Cultural humility among nursing students in a multicultural setting.

BACKGROUND: Given the importance of cultural diversity in healthcare, the shift from "cultural competence" to "cultural humility" has become crucial. This transition is particularly relevant for nursing students in multiethnic regions, such as Southeastern Anatolia, Turkey, where diverse cultural interactions can significantly impact their professional development and practice. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to determine the cultural humility levels of nursing students. METHODS: This descriptive study was carried out with nursing students in two universities in the Southeastern Anatolia region, where the immigrant population is dense, in Turkey. RESULTS: In this study, the total mean score of the Cultural Humility Scale of the students participating in the research was 70.03±16.01. A significant difference was found between the Cultural Humility scale mean scores of the students and their gender, nationality, native language, experience of going abroad, desire to live in another country, and enjoying spending time with people from different cultures (p < 0.05). Significant positive correlations were determined between the average scores provided by the students on a 0-10 scale, indicating the importance they placed on cultural diversity in nursing education, and both the total score of the Cultural Humility Scale and the mean score of its sub-dimensions (p < 0.01, r = 0.273). CONCLUSION: This study found that the cultural humility level of nursing students living and studying with people from various cultures is sometimes exhibited.

Effects of cold spray on thirst, frequency of oral care, and pain of general surgery intensive care unit patients.

This study aims to investigate the effects of intraoral cold water spray on thirst, frequency of oral care and postoperative period pain at surgical incision site in patients having abdominal surgery. The study was carried out as a randomized controlled trial, registered under Clinical Trial Number: NCT05940818. The study involved 110 participants, divided equally into two groups (n = 55): the experimental group and the control group. Data were collected using patient information form, NRS, Intensive Care Oral Care Frequency Assessment Scale (ICOCFAS) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The severity of thirst at 1st, 8th, 16th h of post-operative period (p < 0.01) and the frequency of oral care application at 16th h were statistically significantly decreased in the experimental group when compared to the control group (p < 0.01).There wasn't statistically significant difference between the patients in the experimental and control groups in terms of pain at surgical incision site (p > 0.05). The patient's thirst and need for frequent oral care in the postoperative period were reduced by the application of a cold water spray. In patients undergoing abdominal surgery, the use of cold water spray application may be recommended to reduce thirst and the need for frequency of oral care application.

Determination of Incidence and Risk Factors of Medical Device-Related Pressure Injury in the ICU: A Descriptive Study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence and risk factors of medical device-related pressure injury (MDRPI) in the ICU. METHODS: In this descriptive study, the researchers collected data through systematic observation of patients (n = 58) in the ICU. The patients were evaluated within 24 hours of ICU admission and then followed up until they were discharged. A total of 482 patient-days were followed. The researchers used the MDRPI follow-up form, the patient descriptive form, the MDRPI follow-up form, and the Braden Scale for Predicting Pressure Sore Risk for data collection. RESULTS: Overall, 39.7% of the 58 patients hospitalized in the ICU developed an MDRPI, and 5.2% of the MDRPIs were evaluated as stage 2. These injuries occurred in an average of 5 days after the patient was admitted to the ICU. Among the MDRPIs that developed, 31.9% were located in the nose, 21.3% in the mouth, and 14.9% on the cheeks. Intubation tubes were used in 7.3% of the patients, nasogastric tubes in 22.4% of the patients, and radial artery catheters in 10.5% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: The development of MDRPI is correlated with the type of medical device used. Providers should establish a planned care protocol based on the anatomic placement of the medical device and take necessary precautions to prevent MDRPI.

Evaluation of the effect of proximal massage and palm fisting in reducing the risk of peripheral venous catheter-related phlebitis: Randomized control study.

AIM: Peripheral venous catheter is a clinical procedure often performed by nurses in hospitals. Phlebitis can be prevented with more nursing care by applying peripheral venous catheter by trained nurses and using preventive methods. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of proximal massage and palm fisting on the prevention of phlebitis in patients with a peripheral venous catheter (PVC). METHODS AND RESULTS: This randomized controlled study was conducted with patients who were hospitalized in the orthopedics and traumatology service of a state hospital and had PVC. While the study group (n = 36) received proximal massage and palm fisting on the side with a peripheral venous catheter, the control group (n = 36) received standard care for PVC. The data were collected by using the "Patient Demographics and Clinical Information Form", "Risk Scale for Peripheral Venous Catheter-related phlebitis", "Visual Infusion Phlebitis Assessment Scale". There were no statistically significant differences between the groups regarding phlebitis development based on age, sex, chronic disease status, peripheral venous catheter insertion site, devices in the PVC, or fluids administered from the PVC. However, there was a significantly higher risk of PVC-induced phlebitis in patients who received proximal massage and palm fisting at 48 and 96 hours, when the severity of phlebitis was evaluated on daily basis. CONCLUSION: The study showed promising results, suggesting that proximal massage and palm fisting may be a simple and inexpensive technique to prevent the occurrence of phlebitis in PVC patients. REGISTRATION: NCT05714137.

