Effect of polycystic ovary syndrome on the life quality of young women.

OBJECTIVE: The study evaluated the opinions of polycystic ovary syndrome on the life quality of women. METHODS: A total of 249 women with polycystic ovary syndrome participated in this descriptive study between October 2022 and July 2023 in Istanbul, Turkey. FINDINGS: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Quality of Life was significantly correlated with age (p=0.000) and frequent weight loss diets (p=0.000) (p<0.01). Among the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Quality of Life total score and polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms, those with hormone imbalance and insulin resistance had the highest mean scores, while those with menstrual irregularity and fatigue had the lowest. CONCLUSION: Advancing age changes the quality of life of women with polycystic ovary syndrome. To prevent the negative impact of polycystic ovary syndrome on women's quality of life, it is recommended that health professionals develop effective care plans utilizing available evidence.

Challenges Faced by Mothers With Visual Impairment From the Preconception Period Through the Postpartum Period.

INTRODUCTION: There is a misperception in society that individuals with visual impairment are asexual and cannot marry, have children, or take care of children. In addition, individuals with visual impairment face difficulties in many aspects of life due to accessibility issues. Although it is expected that visually impaired individuals experience difficulties when having children, very few studies have focused on understanding the challenges women with visual impairment face in the process of having children. The aim of this study was to identify the challenges faced by mothers with visual impairment from preconception through the postpartum period in Turkey. METHODS: Semistructured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 17 mothers with visual impairment. Participants were from 28 to 38 years of age, and their youngest children were 2 years old or younger. Participants were asked about their experiences with the decision to have children, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Content analysis was used to analyze and present the data. RESULTS: Participants had 1 to 3 children and a mean age of 32.4 years. Eleven themes were identified within 4 periods: preconception, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Themes related to the experience of the preconceptional period included concern about the decision to have a child and the social pressure on the decision to have a child. Themes related to the experience of pregnancy included inaccessible pregnancy tests, emotional reactions to pregnancy, dissatisfaction with health care providers, and unmet expectations. Themes related to labor and birth included mixed feelings about labor dissatisfaction with health care providers and unmet expectations. Themes related to the postpartum period included personal care, infant care, reaction of the social network, and unmet expectations. DISCUSSION: The mothers with visual impairment faced many challenges in the process of becoming a parent. Mothers expressed the need for accessible health services from institutions and health professionals.

Effect of polycystic ovary syndrome on the life quality of young women

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The study evaluated the opinions of polycystic ovary syndrome on the life quality of women. METHODS: A total of 249 women with polycystic ovary syndrome participated in this descriptive study between October 2022 and July 2023 in Istanbul, Turkey. FINDINGS: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Quality of Life was significantly correlated with age (p=0.000) and frequent weight loss diets (p=0.000) (p<0.01). Among the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Quality of Life total score and polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms, those with hormone imbalance and insulin resistance had the highest mean scores, while those with menstrual irregularity and fatigue had the lowest. CONCLUSION: Advancing age changes the quality of life of women with polycystic ovary syndrome. To prevent the negative impact of polycystic ovary syndrome on women's quality of life, it is recommended that health professionals develop effective care plans utilizing available evidence.

Cervical Dysplasia Distress Questionnaire: Turkish validity and reliability study.

The aim of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of the Turkish adaptation of the Cervical Dysplasia Distress Questionnaire (CDDQ) in women with abnormal Pap smear results. This validation study was conducted using a cross-sectional research design. A total of 115 patients who were being followed up in the obstetrics and gynecology outpatient clinic of a university hospital due to an abnormal Pap smear test were included. In the study, the results of language and content validity, item analysis, exploratory, and confirmatory factor analyses, internal consistency coefficients, and concurrent and convergent validity were assessed in order to adapt the CDDQ to the Turkish language and culture and to determine its reliability and validity. It was determined that all factor loads of the scale ranged from 0.13 to 0.85. The exploratory variance was found to be 29.986 for the first subscale, 19.734 for the second subscale, 16.551 for the third subscale, and 66.271 for the overall scale. Cronbach's alpha values for the tension during the examination, concerns about health consequences, and concerns about sexual consequences were 0.92, 0.91, and 0.87, respectively. The desired level of correlation was achieved between the CDDQ and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). In the study, the Turkish adaptation of the CDDQ was found to be a valid and reliable instrument to assess psychological distress in women with abnormal Pap smear results.

