Impact of Laughter Yoga on Test Anxiety and Education Stress of 8th Grade Students: An Experimental Study.

Objective: In an exam-based education system, it is of utmost importance to identify levels of test anxiety and educational stress that directly affect success, and to reduce anxiety. A study was conducted to examine the effects of laughter yoga on test anxiety and educational stress in 8th grade students in Turkey. Methods: A cluster sampling, parallel-group randomized controlled trial with pre-test/post-test design studied 64 students (32 in the intervention group and 32 in the control group). The intervention group received laughter yoga sessions twice a week for 6 weeks. The control group received no intervention. Data were collected by a demographic questionnaire, the Westside Test Anxiety Scale, and the Educational Stress Scale. Results: After laughter yoga, the intervention group showed a significant decrease in test anxiety (d = 0.859; p < 0.005) and educational stress scores (d = 0.52875; p < 0.001) compared to the control group. Conclusion: Laughter yoga was associated with decreased test anxiety and educational stress. Laughter yoga activities in schools are recommended to decrease educational stress and test anxiety of students.

Challenges and Coping Strategies of Older Adults in the Aftermath of Kahramanmaras Earthquake in Türkiye: A Qualitative Research.

The aim of this study was to explore the post-earthquake experiences, difficulties, and coping strategies of older adults who experienced the Kahramanmaras earthquakes that occurred in Türkiye in 2023. This research was designed as a qualitative descriptive study. The study was conducted with 21 (13 female and 8 male) older adults and the mean age of the participants was 70.2 (in the range of 65-85). In line with the data obtained from the participants, "Fulfilling Basic Needs of Older Adults, Emotional Turmoil in Later Life, Healthcare Disparities in Aging, Adaptive Response of Older Adults" themes and sub-themes related to the theme were formed. Both physical and socio-emotional challenges, as well as coping strategies and support systems that older adults face in the aftermath of earthquakes, demonstrate unique characteristics for this demographic group. Therefore, it is recommended to plan programs by considering these differences while planning intervention programs before, during, and after the disaster.

Individual Earthquake Resilience Scale: Psychometric Properties of the Turkish Version.

INTRODUCTION: The Individual Earthquake Resilience Scale was developed with the aim of measuring individual resilience in the context of earthquake disasters. The purpose of this study was to adapt the Individual Earthquake Resilience Scale into Turkish and examine its psychometric properties. METHODS: A total of 419 adult individuals (65.2% females, median age = 43.35) participated in the study. The psychometric properties of the scale were examined in terms of content validity, face validity, construct validity, criterion-related validity, and reliability. Translation and back-translation processes were conducted. RESULTS: Confirmatory factor analyses revealed that the scale has a 4-factor structure. In terms of criterion-related validity, a positive relationship was found between Individual Earthquake Resilience and the Short Psychological Resilience Scale. The reliability of the scale was assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The total scale had a Cronbach's alpha score of 0.892. The Individual Earthquake Resilience Questionnaire subscales had Cronbach's alpha scores of 0.620, 0.817, 0.776, and 0.692, respectively. DISCUSSION: The study confirmed that the 4-factor structure of the Individual Earthquake Resilience Scale met the required standards for validity and reliability at an acceptable level. This validates its use in assessing individual resilience within the context of earthquakes in a Turkish-speaking population.

Knowledge, Beliefs, and Cultural Practices of Sexual and Reproductive Health Among Afghan Refugee Women in Türkiye.

INTRODUCTION: Limited research on experiences of women, who constitute a double vulnerable group in both women and refugee status, regarding sexual and reproductive health. The purpose of this study is to examine the knowledge, beliefs, and cultural practices of Afghan women living in Türkiye regarding sexual and reproductive health. METHOD: This descriptive phenomenological study was conducted with 18 Afghan refugee women. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data. RESULTS: Four themes emerged from interviews: cultural practices and beliefs related to pregnancy and postpartum, use of contraceptive methods, gender-based violence, and access to health services. CONCLUSIONS: Afghan women have different cultural practices regarding prenatal, pregnancy, and postpartum and lack of knowledge about sexual and reproductive health. Considering individual differences in sexual and reproductive health, providing sensitive, supportive, and informative services is recommended.

Nurses' Experiences as Care Providers for Syrian Refugees With Noncommunicable Diseases: A Qualitative Study.

INTRODUCTION: Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of disability and death in the world. In Syria, the incidence of NCDs in refugees is 45%. Cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes, and other NCDs are the most common causes of morbidity in Syria. Nurses have challenges caring for Syrian refugees with NCDs. The purpose of the study was to explore nurses' experiences of caring for Syrian refugees with NCDs in Turkey. METHODOLOGY: A phenomenology design was used. Inclusion criteria were nurses working experience of more than 1 year, caring for Syrian refugees with NCDs, and willingness and ability to participate in an individual interview. The participants were 20 nurses who worked with Syrian refugees at a public hospital in Kilis Province the border with Syria. Data were collected using semistructured interviews and analyzed by the thematic analysis method of Braun and Clarke. RESULTS: Three major themes and six subthemes were identified. Major themes included the communication experience, cultural differences, and Syrian refugees' lack of knowledge about NCDs. DISCUSSION: The results provide insight related to nursing care in Turkey for Syrian refugees with NCDs. The study revealed that nurses encountered challenges when caring for Syrian refugees with NCDs. Culturally competent assessment and interventions for refugees with NCDs should be encouraged considering these three themes.