The importance of cancer prevention policies to inform and guide preventative and screening measures for people with intellectual disabilities: The COST project "Cancer- Understanding Prevention in Intellectual Disabilities".

Cancer is a global public health problem, but its exact prevalence in people with intellectual disabilities is still uncertain. This population, with limited health skills and complex health needs, faces many challenges in cancer prevention, screening, timely diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, they are often underrepresented in general cancer prevention and screening policies across Europe, leading to widened disparities in health outcomes and premature mortality. Thus, unified national and local policies are needed to reduce inequalities and promoting a pan-European inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities. Our goal is to raise public awareness of this issue, including the involvement of people with intellectual disabilities, and promote engagement from relevant stakeholders. The COST Action 'Cancer- Understanding Prevention in Intellectual Disabilities' (CUPID) project will address health inequalities faced by people with intellectual disabilities in relation to cancer, and support the development of policy recommendations specifically tailored to their unique cognitive and healthcare needs, having a positive long-term impact on quality of life.

From a learning opportunity to a conscious multidimensional change: a metasynthesis of transcultural learning experiences among nursing students.

BACKGROUND: Several educational activities in nursing schools worldwide have been implemented to promote transcultural nursing and cultural competence. Despite the diversity of their experiences and outcomes, the available evidence has not been systematically reviewed and reinterpreted. This study aimed to review and reinterpret all rigorous qualitative evidence available, providing an opportunity to understand how students learn transcultural nursing and assisting faculties, researchers, managers, and practitioners in designing new interventions to improve transcultural training. METHODS: A meta-synthesis was conducted to review and integrate qualitative studies of these phenomena. English, Spanish and Portuguese articles were searched in Pubmed and Scopus databases. Only peer-reviewed journals in which qualitative approaches were used were included. Quality was assessed using the CASP qualitative version checklist. The metasynthesis technique proposed by Noblit and Hare was used to analyse the data. RESULTS: Twenty-nine studies were included in the analysis. Most studies used phenomenological approaches that were conducted in Australia and the United States of America, with international internships being the most popular learning method. The data revealed one central theme, "From learning opportunity to conscious multidimensional change," and six subthemes. The transcultural nursing learning experience is not a simple or linear process. Instead, it appears to be a complex process formed by the interaction between a) self-awareness, b) reflective thinking, c) Cultural Encounters, d) cultural skills, e) Cultural Desire, and f) Cultural Knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: Transcultural nursing learning is a multifaceted process that arises from specific learning opportunities. This process is still to evolving. Therefore, specific educational strategies should be implemented to encourage attitudinal change and promote reflective thinking.

Developing the better and effective nursing education for improving transcultural nursing skills cultural competence and cultural sensitivity assessment tool (BENEFITS-CCCSAT).

BACKGROUND: A clear need for the development of new comprehensive, reliable, sensitive and valid measurement tools to adequately asses the cultural competence and cultural sensitivity of nursing students exists. This study aimed to develop a new measurement tool to assess the nursing students' cultural competence and sensitivity. METHODS: This cross-sectional, instrument development study's first phase included postgraduate nursing students (n = 60) for the piloting study, and the second one included undergraduate nursing students (n = 459) for the main survey. This study used two data collection forms: The Student Descriptive Information Form and the Better and Effective Nursing Education for Improving Transcultural Nursing Skills Cultural Competence and Cultural Sensitivity Assessment Tool (BENEFITS-CCCSAT) draft. The content validity index was calculated using the Davis method. Cronbach's α coefficient and the item total correlation were calculated during the reliability analysis. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) coefficient test, Bartlett significance test, and explanatory factor analysis (EFA) were used to evaluate the validity of the assessment tool. RESULTS: Scale validity and reliability analyses showed that the BENEFITS-CCCSAT included 26 items and five sub-dimensions: respect for cultural diversity; culturally sensitive communication; achieving cultural competence; challenges and barriers in providing culturally competent care; and perceived meaning of cultural care. CONCLUSION: The BENEFITS-CCCSAT appears to be a valid and reliable instrument for measuring the cultural sensitivity and cultural competence of nursing students. This can be of great use, especially before attending clinical areas, and can offer both students and faculty reliable information to promote reflective and critical thinking, especially in areas where improvement is needed.

