The relationship between maternal function and maternal attachment of women during the postpartum period.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between maternal functions including self-care and adjustment and maternal attachment during the postpartum period. BACKGROUND: Mothers adapt to their new role during the postpartum period by recognising both their baby and their physical, emotional, and social recovery. During this period, a mother's interaction with her baby supports attachment. METHOD: The study design was planned as a descriptive-relational type. The study was performed in two Family Healthcare Centres located in Antalya city, Turkey country. The population of the study consisted of 250 mothers aged 18-45 years who had a postpartum period between 8 and 11 weeks. A simple sampling method was used. Data were collected using the mothers' identification forms, the Barkin Index of Maternal Function, and the Maternal Attachment Inventory. The forms were administered to mothers via the face-to-face interview method. Numerical, percental, and relational statistical methods as well as arithmetic means were used in the data analysis. RESULTS: The mean score of the Barkin Index of the Maternal Function was 76.97 ± 10.19 and the mean score of the Maternal Attachment Inventory was 100.92 ± 3.17. There was a positive, low, and significant relationship between maternal function and maternal attachment (r = 0.22, p = 0.00). There was a positive, low, and significant relationship between maternal attachment and self-care, maternal psychology, infant care, social support, and maternal adjustment scores. CONCLUSION: The maternal attachment level was found to be high in women with high maternal function. To develop the relationship between functional status and maternal attachment, mothers may provided with social support and, if necessary, psychological support.

Assessing quality of life in older adults: psychometric properties of the OPQoL-brief questionnaire in a nursing home population.

BACKGROUND: Well-adapted and validated quality-of-life measurement models for the nursing home population are scarce. Therefore, the aim of this study was to test the psychometrical properties of the OPQoL-brief questionnaire among cognitively intact nursing home residents. The research question addressed evidence related to the dimensionality, reliability and construct validity, all of which considered interrelated measurement properties. METHODS: Cross-sectional data were collected during 2017-2018, in 27 nursing homes representing four different Norwegian municipalities, located in Western and Mid-Norway. The total sample comprised 188 of 204 (92% response rate) long-term nursing home residents who met the inclusion criteria: (1) municipality authority's decision of long-term nursing home care; (2) residential time 3 months or longer; (3) informed consent competency recognized by responsible doctor and nurse; and (4) capable of being interviewed. RESULTS: Principal component analysis and confirmative factor analyses indicated a unidimensional solution. Five of the original 13 items showed low reliability and validity; excluding these items revealed a good model fit for the one-dimensional 8-items measurement model, showing good internal consistency and validity for these 8 items. CONCLUSION: Five out of the 13 original items were not high-quality indicators of quality-of-life showing low reliability and validity in this nursing home population. Significant factor loadings, goodness-of-fit indices and significant correlations in the expected directions with the selected constructs (anxiety, depression, self-transcendence, meaning-in-life, nurse-patient interaction, and joy-of-life) supported the psychometric properties of the OPQoL-brief questionnaire. Exploring the essence of quality-of-life when residing in a nursing home is highly warranted, followed by development and validation of new tools assessing quality-of-life in this population. Such knowledge and well-adapted scales for the nursing home population are beneficial and important for the further development of care quality in nursing homes, and consequently for quality-of-life and wellbeing in this population.

From experiences to expectations: A quantitative study on the fear of childbirth among multigravida women.

There is a strong relationship between women's previous birth experiences and their predetermined expectations. Childbirth expectations play an important role in the women's response to the birthing experience and postpartum period. The negative emotions and expectations, such as fear of childbirth, may result in negative experiences in subsequent childbirths. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between previous birth experiences and the fear of childbirth in current pregnancy. A sample of 309 healthy women with normal pregnancies was recruited for this study. A chi-square test of independence and a multinomial logistic regression were used to explain the association between previous birth experiences and the fear of childbirth in current pregnancy. The level of childbirth fear that pregnant women feel appears to differ based upon their previous pregnancy experiences. Pregnant women who describe their previous births as happy and proud tend to experience a moderate level of childbirth fear about their current pregnancies, whereas pregnant women who remember their previous births as either fearful or painful have lower levels of childbirth fear. The level of childbirth fear tends to decrease as pregnant women have more children. Gestational week does not seem to be influential on the level of childbirth fear. According to the findings of this study, counterintuitively there is a negative relationship between the previous birth experience and childbirth fear. The level of childbirth fear is lower for pregnant women who remember their previous births as a negative experience compared to those who remember their previous births positively.

