Psychometric Testing of the Newborn Skin Assessment Attitude Scale in Neonatal ICU Nurses.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a Newborn Skin Assessment Attitude Scale (NSAAS) for neonatal ICU (NICU) RNs. METHODS: The study was conducted with 326 nurses working in NICUs in three cities in Turkey. The researchers evaluated the content and construct validity and reliability of the scale with item-total score correlation analysis, the test-retest method, and calculating the Cronbach α reliability coefficient. RESULTS: The content validity index of the scale ranged between 0.87 and 1.00. Prior to exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis, the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin coefficient of the NSAAS was 0.976, and the Bartlett test of sphericity result was χ2 = 15,337.052 (P < .001). The scale was constructed with 35 items with factor loads greater than 0.40 and three subdimensions. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the fit indices of the NSAAS were χ2/df = 3.57, root mean square error of approximation = 0.08, normed fit index = 0.98, non-normed fit index = 0.98, comparative fit index = 0.98, and standardized root mean square residual = 0.05. The overall reliability coefficient of the NSAAS was α = .978. The test-retest coefficients of correlation were r = 0.558 for the overall scale and r = 0.615, r = 0.504, and r = 0.598 for the Awareness, Practice, and Avoidance subdimensions, respectively. In addition, no statistically significant difference was observed when comparing the test-retest mean scores for the total scale and the subdimensions (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: The NSAAS can be reliably used for measuring NICU nurses' attitudes toward newborn skin assessment.

The Effect of Domestic Violence During Pregnancy on Cortisol Hormone Release, Breastfeeding, and Newborn.

This study was conducted to determine the effect of domestic violence during pregnancy on the cortisol hormone release, preterm birth, low birth weight, and breastfeeding status. The cross-sectional study was conducted with 255 pregnant women in a Family Health Centre in the Southeastern Anatolia Region of Turkey between October 2017 and August 2018. The questionnaire, DVWDS (Domestic Violence to Women Determination Scale) and Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale were used to collect the data. In the present study, the pregnant women were followed up three times. The first follow-up was applied to the pregnant women in the second trimester, the second follow-up was applied to those in the third trimester, and the third follow-up was applied to the postpartum women. At each follow-up from newborn, cortisol hormone level was taken with saliva and evaluated. It was determined that 9.8% of the pregnant women participating in the study were exposed to violence by their partners. An important result was found that those who were exposed to domestic violence during their pregnancy gave birth in the 37th week (p < 0.05). It was seen that the babies of those exposed to domestic violence during pregnancy had a higher mean cortisol hormone level (p < 0.05). It was found that the mean score of the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale in the third follow-up was lower for those who were exposed to domestic violence during pregnancy than those who were not (p < 0.05). It was observed during the pregnancy that domestic violence affected cortisol hormone secretion, breastfeeding after birth and newborn health.

Effect of the Premature Infant Oral Motor Intervention on Sucking Capacity in Preterm Infants in Turkey: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Preterm infants have oral feeding difficulty that often delays discharge, indicating a need for evidence-based interventions for oral-motor development. PURPOSE: To test the Premature Infant Oral Motor Intervention (PIOMI) on the development of oral-motor function, feeding, and anthropometric outcomes using sucking manometry. METHODS: A single-blind randomized experimental design was conducted with a sample of 60 preterm infants from 2 neonatal intensive care units between May 2019 and March 2020. The experimental group received PIOMI for 5 min/d for 14 consecutive days. Sucking capacity, anthropometrics (weight and head circumference), bottle feeding, breast/chest feeding initiation, and length of hospital stay were measured. The Yakut Sucking Manometer (PCT/TR2019/050678) was developed specifically for this study and tested for the first time. RESULTS: The experimental group had a statistically significant percent increase over controls in sucking power (69%), continuous sucking before releasing the bottle (16%), sucking time (13%), and sucking amount (12%) with partial η 2 values of interaction between the groups of 0.692, 0.164, 0.136, and 0.121, respectively. The experimental group had a higher increase in weight (89%) and head circumference (81%) over controls ( F = 485.130, P < .001; F = 254.754, P < .001, respectively). The experimental group transitioned to oral feeding 9.9 days earlier than controls ( t = -2.822; P = .007), started breast/chest feeding 10.8 days earlier ( t = 3.016; P = .004), and were discharged 3.0 days earlier. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH/PRACTICE: The PIOMI had a significant positive effect on anthropometrics, sucking capacity, readiness to initiate bottle and breast/chest feeding, and a 3-day reduction in length of hospital stay.

Determining the Relationship between Obesity and Problematic Internet Use among Adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Obesity has become widespread among adolescents throughout the world. This study aimed to determine the relationship between problematic internet use and obesity among 10-19 yr old adolescents. METHODS: The descriptive study was carried out in a private elementary and high school in Gaziantep Province in the Eastern Turkey in 2016-2017. Overall, 474 adolescents and 938 their parents were enrolled. Data collection form consisted of three parts. The first part included questions about sociodemographic characteristics of the adolescent and his/her parents. The second part included data on anthropometrical measurements, dietary habits and physical activity level. Third part of the data collection form included Problematic Internet Usage Scale. First, anthropometrical measurements of the adolescents were recorded. Then, the data collection forms were applied to adolescents and their parents. RESULTS: 34.8% of adolescents were overweight and obese. Approximately four out of ten male adolescents and three out of ten female adolescents were overweight or obese (P<0.05). Girls had less problematic internet use behaviors (P<0.05). There were statistically significant differences between age, sex, socioeconomic status, unhealthy eating habits and problem internet usage (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Periodic screening should be done to determine the prevalence of obesity and problematic internet usage. Training programs on regular physical activity and healthy nutrition should be prepared and guidance services should be provided for the reduction of obesity rates and the protection of ideal weight.