Effect of sexual counseling on sexual function and sexual quality of life for women undergoing open heart surgery: a pilot randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Sexual counseling can improve or may have benefit to patients' sexual function after open heart surgery. AIM: The study aims to determine the effect of sexual counseling on sexual function and quality of sexual life with the PLISSIT model (ie, permission, limited information, specific suggestions, intensive therapy) for women undergoing open heart surgery. METHODS: The study was a pilot randomized controlled trial. Seventy women who planned open heart surgery were randomly divided into the control group or the sexual counseling group between November 2020 and November 2021. In addition to routine care, sexual counseling with the PLISSIT model was given to women in the sexual counseling group for 12 weeks after the operation. During the research, 6 PLISSIT sessions were conducted. Women in the control group received routine postoperative care, which included hospital-provided postoperative home care practices (medication, nutrition, physical activity). OUTCOMES: Data were obtained with an information form, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Female Sexual Function Index, and the Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire-Female. RESULTS: The women in the sexual counseling and control groups were similar in terms of sociodemographic, obstetric, gynecologic, general health, current heart disease, and sexual function data (P > .05). After sexual counseling with the PLISSIT model, scores on the Female Sexual Function Index and Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire-Female significantly increased in the sexual counseling group while Beck Depression Inventory scores decreased (P < .05). Comparisons were made within and between groups. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Sexual counseling with the PLISSIT model is a useful and effective model for health professionals to improve the sexual function and sexual quality of life of women's who will undergo open heart surgery. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: The limitations of the study were as follows: only 1 assessment after the intervention ended, no short- or long-term follow-up, and a small sample size. Other limitations include the absence of controls for therapeutic context or positive expectations in the experimental group. CONCLUSION: Sexual counseling with the PLISSIT model after open heart surgery increased the sexual function and sexual quality of life of women while reducing the symptoms of depression.

Effect of Reflexology on Decreasing Postoperative Pain and Anxiety After Total Abdominal Hysterectomy.

Surgical patients experience both postoperative pain and anxiety, as they try to cope with pain. Despite technological advances, pharmacological methods are inadequate for decreasing postoperative pain and anxiety. Reflexology has been implemented and considered effective in these areas in many countries. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of reflexology on decreasing postoperative pain and anxiety after a hysterectomy. The study was an intervention randomized study. The population of the investigation is all patients who had a hysterectomy between February 2012 and December 2014 in the Istanbul University Obstetrics and Gynecology service. The sample was 100 women chosen after a power analysis (minimum: 74) (experimental: 54, control: 46) within the population of the investigation who agreed to participate in the study. Using a table of random numbers, patients in the sample were divided into groups. Data was collected using the patient information and vital signs form, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-I), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Pain and Anxiety Scales, and BRIEF pain inventory. All women in the groups had similar sociodemographic, obstetric, and pain characteristics, past experience of illness, and characteristics related to their hysterectomy. All of the patients in the reflexology group stated that reflexology helped them feel better. The reflexology group compared with the control group had lower than the average VAS pain and VAS and STAI anxiety at all assessment times. Reflexology is effective in reducing anxiety and pain.

The Effect of Acupressure Applied to Sanyinjiao (SP6) on Primary Dysmenorrhea.

Context: With the technological developments and advancement of scientific knowledge in the field of health, healthcare professionals are now expected to identify strategies for the use of complementary therapies and to guide healthy and ill individuals in their correct and effective use. Acupressure-a simple, effective, safe, and economical therapy-may reduce the pain caused by dysmenorrhea. Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the benefits of acupressure applied to the Sanyinjiao (SP6) acupressure point for treatment of primary dysmenorrhea. Design: The research team designed a randomized controlled trial. Setting: The study took place at the Health Services Vocational School at Duzce University in Duzce, Turkey. Participants: Participants were 67 students with dysmenorrhea, who were studying business administration at the university between October 2016 and January 2018. Intervention: Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups, in compliance with the study's criteria. The acupressure group pressed the SP6 acupressure point on each leg once a day for 10 minutes, for the first three days of each menstrual period for three months. The students in the acupressure and placebo group have been followed up for a total of four cycles. The participants in the acupressure group have been advised to press to the SP6 acupressure point for ten minutes every day on each leg for the first three days of each menstruation period for three months; the participants in the placebo group have been recommended to scrub the sham-acupressure point for ten minutes every day on each leg for the first three days of each menstruation period for three months. Within the last month(Month 4), evaluation forms have been applied without any further practices. The control group rubbed a false acupressure point on each leg once a day for ten minutes, for the same period. Outcome Measures: A diagnostic form was used to collect the study's data and to determine participants' demographic characteristics. A visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) were used to evaluate dysmenorrhea pain. A satisfaction form was used to evaluate participants' satisfaction. Results: On the VAS, the severity of pain was lower in the acupressure group than in the control group. On the BPI, the scores were lower and the pain caused less discomfort in the acupressure group than in the control group. Moreover, both groups were satisfied with the practices. Conclusions: Acupressure can be used as an effective and reliable method for the management of primary dysmenorrhea.

