The effect of non-compliance with diet and liquid restriction on fatigue in dialysis patients.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to determine the relationship between non-compliance with dietary and fluid restriction, body mass index, and the severity of fatigue in dialysis patients. METHOD: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted on 42 dialysis patients. The data were collected employing a "General Information Form", Body Mass Index, "Fatigue Severity Scale", and "Dialysis Diet and Fluid Non-Adherence Questionnaire.". Data were evaluated using percentages, averages, one-way ANOVA, T-tests, and Pearson correlation tests. RESULTS: The average number of days when the patients did not comply with their diet was 3.69 ± 4.85, and the average number of days when they did not comply with fluid restriction was 2.71 ± 5.02. The age and marital status of the patients were found to affect the fatigue severity. It was found that the cases were associated with creatinine and calcium values and the number of days they did not comply with fluid restriction. CONCLUSION: It was determined that there was no significant relationship between non-compliance with diet and fluid restriction and the severity of fatigue. It was found that the severity of fatigue was lower in patients who complied with diet and fluid restriction, although not significantly lower than in those who did not comply.

The effect of non-compliance with diet and liquid restriction on fatigue in dialysis patients / O efeito da não aderência à dieta e restrição de líquidos sobre a fadiga em pacientes recebendo diálise / El efecto del incumplimiento de la dieta y la restricción de líquidos en la fatiga en pacientes en diálisis

ABSTRACT Objective: This study was conducted to determine the relationship between non-compliance with dietary and fluid restriction, body mass index, and the severity of fatigue in dialysis patients. Method: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted on 42 dialysis patients. The data were collected employing a "General Information Form", Body Mass Index, "Fatigue Severity Scale", and "Dialysis Diet and Fluid Non-Adherence Questionnaire.". Data were evaluated using percentages, averages, one-way ANOVA, T-tests, and Pearson correlation tests. Results: The average number of days when the patients did not comply with their diet was 3.69 ± 4.85, and the average number of days when they did not comply with fluid restriction was 2.71 ± 5.02. The age and marital status of the patients were found to affect the fatigue severity. It was found that the cases were associated with creatinine and calcium values and the number of days they did not comply with fluid restriction. Conclusion: It was determined that there was no significant relationship between non-compliance with diet and fluid restriction and the severity of fatigue. It was found that the severity of fatigue was lower in patients who complied with diet and fluid restriction, although not significantly lower than in those who did not comply.

RESUMO Objetivo: Este estudo foi conduzido para determinar a relação entre a não aderência à restrição alimentar e hídrica, o índice de massa corporal e a severidade da fadiga em pacientes recebendo diálise. Método: Foi realizado um estudo descritivo e transversal com 42 pacientes recebendo diálise. Os dados foram coletados empregando o "Formulário de informações gerais", Índice de Massa Corporal, "Escala de Severidade da Fadiga" e "Dieta da Diálise e Escala de Incompatibilidade Hídrica". Os dados foram avaliados usando porcentagens, médias, ANOVA unidirecional, testes T e testes de correlação de Pearson. Resultados: O número médio de dias que os pacientes não cumpriram os requisitos da dieta foi de 3,69 ± 4,85 e o número médio de dias que não cumpriram os requisitos da restrição hídrica foi de 2,71 ± 5,02. Foi constatado que a idade e o estado civil dos pacientes afetavam a severidade da fadiga. Foi constatado que os casos estavam associados aos valores de creatinina e cálcio e ao número de dias que não cumpriam os requisitos da restrição hídrica. Conclusão: Foi determinado que não houve relação significativa entre o não cumprimento dos requisitos da dieta e da restrição hídrica e a severidade da fadiga. Foi constatado que a severidade da fadiga foi menor nos pacientes que cumpriram os requisitos da dieta e restrição hídrica, embora não significativamente menor em comparação àqueles que não cumpriram.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Este estudio se realizó para determinar la relación entre el incumplimiento de la restricción dietética y de líquidos, el índice de masa corporal y la gravedad de la fatiga en pacientes en diálisis. Método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal sobre 42 pacientes en diálisis. Los datos fueron recolectados mediante el "Formulario de información general", Índice de Masa Corporal, "Escala de gravedad de la fatiga" y "Escala de incompatibilidad de líquidos y dieta de diálisis". Los datos se evaluaron utilizando porcentajes, promedios, unidireccional ANOVA, Pruebas T y pruebas de correlación de Pearson. Resultados: El promedio de días que los pacientes no cumplieron con su dieta fue de 3,69 ± 4,85, y el promedio de días que no cumplieron con la restricción de líquidos fue de 2,71 ± 5,02. Se descubrió que la edad y el estado civil de los pacientes afectan la gravedad de la fatiga. Se encontró que los casos estuvieron asociados con los valores de creatinina y calcio y el número de días que no cumplieron con la restricción de líquidos. Conclusión: Se determinó que no existía una relación significativa entre el incumplimiento de la dieta y la restricción de líquidos y la gravedad de la fatiga. Se encontró que la gravedad de la fatiga era menor en los pacientes que cumplían con la dieta y la restricción de líquidos, aunque no significativamente menor que en aquellos que no la cumplían.

