Assessment of health literacy and quality of life in women with urinary incontinence

PURPOSE

In studies conducted with different groups, the effects of health literacy on quality of life are evident; however, there is no study examining the effect of health literacy on quality of life in women with urinary incontinence. The research was carried out to determine the health literacy level of women with urinary incontinence complaints, evaluate their quality of life, and examine the relationship between the two.

METHODS

The research was carried out as a descriptive study and conducted with 142 women with urinary incontinence complaints in an education and research hospital in Turkey between October 14 and December 30, 2020. The data were collected using the Introductory Information Form, Turkey Health Literacy Scale-32, Incontinence Quality of Life Scale.

RESULTS

The THLS-32 total mean score was 28.29 ± 8.68, the IQOL total mean score was 64.35 ± 15.33. It was determined that 41.5% of the women had insufficient, 35.9% had problematic-limited, 12% had adequate and 10.6% had excellent health literacy. A positive, medium-sized statistically significant correlation was found between the TSOY-32 score and the IQOL score (r = 0.436, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Urinary incontinence has significant effects on the quality of life. It is thought that the evaluation of health literacy may be beneficial in nursing approaches to improve the quality of life of women with urinary incontinence.

The effect of the approach based on the Neuman Systems Model on stress and coping in women receiving intrauterine insemination treatment: A randomized controlled trial

This randomized controlled study was conducted to determine the effect of the approach based on the Neuman Systems Model (NSM) on stress and coping in women receiving intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatment. The study participants consisted of 62 women. Data was collected using a personal information form, the COMPI Fertility Problem Stress Scale, and the COMPI Coping Strategy Scale. Women in the intervention group had lower stress levels in their personal and marital domain post-test median scores than those in the control group. Women in the intervention group also had lower active-avoidance coping method and higher meaning-based coping method post-test mean scores. The NSM-based approach is beneficial in decreasing stress and positively affects women to cope with stress. Both infertility and its treatments are stressful. Health care professionals have important responsibilities for reducing the stress of infertile women and strengthening infertile women's ability to cope. The NSM-based approach is considered to have positive effects on stress and the ability of women to cope who receive IUI treatments. In addition, IUI is a widely applied method which is used before switching to assisted reproductive techniques. If this treatment fails, the stress coping techniques learned during this treatment can be used in later treatment processes. We conducted this study to investigate the effects of the NSM-based approach on stress and coping strategies in women receiving IUI treatment.

Hospital nurses' knowledge about older patients in Turkey: a validation and comparison study

BACKGROUND

In Turkey, nursing care in hospitals has gradually included more older patients, resulting in a need for knowledgeable geriatric nurses. It is unknown, however, whether the nursing workforce is ready for this increase. Therefore, the aim of this study is to validate the Knowledge about Older Patients Quiz (KOPQ) in the Turkish language and culture, to describe Turkish hospital nurses' knowledge about older patients, and to compare levels of knowledge between Turkish and Dutch hospital nurses.

METHOD

First, the KOPQ was translated, resulting in the KOPQ-TR. Then, content validity was assessed by 10 geriatric experts using the Lynn method, a pilot test among 10 nurses was conducted, and a Rasch analysis was performed using data from 135 nurses working in two Turkish hospitals. Finally, a comparison between Turkish and Dutch nurses' levels of knowledge was performed.

RESULTS

The results of the qualitative validation (i.e., content validity by experts and nurses), model fit, item reliability and the item separation index of the KOPQ-TR proved excellent, indicating good content and construct validity. However, the Person Separation Index and Person Reliability of the Rash analysis did not meet the criteria for adequate scale and psychometric validation. The levels of knowledge among Turkish nurses were significantly lower than those of Dutch nurses.

CONCLUSIONS

The KOPQ-TR is promising for use in Turkey, although psychometric validation should be repeated using a better targeted sample with a larger ability variance to adequately assess the Person Separation Index and Person Reliability. Currently, education regarding care for older patients is not sufficiently represented in Turkish nursing curricula. However, the need to do so is evident, as the results demonstrate that knowledge deficits and an increase in older patients admitted to the hospital will eventually occur. International comparison and cooperation provides an opportunity to learn from other countries that currently face the challenge of an aging (hospital) population.

Determination of Attitude and Stress Levels of Midwives, Nurses and Physicians Working in Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics Regarding COVID-19 Pandemic

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to determine the attitude and stress levels of midwives, nurses and physicians working in gynecology and obstetrics clinics towards the COVID-19 pandemic.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 134 healthcare workers in obstetrics and gynecology clinics. The Personal Information Form, the Attitude form for the COVID-19 pandemic and the Perceived Stress Scale were used for collecting the data.

