Emine Efe

Complementary and alternative medicine use in children with thalassaemia

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The aims of this study were to: (1) determine the types of complementary and alternative medicine use among children with thalassaemia as reported by parents and (2) describe sociodemographic and medical factors associated with the use of such treatments in families residing in southern Turkey. BACKGROUND Thalassaemia is one of the most common human genetic diseases. Despite the therapeutic efforts, patients will encounter a variety of physical and psychological problems. Therefore, the use of complementary and alternative medicines among children thalassaemia is becoming increasingly popular. DESIGN This is a descriptive study of complementary and alternative medicine. METHODS This study was conducted in the Hematology Outpatient Clinic at Akdeniz University Hospital and in the Thalassemia Centre at Ministry of Health Antalya Education and Research Hospital, Antalya, Turkey, between January 2010-December 2010. Parents of 97 paediatric patients, among 125 parents who applied to the haematology outpatient clinic and thalassaemia centre between these dates, agreed to take part in the study with whom contact could be made were included. Data were collected by using a questionnaire. RESULTS The proportion of parents who reported using one or more of the complementary and alternative medicine methods was 82·5%. Of these parents, 61·8% were using prayer/spiritual practice, 47·4% were using nutritional supplements and 35·1% were using animal materials. CONCLUSION It was determined that a significant portion of the parents using complementary and alternative medicine use it to treat their childrens health problems, they were informed about complementary and alternative medicine by their paediatricians and family elders, and they have discussed the use of complementary and alternative medicine with healthcare professionals. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE To sustain medical treatment and prognosis of thalassaemia, it is important for nurses to consult with their patients and parents regarding the use and potential risks of some complementary and alternative medicine.

Experiences and Attitudes of Nurses Regarding Complementary Health Approaches Used by Themselves and Their Patients.

Nurses’ attitudes and experiences may affect the level of patient exposure to complementary health approaches (CHA), both now and in the future. The purpose of this study was to describe nurses’ experience of CHA and their personal and professional attitudes to the use of CHA. The sample consisted of 220 nurses working at a university hospital in Antalya, Turkey. Data were collected using a questionnaire developed by the researchers. Nurses had a positive attitude toward CHA and reported mixed experiences of CHA for allergies, pain, and stress. This study may contribute to increased awareness of the potentially important role of nurses in delivery of CHAs. Hospital nurses should receive more training on CHA. Nurses should discuss the potential benefits and risks of CHA with patients.

Turkish Pediatric Nurses’ Use of Non-Pharmacological Methods for Postoperative Pain Relief in 6 to 12 Year Old Children

INTRODUCTION There have been numerous pediatric postoperative pain management studies over the past 20 years, yet children continue to experience avoidable postoperative pain [1 3]. Recent studies suggest that postoperative pain in children is often poorly managed [4 7]. The reasons for this may include nurses’ undermedicating for postoperative pain despite adequate prescription, nurses’ inadequate pain assessment and monitoring, and inadequate use of other pain relief methods due to lack of time, knowledge, skills, and organizational support [8 11]. Some European investigators reported, that nurses frequently use these methods [12,13] and another study showed, that nurses rarely use these methods to relieve pain [14]. Research focused on nurses’ use of non-pharmacological methods for pediatric postoperative pain relief has increased in the recent years. However, research evidence seems to be inconsistent. Non-pharmacological methods in children’s pain management can be classified as sensory or physical, cognitive and cognitive-behavioural interventions.

The Importance of Complementary Health Approaches in Pediatric Nursing

* V Cırık, Araş. Görv.; E Efe, Prof. Dr. Akdeniz Üniversitesi, Hemşirelik Fakültesi, Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları Hemşireliği Anabilim Dalı, Antalya Yazışma Adresi / Address for Correspondence: Emine Efe, Prof. Dr. Akdeniz Üniversitesi Hemşirelik Fakültesi, Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları Hemşireliği Anabilim Dalı, Pınarbaşı Mahallesi, 07070 Konyaaltı / Antalya Tel.: 0 242 310 29 53 Faks: 0 242 226 14 69 e-posta: eefe@akdeniz.edu.tr ÖZ

Chocolate Use and Knowledge in Oral and Dental Health in Children

Dental health and dental caries are important worldwide health issues that are common in childhood. Sugars are the most important dietary etiological cause of dental caries. World Health Organization and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations emphasize the importance of reducing the consumption, frequency, and amount of carbohydrates that could be easily fermented for the prevention of dental caries, which is considered among the chronic degenerative diseases that could be prevented by improving individual lifestyle. Nutrition education for the purposes of reducing caries incidence in children is aimed at informing parents about the importance of reducing dietary exposures to sweet foods and hidden sugars. Implementation of community-based preventive oral health programs focusing on healthy diet and adequate oral hygiene practices should be promoted in schools through integration into the school curriculum and services to combat the growing problem of dental caries among schoolchildren.