The mediating role of intercultural communication apprehension in the relationship between ethnocentrism and attitude towards asylum-seekers of nursing students.

BACKGROUND: In order to provide culturally appropriate care, nursing students' intercultural communication anxiety, ethnocentrism and attitudes towards refugees should be examined. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the relationship among ethnocentrism and attitudes towards refugees in nursing students and to determine whether intercultural communication apprehension could mediate the relationship between ethnocentrism and attitude towards asylum-seekers. DESIGN: A cross-sectional, descriptive design. PARTICIPANTS: 226 nursing students in Turkey. METHODS: Data were collected using ethnocentrism, intercultural communication apprehension, and attitudes towards asylum-seekers scales and analyzed with Pearson's correlation coefficient and Baron and Kenny's three-regression analysis and Sobel test. RESULTS: Ethnocentrism was positively associated with both intercultural communication apprehension and attitudes towards asylum-seekers scale. Intercultural communication apprehension was positively associated with attitudes towards asylum-seekers scale. Intercultural communication apprehension mediated the relationship between ethnocentrism and attitudes towards asylum-seekers (Z = 4.0497, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In line with these results, intercultural communication apprehension was a crucial mediator between ethnocentrism and attitudes towards asylum-seekers. Interventions to improve intercultural communication apprehension of nursing students should include nursing students' ethnocentrism and attitude towards refugees.

Anxiety and fear of COVID-19 among nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic: A descriptive correlation study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess current situations regarding anxiety and fear of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) level among nursing students. DESIGN AND METHODS: A descriptive correlation design was adopted. The sample consisted of 234 nursing students. Data were collected using sociodemographic form, Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Fear of COVID-19 scale. FINDINGS: The mean BAI score of the students was 26.56 ± 8.86 and Fear of COVID-19 total score was 18.95 ± 7.00. A positive correlation between total scores of the BAI and Fear of COVID-19. The results of this study reveal that anxiety and fear of COVID-19 levels were high among nursing students. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: These findings have underlined there is an urgent need for interventions to reduce anxiety and fear of COVID-19 among nursing students.

Attitudes toward aging and loneliness among older adults: A mixed methods study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to comprehensively investigate attitudes toward aging and loneliness in Turkish older adults living at a nursing home (n = 110). DESIGN AND METHODS: A convergent mixed methods design was used. Data were collected using Europe-attitudes to aging questionnaire (AAQ) and De Jong Gierveld loneliness scale (DJGLS); and through semi structured interviews. FINDINGS: The participants obtained mean scores of 19.98 ± 3.0 on the DJGLS and 71.84 ± 7.7 on the AAQ. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Healthcare professionals should improve their awareness about nursing home-dwelling older adults' attitudes toward aging and their experiences of loneliness so that they are better informed to address these issues and develop appropriate interventions that foster adaptive coping strategies.

Effects of Laughter Therapy on Life Satisfaction and Loneliness in Older Adults Living in Nursing Homes in Turkey: A Parallel Group Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: This study examined the effects of laughter therapy on life satisfaction and loneliness in older adults living in nursing homes. DESIGN: A single-blind, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial (ClinicalTrials NCT03687788) with a pretest-posttest design was conducted. METHODS: There were 31 experimental participants and 31 controls. The experimental group received laughter therapy twice a week for 6 weeks, along with usual care. The control group received usual care only. Loneliness was measured with the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, and life satisfaction was measured with the Satisfaction With Life Scale. FINDINGS: After 6 weeks, there was a statistically significant difference in De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale total score between the two groups, and the subscale scores of the experimental group decreased. CONCLUSIONS: Laughter therapy may reduce loneliness in older adults. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Healthcare professionals, especially nurses, can potentially use laughter therapy to reduce loneliness in older adults.

Lived Experiences for Supportive Care Needs of Women with Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: A Phenomenological Study.

This descriptive phenomenological study was conducted to explore the lived experiences for supportive care needs of women with breast cancer-related lymphedema. Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data. Thematic analysis method was used for data analysis. Data saturation was achieved after interviewing 19 participants. The study was divided into four main themes and nine subthemes: physical (caused by difficulties in performing household chores, limitations in performing self-care activities, and challenges in shopping), psychosocial (being addicted to someone else in daily life, uncertainty about the future, social, and religious support), healthcare systems and information (attention from healthcare professionals, education and lifestyle advices, and access to healthcare sources), and financial supportive care needs. Women experience various SCNs in their daily lives. Provision of supportive care from both family members or others and healthcare professionals could ease the daily lives, improve physical, and psychosocial well-being.

A systematic review of the effect of laughter yoga on physical function and psychosocial outcomes in older adults.