RESULTS

It was found that the total average score of the healthcare workers' attitude scale was 55.61±5.97. The total score average of healthcare workers on the perceived stress scale was found to be 28.28±7.43.

CONCLUSION

It was determined that the attitudes of healthcare professionals towards the COVID-19 pandemic and the perceived stress for the COVID-19 pandemic were at moderate levels.

Determining the healthy lifestyle behaviors and e-health literacy levels in adolescents

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to determine the healthy lifestyle behaviors and e-health literacy levels of adolescents.

METHOD

A descriptive research design was used in this study. It was conducted with a total of 390 students in the Faculty of Health Sciences. The data were collected using a personal information form, the Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Scale II and the e-Health Literacy Scale for Adolescents. For data analysis, descriptive analyses, t-test, variance, Kruskal-Wallis, the Mann-Whitney U and Pearson Correlation tests were used. Necessary approvals were obtained to conduct this study.

RESULTS

The present study found that the e-Health Literacy Scale mean score of adolescents was 27.51 and their HLBS-II mean score was 129.01. A positive significant relationship was found between the e-health literacy and healthy lifestyle behavior in adolescents.

CONCLUSION

This study emphasizes the importance of e-health literacy in developing nursing procedures designed to increase the healthy lifestyle behaviors of adolescents.

Biofilm formation, icaABCD genes and agr genotyping of Staphylococcus aureus from fish and ground beef

A total of 46 Staphylococcus aureus isolates from fish and ground beef were tested for the agr types, icaABCD genes, and biofilm formation at 12, 25 and 37 °C by the microtiter plate and the MTT assays. All isolates were positive for the icaABD genes, while 97.8% were positive for the icaC. All isolates produced biofilms at 37 and 25 °C, but 93.5% of them were also biofilm producers at 12 °C. There was no significant difference in biofilm formation between 25 and 37 °C using the crystal violet assay (P > 0.05). However, statistically significant differences were detected between 12 and 25 °C as well as 12 and 37 °C (P < 0.05). All isolates were significantly different in biofilm production by the MTT assay at all tested temperatures. Furthermore, a relationship between the presence of the icaABCD genes and biofilm formation was observed. The agr type I was the most prevalent (54.4%) among the isolates, followed by agr type II (41.3%) and agr type III (9.6%). In this study, the S. aureus isolates exhibited biofilm formation ability responsible for persistence of bacteria in foods, which may lead to food spoilage and human health problems.

Determination of the life quality and self-care ability of the mothers in post-partum period

OBJECTIVE

To determine the life quality and self-care ability of mothers in the post-partum period. .

METHODS

This descriptive study was conducted at a family health centre based in Kars Province of Turkey from May to September 2015, and comprised mothers who were in the post-partum period. Personal information form, maternal post-partum quality of life questionnaire and self-care ability scale were used to collect data. SPSS was used for data analysis.

RESULTS

There were 290 participants with a mean age of 26.81±6.21 years (range: 16-45 years). Mean scores for sub-dimensions in the maternal post-partum quality of life questionnaire were recorded at 19.00±6.23 for affinity/family/friend, 21.05±6.10 for socio-economic, 20.79±5.97 for spouse, 20.56±6.23 for health, and 19.86±6.21 for psychological/baby. The total maternal post-partum quality of life mean score was 20.17±5.51. The mean score for the self-care ability scale was 84.56±21.39.

CONCLUSIONS

The self-care ability and post-partum life quality were substantially affected by educational status, economic condition, family type and post-partum week.

Association between radionuclides (210Po and 210Pb) and antioxidant enzymes in oak (Quercus coccifera) and mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus)

The activity levels of naturally occurring radionuclides Polonium-210 and lead-210 in different subjects including plant species have direct or indirect impact on human beings. High levels of ionising radiation cause oxidative stress and the interaction between antioxidative defense and radionuclides is not well established in plant systems. In this study, we aimed to understand the impact of oxidative stress caused by ²¹⁰Po and ²¹⁰Pb in two Mediterranean plants; Quercus coccifera and Pistacia lentiscus. We analysed the constitutive and seasonal levels of ²¹⁰Po, ²¹⁰Pb, lipid peroxidation levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activities in the field-collected samples. The highest activity concentrations of ²¹⁰Po and ²¹⁰Pb were detected in both plants in summer and Q. coccifera had higher levels than that of P. lentiscus. SOD and APX activity trends were different between oak and mastic; as compared to P. lentiscus, Q. coccifera efficiently used the two major components of antioxidative defense. Lipid peroxidation levels were low in both plants in all seasons except that of spring which were in good agreement with high antioxidant enzyme activities. In conclusion, we found that high ²¹⁰Po and ²¹⁰Pb activity concentrations in oak and mastic did not interfere with their growth and life cycles. The ability of both plants for survival and adaptation to Mediterranean environmental constraints provided an additional advantage for coping radionuclide induced oxidative stress as well.