Endothelial cell-specific-molecule-1 (endocan) levels in women with premature ovarian insufficiency: a prospective comparative study.

There is an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in women with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). A relationship between cardiovascular disease and endocan levels has been shown. Endocan is a marker that is prominent in many diseases caused by endothelial dysfunction and can be measured in the blood. POI is also associated with endothelial dysfunction. The causes of POI include chromosomal and genetic defects, autoimmune processes, chemotherapy, radiation, infections and surgery, but many are unidentified (idiopathic). This study aimed to evaluate serum endocan levels in women with idiopathic POI. The blood for analysis was obtained at the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle and endocan levels were measured using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. There were 38 patients with idiopathic POI in the study group and 39 healthy subjects in the control group. The median ages of the women were not significantly different between the groups 34 [7] years vs. 34 [7] years, respectively (p = .862). The median endocan level was not different in the POI and control group 769 [727] vs. 1077 [403] pg/mL, respectively (p = .603). Endocan is not associated with the cardiovascular diseases risk linked with endothelial dysfunction in idiopathic POI. Clinical trial number: NCT03932877 (Clinicaltrials.gov)IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? There is an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) due to the decreased level of oestrogen, which is linked with endothelial dysfunction.What do the results of this study add? This study showed that endocan is not associated with the cardiovascular disease risk linked with endothelial dysfunction in idiopathic POI.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? A marker to be used to predict the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with POI could facilitate in improving the quality of life of these patients. Moreover, advantageous and easy-to-measure markers are needed in larger sample studies to better understand the cardiovascular diseases risk in POI.

Evaluation of the efficacy of an exercise program for pregnant women with low back and pelvic pain: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of exercise programs on pregnant women with pregnancy-related low back and pelvic pain. BACKGROUND: Low back and pelvic pain during pregnancy is a major health problem due to its frequent occurrence and such pain can limit pregnant women in many of their daily activities. DESIGN: A randomized trial with a control group (n = 48) and an intervention group (n = 48). Trial registration number NCT02189356. METHODS: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, between December 2011-May 2012, an Education and Research Hospital in Turkey. Based on the intention-to-treat principle, all pregnant women were analysed according to the group they were assigned to, regardless of whether they received the intervention or not. Participants in the intervention group received health counselling and exercised regarding low back and pelvic pain for four weeks. The pregnant women in the control group received usual care, comprised of routine clinical practice for pregnancy-related low back and pelvic pain. RESULTS: According to Mann-Whitney U test analysis results, there was a statistically significant difference between the control and intervention groups' Visual Analogue Scale during relaxation scores and Visual Analogue Scale during activity scores at the end of the study. According to Mann-Whitney U test analysis results, the change in the mean Oswestry Disability Index score for the intervention group and the difference in the mean scores between the two groups was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: A four-week exercise program including individualized health counselling to relieve low back and pelvic pain improved the functional status in pregnant women.

Determining the awareness of and compliance with breast cancer screening among Turkish residential women.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women. Despite being associated with high morbidity and mortality, breast cancer is a disease that can be diagnosed and treated early. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study of 321 women, data were collected by Questionnaire, Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Form and Champion's Health Belief Model Scale. Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, Chi- squared tests and logistic regression were used in the statistical analysis. RESULTS: It was found that only 2.2% of women have high and very high risk levels of breast cancer risk. There is a positive correlation between early diagnosis techniques and Health Belief Model Sub-Dimension scores which are sensibility, health motivation, BSE (Breast self-examination) self-efficient perception and negative correlation between mammography barrier score and BSE barrier score (p 0.05). When factors for not having BSE were examined, it was determined that the women who do not have information about breast cancer and the women who smoke have a higher risk of not having BSE. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to determine health beliefs and breast cancer risk levels of women to increase the frequency of early diagnosis. Women's health beliefs are thought to be a good guide for planning health education programs for nurses working in this area.

Health promotion and risk behaviors among adolescents in Turkey.

Adolescents experience the onset and development of several health-related behaviors. The purpose of this study is to determine health risk and promotion behaviors of adolescents between the ages of 11 and 19 who were attending and to test the reliability and validity analysis of the Turkish version of Adolescent Health Promotion Scale (AHPS). The study was a cross-sectional survey and the sample consisted of 1,351 participants. A questionnaire that included demographic information, health risk behaviors, and AHPS was used to collect data. In the current study, the Cronbach's α coefficient for the AHPS was calculated as .92. Female students had significantly higher mean total scale scores than males (p < .05). The 11-14 age group had a statistically significant higher scale total mean score than the 15-19 age group (p = .001). International directives highlight the important function nurses fulfill in health promotion. Nurses may play a key role in school health services.