Pregnant Women in Turkey Experience Severe Fear of Childbirth: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Culture is an important factor to determine fear of childbirth which is shaped by social learning processes. The purpose of this study is to determine the level of fear of childbirth among Turkish healthy pregnant women. Method: The researchers reviewed the eight databases considering inclusion criteria and 14 studies were included. The data analysis was conducted using meta-analysis. Results: Pregnant women experienced severe levels of fear, 67.26 ± 4.08, 95% confidence interval [59.26, 75.26], and 21 out of every 100 women experienced clinical level of fear. Between study variance was significant for parity (Qb = 6.40, p = .04) and region (Qb = 19.14, p = .00) moderators. Conclusions: The high level of FOC, particularly in the Eastern region, suggests that some of the cultural factors in the Eastern region in Turkey negatively affect the birth expectations. In a country like Turkey with a multicultural population, the health care professional should provide culturally sensitive care.

Working and supporting people with dementia when you are a student: a qualitative research.

BACKGROUND: Participation of young people in the care of older people will provide important contributions to improving older people's health. METHODS: This qualitative case study was conducted to clarify the possible difficulties and experiences of student interns at the Blue House Alzheimer's Center for Alzheimer's Patients and Families. Data were collected by focus group interview. RESULTS: It was seen that all students who practice at the Blue House Alzheimer's Patient and Patient Relatives Center willingly choose the gerontology profession. Gerontology is a new field in Turkey and the increasing number of older people leads students to gravitate towards this profession. Students who participated in the present study stated that internship at the nursing home is different to internship at the Alzheimer's care center, and it is much more difficult to empower individuals with dementia. Students stated that they had difficulty constantly meeting patients suffering from dementia, teaching an activity over and over again, caring for patients who constantly talk about their memories of past professional life, the theoretical and practical differences in caring for Alzheimer's disease patients, and the fear of one day suffering from dementia themselves. CONCLUSION: In the most energetic years of their life, incorporating students into the care of Alzheimer's disease patients increased their knowledge and care skills.

A meta-analysis of the effect on maternal health of upright positions during the second stage of labour, without routine epidural analgesia.

AIM: To detect the effect on maternal health of upright positions during the second stage of labour. BACKGROUND: Maternal position during labour has an important effect on maternal and foetal health. DESIGN: A meta-analysis was used based on the Cochrane Handbook. DATA SOURCES: Randomized/non-randomized clinical trials were searched with English and Turkish key words in databases (CINAHL, Medline, Science Direct, Springer Link, Ovid, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Networked Digital Library of Theses & Dissertations, Proquest, ULAKBIM (Turkish Academic Network and Information Center) and YÖK (Turkish Council of Higher Education) (1970-December 2015). REVIEW METHODS: According to inclusion criteria, eligible studies were identified. Data extraction was performed and the bias risks of the studies were assessed independently by two authors. The publication bias of the main outcomes was examined. The overall effect size was calculated by risk ratio with a random effects model. Statistical heterogeneity tests and sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS: The criteria for the meta-analysis were met by 22 articles. It was detected that the ratio of instrumental labour and episiotomy was lower but the haemorrhage ratio was higher in women. There was no statistical effect of upright position on the other maternal outcomes. CONCLUSION: The reductions in these ratios improved comfort. Due to methodological shortcomings of the studies, the increased ratio of postpartum haemorrhage should be interpreted with caution. Researchers are recommended to conduct studies rigorously. In addition, healthcare professionals are recommended to decide the appropriate birth position by considering the individual risk factors and preferences of the women.

