Gulten Guvenc

Health Belief Model Scale for Cervical Cancer and Pap Smear Test: psychometric testing

AIM This study is a report of the development and psychometric testing of the Health Belief Model Scale for Cervical Cancer and the Pap Smear Test. BACKGROUND While the Champion Health Belief Model scales have been tested extensively for breast cancer and screening for this, evaluation of these scales in explaining the beliefs of women with regard to cervical cancer and the Pap Smear Test has only received limited attention. METHODS This methodological research was carried out in Turkey in 2007. The data were collected with 237 randomly selected women who met the criteria for inclusion and agreed to participate in this study. The Champion Health Belief Model scales were translated into Turkish, adapted for cervical cancer, validated by professional experts, translated back into English and pilot-tested. FINDINGS Factor analysis yielded five factors: Pap smear benefits and health motivation, Pap smear barriers, seriousness, susceptibility and health motivation. Cronbachs alpha reliability coefficients for the five subscales ranged from 0·62 to 0·86, and test-retest reliability coefficients ranged from 0·79 to 0·87 for the subscales. CONCLUSION The Health Belief Model Scale for Cervical Cancer and the Pap Smear Test was found to be a valid and reliable tool in assessing the womens health beliefs. Understanding the beliefs of women in respect of cervical cancer and the Pap Smear Test will help healthcare professionals to develop more effective cervical cancer screening programmes.

Comparison of maternal–and paternal–fetal attachment in Turkish couples

OBJECTIVE to compare maternal-fetal attachment (MFA) and paternal-fetal attachment (PFA) in terms of selected variables. DESIGN cross-sectional study. SETTING three training hospitals in Ankara, Turkey. The study was performed between December 2005 and March 2006. PARTICIPANTS a total of 144 pregnant women and 144 partners participated in the study; the response rate was 98%. FINDINGS there was a statistically significant difference between MFA and PFA scores (p<0.001). A comparison of MFA and PFA scores according to the selected variables (education, employment status, planning of pregnancy, pregnancy risk status) revealed that the MFA scores for pregnant women were significantly higher than the PFA scores of their partners, except for unemployed partners. The MFA (rho=-0.24, p<0.004) and PFA (rho=-0.32, p<0.001) scores decreased with increasing age of both pregnant women and their partners. KEY CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE although partners have lower fetal attachment scores than pregnant women, it is important to recognise factors influencing the attachment of the mother and father towards their fetus. Prenatal midwives and nurses are in a unique position to assess attachment and to intervene to promote attachment behaviours.

Evaluating Dysmenorrhea in a Sample of Turkish Nursing Students

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and symptoms of dysmenorrhea, its relevant factors, and the rate of seeking medical help in a group of nursing students. A total of 380 students were included in the study. The demographic data questionnaire, a Daily Menstrual Symptom Rating Scale (DMSR), and the Visual Analog Scale for pain (VASP) were used as tools for data collection. The mean age of the participants was 20.31 ± 1.10 years. Most students had experienced dysmenorrhea (84.9%). Menstrual pain was frequently initiated on the first day of menstruation (77.8%). The most commonly reported menstrual problems were irregular menstrual cycles (27.2%) and oligomenorrhea (15.1%). Only 24.1% of students consulted their physicians for dysmenorrhea. The participants who had dysmenorrhea had significantly higher symptom scores than the participants who had not had dysmenorrhea, in terms of decreased activities, tension, hip and abdominal pain, backache, headache, and fatigue. Also, having a sister with dysmenorrhea increased the risk of dysmenorrhea. Although dysmenorrhea is a gynecological problem that is commonly seen in young women and that negatively affects daily activities and school life, the rate of seeking medical help is low. Adolescents should, therefore, be educated and counseled to determine the underlying cause and to increase the use of an effective treatment method. Considering that nurses should be better informed about dysmenorrhea causes and treatment options, a study of nursing students was undertaken.

Identifying women's knowledge about risk factors of breast cancer and reasons for having mammography.

