance education can be used together with face-to-face education provided that its pleasing and facilitating aspects are supported and the obstacles and factors causing concerns are removed. Inclusion of distance methods in midwifery programs requires curricula to be updated and support from instructors and students for the development of the necessary infrastructure. There is a role for employing bodies to faciliate practice-based learning for new graduates to address their concerns with a lack of practical experience because of COVID-19 restrictions on placement.

The effect of the personality traits of pregnant women on the fear of childbirth.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to determine the effects of pregnant women's personality traits on the fear of childbirth (FOC). DESIGN AND METHODS: In total, 422 pregnant women who consulted an antenatal polyclinic at a hospital in Turkey were included in this descriptive cross-sectional study. For data collection, a demographic questionnaire, the Quick Big Five Personality Test, and version A of the Wijma delivery expectancy questionnaire (W-DEQ A) were used. FINDINGS: It was determined that as the scores of two of the personality traits, ie, agreeableness and conscientiousness, increased, planned pregnancies increased. The W-DEQ A median score was 61.5. The variables affecting the W-DEQ A score included emotional stability, agreeableness, openness to experience, and conscientiousness. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Determining the personality traits of pregnant women can contribute to helping individuals with personality traits related to the FOC during the antenatal period.

Qualitative Study on the Experience of Lotus Birth.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the experiences of women who had lotus births, that is, leaving the umbilical cord uncut so that the placenta remains attached to the newborn until the umbilical cord naturally detaches. DESIGN: Descriptive phenomenological. SETTING: Seven cities in four geographic regions of Turkey. PARTICIPANTS: Nine women who experienced lotus birth. METHODS: Data were collected through semistructured, face-to-face interviews. RESULTS: Our analysis revealed six themes: Meaning of the Lotus Birth Experience, Decision Making Regarding Lotus Birth, Lotus Birth Process, Perceived Benefits and Disadvantages of Lotus Birth, Reactions to Lotus Birth, and The Future of Lotus Birth. In addition, we created 15 subthemes related to these overarching themes. CONCLUSIONS: The themes we extracted are reflective of the desire for a natural and healthy birth that is experienced as positive and beneficial. Our results contribute to a deeper and more nuanced understanding of lotus birth. Moreover, our findings provide women and all health care providers, especially maternity nurses, with valuable information and increased awareness of lotus birth.