Effects of using a stress ball on anxiety and depression in patients undergoing hemodialysis: A prospective, balanced, single-blind, crossover study.

INTRODUCTION: Use of a stress ball is a known t non-pharmacological method to distract attention and to relieve stress and anxiety. The goal of our study was to evaluate the effect of stress ball use on anxiety and depression in hemodialysis patients. METHODS: The study utilized a single-blind, balanced crossover design. There were two sequential 4-week intervention periods separated by a 4-day washout period. During one intervention period stress ball use at home was encouraged while the other 4-week "intervention" period served as a control. The order in which the two evaluation periods were applied was randomized for a given patient. Anxiety and depression were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale before and after each 4-week intervention period. FINDINGS: A total of 65 patients participated in this study. There were statistically significant reductions in both anxiety (p < 0.001) and depression (p < 0.001) during the stress ball intervention periods vs. no change during the control interventions. A delayed follow-up evaluation showed that the anxiety level of patients remained reduced after 1 month of no longer using a stress ball. DISCUSSION: The use of a stress ball at home for 4 weeks significantly decreased anxiety and depression levels in our group of hemodialysis patients.

Examination of individualised care behaviours and ethnocentrism of nurses caring for refugees: A descriptive and exploratory study.

BACKGROUND: Qualified individualised nursing care should be provided to all communities and ethnic groups with free of ethnocentrism. AIMS: To evaluate nurses' individualised care behaviours and ethnocentric attitudes and predict the relationship between their individualised care behaviours and ethnocentric attitudes. DESIGN: A descriptive and exploratory study. METHODS: This study was conducted with 250 nurses working in a public and two private hospitals in a city, an area with many refugees. Data were collected using the Ethnocentrism Scale and Individualised Care Behaviours Scale. Structural equation model analysis to test hypothetical model and descriptive statistics were used. RESULTS: Nurses working in the private hospitals had a higher individualised care decision control mean score. Those nurses who enjoyed spending time with people from different cultures had lower mean ethnocentrism scale scores, higher individualised care clinical status, personal life and decision control status subscales mean scores compared to other nurses. Mean scores of the individualised care personal life and decision control status subscales of the nurses who followed the literature on transcultural nursing was higher. A significant relationship between the ethnocentrism levels and individualised care behaviours was identified. Accordingly, the ethnocentric attitudes of the nurses negatively affected their individualised care behaviours, and the model established between the two concepts is statistically appropriate. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses who work in private hospitals, receive intercultural nursing education and enjoy spending time with different cultures have higher individualised care behaviours and lower ethnocentrism levels. Ethnocentric attitudes of the nurses negatively affected their individualised care behaviours. Care strategies should be developed that consider the factors that will maximize individualised care practices that minimize ethnocentric behaviours among nurses. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION: Increasing awareness on individualised care behaviours, ethnocentric attitudes and effected factors will contribute to improve of nursing care quality of nurses while giving care to individuals from different cultures.

Evaluation of the relationship between individual workload perception and compliance with isolation measures of emergency and critical care nurses.

BACKGROUND: As a result of the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, compliance with isolation measures has become challenging. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the individual workload perception and compliance with isolation measures of nurses working in the emergency service and critical care unit during the COVID-19 outbreak. METHODS: This descriptive correlational study was carried out in the emergency service and critical care unit of a public hospital between April 20 and May 20, 2021. A total of 153 nurses working in the emergency service and critical care unit who agreed to participate in the study were included in the study. RESULTS: Nurses from a state hospital's emergency department and critical care unit (n = 153) were included in the study sample. The impression of overall individual workload by nurses and compliance with isolation (r = 0.153; p < 0.05) had a positive, weak, and significant relationship. The Isolation Measures Compliance Scale resulted in a mean score of 70.70±5.35. The mean score on the Individual Workload Scale for nurses was moderate (3.22±0.54). CONCLUSION: The low perception of individual workload of nurses working in the emergency service and critical care unit during the COVID-19 pandemic increased the compliance with isolation measures.

