The Relationship Between Digital Game Addiction and Levels of Anxiety and Depression in Adolescents Receiving Cancer Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Adolescents diagnosed with cancer are vulnerable to symptoms of anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress. OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between digital game addiction and levels of anxiety and depression in adolescents receiving cancer treatment. METHODS: This analytical cross-sectional study was carried out with 120 adolescents aged 12-17 years who were receiving cancer treatment. Data were collected using the Digital Game Addiction Scale (DGAS-7) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Data were analyzed using independent-samples t test, 1-way analysis of variance, Pearson correlation analysis, and simple linear regression. RESULTS: The mean age of the adolescents participating in the study was 15.21 ± 1.64 years. The mean DGAS-7 score was 15.19 ± 5.58, whereas the mean HADS Anxiety subscale score was 8.54 ± 4.33, and the mean HADS Depression subscale score was 7.72 ± 3.96. A positive, statistically significant relationship was found between the DGAS-7 mean score and the HADS Anxiety and Depression subscale mean scores (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: As the addiction levels increased in adolescents diagnosed with cancer, their anxiety and depression levels also increased. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Health professionals should be mindful that in adolescents diagnosed and treated for cancer, digital game addiction and levels of anxiety and depression may mutually reinforce each other.

Development and psychometric analysis of a pediatric cancer survivors Psychosocial Late Effects Scale (PCSLES).

PURPOSE: Although the physiological late effects of childhood cancer survivors are more obvious, appropriate assessment of psychosocial effects is needed. Therefore, it was aimed to develop a scale to evaluate psychosocial late effects in cancer survivors and to test its validity and reliability. DESIGN AND METHODS: This methodological study was conducted with 100 children and adolescents who survived were collected at the oncology center in the south of Türkiye in 2022. Data were collected with the "Personal Information Form" and "Pediatric Cancer Survivors Psychosocial Late Effects Scale (PCSLES)" IBM SPSS 24.0 and IBM AMOS 24.0 software programs were used for data analysis, and descriptive statistics were used to analyze numeric variables. Exploration and confirmatory factor analyses were performed to determine the scale's factorial structure. RESULTS: The factorial analysis was used to test the structural validity of the scale. A four-factor structure consisting of 17 items was developed. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for "1" was 0.89, "2" was 0.87, "3" was 0.80, "4" was 0.82 and the total score was 0.92. Fit indices resulting from the study were χ2/SD: 1.497, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA): 0.071, goodnessof-fit index (GFI): 0.85, comparative-of-fit index (CFI): 0.94, and normed fit index (NFI): 0.85. CONCLUSION: The scale is a valid and reliable scale that can be used to determine psychosocial late effects in pediatric cancer patients. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Utilizing the PCSLES can assist in identifying the psychosocial symptoms of child survivors/adolescents and facilitate the planning of appropriate interventions.

In the eyes of adolescents, is the pandemic an obstacle or a gain? A qualitative study based on the ecological theory.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to find out how the COVID-19 pandemic affects the lives of adolescents and their expectations about the future. METHODS: Data for the study was collected using a descriptive qualitative research design. The sample included 24 adolescents between the ages of 15 and 17, who were recruited according to the purposive sampling method. The research questions and results were structured according to the Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Theory. Data were collected until saturation was achieved. NVivo 12 program was used to organize the data. The transcribed data were analyzed using the inductive thematic analysis method. FINDINGS: According to the adolescents' views on the pandemic, were identified twelve sub-themes connected to four main themes and twenty-four metaphor themes in accordance with the Ecological Theory. These were (a) Microenvironments, (b) Education and social life, (c) Ecological lifestyle, (d) Future expectations, and (e) metaphor themes about COVID-19. Moreover, adolescents reported negative opinions on all metaphors. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The restrictions applied as measures of control to the global pandemic mostly negatively affected the family and peer relations of adolescents, their academic and social lives, and their expectations about the future. This study demonstrates that it is possible to monitor the psychosocial development of adolescents according to the Ecological Theory. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH: Similar studies may be conducted based on the Ecological Theory to evaluate the development of adolescents after the pandemic.

