The Predictive Power of Pain Characteristics and Sleep Quality on Fatigue in Adolescents With Cancer.

This study was conducted as descriptive, methodological, and cross-sectional research to determine the predictive power of pain characteristics and sleep quality on fatigue in adolescents with cancer. The study was conducted between November 2020 and April 2021 with 139 adolescents with cancer who reported pain. The study data were collected via an AdolescentInformation Form, the Adolescent Pediatric Pain Tool, the Scale For The Assessment Of Fatigue in Pediatric Oncology Patients Aged 13-18, and the Sleep Assessment Scale for Children with Cancer-Adolescent Form. Mean values, percentage calculations, Pearson correlation analysis, and linear regression analysis were used in the analysis of the data. There was a high level and negative correlation between pain characteristics (pain location, severity, and quality) of the adolescents participating in the study and their mean scores from the overall fatigue scale and its subdimensions and a high level and positive correlation with their mean scores from the overall sleep quality scale. Pain characteristics and sleep quality of adolescents with cancer explained 74% of fatigue. Pain, sleep quality, and fatigue are symptoms that should be closely addressed in adolescents with cancer.

Turkish validity and reliability study of Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) 3.0 cardiac module for 8-18 years old children and parents.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the Turkish validity and reliability of the 8-12- and 13-18-years child and parent forms of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedSQL) 3.0 Cardiac Module. METHODS: This methodological study was conducted in children (8-18 years old) with cardiac disease and their parents. The PedsQL 4.0 were also used to collect data for the parallel form method. Pearson correlation coefficients between the scale and its sub-dimensions were evaluated for construct validity. For construct validity, mean scores of children with cardiac disease and healthy children and their parents were compared. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was calculated to evaluate the internal consistency of the items. RESULTS: In this study, 136 children aged 8-12 years and 135 adolescents aged 13-18 years with cardiac diagnosis and their parents participated. The Cronbach alpha coefficients were found to be above 0.80 for all sub-dimensions and the total scale. Correlations between PedsQL 3.0 Cardiac module and PedsQL 4.0 scores were moderate to highly significant. A significant difference was found between the mean scores of the children with cardiac disease and healthy child and parent forms (p < .001). CONCLUSION: PedsQL 3.0 Cardiac Module's 8-12- and 13-18-year child and parent forms are valid and reliable for the Turkish language. APPLICATION TO PRACTICE: It is important to evaluate the PedsQL cardiac module, which is a very comprehensive scale, with accurate measurements to increase the general health level and life satisfaction of these patient groups.

Evaluation of vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy in children with cancer: Turkish validity and reliability study.

BACKGROUND: The evaluation of peripheral neuropathy in children receiving Vincristine treatment is challenging. This study examined the Turkish validity and reliability of the Total Neuropathy Score-Pediatric Vincristine (TNS-PV) measurement tool, which can measure Vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy symptoms in children with cancer. METHODS: A total of 53 children aged 5-17 years who received Vincristine treatment in two pediatric hematology-oncology centers participated in the study. Data was collected using the Total Neuropathy Score-Pediatric Vincristine (TNS-PV), the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Scale, and the Adolescent Pediatric Pain Tool (APPT). The correlation between the TNS-PV total score and other scales and the inter-rater reliability coefficient was evaluated. FINDINGS: Of the children, 81.1% were diagnosed with ALL and 13.2% with Ewing Sarcoma. Cronbach's alpha values of form A and B of the TNS-PV scale were 0.628 and 0.639, respectively. As the cumulative Vincristine dose increased, the children's scores on TNS-PV were higher. A moderate and significant positive correlation was found between the TNS-PV form A total score and the worst subjective symptoms a, b (A), strength, tendon reflexes, and autonomic / constipation (r = 0.441, r = 0.545, r = 0.472, r = 0.536, p < 0.01). DISCUSSION: The TNS-PV form B total score was found to have a moderate level, significant correlation with CTCAE sensory neuropathy score and Wong-Baker FACES Pain Scale, and a high level, significant positive correlation with CTCAE motor neuropathy score. APPLICATION TO PRACTICE: The TNS-PV is valid and reliable for measuring Vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy in practice in Turkish children 5 years and older.

Examination of the psychometric properties of pediatric-modified total neuropathy score in Turkish children with cancer.