Prevention of microbial colonization of feeding tubes in the intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND: Various microorganisms which increase the mortality rate in the intensive care unit (ICU) cause microbial colonization of the nasogastric tube (NGT) and use the NGT as a reservoir. AIM: To detect the colonization on the NGT and to determine the effect that training regarding hand hygiene, NGT management, and enteral feeding (EF) provided to ICU nurses and auxiliary service staff (ASS) has on the level of NGT colonization. STUDY DESIGN: A quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test control design was used in this study. Microbial samples were taken from the outer and inner parts of NGT. The microorganisms were categorized as: group 1, no risk; group 2, low risk pathogenic; group 3, high-risk pathogenic group. The training was given to nurses (n = 15) and ASS (n = 7). Hand hygiene, NGT, and EF care training are provided to nurses and ASS by researchers. A total of three training sessions were scheduled to be held in 3 weeks so that all health care staff members were trained. Each session lasted 2 h in total. Patients were assigned to a group if one of the microorganisms presented on the outer surface of the patient's feeding tube and/or on the hub. The hand hygiene compliance was evaluated by direct observation according to the World Health Organization hand hygiene indications. RESULTS: The study was conducted with 46 patients. Evaluating the patients for the presence of microorganisms before education revealed that 4.3% were in group 1, 21.8% were in group 2, and 73.9% were in group 3. After the education, evaluating the samples for the presence of microorganisms revealed that 39.1% were in group 1, 13% were in group 2, and 47.8% were in group 3. A statistically significant difference was found between the number of samples included in the groups after the participants had received training (H = 8.186; p = .017). CONCLUSIONS: An NGT could act as a reservoir of microbial colonization and high-risk microorganisms could be on the tube. Providing training not only to nurses but also to ASS will help reduce the risk of colonization. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Eliminating such colonization with effective hand hygiene during NGT feeding is a cost-effective method. Providing training not only to nurses but also to ASS will help obtain the optimum benefit from patient care.

Effect of the arterial needle bevel position on puncture pain and postremoval bleeding time in hemodialysis patients: A self-controlled, single-blind study.

AIM: This study aimed to investigate the effect of the bevel orientation (facing upwards or downwards towards the skin) of the needle inserted into the arterial limb of the arteriovenous fistula (AVF) on puncture pain and postremoval bleeding time. METHODS: This study, using a single-blind crossover design, was conducted on 35 maintenance hemodialysis patients who had been dialyzed for at least 6 months and in whom blood access was via an AVF. AVF cannulation was performed with the needle bevel pointing upward in the first six sessions and the needle bevel pointing downwards (towards the skin) in the subsequent six sessions. Needles were always inserted in the direction of blood flow. At each dialysis session, cannulation pain was measured using a visual analog scale (VAS), and the bleeding time at the end of dialysis after needle removal was recorded. FINDINGS: The VAS score and postremoval bleeding time were lower when the needle bevel pointed downwards towards the skin during insertion (P < 0.05). DISCUSSION: Insertion of the needle with the bevel pointed downward decreased puncture pain during cannulation and bleeding time postdialysis on needle removal.

Evaluating Nurses' Knowledge of Pressure Injury Prevention: A Descriptive Study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate nurses' knowledge on pressure injury (PI) prevention. METHODS: Four hundred six nurses in Turkey participated in this descriptive study between January and February 2020. Participants completed an information form and the Pressure Ulcer Prevention Knowledge Assessment Instrument (PUPKAI). The PUPKAI contains 26 items across six themes: (1) development, (2) classification and observation, (3) risk assessment, (4) nutrition, (5) interventions to reduce the amount of pressure/rupture, and (6) interventions to reduce the duration of pressure/rupture. RESULTS: The mean age of the nurses was 26.93 ± 6.72 years. The mean total PUPKAI score was 11.80 ± 3.28. Almost all participants (91.6%) had insufficient knowledge on PI prevention. Male nurses scored higher on themes 1 and 2 than female nurses (P = .046, P = .029, respectively). Nurses with a postgraduate degree scored higher in total and on themes 2, 3, 5, and 6 (P = .001, P = .006, P = .011, P = .044, P = .029, respectively), and nurses with more than 10 years of service scored higher in total and on themes 4, 5, and 6 (P = .001, P = .002, P = .001, P = .026, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The nurses who participated in this study do not have enough knowledge on PI prevention.

Evaluation of emergency service nurses' patient handover and affecting factors: A descriptive study.