Opinions of pregnant women about vaginal birth after caesarean section.

Vaginal birth after caesarean section (VBAC) is regarded as an effective option to reduce rapidly increasing C-section rates. The aim of the descriptive and cross-sectional study was to reveal opinions of women with experiences of prior C-section about VBAC and the factors affecting their opinions. The study included 283 pregnant women whit a history of previous C-section and followed up in a research and training hospital in Istanbul. Study data were collected by face-to-face interview method through The Personal Information Form and The Opinions about VBAC Form. Obtained data were analyzed with Number Cruncher Statistical System 2007 and evaluated with percentages, mean, standard deviation and Chi-square test. The statistical significance was set at p<0,05. According to the study results, 74.6% of the participants wanted to have a vaginal birth (VB) in their first pregnancy, whereas 56.9% were satisfied with the result of their first pregnancy with a C-section. The rate of those who are satisfied with the current pregnancy being planned as a repeat C-section is 66.8%. Also of all the women, 66.4% found VBAC acceptable, 44.5% wanted to give birth through VBAC, and 73.1% believed it should be promoted in the country. Women thoughts about VBAC were not affected by sociodemographic and obstetric features (p>0.05). On the other hand dissatisfaction with previous C-section had positive effects on finding VBAC acceptable (p=0.000), willingness to have VBAC (p=0.000), and wanting its promotion in the country (p=0.007). Also dissatisfaction with repeated C-sections plans had positive effects on finding VBAC acceptable (p=0.000) and willingness to have VBAC (p=0.000). Similarly, an increased frequency of antenatal visits was found to increase the thoughts about the promotion of VBAC in the country (p=0.015), and asking to have C-section in the first pregnancy was found to decrease the willingness to have VBAC in the current pregnancy (p=0.000). The study results showed that although the pregnant women participating in this study had positive perceptions about VBAC, they abstained from preferring this method. Also opinions of pregnant women about VBAC were shaped by women's birth experiences and the care services they received.

The relationships between prenatal attachment, maternal anxiety, and postpartum depression: A longitudinal study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the relationships between prenatal attachment, maternal anxiety, and postpartum depression. DESIGN AND METHODS: This longitudinal study included 195 pregnant women in their third trimester. FINDINGS: The level of postpartum depression in the sixth week was found to be significantly higher in women older than 31 years, high-risk pregnancies, primipara women, women having a living child outside of the newborn, and in women who experience problems after delivery. Our findings indicated that the level of anxiety and postpartum depression decreased significantly in the sixth postpartum week. Anxiety and depression levels decreased during the weeks following the postpartum period. Furthermore, no significant relationship emerged between prenatal attachment and postpartum depression. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Nurses should evaluate psychosocial health in the prenatal and postnatal periods.

Changes in sexual intentions of LGBT people and their adaptation to social life.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to evaluate the process of change in the sexual intentions of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) individuals and their experiences pertaining to adaptation to social life. DESIGN AND METHODS: The participant introduction form and semi-structured interview form were administered to 18 LGBT people. FINDINGS: Codes were classified by LGBT persons' "environment of birth and childhood," "experience of noticing changes in sexual intentions," "disclosing the change in sexual intentions for the first time," "reactions of the family and close circle," "problems experienced," "efforts made to solve the problems," "thoughts on having different sexual intentions in Turkey," and "future expectations." PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Nurses should provide support for LGBT people to use effective resources that would assist them with their sexual intentions and the adjustment process.

Sexual Counseling with the PLISSIT Model: A Systematic Review.

A systematic review was conducted to use recent and relevant literature resources in examining the sexual counseling with the PLISSIT model. Electronic literature search was conducted on Medline, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and PubMed between January 1, 2011, and March 1, 2021. 14 studies were included in the systematic review. The mostly used study design was randomized controlled trial. It was determined that PLISSIT model on sexual counseling is an effective, simple, useful, and cost-effective counseling method.

Effects of the Better Model Based Counseling on Sexuality of Women with Breast Cancer.