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy has gained importance in symptom management of pediatric patients with cancer. This study aimed to perform the Turkish validity and reliability study of the Pediatric-Modified Total Neuropathy Score (Ped-mTNS). METHODS: A methodological, descriptive, and cross-sectional design was used in the study. Forty children aged between 5 and 18 and were treated for cancer and 40 age- and gender-matched healthy children (control group) were included in the study. The mean scores of the items on the Ped-mTNS were compared, and item-total score correlations were evaluated. Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the Ped-mTNS was calculated for internal consistency. FINDINGS: Cronbach's alpha value of the scale was found as 0.709. The item-total correlations of the scale items ranged from 0.260 to 0.658. The mean score of cancer patients on the Ped-mTNS was found as 4.4 ± 3.8. DISCUSSION: Ped-mTNS scores of children with cancer indicated more deficits than those of the control group. In the evaluation of children in the patient and control groups, a difference was found in terms of light touch sensation, which is one of the sensory symptoms in the items of the Ped-mTNS, and pin sensibility and strength, which are among the clinical symptoms. APPLICATION TO PRACTICE: The Ped-mTNS was determined to be a valid and reliable measurement tool for children with cancer aged between 5 and 18 in the Turkish population.

The Effect of Virtual Reality and Buzzy on First Insertion Success, Procedure-Related Fear, Anxiety, and Pain in Children during Intravenous Insertion in the Pediatric Emergency Unit: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Distraction methods such as virtual reality and cold vibration device are recommended during intravenous interventions. Few studies have focused on the impact of nonpharmacological interventions on intravenous insertion success. METHODS: A randomized controlled study evaluated effect of virtual reality and cold vibration device application on first-attempt intravenous insertion success and procedure-related pain, fear, and anxiety during intravenous insertion in children. Children aged 4 to 10 years (N = 150) undergoing peripheral intravenous catheterization insertion in the pediatric emergency department were randomized to 1 of 3 groups: virtual reality, cold vibration (Buzzy), and control group. Distraction technique of talking and asking questions of children was used in control group. Primary outcome was first-attempt intravenous insertion success; secondary outcomes were procedure-related pain, fear, and anxiety. Study data were collected using Difficult Intravenous Access score, Emotional Appearance Scale for Children, Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale, Color Analog Scale, Children's Anxiety Meter-State, and Child Fear Scale. Data were analyzed using chi-square test, Fisher exact test, and Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in first-attempt intravenous insertion success rates (virtual reality = 47.2%, Buzzy® = 50%, control = 46.9%), preprocedural emotional appearance scores, and procedure-related pain and anxiety scores. There was no difference between groups for vital signs before, during, and at fifth minute of procedure. DISCUSSION: Virtual reality and Buzzy may decrease procedure-related fear in children during intravenous insertion. This research has shown that pediatric emergency nurses can reduce pain and anxiety by talking to children, and simple distractions such as asking questions are as effective as more technological ones.

Development of the parental attitude scale-protecting children during COVID-19 and the relationship between parental attitudes and fear of COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, parents and children have experienced stress and fear, and the attitudes of parents toward COVID-19 need to be explored. PURPOSE: This study aimed to develop the Parental Attitude Scale-Protecting Children during COVID-19 (PAS-CV19S) and assess its psychometric properties. This study also aimed to determine the relationship between parental attitudes about COVID-19 and fear of COVID-19. DESIGN AND METHODS: In this methodological and correlational study, parents of children ages 6 to 18 years old were included (N = 402). The PAS-CV19S was developed for this study. The study collected data using an online sociodemographic form, a fear of COVID-19 scale, and the PAS-CV19S. The Cronbach alpha coefficient, confirmatory factor analysis, and explanatory factor analysis were used to assess the validity and reliability of PAS-CV19S. Pearson correlation analysis was used to examine the relationship between the fear of COVID-19 scale and the PAS-CV19S. RESULTS: The PAS-CV19S is a valid and reliable scale consisting of three factors (general health, mental health, and preventive behaviors) as subdimensions. The Cronbach alpha of the PAS-CV19S overall was 0.90; the Cronbach alphas for the general health, mental health, and preventive behaviors subdimensions were 0.78, 0.80, and 0.92, respectively. There was a significant negative correlation between fear of COVID-19 and the mental health subdimension. CONCLUSION AND PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: This study sheds light on parental attitudes about protecting their children from COVID-19. The fear of COVID-19 of parents did not affect attitudes other than mental health. Parental concerns and attitudes about COVID-19 need to be discussed to protect children.