The aim of this study was to identify breast cancer risk factors and reasons for having mammography of the women who applied for mammography, as well as to determine their level of knowledge about risk factors and level of risk perception, and anxiety concerning breast cancer. This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from June 15, 2010 through September 10, 2010, in a university hospital in Ankara, Turkey. A questionnaire prepared by the researchers was used to collect the data. The mean age of the women was 52.1 ± 9.98 years. Sixteen percent of the women had a family history of breast cancer. The majority of participants had mammograms (75.8%) before and had gained knowledge about breast cancer and its screening (73.7%). The leading source of information about breast cancer was physicians (46.2%). Physician recommendations, having breast-related complaints, and family history of breast cancer were important reasons to obtain mammography. The mean knowledge score about risk factors of breast cancer was 4.15 ± 2.73 and the mean anxiety score was 1.65 ± 1.61. It was found that some socio-demographic and obstetrical characteristics of women, their family history, and risk perceptions about breast cancer affect their knowledge and anxiety scores about breast cancer. In conclusion, the present study identified a number of factors affecting mammography participation for women. The results of this study can be helpful in promoting screening for breast cancer.

Prevalence, risk factors and quality of life in Turkish women with urinary incontinence: a synthesis of the literature

Background Urinary incontinence (UI) is not a life threatening condition but it adversely affects physical and mental health, sexual function and quality of life in women. Aim To review the related literature to identify prevalence, risk factors and quality of life among only Turkish women. Methods Computerized searches on PubMed, Turkish Medline, EBSCO Host; articles from indexed journals related to the topics in this review and published between 1996 and 30 April 2012 were evaluated. After completion of database searches, a final total of 20 studies were identified that fitted the inclusion criteria. Results This review revealed that the prevalence of UI among Turkish women was reported by 16 studies ranged from 16.4% to 49.7%. The most common risk factors were age, number of births, body mass index > 25 kg/m2, recurrent urinary infection, diabetes mellitus and vaginal delivery. The effect of UI on the quality of life was mild to moderate. Conclusions We found that the prevalence of UI of Turkish women showed a wide range. It is important for health professionals to be aware of the high prevalence of UI in women and to ask about its possible presence. Improving the quality of life in women with UI is an important issue and nurses should direct women to seek psychosocial support. The findings of this review could serve as a source of information for health systems that deal with UI, and it may help to inform health professionals and women with UI on early diagnosis, treatment and management.BACKGROUND Urinary incontinence (UI) is not a life threatening condition but it adversely affects physical and mental health, sexual function and quality of life in women. AIM To review the related literature to identify prevalence, risk factors and quality of life among only Turkish women. METHODS Computerized searches on PubMed, Turkish Medline, EBSCO Host; articles from indexed journals related to the topics in this review and published between 1996 and 30 April 2012 were evaluated. After completion of database searches, a final total of 20 studies were identified that fitted the inclusion criteria. RESULTS This review revealed that the prevalence of UI among Turkish women was reported by 16 studies ranged from 16.4% to 49.7%. The most common risk factors were age, number of births, body mass index > 25 kg/m(2), recurrent urinary infection, diabetes mellitus and vaginal delivery. The effect of UI on the quality of life was mild to moderate. CONCLUSIONS We found that the prevalence of UI of Turkish women showed a wide range. It is important for health professionals to be aware of the high prevalence of UI in women and to ask about its possible presence. Improving the quality of life in women with UI is an important issue and nurses should direct women to seek psychosocial support. The findings of this review could serve as a source of information for health systems that deal with UI, and it may help to inform health professionals and women with UI on early diagnosis, treatment and management.

Premenstrual syndrome and attitudes toward menstruation in a sample of nursing students.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate baccalaureate nursing students’ attitudes toward menstruation, and to analyze the frequency of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, as well as the relationship between attitudes toward menstruation and PMS symptoms. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out between February 15 and March 10, 2009, in Ankara Turkey. The study participants were 250 undergraduate nursing student volunteers. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, the validated Turkish version of the Menstrual Attitude Questionnaire (MAQ), and the validated Turkish Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Scale. Obtained data were analyzed using SPSS version 15.0. Findings: The average age of participants was 19.89 ± 1.43. The MAQ’s five subscales’ mean scores ranged from 2.67 ± 0.58 to 3.37 ± 0.52, indicating natural to moderate attitudes toward menstruation. The mean PMS score was 114.86 ± 35.15, indicating moderate PMS symptoms. PMS symptoms were detected in 36.4% of the nursing students. Thirty one percent of the students reported having dysmenorrhoea during every menstrual cycle. Students who had PMS symptoms scored significantly higher on the debilitation subscale and scored significantly lower on the denial subscale of the MAQ (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The findings of this research showed that menstruation was considered to be a natural event by most of the nursing students. In addition, dysmenorrhea was found to be the most common menstrual problem and the rate of PMS was found lower than that found in previous researches conducted in Turkey.