AIM: The aim of the study was to determine the patient handover efficacy level of emergency room nurses and the influencing factors. METHOD: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was completed with (n = 120) emergency room nurses of two different state hospitals from April 26 to May 26, 2021. The "Nurses descriptive information form" and "Handover Evaluation Scale" were used as data collection forms. RESULTS: The mean age of the nurses was 29.53(6.327 years, 70.8% of them were female, and 76.7% of them had a bachelor's degree. The mean number of handovers was 3.25 (SD = 3.17) for one nurse in a shift, and the mean handover duration for a patient was 10.16 (SD = 9.23) minutes. More than half of the nurses (61.7%) carried out oral handover at the bedside. The mean score of the handover evaluation scale was 53.31 (SD = 9.55). The mean score of the nurses who performed the handover with all the nurses on the shift (spelling and relieving) together was 56.47 (SD = 9.21) and higher than that of the nurses who performed the handover in small groups 49.84 (SD = 9.70), (p = 0.012). CONCLUSION: The results of this study may contribute to promoting patient safety and improving patient handover processes in emergency rooms. It is recommended that standardized and comprehensive written handover forms be used, that all emergency room nurses should attend the handover process, and that further observational and interventional studies should be conducted.

Addressing the effects of transcultural nursing education on nursing students' cultural competence: A systematic review.

AIM: This study aimed to synthesize the findings of studies evaluating educational programs providing curricular transcultural nursing education. BACKGROUNDS: Nursing care education about cultural diversity and experience with taking care of patients from different cultures and special populations are significant factors that could likely influence cultural competence. The effect of transcultural nursing education given to nursing students has been investigated by different researchers and different methods. Addressing the effects of transcultural nursing education on nursing students' cultural awareness, knowledge and attitudes can contribute to future transcultural nursing education activities and the creation of training content. DESIGN: This study was a methodological systematic review study. METHODS: Methodological quality was assessed following the PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Science Direct, APA PsycArticles, OVID, EBSCO, and Web of Science databases were searched from 2010 to 2020. The following keywords were used: "Transcultural nursing", "education", "curriculum", "course", "effectiveness", "cultural competence", "knowledge", "skills", "attitudes", and "nursing students". Studies published in peer-reviewed journals in English using both experimental and quasi-experimental designs were included. RESULTS: Total of 11 research papers, (n = 1375) nursing students' outputs were included in this review. Cultural competence interventions/programs were provided as part of the core theoretical courses or as elective courses. Different durations and types of teaching methods included debates, discussions, case scenarios, practicums, simulation, international learning projects, experiential learning, storytelling, and traditional teaching lectures. In ten studies, an increase in the level of culture-related competences was reported as statistically significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Limited studies have generally proven the effectiveness of transcultural nursing education provided to nursing students. Education content, training methods and training periods were not standard in the literature. More comprehensive, valid and reliable measurement tools are needed to evaluate the education provided for nursing students.

The relationship between intercultural effectiveness and intercultural awareness and xenophobia among undergraduate nursing and vocational schools of health services students: A descriptive study.

BACKGROUND: Students who will become health professionals should be educated according to universal standards of providing foreign patients with culturally satisfying health care, free from discrimination. AIM: This study aims to identify the relationship of intercultural effectiveness and awareness with xenophobia in undergraduate nursing students and vocational schools of health services students. METHOD: This descriptive study was conducted with undergraduate nursing students (N= 257) and vocational schools of health services students (N = 341) in a region with a high refugee population in Turkey. Data were collected through the "Intercultural Awareness Scale," the "Intercultural Effectiveness Scale," and the "Xenophobia Scale." RESULTS: Of all the participants, 70.1% were females, and the mean age was 20.70 ± 2.64 years; 57% of the students were from the vocational school students, and 43% from the undergraduate nursing program. Female students had significantly higher scores in intercultural effectiveness, behavioral flexibility, xenophobia (p = 0.036, p = 0.041, p = 0.001, respectively), interaction relaxation and interactant respect (p < 0.001, p < 0.001), while male students had significantly higher intercultural awareness (p < 0.001). The median intercultural effectiveness score of the students living in the rural area was low (p = 0.044), and the median xenophobia score of the students who lived abroad was significantly lower (p = 0.032). There was a negative correlation between the Intercultural Effectiveness Scale total and Intercultural Awareness and Xenophobia Scale total mean scores (r = -0.085, r = 0.182), and there was a weak, positive correlation between the Intercultural Awareness Scale total mean scores and the Xenophobia Scale mean scores (r = 0.113). CONCLUSION: Intercultural sensitivity is considered to be improved by including course content in the curriculum to improve students' intercultural effectiveness and awareness levels and decrease their xenophobic prejudices.