The effect of virtual reality on pain, fear, and anxiety during access of a port with huber needle in pediatric hematology-oncology patients: Randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Port needle insertions are painful and distressing for Pediatric Hematology-Oncology patients. Virtual Reality (VR) can be used during needle-related procedures in these patients. This study aimed to investigate the effect of VR distraction during access to the venous port with a Huber needle in reducing needle-related pain, fear, and anxiety of children and adolescents with cancer. METHODS: This randomized controlled study used a parallel trial design guided by the CONSORT checklist. The sample of children (n = 42) was allocated to the VR group (n = 21) and the control group (n = 21). Port needle-related pain was assessed using the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale after the procedure. Before and after the port needle insertion procedure, anxiety and fear assessed using self- and parent-report using the Children's Anxiety Meter and Child Fear Scale. The primary outcome was the patient-reported pain scores after the procedure and fear and anxiety scores before and after the procedure. Pain, anxiety, and fear scores of the two groups and within groups were analyzed and also Spearman correlation analysis was used. RESULTS: Self-reported pain scores of patients in the VR and control group were 2.4 ± 1.8 and 5.3 ± 1.8, respectively. This study found a statistically significant difference between groups in pain scores (p < .001). A statistically significant difference was found between groups according to the self- and parent-reported fear and anxiety scores after the procedure. Self-reported fear scores in the VR and control group were 0.8 ± 0.9, 2.0 ± 1.0, self-reported anxiety scores were 2.9 ± 2.0, 5.4 ± 2.0, respectively (p < .001). CONCLUSION: Virtual reality is an effective distraction method in reducing port needle-related pain, fear, and anxiety in Pediatric Hematology-Oncology patients. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04093154.

Impact of flushing with aseptic non-touch technique using pre-filled flush or manually prepared syringes on central venous catheter occlusion and bloodstream infections in pediatric hemato-oncology patients: A randomized controlled study.

PURPOSE: To compare standardized flushing methods with aseptic non-touch technique; (1) Manually prepared syringes (2) Single-use prefilled flush syringes. METHOD: Forty-eight PHO patients with Hickman or Port catheters were recruited to participate in a prospective, randomized study. Standardized flushing methods with aseptic non-touch technique (ANTT) using single-use pre-filled flush syringes (intervention group) or manually prepared syringes (control group) also included the pulsatile technique, use of 10-mL syringe size with 0.9% NaCl for flushing, flushing once a day, flushing training of the nurses. The effects of standardized flushing methods on occlusion and CLABSI evaluated. RESULTS: Of the patients in the intervention group, 8.7% (n: 2) had catheter occlusion, while this rate was 20.0% (n: 5) in the control group. Of the patients in the intervention group, 8.7% (n: 2) had CLABSI, while this rate was 36.0% (n: 9) in the control group. While there was no difference in occlusion, there was a difference between the groups in terms of CLABSI development. In the intervention group, CLABSI rate was 1.9/1000 per catheter-days, in the control group CLABSI rate was 10.1/1000 per catheter-days. In the intervention group, occlusion rate was 1.9/1000 per catheter-days, in the control group, occlusion rate was 5.6/1000 per catheter-days. CONCLUSION: Standardized flushing and single-use prefilled flush syringes are effective in reducing CLABSI rates in PHO patients.

The impact of the difficult vascular access, fear, and anxiety level in children on the success of first-time phlebotomy.

PURPOSE:: This study aimed to investigate the success of first-time phlebotomy and the affecting factors in children between 4 and 10 years of age. METHODS:: This descriptive, comparative, and cross-sectional study was conducted on 155 children who underwent phlebotomy. The Sociodemographic Data Form, the Children's Anxiety Meter-State, the Children's Fear Scale, and the Difficult Intravenous Access score were used to collect the data for the study. The relationship between the success of first-time phlebotomy, mean pre-phlebotomy fear and anxiety score, and Difficult Intravenous Access score were examined. The variables affecting the success of first-time phlebotomy were assessed by regression analysis. RESULTS:: Phlebotomies failed in 18.1% of children. A statistically significant relationship was found between the success of first-time phlebotomy, Children's Anxiety Meter-State, Children's Fear Scale mean scores assessed by the researchers, and Difficult Intravenous Access score. Factors affecting the success of first-time phlebotomy include difficult vascular access, age, mean Children's Anxiety Meter-State score, mean Difficult Intravenous Access score, and duration of the last phlebotomy performed. These factors explain 42% of the total factors affecting the success of first-time phlebotomy. CONCLUSION:: Child's fear, anxiety before phlebotomy, and difficult vascular access affects the first-time phlebotomy success.

Randomized controlled trial of care bundles with chlorhexidine dressing and advanced dressings to prevent catheter-related bloodstream infections in pediatric hematology-oncology patients.