Motherhood in the shade of migration: A qualitative study of the experience of Syrian refugee mothers living in Turkey.

Turkey receives the largest number of Syrian refugees in the world. Some of these refugee women become mothers in Turkey. This paper reports on a qualitative, descriptive study that investigated the experience of seven Syrian women migrants who gave birth in Turkey, and explores their experiences of transition to motherhood in a foreign country. The research identified that aspects of transition can be clustered under five main themes: difficulties during the pregnancy period, giving birth in a foreign country, problems of refugee mothers, milestones in life of refugee mothers, and influence of cultural beliefs of refugee mothers on baby care. Key findings revealed that the women in the study had negative experiences related to being pregnant and having a baby in a foreign country. In addition to identifying challenges associated with migration, such as language barriers, racism, discrimination, poverty, and separation from their culture and family, the study highlighted the fears and difficulties experienced by refugee mothers, the cultural beliefs of refugee women about caring for their babies, and turning points in the life of refugee mothers.

Adaptation of the Barkin scale of maternal functioning and examination of the psychometric properties.

Evaluation of the maternal function is important not only for the mother and the baby but for the family health, as well. The aim of the researchers was to examine the Barkin Index of Maternal Function (BIMF) to Turkish Culture. Two hundred thirty-five postpartum women participated in the study. As a result of exploratory factor analysis of the scale, we decided that it should be 5-factor. Fit indexes of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were determined as Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) 0.05, Non-normed Fit Index (NNFI) 0.94, Comparative Fit Index (CFI) 0.96, and Goodness of Fit Index (GFI) 0.91. Overall, Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient of the scale was 0.73. BIMF was determined as a reliable and valid tool for Turkish society. Since giving birth to a baby is related not only with the new mother but also with her relatives, it is one of the biggest change eras in a woman's life. This new era brings new changes into the mother's life in terms of physical, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects.

Urinary incontinence and quality of life of women living in nursing homes in the Mediterranean region of Turkey.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to determine the effect of urinary incontinence (UI) on the quality of life of women living in nursing homes in the Mediterranean region of Turkey. METHODS: The study was conducted on 95 women living in nursing homes in the Mediterranean region. Data were collected from a questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics, the Urinary Incontinence Quality of Life Scale, the Index of Activities of Daily Living, and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form. RESULTS: The quality of life of women who did not consider UI a health problem was significantly higher than that of those who considered otherwise. Mixed UI was the most common UI type among the women living in nursing homes, with a rate of 31.7%. According to the overall mean scores on the Urinary Incontinence Quality of Life Scale, quality of life was the most affected among women who had nocturnal incontinence. Quality of life was affected from most to least by the mixed type, stress type, and urge type of incontinence. CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis and treatment of UI could be improved if health professionals, who have a unique role in changing the perception of society, offered training to women experiencing incontinence. Identifying this problem and determining and preventing the risk factors are important for enhancing women's quality of life.

The effect of the mindfulness-based transition to motherhood program in pregnant women with preterm premature rupture of membranes.

The purpose of the researchers is to determine the effect of a mindfulness program on readiness for motherhood, the level of maternal attachment, and on postpartum self-evaluation. We used a quasiexperimental design. Researchers applied the mindfulness-based Transition to Motherhood program to the treatment group for 7 days. Data were collected between December 2012 and June 2014 in Turkey. At the end of the study, the treatment group showed improvement in measures of acceptance of pregnancy, level of readiness to give birth, level of maternal attachment, and level of competence in the role of motherhood.

A survey on the correlation between sexual satisfaction and depressive symptoms during infertility.

This cross-sectional study has been conducted in a descriptive, correlational design in order to determine the correlation between sexual satisfaction and depressive symptoms. In this respect, sexual satisfaction and depression scores were assessed in 102 infertile couples in a Turkish university hospital. There was a positive and meaningful correlation between Beck Depression scores and educational status and monthly income of infertile women on the one hand, and among marriage, infertility, infertility treatment durations, and the number of assisted-reproduction treatments on the other hand. It was found that there were more sexual dysfunctions in women than in men and that they were affected more deeply. As a result, it might be suggested that infertile couples receive proper guidance from health professionals in the course of treatment.

