The effect of mindfulness-based interventions on caregiver burden, quality of life and psychological distress in caregivers of adults with chronic diseases: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Chronic diseases requiring long-term treatment, care, and follow-up can negatively affect the health and well-being of caregivers. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are increasingly used as a mental health intervention to control the psychological problems experienced by caregivers and improve their quality of life. AIMS: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to provide evidence for a holistic evaluation and synthesis of the effects of MBIs applied to caregivers of adults with chronic disease on the burden, quality of life, and psychological distress. METHODS: Studies evaluating the effects of mindfulness-based interventions on caregivers of adults with chronic diseases and published through September 2023 were searched using PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and EBSCO. Methodological quality was assessed with the modified JADAD scale, and bias was assessed with the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials. Randomized controlled studies were included. The standardized mean difference with a 95% confidence interval was calculated. Heterogeneity was analyzed using the I2 test and Q statistic. Publication bias was assessed with the Egger regression test. RESULTS: This meta-analysis included 12 studies. Pooled evidence found that MBIs resulted in significant improvements in stress, anxiety, depression, and caregiver burden in caregivers of adults with chronic illness but had no significant effects on quality of life, resilience, and mindfulness. The Egger's test showed no evidence of publication bias. LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: MBIs can be considered as a helpful method to increase psychological well-being and reduce caregiver burden in caregivers of adults with chronic diseases. These findings may direct clinicians to conduct mindfulness-based interventions for caregivers of adults with chronic diseases.

Psychological Distress and Its Association with Unmet Needs and Symptom Burden in Outpatient Cancer Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the relationships of sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, symptom burden, and supportive care needs of patients with a prevalence of psychological distress in outpatients with cancer. DATA SOURCES: The study was carried out with 298 outpatient cancer patients at an oncology center in Turkey, and a descriptive correlational design was used. The data were collected through Hospital Anxiety-Depression Scale (HADS), Nightingale Symptom Assessment Scale (N-SAS), and Supportive Care Needs Scale Short Form (SCNS-SF34). Descriptive statistics and hierarchical regression analyses were performed. CONCLUSION: The study determined that the anxiety and depression scores of a significant portion of cancer patients receiving outpatient treatment were clinically significant. It was observed that the physical and psychological symptom burden of the patients and the increase in unmet care needs related to psychological, physical, and activities of daily life contributed to the development of anxiety and depression. Of the sociodemographic and disease-related characteristics of the patients, female sex was found to be an important factor for both anxiety and depression, and advanced age was found to be an important factor for depression. These results indicate that cancer patients receiving outpatient treatment need intensive supportive psychosocial care. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: It is recommended that patients' psychological distress levels and supportive care needs be included in the care process as a routine component of care, as in symptom assessment, and to develop a more sensitive and supportive care environment in meeting psychosocial care needs and accessing support.

Experiences of nurses caring for patients with COVID-19 in Turkey: A phenomenological enquiry.

AIMS: This study aims to reveal the experiences of nurses who care for COVID-19 patients during this process. BACKGROUND: Nurses actively carry out their duties with regard to infection control and critical patient care in the frontlines since the pandemic. METHODS: A phenomenological qualitative design was followed throughout the study. The study involved 19 nurses. The data were analysed through Colaizzi's seven-step method. RESULTS: Five themes were identified after the interviews; first meeting and getting caught unprepared, social isolation and loneliness, dilemma and conflict in professional roles, nursing: power born from difficulties and organisational expectations. Also, eleven sub-themes were identified. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed the main findings regarding the experiences of the nurses in crisis instances. Although nurses felt stronger professionally, they needed the cooperation and psychosocial support of the community and health care team members. Nurses had expectations for the development of personal and social rights. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: It is thought that these results can act as a guide to understand the problems and needs of nurses as health care providers and to engender solutions so that a safe and reliable health care system that can effectively respond to future global disasters can be established.

Effect of pranayama breathing technique on asthma control, pulmonary function, and quality of life: A single-blind, randomized, controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effect of pranayama on asthma control, pulmonary function, and quality of life in people with asthma. METHODS: Pranayama was applied to the pranayama group for 20 min once daily for 1 month, and relaxation was applied to the relaxation group similarly in addition to the standard treatment. The outcome measurement tools used were the Asthma Control Test (ACT), Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ), pulmonary function test (PFT), and patient observation chart. RESULTS: The pranayama group had significantly higher ACT score, overall AQLQ score, and subscale scores than the relaxation group (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of PFT parameters and peak expiratory flow values (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Pranayama improved asthma control and asthma-related quality of life in people with asthma, but it did not show a significant difference in PFT values.

Effect of yoga-based physical activity on perceived stress, anxiety, and quality of life in young adults.

PURPOSE: This study, conducted at a public university in Turkey, sought to determine the effects of yoga-based physical activity on perceived stress, anxiety, and quality of life in young adults. DESIGN AND METHODS: This study was planned as a semiexperimental nonrandomized study with a control group. FINDINGS: Yoga-based physical activity decreased the perceived stress and state anxiety levels, but had no effect on trait anxiety levels and quality of life. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: It is recommended that yoga-based treatment can be included in nursing interventions for reducing stress and anxiety levels in young adults.