Derya Tanrıverdi

Knowledge, attitudes and anxiety towards influenza A/H1N1 vaccination of healthcare workers in Turkey

BackgroundThis study aimed to analyze the factors associated with knowledge and attitudes about influenza A (H1N1) and vaccination, and possible relations of these factors with anxiety among healthcare workers (HCW).MethodsThe study used a cross-sectional descriptive design, and it was carried out between 23 November and 4 December 2009. A total of 300 HCW from two hospitals completed a questionnaire. Data collection tools comprised a questionnaire and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI).ResultsVaccination rate for 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) among HCW was low (12.7%). Most of the respondents believed the vaccine was not safe and protective. Vaccination refusal was mostly related to the vaccines side effects, disbelief to vaccines protectiveness, negative news about the vaccine and the perceived negative attitude of the Prime Minister to the vaccine. State anxiety was found to be high in respondents who felt the vaccine was unsafe.ConclusionsHCW considered the seriousness of the outbreak, their vaccination rate was low. In vaccination campaigns, governments have to aim at providing trust, and media campaigns should be used to reinforce this trust as well. Accurate reporting by the media of the safety and efficacy of influenza vaccines and the importance of vaccines for the public health would likely have a positive influence on vaccine uptake. Uncertain or negative reporting about the vaccine is detrimental to vaccination efforts.

Do Ramadan Fasting Restrictions Alter Eating Behaviours in Obese Women

Ramadan fasting can be considered as a kind of dietary restriction. Eating restriction is a risk factor for later development of eating disorders. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether Ramadan fasting changes the eating behaviours of obese women. Our sample consisted of 34 obese women who fasted during the Ramadan month. The data were collected by using Questionnaire Form, Eating Attitude Test (EAT) and Bulimic Investigatory Test, Edinburgh (BITE). No statistically significant differences were found between the scores of EAT, BITE, BMI, which were administered within the weeks before and after Ramadan. According to our results, Ramadan fasting restrictions do not seem to change the eating behaviours of obese women.

Effect of Psychosocial Skills Training on Functional Remission of Patients With Schizophrenia.

This study was conducted as a two-group pretest–posttest design to determine the effect of psychosocial skills training on functional remission levels of patients with schizophrenia. A total of 100 patients were divided into the training group (n = 50) and the control group (n = 50). The data were collected using a Personal Information Form and Functional Remission of General Schizophrenia (FROGS) scale. The 13-session training program was given in the form of face-to-face group training and 45- to 60-min sessions twice a week. Training was completed by five groups. Every group comprised of 9 to 12 individuals on average. The training group had higher scores significantly on functional remission levels compared with the control group after psychosocial skills training (p < .001). Psychosocial skills training has become considerably effective in increasing the functional remission levels of patients with schizophrenia.

Social Functioning and Internalized Stigma in Individuals Diagnosed with Substance Use Disorder

The aim of this descriptive study was to determine social functioning and internalized stigma in individuals with substance use disorder. The study sample consisted of 105 patients diagnosed with substance use disorder according to the DSM-IV-TR diagnostic criteria. A Descriptive Information Form, Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale (ISMI) and Social Functioning Scale (SFS) were used for data collection. Average total SFS score of the patients was 103.25±25.09 points, indicating an intermediate level of social functioning. Average total ISMI score of patients was 2.92±0.48 points, reflecting a high level of internalized stigma. A negative significant association was observed between the internalized stigma levels and social functioning of patients. These results suggest that rehabilitation of substance users should include counseling services in order to reduce internal perception of stigma and improve their social functioning.

The Effect of Religious Belief on the Mental Health Status and Suicide Probability of Women Exposed to Violence

It is known that violence against women is an important health problem both in the world and in Turkey (World Health Organization 2005; General Directorate on the Status of Women 2008). Religion is an important factor in preventing suicide and mental disorders by increasing one’s ability to cope with events, channeling his/her perspective on life and the future toward a more positive path satisfying people about topics such as the need to be safe, the need for meaning and the reason for creation (Altuntop 2005). Hence, the objective of our study was to determine the effects of religious belief on the mental health status and suicide probabilities of women exposed to violence in Turkey. The study used a descriptive design. The study sample consisted of 135 women who have suffered violence who were consecutively admitted to the Department of Emergency of a State Hospital due to exposed to violence. They entered the study based on their acceptance to the questionnaire. The belief levels of women are based on their own statements and they are all Muslims. The data were collected using a questionnaire form, the Suicide Probability Scale and Brief Symptom Inventory. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 18.0. Statistical analyses were used percentage calculation, chi-square and Kruskal–Wallis test. In conclusion, a negative relationship was determined between the religious belief levels of women exposed to violence in Turkey and their moods and suicide probabilities. Hence, nurses who can stay alone with women for long periods of time can provide advancement in the determination and prevention of suicides decreasing depression via specific methods and overcoming hopelessness.

The Relationship Between Psychosocial Adjustment and Coping Strategies Among Patients With Multiple Sclerosis in Turkey

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease with significant psychosocial adjustment challenges. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to assess the psychosocial adjustment and coping strategies in patients with MS and to put forth the relationships between them. DESIGN: The sample group comprised 85 outpatients with MS who were admitted to the Neurology Clinic of a university hospital for treatment between October 2007 and July 2008. Data were acquired via an information form and the Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale and Coping Strategy Indicator. RESULTS: It was determined that 55% of the patients had poor psychosocial adjustment levels. Statistically significant relationship was found between Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale–Self-Report and problem solving as well as seeking social support coping strategies (p < .01). Psychosocial adjustment got worse with decreasing problem-solving and seeking–social support coping strategies of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The psychosocial adjustment to MS of patients is closely related with effective coping strategies. The results have emphasized the significant role of mental health and social services and coping strategies regarding the comprehensive care needs of these patients.