Crystal structure of 3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-(4-methylphenyl)prop-2-en-1-one, C17H16O2

C17H16O2, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 11.6963(12) Å, b = 11.1187(8) Å, c = 11.6902(10) Å, β = 115.545(7)°, V = 1371.7(2) Å3, Z = 4, R gt(F) = 0.0350, wR ref(F 2) = 0.0865, T = 293 K.

Molecular characterization and detection of enterotoxins, methicillin resistance genes and antimicrobial resistance of Staphylococcus aureus from fish and ground beef

A total of 120 samples including 40 freshwaterfish(Oncorhynchus mykiss), 40 seawater fish (Sparus aurata) and 40 ground beef samples were examined for the presence of Staphylococcus aureus. The isolates were identified using biochemical tests and a PCR for the species-specific fragment (Sa442) and thermonuclease gene (nucA). The presence of staphylococcal enterotoxin genes (sea, seb, sec, sed and see), toxin genes (eta, etb, tsst), methicillin resistance gene (mecA) and some phenotypic virulence factors was also tested. Genotypic characterization of the isolates was analyzed by PCR-RFLP of the coa gene. Overall, 36 (30%) meat samples were contaminated with S. aureus. Of the 36 isolates, 3 (8.3%) were found to be positive for enterotoxin genes. Only 1 isolate (5.9%) from ground beef had the sea gene. In addition, 1 (12.5%) of the freshwater fish and 1 (9.1%) of the seawater fish carried both the sea and sed genes. The presence of seb, sec, see, eta, etb and tsst was not detected among the isolates of S. aureus. The amplified coa gene revealed five different clusters. Seven and six distinct RFLP patterns were obtained with AluI and HaeIII digestion, respectively. All isolates were found to be positive for slime, hemolytic and DNase activity while 41.7% of them were beta-lactamase positive. The presence of methicillin resistance was neither detected by PCR nor the disk diffusion method. A total of 94.4% of the isolates were resistant to at least one antimicrobial while 44.4% of them were resistant to at least two or more antimicrobials.

Oxidative stress and antioxidant responses to progressive resistance exercise intensity in trained and untrained males

The relationship between oxidative stress and some exercise components of resistance exercise (e.g. intensity, exercise volume) has not been clearly defined. Additionally, the oxidative stress markers may respond differently in various conditions. This study aims to determine the effects of progressive intensity of resistance exercise (RE) on oxidative stress and antioxidants in trained and untrained men, and also to investigate the possible threshold intensity required to evoke oxidative stress. RE trained (N=8) and untrained (N=8) men performed the leg extension RE at progressive intensities standardized for total volume: 1x17 reps at 50% of one-repetition maximum (1RM); 1x14 reps at 60% of 1RM; 1x12 reps at 70% of 1RM; 2x5 reps at 80% of 1RM; and 3x3 reps at 90% of 1RM. Blood samples were drawn before (PRE) and immediately after each intensity, and after 30 minutes, 60 minutes and 24 hours following the RE. Lipid-hydroperoxide (LHP) significantly increased during the test and then decreased during the recovery in both groups (p<0.05); the POST-24 h LHP level was lower than PRE-LHP. Protein carbonyl (PCO) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) significantly increased (p<0.05); however, 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and glutathione (GSH) were not affected by the RE (p > 0.05). The results indicated that there was no significant training status x intensity interaction for examined variables (p > 0.05). Standardized volume of RE increased oxidative stress responses. Our study suggests that lower intensity (50%) is enough to increase LHP, whereas higher intensity (more than 80%) is required to evoke protein oxidation.

Effect of parity on healthy promotion lifestyle behavior in women

BACKGROUND

Health-promoting lifestyle behaviors are not only for the prevention of a disease or discomfort, but are also behaviors that aim to improve the individual's general health and well-being. Nurses have an important position in the development of healthy lifestyle behaviors in women.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of parity on health-promoting lifestyle behaviors in women.

METHOD/DESIGN

This descriptive and cross-sectional survey was performed in Adana, Turkey. This study was conducted with 352 women. The questionnaire consisted of two parts; the first part consisted of questions that assessed the socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics, and the second part employed the "Health Promotion Lifestyle Profile Scale" (HPLP). Data analysis included percentage, arithmetic average, and ANOVA tests.