The impact of sexual dysfunction on quality of life on nurses.

The study was conducted to determine the effect of nurses' sexual life on their quality of life. The study was conducted on 76 nurses working in a hospital in Bursa. Data were collected through Descriptive Data Collection Form, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and the SF-36 Quality of Life Scale. Mann-Whitney U, Spearman correlation, and Kruskal Wallis test were used to evaluate the data. The average age of the nurses is 38.98±8.05. The average duration of nurses' marriage is 13.95±8.96 years, and 49% of them stated that working life affects their sexual life. Sexual dysfunction was detected in 100% of the nurses. The presence of sexual dysfunction in nurses affects the quality of life. It is important to determine the risk factors in nurses' sexual life patterns to improve the quality of life.

Practices of the ABCDEF care bundle in intensive care units as reported by nurses: A cross-sectional study from Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Recent critical care guidelines recommended the evidence-based ABCDEF care bundle for intensive care unit (ICU) patients. However, limited information is available on the implementation of the bundle in Turkish ICUs. AIM: To assess the current practices of the ABCDEF care bundle as reported by ICU nurses. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study using a web-based survey was conducted. Researchers invited nurses with at least 1 year of ICU experience to participate by sending the link to the research questionnaires they created in Google Forms to the one ICU nurse association and one communication group of which they are members. RESULTS: A total of 342 ICU nurses completed the survey. Although 92% of the participants performed pain assessments in their ICUs, 52.7% reported not using protocols. Based on the responses of the nurses, spontaneous awakening and breathing trials are performed in 88.8% and 92.4%, respectively, of ICUs. Fewer than half of the participants reported following a sedation protocol in their ICUs. Only 54.7% of ICU nurses surveyed reported routinely monitoring patients for delirium. It was reported that early mobilization was practised in 68.7% of ICUs, but non-ventilated patients were mobilized more frequently (70.2%), and 9.7% of ICUs had mobilization teams. Family members were actively involved in 95% of ICUs; however, 9.7% used dedicated staff to support families and 3.5% reported that their unit was open 24 h/day for visits. CONCLUSIONS: While the implementation of most pain and sedation evaluations in ICUs were reported by nurses, many of them did not use structured delirium assessments. There is a need to encourage early mobilization programs and family participation. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Health institutions can improve patient care and outcomes by establishing and standardizing a protocol for each component of the ABCDEF care bundle in ICUs.

The effects of Ankaferd hemostat on preventing oral mucositis in colorectal cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

INTRODUCTION: New agents are introduced each day to be used in the prevention and treatment of mucositis in cancer treatment. One of those agents is the Ankaferd hemostat. Ankaferd hemostat has pleiotropic effects and anti-infective characteristics in tissue healing. METHODS: The study was designed as a randomized controlled experimental study. The sample of the study comprised a total of 66 patients (33 patients in the Ankaferd hemostat group and 33 patients in the sodium bicarbonate group) with colorectal cancer who received FOLFOX combination chemotherapy treatment in the first cycle of chemotherapy to prevent mucositis. Participants who met the criteria were randomly assigned to the groups. Before the patient received chemotherapy, ECOG performance score and Oral Mucositis Grading Scale were applied on the 7th day and 15th day. The Ankaferd hemostat group brushed teeth at least twice a day for 2 min and gargled with Ankaferd hemostat twice for 2 min for 2 weeks. The sodium bicarbonate group brushed teeth at least 2 min a day and gargled with sodium bicarbonate 4 times for 2 min for 2 weeks. The Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials diagram was used to illustrate the randomization of patients. RESULTS: When the Ankaferd hemostat group is compared with the sodium bicarbonate group, there is a significant difference in favor of the Ankaferd hemostat group in the mucositis grade on the 7th day and 15th day after chemotherapy (p < 0.05). In the binary logistic regression analysis, among the factors affecting the formation of mucositis on the 7th day, only neutrophil and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were included in the model, while only the TSH variable is statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: It was determined that Ankaferd hemostat is effective in preventing oral mucositis due to chemotherapy in adult patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer. In addition, it has been suggested to conduct new studies on the effectiveness of Ankaferd hemostat in the prevention of mucositis in different groups. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT05438771, Date: 25.06.2022).