Relations Between Depression Level and Conflict Resolution Styles, Marital Adjustments of Patients With Major Depression and Their Spouses

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to determine to relations between the depression level and the conflict resolution styles, marital adjustments of the depressed patients and to analyze the conflict resolution styles, marital adjustments of both the patients and their spouses as the possible predictors of depression levels. The research comprised 113 patients with major depression and their spouses. While there was a negative correlation between depression scores and positive and subordination conflict resolution styles subscales of the patients, there was a positive correlation between the depression scores and negative conflict resolution style subscale. Negative correlation was observed between the depression and marital adjustment scores of patients (p < 0.05). The conflict resolution styles and marital adjustment of depressed patients and their spouses are predictors of depression in patients.

The Effect of Psychoeducation on the Functioning Level of Patients With Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder has adverse effects on the lives of the individuals and the people around them and causes disability due to impaired social and occupational functioning, risk of suicide, and frequent relapses. This study was conducted as a two-group pretest–posttest design to determine the effect of psychoeducation on the functioning levels of patients with bipolar disorder. A total of 80 patients were assigned to either the experimental (n = 40) or the control group (n = 40). The data were collected using a questionnaire form, and the Bipolar Disorder Functioning Questionnaire. The experimental group scored significantly higher on the functioning levels (emotional functioning, intellectual functioning, feelings of stigmatization, social withdrawal, household relations, relations with friends, participating in social activities, daily activities and recreational activities, taking initiative and self-sufficiency, and occupation) (p < .05) compared with the control group after psychoeducation. Psychoeducation has become considerably effective in increasing the functioning levels of patients with bipolar disorder.

GERİLİM TİPİ BAŞAĞRISI OLAN VE OLMAYAN ERİŞKİNLERDE PSİKİYATRİK SEMPTOMLARIN KARŞILAŞTIRILMASI / THE COMPARISON OF PSYCHIATRIC SYMPTOMS IN ADULTS HAVING AND NOT HAVING TENSION TYPE HEADACHES

OZET Bu calisma gerilim tipi bas agrisi olan ve olmayan eriskinlerde psikiyatrik semptomlarin duzeyini karsilastirmak amaciyla yapilmistir. Tanimlayici karsilastirmali nitelikte olan bu calismanin vaka grubunu 15 Mayis-15 Temmuz Noroloji polikliniginde gerilim tipi bas agrisi tanisi alan 50 eriskin olusturmustur. Kontrol/karsilastirma grubunu ayni tarihler arasinda yas, cinsiyet, egitim, medeni durum ve calisma durumu bakimindan benzer ozelliklerde olup gerilim tipi bas agrisi olmayan 50 eriskin olusturmustur. Veriler Kisisel Bilgi Formu, Gorsel Kiyaslama Olcegi ve Ruhsal Belirti Tarama Olcegi (SCL–90-R) kullanilarak toplanmis ve SPSS istatistik programinda degerlendirilmistir. Bu calismada, gerilim tipi bas agrisi yasayanlarin genel psikiyatrik semptom duzeyleri saglikli karsilastirma grubuna gore daha yuksek bulunmustur. Calismada gerilim tipi bas agrisi olanlarda butun psikiyatrik semptomlar ve bunlardan da ozellikle somatizasyon, depresyon, kisilerarasi duyarlilik, ofke-dusmanlik ve anksiyetenin karsilastirma grubuna gore daha yuksek oldugu saptanmistir. Gruplar arasindaki fark anlamlidir (p<0.05). Bas agrisini tedavi ederken buna eslik eden psikiyatrik semptomlarin iyi bir degerlendirme ile taninmasi, bu sorunlara yonelik kombine bir tedavi uygulanmasi ve hemsirelerin de tedavide aktif rol almalari onerilebilir. Anahtar Kelime: Gerilim tipi bas agrisi, psikiyatrik semptom, hemsirelik ABSTRACT The Comparison of Psychiatric Symptoms in Adults Having and Not Having Tension Type Headaches This study was carried out to compare the levels of psychiatric symptoms in adults having and not having tension type headaches. Being descriptive comparative, the case group of this study consisted of 5 adults who were diagnosed tension type headaches in Neurology policlinic between 15 May-15 July. The control group consisted of 50 adults having the same characteristics in terms of age, sex, education, marital status and employment status at the same time and not having tension type headaches. The data were collected by using Personal Information Form, Visual Comparision Scale and Symptom Check List-SCL-90-R and were evaluated by SPSS statictics programme. In this study, the levels of general psychiatric symptom of those suffering from tension type headaches is seen to be higher than healthy comparasion group. In the study, all the psychiatric symptoms of those having tension type headaches and especially somatisation, depression, inter-personal sensitivity, anger-hostility and anxiety is seen to be higher than comparasion group. The difference between groups is statistically significant (p<0.05). It can be suggested that while treating the headaches, accompanying psychiatric symptoms be diagnosed well, a combined treatment be implemented and nurses play an active role in treatments. Keywords: Tension type headache, psychiatric symptom, Nursing