Purpose: Breast cancer and side effects of its treatment cause many problems such as body image, impaired quality of life, and sexual dysfunction. The aim of this experimental study is to determine the effect of BETTER Model-based counseling programme on sexual problems of female patients with breast cancer. Methods: This study was conducted with experimental and control group design. The data of the study were obtained between April 2016 and March 2018. The sample group consisted of 60 women who agreed to participate in the study. Information Form, "EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire-BR23", "Female Sexual Function Index", and "Body Cathexis Scale" were used in order to collect the data. The "Better Model"-based counseling programme was applied in four sessions a week in the experimental group. The scales were applied again one month after the last session. The women in the control group were subjected to routine hospital control after the scales were applied. The scales were applied again in this group one month later. Results: After the "Better Model"-based counseling programme was applied,the women in the experimental group had higher scores from lubrication, orgasm, and pain subscales, and overall female sexual function index. Besides, the women in the experimental group had higher scores from body image subscale of functional scale of the quality of life questionnaire. Conclusions: In the study, it was detected that the "Better Model"-based counseling was effective in raising and enhancing sexual health awareness and decreasing the existing sexual issues in women with breast cancer.

Relationship between self-efficacy and sexual function after open heart surgery.

AIMS: The high level of self-efficacy that facilitates the adaptation of patients to their new lives and accelerates the healing process after open heart surgery has a positive effect on sexual function. The aims of the study are to examine the self-efficacy and sexual function of patients undergoing open heart surgery and factors affecting it. METHODS AND RESULTS: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 76 patients (44 females, 32 males). The data were collected with an information form, Barnason Efficacy Expectation Scales (BEES): Cardiac Surgical Version, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), International Index of Erectile Dysfunction (IIEF), and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). The mean age of the patients was 63.12 ± 7.91. It was found that 30.3% of the patients (73.9% female and 26.1% male) were sexually inactive, and they did not receive information about sexual function. The mean BEES: Cardiac Surgical Version score was 43.96 ± 6.07. The mean IIEF score was 19.07 ± 26.0, and the mean FSFI score was 15.67 ± 9.12. There was a positive correlation between BEES: Cardiac Surgical Version and IIEF (r = 0.34; P = 0.00), and there was a negative correlation between BEES: Cardiac Surgical Version and FSFI (r = -0.27; P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: It was determined that patients did not have sufficient information about sexual life after open heart surgery. The patients had sexual problems after surgery. It was found that sexual function increased with increasing self-efficacy in men, while sexual function decreased with increasing self-efficacy in women.

Effect of supportive care on the psychosocial health status of women who had a miscarriage.

PURPOSE: This study aims to determine the effect of individualized care provided based on Swanson's Caring Theory on the grief, depression, anxiety, and stress levels of women who had a miscarriage. DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 104 women who experienced a miscarriage were randomized as study (n = 52) and control (n = 52) groups. FINDINGS: The women's physical, emotional, behavioral, and cognitive grief symptoms decreased after receiving Swanson's care (P < .001). Negative feelings about the future, level of depression, and anxiety levels diminished after receiving Swanson's Care (P < .001). PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Supportive care and counseling provided after miscarriage were found to contribute to women's psychosocial well-being and to improve their ability to cope with psychological symptoms.

Stigma, hopelessness and coping experiences of Turkish women with infertility.

Objective: This study aims to determine the stigma and hopelessness infertile women face in their lives, besides their ways to cope with it. Background: In many cultures, pregnancy and parenthood as an important transition point of one's life are perceived insufficiency in reproduction mostly leading to social stigma. Infertile women also experience negative feelings like anxiety, depression, and hopelessness, which makes ways to cope with infertility significant for a sense of stability. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 278 infertile women who applied for treatment between December 2017 and April 2018 at the Medicine Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Department of the Istanbul University Hospital. The data were collected using Infertility Stigmatisation Scale (ISS), Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS), and COPE Inventory (COPE). Results: The ISS score was 47.54 ± 18.60, BHS score was 3.81 ± 2.87, COPE problem-focused subscale score was 37.47 ± 8.42, COPE emotion-focused subscale core was 47.95 ± 6.28 and COPE non-functional coping subscale score was 37.63 ± 6.18. Conclusion: As a result of this study, it was found that infertile women experienced mild stigmatisation and minimal hopelessness. It was determined that infertile women more used religious coping strategy, one of the emotion-focused coping ways.

Effects of Kefir on Quality of Life and Sleep Disturbances in Postmenopausal Women.

The aim of this study is to identify the effects of kefir, an alternative treatment method, on quality of life and sleep disturbances in postmenopausal women. In this study, it is seen that kefir has positive effects on sleep disturbances, depression, and quality of life in postmenopausal women.