Effectiveness of nursing interventions to increase pap smear test screening

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a three-stage nursing intervention to increase Turkish womens participation in Pap smear testing. Knowledge and beliefs about cervical cancer screening and barriers to Pap smears also were explored. In a quasi-experimental study in a target population of 2,500 women, 237 completed pre-test measures to inform the intervention, and an educational brochure was distributed to all 2,500. As a result, 510 women (20.4%) accepted free Pap smears. Of the remaining 1,990 women, 417 were randomly selected for telephone interviews, 302 participated, and 158 of these (52.3%) participated in free Pap smear testing. Of the 144 who did not have Pap smears after participating in telephone interviews, 54 were then interviewed face-to-face, and 20 (37.0%) decided to accept free Pap smears. A total of 668 women had accepted free Pap smears by the end of the intervention period.

Acceptance of human papillomavirus vaccine by adolescent girls and their parents in Turkey.

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to identify the opinions of Turkish adolesecent girls and their parents about HPV vaccination and the consistency. METHODS This descriptive study covered 301 girls and their parents. Questionnares were developed by the researchers based on findings within the literature and applied for data collection. RESULTS The mean age was 19.4 for girls, 44.2 for mothers and 47.9 for fathers. It was found that 43.5 percent of girls and 31.9 percent of mothers wish to be vaccinated against HPV. Also, 45.5 percent of mothers and 44.9 percent of fathers wish for their daughters to be vaccinated against HPV. A moderate consistency was found between mothers and fathers; a low consistency was found between fathers and girls, and between mothers and girls. CONCLUSIONS the study indicates that an appropriate background has been partially provided about the acceptability of the vaccine between parents and their daughters in Turkey. However, the vast majority of adolescent girls and parents are indecisive or reluctant about HPV vaccination. This study also showed that the decisions of adolescents about vaccination may be affected by the opinions of the parents.

Quality of life in climacteric Turkish women with urinary incontinence

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common health problem and negatively affects the quality of life of women who are afflicted. The aim of the study is to explore the prevalence and risk factors of UI among climacteric Turkish women and to examine the effects of UI on their quality of life. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 258 women aged 40-64 years who visited the outpatient clinic in Ankara, Turkey, between 15 June 2012 and 15 January 2013. The data were collected using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form and the Incontinence Quality of Life Questionnaire. This paper reveals that the overall prevalence of UI was 45.3%. Stress UI, mixed UI, and urge UI were reported by 54.7%, 22.2%, and 10.3% of the subjects, respectively. The proportion of women suffering from UI who seek medical treatment was low despite mild or moderate negative effect impacts on their quality of life. Increasing womens awareness of UI and protective measures is essential, and standard UI assessment should be added to all patient examinations.

Urinary Incontinence in Pregnant Women: Prevalence, Associated Factors, and Its Effects on Health-Related Quality of Life.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for urinary incontinence (UI) during pregnancy and to evaluate its effect on health-related quality of life. DESIGN: Descriptive, cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: The sample of the study comprised 287 pregnant women attending an outpatient clinic located in a research and training hospital in Ankara, Turkey. METHODS: Data were collected using an investigator-developed questionnaire that included 2 validated instruments, the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form and Incontinence Quality of Life scale. RESULTS: The prevalence of UI in the study population was 21.3% (n = 61). Cumulative scores in pregnant women who “always” experienced UI and those who expressed a “large amount” of UI were lower than women with milder UI. Logistic regression analysis found associations between UI and age in years (odds ratio [OR] = 3.833; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.763-8.332), parity (OR = 2.539; 95% CI, 1.135-5.675), third trimester versus first trimester (OR = 3.206; 95% CI, 1.178-8.725), and prior use of hormonal contraceptives (OR = 0.209; 95% CI, 0.085-0.513). CONCLUSIONS: Urinary incontinence is prevalent among pregnant women. Age, parity, and gestational week were associated with an increased likelihood of UI during pregnancy. Prior use of contraceptive hormones was associated with a reduced risk of UI during pregnancy.