PURPOSE: To compare the effects of the care bundles including chlorhexidine dressing and advanced dressings on the catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) rates in pediatric hematology-oncology patients with central venous catheters (CVCs). METHOD: Twenty-seven PHO patients were recruited to participate in a prospective, randomized study in Turkey. The researcher used care bundles with chlorhexidine dressing in the experimental group (n = 14), and care bundles with advanced dressings in the control group (n = 13). RESULTS: According to the study results, 28.6% of the patients in the experimental group had CRBSI, while this rate was 38.5% in the control group patients. The CRBSI rate in the experimental group was 3.9, and the control group had 4.4 per 1000 inpatient catheter days. There was no exit-site infection in the experimental group. However, the control group had 1.7 per 1000 inpatient catheter days. CONCLUSIONS: Even though there was no difference between the two groups in which the researcher implemented care bundles with chlorhexidine dressing and advanced dressings in terms of CRBSI development, there was reduction in the CRBSI rates thanks to the care bundle approach. It is possible to control the CRBSI rates using care bundles in pediatric hematology-oncology patients.

A study of the relationship between the study process, motivation resources, and motivation problems of nursing students in different educational systems.

BACKGROUND: The study process is related to students' learning approaches and styles. Motivation resources and problems determine students' internal, external, and negative motivation. Analyzing the study process and motivation of students yields important indications about the nature of educational systems in higher education. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to analyze the relationship between the study process, and motivation resources and problems with regard to nursing students in different educational systems in Turkey and to reveal their effects according to a set of variables. DESIGN: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional and correlational study. SETTINGS: Traditional, integrated and problem-based learning (PBL) educational programs for nurses involving students from three nursing schools in Turkey. PARTICIPANTS: Nursing students (n=330). METHODS: The data were collected using the Study Process Questionnaire (R-SPQ-2F) and the Motivation Resources and Problems (MRP) Scale. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was found between the scores on the study process scale, and motivation resources and problems scale among the educational systems. This study determined that the mean scores of students in the PBL system on learning approaches, intrinsic motivation and negative motivation were higher. A positive significant correlation was found between the scales. CONCLUSIONS: The study process, and motivation resources and problems were found to be affected by the educational system. This study determined that the PBL educational system more effectively increases students' intrinsic motivation and helps them to acquire learning skills.

Evaluating the cancer related fatigue by children, mothers, and nurses in Turkish pediatric oncology patients.

PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to evaluate cancer related fatigue by children', mothers', and nurses' perspectives in recently diagnosed pediatric oncology patients, to evaluate levels of agreement between the fatigue scales, and to evaluate the relationships between fatigue and sample characteristics. METHOD: The sample of this cohort, descriptive, correlational study consisted of 26 recently cancer diagnosed children between the ages of 7 and 12, receiving inpatient treatment in pediatric oncology/hematology units, their mothers and their nurses. The data about children's fatigue were collected using the Child Fatigue Scale-24 h, Parent Fatigue Scale-24 h and Staff Fatigue Scale-24 h, for two consecutive days in the second and third weeks of the patient's first chemotherapy treatment cycle. RESULTS: The mean scores of the Child Fatigue Scale-24 h showed the children's fatigue to be at a moderate level, a statistically significant difference was found between the CFS-24 h and PFS-24 h mean scores in the first and second measurement (p < 0.05). The Intraclass correlation showed a good agreement between scales and repeated measurements for these scales. CONCLUSION: Fatigue in recently diagnosed cancer patients is an important symptom which is of particular concern to the children, their parents and nurses. The study showed that these three scales can be used alone an also used simultaneously, and also proved that these scales are reliable for repeated measurements.

Reliability and validity of Turkish versions of the child, parent and staff cancer fatigue scales.

This study was designed to adapt the Turkish versions of scales to evaluate fatigue in children with cancer from the perspectives of the children, parents and staff. The objective of this study was to validate "Child Fatigue Scale-24 hours" (CFS-24 hours), "Parent Fatigue Scale-24 hours" (PFS-24 hours) and "Staff Fatigue Scale-24 hours" (SFS-24 hours) for use in Turkish clinical research settings. Translation of the scales into Turkish and validity and reliability tests were performed. The validity of the translated scales was assessed with language validity and content validity. The reliability of the translated scales was assessed with internal consistency. The scales were evaluated by considering the following: calculation of the Cronbach alpha coefficient for parallel form reliability with 52 pediatric cancer patients, 86 parents and 43 nurses. The internal consistency was estimated as 0.88 for the Child Fatigue Scale-24 hours, 0.77 for the Parent Fatigue Scale-24 hours, and 0.72 for the Staff Fatigue Scale-24 hours (Cronbach's α). The Turkish version of the Child Fatigue Scale-24 hours, the Parent Fatigue Scale-24 hours and the Staff Fatigue Scale-24 hours were judged reliable and valid instruments to assess fatigue in children and showed good psychometric properties. These scales should assist in understanding to what extent initiatives can minimize or eliminate fatigue. Our scales are recommended for further studies and use in pediatric oncology clinics as routine measurements and nursing initiatives should be planned accordingly.