Psychometric Evaluation of the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire Version B.

Examining the fear of delivery after childbirth is important. The authors' aim is to examine the overall psychometric quality of the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire version B. Reliability and validity of the instrument were evaluated via reliability analysis, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, and multidimensional subscore estimation. A six-factor model was proposed to explain instrument results. Factors included concerns about labor pain, lack of positive behaviors, loneliness, lack of positive feelings, concerns about childbirth, and concerns about the baby. Researchers provide psychometric evidence about the quality of the questionnaire to measure fear of delivery after childbirth.

Dietary habits, economic status, academic performance and body mass index in school children: a comparative study.

The changes in dietary habits and way of life of adolescents can lead to some nutrition problems. The purpose of this study was to compare dietary habits of children living in metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas regarding their physical characteristics, socio-economic milieu and educational level. A total of 737 students studying in the 6th, 7th and 8th grades of two different primary schools took part in the study. Data were collected by a questionnaire including dietary habits of participants. Furthermore, the weight and height of students were measured and their body mass index was calculated. During the study, while 4.3 percent of students living in the non-metropolitan area were found obese, this figure was 8.4 percent in the metropolitan area. A big majority of non-metropolitan students have breakfast and lunch at home. Metropolitan students not having lunch at home have their lunch at restaurants or school canteens and generally consume more snacks. The obesity risk of students participating in the study was found to be high. Intervention programs should be organized in order to inform the students about the importance of healthy nutrition and lead them to change their current consumption behavior.

The perception of menopause among Turkish women.

The perception of menopause, menopausal attitudes, and problems faced during this period vary from one society to another. This study was conducted in order to determine the symptoms and perception of menopause, as well as factors affecting and influencing this perception. This study was made with the help of 300 women in menopause who applied to Akdeniz University Research and Application Hospital in January 2007. The study used sociodemographic data from a descriptive survey form. The data were collected by researchers in face-to-face interviews. The mean menopause age of participating women was x = 45.75 ± 4.7. A total of 41.3% of the women had primary education, and 62% of the women also had one or two children. There was a significant relationship between attitudes toward menopause and a woman's age, educational status, number of children, duration of living with spouse, satisfaction with marriage, menopausal age, menopause duration, and sexual intercourse after the menopausal period. The most important aspect of polyclinic services related to menopause is to increase and maintain women's quality of life. In this context, education modules should be developed to help couples perceive menopause in a more positive way.

Factors influencing women's decision to have a home birth in rural Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: to ascertain the reasons why mothers choose to have a home birth and the factors that influence these reasons. METHODS: this cross-sectional study involved 392 women and was conducted between June and September 2003 in a rural setting in Turkey. The data were collected using a questionnaire developed by the authors. The questionnaire included demographic information, obstetric background, the reasons for deciding to give birth at home as well as questions on who encouraged the decision to give birth at home and who assisted in the home births. FINDINGS: the decision to have a home birth is related to economic difficulties and the desire to benefit from the assistance of neighbours. Women who had experienced both planned and unplanned home births reported that home birth was unsafe. CONCLUSION: preliminary information is provided about women having home births that may inform practitioners' educational efforts and future research.

The relationship between depression and sexual function in menopause period.

OBJECTIVES: Menopause is a physiological process that is lived universally by every middle age woman. This study has been made with the aim of determining the relation between depression situation and sexual function of women in menopause period. METHODS: This study was made with 300 women in menopause who applied to Akdeniz University Research and Application Hospital on January 2007. Study used socio-demographic data descriptive survey form, Beck Depression Inventory and sexual function scale as data collection tool. Data were collected by researchers in face-to-face interviews. RESULTS: In the study it was found that age and marriage duration of women could reduce sexual function. Depression was determined in 29.3% of women and sexual dysfunction in 65% of women. Significant negative relation was found between sub-dimension of sexual function scale of women vaginal slickness, orgasm, pain, total sexual dysfunction and depression point. CONCLUSION: In the study it was determined that while depression points increased with menopause, sexual function reduced and with the increase of depression point, sexual dysfunction increased too. Qualitative studies must be made that will examine emotional situations and sexual life of women.