Evaluation of Sexual Dysfunction in Patients with Hematological Malignancies.

OBJECTIVE: Physiological and/or psychological problems that affect the quality of life of the patients occur depending on the diagnosis and treatment of hematological malignancies. Cancer treatment causes sexual problems such as infertility, vaginal dryness, and erectile dysfunction in the patients. Erectile dysfunction and loss of sexual desire are the most common sexual problems of men, while dyspareunia and loss of sexual desire are the most common sexual problems of women. This descriptive study was carried out to evaluate sexual problems and affecting factors in the patients with hematological cancer. METHODS: Between July 1, 2011, and July 31, 2011, 45 sexually active patients who volunteered to participate in the study and whose written consents were obtained were included in the study. The data of the study were collected using the descriptive characteristics form prepared by the researchers based on the relevant literature and the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX). The scale scores range from 5 to 30 and a score of >11 above indicates sexual dysfunction. RESULTS: Sexual dysfunction was observed in 62.2% of the patients. About 80.0% of women and 57.1% of men had sexual dysfunction. Sexual dysfunction was observed to be highest between the ages of 52-71 (81.2%) years. The mean total ASEX score was 15.90 ± 4.25 in women and 13.34 ± 5.37 in men. The ability to reach orgasm subscale score was found to differ by gender in the ASEX scale (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of sexual dysfunction is high in the patients with hematological malignancies. It is recommended to evaluate these patients in terms of the presence of sexual dysfunction, as in the patients with other chronic diseases.

The Sexual Development and Education of Preschool Children: Knowledge and Opinions from Doctors and Nurses.

This descriptive study was carried out in order to determine the knowledge levels and attitudes of doctors and nurses regarding children's sexual development and sex education. The study was conducted with doctors and nurses who work at various clinics of two state hospitals located in the province of Istanbul. The data collection tool consisted of 58 questions. The Statistical Program for the Social Sciences, version 18.0 (SPSS 18.0) was used for data analysis. It was determined that females comprised the majority of the respondents (61 %) and were over 36 years of age (54.1 %) (37.81 ± 8.82). Of the participants in the study, 63.5 % had bachelor's degrees and 62.1 % were medical doctors. It was determined that the number of correct responses given by the respondents regarding some behaviors observed in children aged between 3 and 6 years and children's sexual development and sex education showed significant differences according to age group (p = 0.007), marital status (p = 0.004), the status of having children (p = 0.004), educational status (p = 0.005) and occupation (p = 0.000). However, in a review of the study findings, it was observed that culture had an important impact on sex-related approaches and that embarrassment and shyness is very common.

Psychometric properties of the self-efficacy for clinical evaluation scale in Turkish nursing students.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To examine psychometric properties of the Self-Efficacy for Clinical Evaluation Scale (SECS) in a nursing student sample. BACKGROUND: Self-efficacy is a good choice to be used in order to make a prediction of nursing students' performance in clinical practice. The SECS, consisting of perceived self-efficacy and importance subscales, seems to be suitable to evaluate self-efficacy regarding care skills for patients with chronic diseases. However, there is not a valid tool to evaluate the perception of self-efficacy for Turkish nursing students. DESIGN: Cross-sectional methodological design. METHODS: The sample included 400 Turkish nursing students who attended practicum at a hospital. Content of the SECS was evaluated by content validity index (CVI). Reliability was evaluated with internal consistency, item-total correlation and test-retest reliability. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and convergent and divergent validity were used to test the validity. RESULTS: The CVI results were satisfactory. We found satisfactory evidence for internal consistency and item-total correlations. Intraclass correlation coefficients showed stability of subscales. The CFA replicated two-factor structure for the SECS. This was reflected in all fit indices. All factor loadings were positive and were above the perfect level. The convergent validity was supported by the correlation between SECS and General Self-Efficacy Scale. The divergent validity findings demonstrated that SECS differentiated between students with various levels of general point average, which is an indicator of academic success. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, SECS is a reliable and valid tool used in clinical nursing education settings. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Measuring students' self-efficacy in a clinical environment can provide an insight for students into what they have learned. Nurse educators can also use the SECS to spot nursing students with weaknesses in care activities and create educational strategies to help them to enhance their academic performance. Using the SECS can yield an insight both for students and for nursing educators.

Long pentraxin-3 measured at late phase associated with GRACE risk scores in patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome and coronary stenting.