The effect of neonatal resuscitation training based on a serious game simulation method on nursing students' knowledge, skills, satisfaction and self-confidence levels: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Although students are well prepared theoretically, they lack real-life practical skills because they have not faced an adequate number of emergencies such as neonatal resuscitation. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted with the objective of determining the impact of integrating serious game simulation (SGS) into neonatal resuscitation training on the neonatal resuscitation related knowledge, skills, satisfaction with training, and self confidence in learning of nursing students. DESIGN: The study is a randomized controlled, pre-test post-test design and single-blind study. SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS: This study was conducted on 90 undergraduate nursing students (SGS based training group = 45, control group = 45) enrolled in the fifth semester at the Faculty of Nursing. METHODS: The students were allocated with simple randomization method to intervention and control groups. The training program prepared on the basis of neonatal resuscitation algorithm used a neonatal resuscitation serious game simulation method. At the same time, the serious game simulation method was used as a pre-test and post-test skill assessment tool. Support was obtained from a statistician in evaluation of the data and the data were analyzed using the SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) for Windows 25.0 program. RESULTS: Post-test measurements indicated a statistically significant positive difference in the ventilation and chest compression performing skills of the intervention group compared to the control group (p = .011, p = .020, respectively). A considerable increase was found in the knowledge and skills level of both groups, after the neonatal resuscitation training (p < .05). The score averages of the Student Satisfaction and Self-Confidence in Learning Scale and its sub-dimensions were high for both groups. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that the serious game simulation application used in neonatal resuscitation training was effective in raising the students' ventilation and compression performing skills.

Prevalence of obesity and hypertension in children and determination of associated factors by CHAID analysis.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of obesity and hypertension in children is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and increases the prevalence of heart failure and associated morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of obesity and hypertension, as well as the associated risk factors, in school-age children. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 21 schools in Antalya, Turkey. A total of 5160 students between the ages of 5 and 15 years participated in the study. The data were collected using a questionnaire, and students' height, weight, and blood pressure were measured. The data were evaluated using numbers, percentages, mean, and chi-squared automatic interaction detector (CHAID) analysis. RESULTS: In all, 11.4% of children were overweight, 11.8% were obese, 6.8% had prehypertension, and 5.7% had hypertension. School level, school location, and father's educational status were determined as factors associated with overweight and obesity; BMI, school level, school location, and mother's working status were determined as factors related to hypertension in the children. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of hypertension, overweight, and obesity was found to be significantly high in the children, especially those living in rural areas. Therefore, it is recommended that these health issues be monitored in children and that necessary measures be taken by considering regional differences.

Determination of Health Literacy in Different Generations.

BACKGROUND: The development of health literacy (HL) is critical in reducing lifestyle-related diseases. The purpose of this study was to determine levels of HL and related variables among members of Generations X and Z. METHODS: This study was a descriptive survey conducted in the city of Antalya, Turkey. Participants were 350 Generation Z students and 150 Generation X parents. We created a personal data form for both students and parents, and used the Secondary Education HL Scale and Adult HL Scale for data collection. RESULTS: The average HL score of Generation Z was 20.98 ± 6.19 and that of Generation X 17.38 ± 3.54. The HL levels of 75% of the Generation Z were low to marginal and those of 33.1% of the Generation X were below average. CONCLUSIONS: More than half of the Generation Z students and about one-third of Generation X parents were found to have low HL. Health professionals and nurses can give direction to the different generations to improve overall HL.

Complementary and alternative medicine use in children with thalassaemia.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to: (1) determine the types of complementary and alternative medicine use among children with thalassaemia as reported by parents and (2) describe sociodemographic and medical factors associated with the use of such treatments in families residing in southern Turkey. BACKGROUND: Thalassaemia is one of the most common human genetic diseases. Despite the therapeutic efforts, patients will encounter a variety of physical and psychological problems. Therefore, the use of complementary and alternative medicines among children thalassaemia is becoming increasingly popular. DESIGN: This is a descriptive study of complementary and alternative medicine. METHODS: This study was conducted in the Hematology Outpatient Clinic at Akdeniz University Hospital and in the Thalassemia Centre at Ministry of Health Antalya Education and Research Hospital, Antalya, Turkey, between January 2010-December 2010. Parents of 97 paediatric patients, among 125 parents who applied to the haematology outpatient clinic and thalassaemia centre between these dates, agreed to take part in the study with whom contact could be made were included. Data were collected by using a questionnaire. RESULTS: The proportion of parents who reported using one or more of the complementary and alternative medicine methods was 82·5%. Of these parents, 61·8% were using prayer/spiritual practice, 47·4% were using nutritional supplements and 35·1% were using animal materials. CONCLUSION: It was determined that a significant portion of the parents using complementary and alternative medicine use it to treat their children's health problems, they were informed about complementary and alternative medicine by their paediatricians and family elders, and they have discussed the use of complementary and alternative medicine with healthcare professionals. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: To sustain medical treatment and prognosis of thalassaemia, it is important for nurses to consult with their patients and parents regarding the use and potential risks of some complementary and alternative medicine.

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.

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.