Effects of epidural anesthesia on labor progress.

Although delivery is a normal physiologic process, it causes a certain level of pain in women. Today, the most frequently preferred and the most used method is epidural anesthesia. The objective of the present study was to review the reasons, effects, and risks associated with epidural analgesia for pain relief. The study was conducted at Akdeniz University Hospital, Antalya, Turkey, between October 2004 and July 2005. Epidural analgesia was administered to 51 pregnant women in the experimental group, and 51 pregnant women in the control group did not receive analgesia. Data were collected by questionnaire and observation forms. Epidural anesthesia was chosen by 76.5% of the participants because they wanted to experience a pain-free childbirth, 66.7% because they were afraid of the process of delivery, 25.5% because they had had a previous bad labor experience, 35.3% because they had people around them with positive experiences, 29.4% because they wanted to have a normal delivery, and 31.4% because they wanted first to see their baby. The overwhelming majority of the participants (94.1%) experienced nervousness before the administration of epidural analgesia. It was determined that epidural analgesia extended the time of labor and increased oxygen and oxytocin requirement but did not increase the risk for interventional delivery and cesarean. To give better obstetric care and control of labor pain, it is of clinical importance to know obstetric anesthesia and analgesics.

Maternal punishment practices in a rural area of Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: We examined a number of maternal characteristics that influence punishment practices in a rural area of Turkey. METHODS: Questionnaires were filled out in face-to-face interviews with 539 mothers who agreed to participate in this study. RESULTS: The majority findings of this study were as follows: all of the mothers had used various forms of punishment on their children; hitting other children was the primary reason for punishment, and hitting was the most common form of punishment used by mothers. Another interesting finding of this study was that mothers did not demonstrate the same responses to their children when they were alone as when others were present. Mothers commonly felt regret in the post-punishment period. CONCLUSION: These findings can be useful in establishing parental educational programming that is directed at decreasing the rates of punishment practices.

Self-reported knowledge and behaviors related to oral and dental health in Turkish children.

AIM: The purpose of the study was to present oral- and dental health-related knowledge and behaviors of children who presented to Akdeniz University Medical Faculty Pediatric Outpatient Clinic between March 1 and May 1, 2006 for non-dental health reasons. METHOD: Data were collected from a total of 173 children. A survey which contained questions about the children's oral and dental health was completed using face-to-face interview technique. RESULTS: Forty-eight percent of the children were 5-6 years old and 68.8% were not going to school. It was determined that 43.3% of the mothers of the children in the study had a primary-school level of education and 74.6% were housewives. It also was determined that 49.1% of the children had never had a cavity, 43.4% stated that they brushed their teeth after meals, and 30.6% stated that they brushed at least once a day. More than sixty percent of the children spent their allowance on chocolate, chips, cola, candy, and other acidic drinks. A significant relationship was found between the children's ages and having a caries in this study. There also was a statistically significant relationship between the parents' tooth-brushing habit and the children's tooth brushing, and between the parents' frequency of tooth brushing and the children's frequency of tooth brushing. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of the study it is recommended that both children and their families be given education about oral and dental health.

Sleep practices and environment and the risk of sudden infant death syndrome in Turkey.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to determine what mothers know about infant sleep practices and the environment. DESIGN AND METHODS: Data were collected with a semistructured questionnaire. The research was conducted with 231 mothers who delivered an infant and who agreed to participate between September and December 2005. RESULTS: It was determined that 70.6% (n = 163) of mothers would use a pillow with their sleeping infants, and 44.2% (n = 102) would cover their infants' faces. When infants were alone in a room, 96.5% of mothers would leave them in the supine position. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Public health interventions should alert women to the increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome associated with identifiable risk factors, and specific intervention campaigns for safe sleeping can be developed for Turkish families.