Evaluation of dyspnea severity and sleep quality in patients with novel coronavirus.

AIM: Dyspnea, a common symptom of novel coronavirus, can negatively affect sleep quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between dyspnea severity and sleep quality in patients with COVID-19. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional design was used. METHODS: Using the researcher's mobile phone, data were collected via an online questionnaire from patients (n = 100) who agreed to participate in the study. The data-collection form comprised three parts: a patient descriptive information form, the Dyspnea-12 Questionnaire, and the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RCSQ). RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 46.39 ± 12.61 years and 66.0% were men. Patients who were treated in the intensive care unit had bachelor's degree or more and patients with comorbid diseases had low mean scores from the RCSQ and high mean scores from the Dyspnea-12 Questionnaire (P < .001, P < .001; P = .047, P < .001; P < .001, P < .001, respectively). Patients who were not receiving oxygen therapy had higher RCSQ mean scores and lower Dyspnea-12 Questionnaire scores (P < .001, P < .001; P < .001, P < .001, respectively). There was a strong negative relationship between the total scores obtained from the RCSQ and the Dyspnea-12 Questionnaire (r = -.701, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Sleep quality is affected by dyspnea severity in patients with COVID-19. Sleep quality and dyspnea severity are also influenced by quite different factors, and these should be addressed and eliminated by nurses as part of a holistic approach. The results of this study will help nurses, especially those providing treatment and care for patients with COVID-19, to identify the factors affecting dyspnea and sleep quality and to plan, implement and evaluate nursing interventions that will reduce their workload.

Do biochemical parameters and intradialytic symptoms affect post-dialysis recovery time? A prospective, descriptive study.

The recovery time is defined as the time required to recover from the feelings of lassitude and fatigue. The daily activities of patients are affected by dialysis sessions, requiring significant time for patients to return to their routines. This situation implies a lower quality of life for HD patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of biochemical parameters and intradialytic symptoms on post-dialysis recovery time in maintenance HD patients. This study was conducted at a private dialysis center during June and August 2019. Data were collected using the "Descriptive Characteristics Form" and the "Dialysis Symptom Index." "STROBE check-list" was used for the report of the study. The study was completed with 86 participants. The median post-dialysis recovery time was 240 min (interquartile range, 120-360 min), and female patients exhibit significantly higher recovery time than male patients. The median BMI was statistically significantly higher in patients whose post-dialysis recovery time was ≥240 min. Additional findings show that the post-dialysis recovery time was shortened by 0.230 times for male patients, while intradialytic hypotension (IDH) prolonged the median post-dialysis recovery time by 3.141 times. Factors underlying the IDH should be determined in order to eradicate the issue. The study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov with the number NCT04274556.

Musculoskeletal Pain, Related Factors, and Posture Profiles Among Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study From Turkey.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate musculoskeletal pain due to mechanical reasons and related risk factors in adolescents and to define posture profiles of adolescents. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. METHODS: The study was conducted with 2221 adolescents between February 2015 and May 2015. The questionnaire used to collect data consisted of three parts: (1) descriptive characteristics of the participants, (2) pain assessment of 14 parts of the body, and (3) Back Pain and Body Posture Evaluation Instrument (BackPEI). RESULTS: The prevalence of low back pain among the participants was 73.3% (n = 1,343), while the prevalence of back pain was 68.4% (n = 1,254). The participants attributed their pain to their poor sitting postures at school (38.1%, n = 847) and carrying school backpacks (84.1%, n = 1,713). There was a statistically significant difference in the physical activities of adolescents and the BackPEI score (z = 4.40; p = .001). Posture factors of the BackPEI score increased while school desk comfort score increased (Spearman's rho = 0.148; p = .001), but it decreased while the school grades of the adolescents increased (Spearman's rho [ρ] = -0.161; p = .001). CONCLUSIONS: According to this study, body posture was related to musculoskeletal pain and was correlated with physical activities, school desk comfort, and school grades of the adolescents. It is suggested that correct posture and ergonomic positions should be taught to adolescents when using computers, carrying school backpacks, and sitting in school chairs to prevent musculoskeletal pain.