BACKGROUND: Laughter yoga is one of the increasingly used methods among complementary health approaches in the world. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of laughter yoga on physical function and psychosocial outcomes in older adults. METHODS: In this systematic review, electronic searches were performed in CINAHL, Web of Science, COCHRANE, Scopus, ProQuest databases from May 2010 to May 2020. The screening process was conducted by two authors independently and finally agreed together. The review was reported according to PRISMA guideline. RESULTS: A total of 3210 studies were examined, and seven publications (six quasi experimental and one randomized control trial), in accordance with the inclusion criteria were included in the study and evaluated. The results indicated that significant differences were found in the effectiveness of laughter yoga on physical function (blood pressure, cortisol level, sleep quality) and psychosocial health (life satisfaction, quality of life, loneliness, death anxiety, depression, mood, happiness) in older adults. CONCLUSION: Laughter yoga is a cost-effective and no adverse effect in older adults. It can be used for health promotion for older adults.

The effect of care burden on formal caregiver's quality of work life: a mixed-methods study.

BACKGROUND: The health of caregivers is as important as that of the elderly they care for. Although several studies have stressed the necessity and importance of reducing the care burden on formal caregivers and increasing the quality of their working lives, this issue has not been addressed both qualitatively and quantitatively from the caregivers' perspective. AIM: This study is a comprehensive assessment of the effects of formal caregivers' care burden on the quality of their working lives. METHOD: A convergent design of mixed methods was used. This study was conducted with 110 formal caregivers at an Elderly Care and Rehabilitation Center between 1 and 31 January 2019. Additional semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 of the respondents. Descriptive statistics were used for quantitative analysis and thematic statistics for qualitative analysis. The quantitative and qualitative data were merged and integrated for a mixed-method analysis. RESULTS: The relationship between the quality of working life and care burden was statistically significant for the formal caregivers. The results of the interviews supported this relationship. Four themes emerged from the interviews: the effects of caregiving on care staff, the effects of caregiving on caregivers' daily lives, the requirements for providing better care and caregivers' description of caregiving in a few words. CONCLUSION: Given that the care burden of formal caregivers affects the quality of their working lives, this burden should be assessed on a regular basis and efforts needed to be made to reduce it and improve the quality of their working lives.

Professional care team burden scale: cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the Turkish version.

INTRODUCTION: Care teams in nursing homes have to meet the expectations of the people they care for, their relatives and the institutions. This affects the quality of the care. An increased care burden may negatively affect the quality of work, lives and the health of formal caregivers. OBJECTIVES: This methodological cross-sectional study was conducted to adapt the Professional Care Team Burden (PCTB) Scale, which was developed to assess the difficulties experienced by caregivers working in long-term care, to Turkish and test its validity and reliability. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study was conducted with 100 caregivers working at a nursing home and rehabilitation centre. The Caregiver Information Form and the Professional Care Team Burden Scale were used to collect data. The language and content validity, construct validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the scale were tested, respectively. RESULTS: The factor analysis showed that the Professional Care Team Burden Scale could be used in two dimensions. When the test-retest was done, the reliability of the scale was found to be high (0.982). The construct validity of the scale showed that the three-factor model did not acceptably fit the data, while the two-dimensional model obtained by removing some of the variables from the model did fit the data (RMSEA = 0.106, GFI = 0.933, CFI = 0.916, IFI = 0.919, RFI = 0.778 and RMR = 0.078). The factor loadings for the construct validity of the scale demonstrated that the two-factor model showed an acceptable fit. CONCLUSIONS: The study found that the two-factor Turkish version of the Professional Care Team Burden Scale met the validity and reliability criteria. The scale, which has an important place in the assessment of the formal caregivers' burden, can be used with healthcare professionals providing care for older adults.

The preliminary effects of laughter therapy on loneliness and death anxiety among older adults living in nursing homes: A nonrandomised pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the preliminary effect of laughter therapy on the level of loneliness and death anxiety of older adults. METHODS: This was a quasi-experimental study with a nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design. The study participants were older adults living in two nursing homes set up by foundations located in the capital of Turkey. A total of 50 older adults formed the intervention group (n = 20) and control group (n = 30). The intervention group received laughter therapy twice a week for 5 weeks. The control group received no intervention. Data were collected using a socio-demographic form, the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale (DJGLS) and the Turkish Death Anxiety Scale (TDAS). RESULTS: After laughter therapy, the DJGLS total and subscale (emotional and social loneliness) scores decreased among older adults in the intervention group (p < 0.005). While there were no significant differences for overall TDAS, death uncertainty and pain subscales scores between the intervention and control group after laughter therapy, there was a significant decrease in TDAS exposure subscale scores of the intervention group (p < 0.005). DISCUSSION: The results suggest that laughter therapy can be used to decrease levels of loneliness and death anxiety among older adults living in nursing homes. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Anxiety regarding death and loneliness are important issues that affect quality of life in older adults. This first pilot study demonstrates the beneficial effects of laughter therapy on loneliness and death anxiety in nursing home residents. Nurses can incorporate laughter therapy into routine programmes in nursing homes.