An Investigation of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Women Aged 40 and Over.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and associated risk factors in women aged 40 years and over. METHODS: The study was carried out with a total of 312 women. The data were collected between 1 January 2009 and 30 July 2010. As research instruments, an interview form of 19 questions that questioned personal characteristics and was developed by researchers, and the Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (BFLUTS) Questionnaire evaluating lower urinary tract symptoms were used. Linear regression analysis was used to detect associated risk factors. RESULTS: The rates of urgency, urinary incontinence, nocturia, and frequency symptoms were 61.5, 52.2, 18.9, and 25%, respectively. BFLUTS total scores increased with age, but the present study has detected no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05). BFLUTS scores of the women demonstrated statistically significant differences according to several risk factors including menopause status (P = 0.03), presence of chronic illness (P = 0.000), medicine use (P = 0.000), recurrent urinary tract infections (P = 0.000), body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.004), delivery number (P = 0.005) and chronic constipation (P = 0.002). Multiple linear regression analysis determined that frequent urinary tract infections, presence of chronic illness, chronic constipation, BMI and number of deliveries were significantly related to LUTS development. CONCLUSION: The most common LUTS was urgency in women aged 40 years and older. Recurrent urinary tract infection was determined as the most significant risk factor for LUTS, followed by chronic illness, chronic constipation, higher BMI and parity.

Psychosocial Adaptation and Depressive Manifestations in High-Risk Pregnant Women: Implications for Clinical Practice.

BACKGROUND: High-risk pregnancy research has focused primarily on psychological well-being. AIMS: The aim is to determine psychosocial adaptation and depression levels of pregnant women who were admitted to hospital with diagnosis of high-risk pregnancy. METHODS: This study was descriptive. Sampling was composed of 122 high-risk pregnant women who were hospitalized in the perinatology service of Istanbul University Medical School, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology between January 1, 2014, and May 31, 2014, and met the study criteria. The Pregnant Introduction Form, Psychosocial Adjustment of Illness Scale-Self Report, and CES Depression Scale were used. RESULTS: Of high-risk pregnant women, 47% were found to have a poor level of psychosocial adaptation and 57% presented with depressive symptoms. There were statistically significant difference found between the levels of psychosocial adaptation and status of depressive manifestations. The difference between the average scores increased as the adaptation levels weaken and the pregnant women with a poor level of psychosocial adaptation showed more depressive manifestations. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that, depending on the high-risk pregnancy status, pregnant women experience difficulty in adaptation to their current status and pregnant women with a poor level of psychosocial adaptation showed more depressive manifestations. LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: Nurses should deliver care in high-risk pregnancies with the awareness of physiological needs as well the psychosocial needs of pregnant women, and information meetings should be held in order to increase the psychosocial support of their families and decrease their tendency toward depression. Nursing initiatives should be developed with further studies for the psychosocial adaptation of high-risk pregnancy and reduction of the depressive manifestations.

Evaluation of Patients' Satisfaction With Nursing Students' Care on a Perinatology Ward.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate patient satisfaction with the care provided by nursing students on a perinatology ward. METHOD: The sample for this descriptive study included 210 patients. Data were collected using an interview form and the Turkish version of the Oncology Patients' Perceptions of the Quality of Nursing Care Scale-Short Form. RESULTS: According to the mean scores for all subscales in the instrument, patients were highly satisfied with the care they received from the nursing students. Multivariate analysis revealed that the reason for hospitalization was found to be the most statistically significant factor affecting patient perceptions of quality of care. CONCLUSION: A high level of satisfaction with the care provided by nursing students indicates that the students were able to meet the patients' needs, which may serve as an indicator of the quality of nursing education and quality of care provided by future nurses.

The Effects of Alcohol Dependence on the Quality of Life and Sex Life of Women.

BACKGROUND: Alcohol dependence is a multi-dimensional and chronic disorder which affects the physical, psychological, social, sexual health and thus the quality of life of the individual. OBJECTIVES: This research was designed in order to determine the effect of alcohol dependence on the quality of life and sexual life of women. METHODS: The research was a cross-sectional and comparative relation study, consisting of a case study group constituted of women who consulted Prof. Dr. Mazhar Osman Mental Health and Disorders Training and Research Hospital's Alcohol and Substance Research, Treatment, Education Center between July 2009 and July 2010 and who were diagnosed as alcohol addicted and a healthy group, constituted of women who consulted the Gynecology Clinic of the same hospital (alcohol dependent group = 71, healthy group = 183). The data were collected using 'World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale Brief Form' (WHOQOL-BREF TR), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Data were analyzed by percentage, mean, chi-square, student's t-test, and multivariate analysis by use of SPSS 13.0 program. RESULTS: It was determined that the alcohol-dependent women presented lower WHOQOL-BREF-TR sub-dimensions and lower FSFI total scores and sub-dimensions but higher scores in BDI scale in comparison to the healthy group. CONCLUSIONS: The alcohol dependence negatively affects the quality of life and sexual life in women.