OBJECTIVES: We analyzed pentraxin 3 (PTX3) levels and the relation of PTX3 levels with GRACE risk scores in 39 patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and stabile angina after stenting. STUDY DESIGN: Seventeen patients with ACS and 22 patients with stabile angina who underwent coronary stenting were included in the study. PTX3 levels were measured serially at admission, at the 8th hour and at the 24th hour after stenting. RESULTS: While diabetes and hypertension were more frequent in the stabile angina group, leukocyte counts were significantly higher in the ACS group. PTX3 levels measured at the 8th hour were significantly higher in the ACS group compared to the stabile angina group (p=0.003). Strong correlations were observed between 24th hour PTX3 levels and GRACE scores calculated for risk of death and death/MI at admission (in-hospital/to 6 months), and for risk of death/MI at discharge to 6 months (R=0.571, p=0.01, R=0.564, p=0.01; R=0.558, p=0.02, R=0.512, p=0.03; R=0.653, p=0.004, respectively). CONCLUSION: The serum PTX3 levels may provide important information for the early risk stratification of patients with ACS who underwent coronary stenting.

The complementary and alternative medicine use among asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients in the southern region of Turkey.

The aim of this descriptive study was to investigate the complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) applications and factors associated and its use among asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients in the southern region of Turkey. The study sample consisted of 197 patients. A percentage of 86.3 of asthma and COPD patients used at least one type of CAM. The most commonly used CAM methods are deep inhalation (51.8%), herb or herbal tea (46.7%), praying (41.1%) and applying vapour (36%). Patients generally use CAM methods for breathing comfortably, improving respiration, reducing dyspnoea, and relaxing. Patients frequently use CAM methods together with medical treatments, and they benefit from these methods without getting any harm. The rate of CAM usage is higher among patients who have a longer period of asthma and COPD and more than five symptoms of asthma and COPD. In conclusion, CAM is used commonly by asthma and COPD patients. The CAM usage rate is higher among patients who have a longer period of asthma and COPD and more than five symptoms of asthma and COPD.

Beginning level nursing students' experiences with cancer patients in their first clinical placement: a qualitative appraisal in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to evaluate beginning nursing students' point of view related to caring cancer patients in their first clinical placement. METHODS: Data were collected by evaluating the diaries kept by four beginning level nursing students who were assigned to do their fundamentals of nursing clinical practice in hematology clinic from February to May 2011. A qualitative research method was used and data were analyzed using inductive method. FINDINGS: Nursing students experienced anxiety, had difficulties while communicating with cancer patients and observed some negative practices related to patient care and treatment. CONCLUSIONS: During their clinical placement nursing students were able to differentiate right and wrong practices in clinical environment, they tried to tailor their theoretical knowledge to the clinical practice and reported decrease in their anxiety by the end of clinical rotation. Being assigned to care for cancer patients was a stressful experience for the first year students. According to these results, it can be said that clinics such as hematology can be used as a clinical placement only in mandatory conditions for beginning level nursing students because of their limited clinical experience and the knowledge requirement related to these patients.

[Sexual dysfunction in patients with myocardial infarction]. / Miyokard infarktüslü hastalarda cinsel disfonksiyon.

OBJECTIVE: This study has been performed in order to define the prevalence of sexual dysfunction (SD) in patients with myocardial infraction (MI), and to identify potential correlations between sexual dysfunction and socio-demographical attributes, cardio-vascular diseases, and factors that pose risks for SDs, as well as to define whether there is a relationship between sexual dysfunction and quality of life. METHODS: In this study, which was carried out with a total of 102 patients with MI (36 women, 66 men), the data were gathered via an information form that assesses socio-demographical attributes and risk factors related to cardiovascular diseases and sexual dysfunction; international sexual dysfunction assessment forms; Short Sexual Index Inventory for women (IFSF); Erection Function International Assessment Form (IIEF) for men; and SF-36 Quality of Life Scale. Obtained data were evaluated using statistical evaluations, Student t-test, Chi-square, Fisher precise Chi-square, Yates corrected Chi-square, and Pearson correlation tests. RESULTS: Sexual dysfunction was defined in 80% of women, and 37% of men. Its prevalence was higher than expected in women. Reductions in the frequency of intercourse and sexual satisfaction were reported by 53.9% and 32.4% subjects, respectively. The most important reason associated with the decreased prevalence of sexual intercourse was the fear of re-infarction, with a rate of 85.5%. All quality of life sub-dimension scores, other than social functioning (p>0.05), were low showing statistical differences. Of the subjects, 97.1% were not given information before being discharged. On the other hand, only 57.8% of them desired to be informed on the subject. CONCLUSION: Sexual dysfunction prevalence is high in patients with MI history; SD is more frequent in women than in men, and the patients are not assessed on this aspect.