RESULTS

The results revealed that 24.1% of the women had no parity, 13.6% had one parity, 30.7% had two parities, 14.6% had three parities, and 17% had four and above parities. The mean total HPLP was 126.66±18.12 (interpersonal support subscale, 24.46±4.02; nutrition subscale, 21.59±3.92; self-actualization subscale, 24.42±4.30; stress management subscale, 18.73±3.81; health responsibility subscale, 21.75±4.31; and exercise subscale, 15.71±4.22).

CONCLUSIONS

The health behavior of women was moderate. A statistically significant correlation was found between the number of parities and the Health Responsibility, Nutrition, Interpersonal Support, which is the subscale of the HPLP Scale.

Traditional Practices of Turkish infertile women: an example from a rural county

Infertility is not only a health problem, but is also a central existential intrapersonal and relational conflict. Infertility treatments are invasive, expensive, time-consuming, emotionally draining. All over the world there are numerous traditional methods used in the treatment of infertility. This investigation was carried out to determine the traditional practices of infertile women in a rural county in Eastern Turkey. This is a descriptive study carried out in 105 primary infertile women. Data were collected between September 2007 and April 2008 by using a questionnaire. Data analysis included descriptive statistics. 55% of the women were in the 25-34 year age range. It was observed that only 17% of the women applied to a gynecologist without using any traditional applications while 83% of the women applied for traditional applications. The most prevalent traditional practices were consulting traditional healers, visiting mausoleums where religious leaders were buried, using traditional drugs, use of written fertility amulets. Various traditional practices against infertility are prevalent rural counties. Some of these practices may be potentially harmful for women. Health professionals should be aware that infertile women may sometimes follow questionable traditional practices and advices.

Glycine betaine protects tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants at low temperature by inducing fatty acid desaturase7 and lipoxygenase gene expression

Cold stress is among the environmental stressors limiting productivity, yield and quality of agricultural plants. Tolerance to cold stress is associated with the increased unsaturated fatty acids ratio in the plant membranes which are also known to be substrates of octadecanoid pathway for jasmonate and other oxylipins biosynthesis. Accumulation of osmoprotectant, glycine betaine (GB) is well known to be effective in the protecting membranes and mitigating cold stress effects but, the mode of action is poorly understood. We studied the role of GB in cold stress responses of two tomato cultivated varieties; Gerry (cold stress sensitive) and T47657 (moderately cold stress tolerant) and compared the differences in lypoxygenase-13 (TomLOXF) and fatty acid desaturase 7 (FAD7) gene expression profiles and physiological parameters including relative growth rates, relative water content, osmotic potential, photosynthetic efficiency, membrane leakage, lipid peroxidation levels. Our results indicated that GB might have a role in inducing FAD7 and LOX expressions for providing protection against cold stress in tomato plants which could be related to the desaturation process of lipids leading to increased membrane stability and/or induction of other genes related to stress defense mechanisms via octadecanoid pathway or lipid peroxidation products.

Spoilage potentials and antimicrobial resistance of Pseudomonas spp. isolated from cheeses

Pseudomonas spp. are aerobic, gram-negative bacteria that are recognized as major food spoilage microorganisms. A total of 32 (22.9%) Pseudomonas spp. from 140 homemade white cheese samples collected from the open-air public bazaar were isolated and characterized. The aim of the present study was to investigate the biochemical characteristics, the production of extracellular enzymes, slime and β-lactamase, and antimicrobial susceptibility of Pseudomonas spp. isolated from cheeses. The identified isolates including Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes, Pseudomonas alcaligenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas fluorescens biovar V, and P. pseudoalcaligenes ssp. citrulli were found to produce extracellular enzymes, respectively: protease and lecithinase production (100%), and lipase activity (85.7, 42.9, 100, and 100%, and nonlipolytic, respectively). The isolates did not produce slime and had no detectable β-lactamase activity. The antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates was tested using the disk diffusion method. Pseudomonas spp. had the highest resistance to penicillin G (100%), then sulphamethoxazole/trimethoprim (28.1%). However, all Pseudomonas spp. isolates were 100% susceptible to ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, amikacin, gentamicin, and imipenem. Multidrug-resistance patterns were not observed among these isolates. In this study, Pseudomonas spp., exhibiting spoilage features, were isolated mainly from cheeses. Isolation of this organism from processed milk highlights the need to improve the hygienic practices. All of the stages in the milk processing chain during manufacturing have to be under control to achieve the quality and safety of dairy products.