Hicran Bektas

Confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis of the caregiver quality of life index-cancer with Turkish samples

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to test the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the CQOLC in Turkey.MethodsThe 35-item English version of the CQOLC was translated into Turkish following the standard translation methodology. The questionnaire was administered to 237 caregivers of patients with cancer. Confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses (CFA and EFA) were carried out using principal component analysis with varimax rotation and Kaiser Normalization to test its construct validity. We used Cronbach’s alpha to examine the CQOLC’s reliability (internal consistency).ResultsThe CFA did not confirm the original factor model. The EFA yielded a 25-item measure with a four-factor solution with different labels for three of the four original scales (shown in parentheses): Psychological Distress (Burden), Disruption in Daily Life (Disruptiveness), Caregiving Responsibility (Positive Adaptation), and Financial Concerns (Financial Concerns). Cronbach’s alpha for the total scale was 0.88 and subscale alpha coefficients ranged from 0.73 to 0.83.ConclusionsThe results indicate some differences in the factor structures of the CQOLC scale between Turkish and American samples but provided preliminary support for the Turkish version of the CQOLC as a reliable and valid measure of the quality of life of Turkish cancer caregivers.

Reliability and validity of the caregiver quality of life index‐cancer (CQOLC) scale in Turkish cancer caregivers

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to translate the Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer into Turkish and test the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer in Turkey. BACKGROUND Cancer is a chronic illness that affects the entire family and deteriorates the quality of life of cancer caregivers. The Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer is a widely used instrument to measure quality of life in cancer caregivers. Therefore, identifying and increasing quality of life benefits of cancer caregivers. DESIGN Methodological research design. METHOD This study describes the translation process of The Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer into Turkish and testing its reliability and validity on quality of life in cancer caregivers. The questionnaire was translated using a back-translation technique. The statistical analysis was carried out using Cronbachs alpha to test the internal consistency of the Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer scale while confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses were carried out using principal component analysis with varimax rotation and Kaiser Normalization to test its construct validity. RESULTS The Cronbachs alpha was found to be reliability for the total scale was 0.88 and subscale alpha coefficients ranged from 0.73-0.83. Confirmatory factor analysis resulted in four factor structure: burden, distruptiveness, positive adaptation and financial concerns. CONCLUSION The effects of providing care for patients with cancer on caregiver quality of life have not yet been adequately explored in Turkey. The results of this study suggest that the Turkish version of the Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer is a reliable and valid supplementary measure of the quality of life in cancer caregivers in Turkey. RELEVANCE OF CLINICAL PRACTICE: In research and practice, valid measurement instruments are needed to assess Quality of Life in Turkish cancer caregivers. The Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer scale is simple to administer and nurses by using this equipment in routine appointments will be able to better identify caregiver at risk for developing cancer related distress and worse Quality of Life.

Reliability and validity of the Assessment of Quality of Life in Asthma Patients (QLQ-Asthma) in a sample of adult asthmatic patients in Turkey

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The aims of this study were to translate the 20-item Questionnaire for the Assessment of Quality of Life in Asthma Patients (QLQ-Asthma) into Turkish and to assess the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Assessment of Quality of Life in Asthma Patients among Turkish adult asthmatic patients in Turkey. BACKGROUND Asthma can adversely affect the physical, psychological and social domains of health-related quality of life. The Assessment of Quality of Life in Asthma Patients is a widely used instrument to measure quality of life in asthma patients. The Assessment of Quality of Life in Asthma Patients has not been validated in Turkey. DESIGN Methodological research design. METHODS This study describes the translation process of Assessment of Quality of Life in Asthma Patients into Turkish and tests its reliability and validity on quality of life in asthma patients. The study group was composed of 105 stable adult asthmatic patients. The questionnaire was translated using a back-translation technique. The statistical analysis was carried out using Cronbachs alpha to test the internal consistency of the Assessment of Quality of Life in Asthma Patients scale while exploratory factor analysis was carried out using principal component analysis with varimax rotation and Kaiser Normalisation to test its construct validity. RESULTS The Cronbachs alpha coefficient reliability for the total scale was 0·84, and internal consistency reliability was in the acceptable range for this instrument. Results indicated that respondents did not have difficulty answering the questions in the Assessment of Quality of Life in Asthma Patients. Factor analysis resulted in five-factor structure: physical activities, role activities, emotions, social activities and health perceptions. CONCLUSIONS The Turkish version of the Assessment of Quality of Life in Asthma Patients is a reliable and valid supplementary measure of the quality of life in asthma patients, and it is a useful outcome measurement tool for clinical trials conducted in Turkey. RELEVANCE OF CLINICAL PRACTICE: The Assessment of Quality of Life in Asthma Patients scale is simple to administer, and Turkish researchers and health care providers can use the Assessment of Quality of Life in Asthma Patients to assess the asthma patients quality of life.

Determination of nursing students’ attitudes towards the use of technology

AIM The use of technology is increasingly important in nursing education and practice. For this reason, it is necessary to determine the attitudes of nursing students towards technology. METHODS This study was conducted with 508 nursing students. A personal information form that was prepared by the researchers and the Attitudes Toward Technology Scale were used as the data collection tools. RESULTS The mean score that was obtained by the nursing students from the Attitudes Toward Technology Scale was 61.53 ± 1.13. The Cronbachs alpha coefficient was found to be 0.90. There was a statistically significant difference between the sexes, using a computer, tablet, or laptop, using technology to reach health-related information, and for professional development, using mobile applications related to drug information. There was also a statistical difference between using the Periscope and Scorpio accounts from social media and using Excel and PowerPoint from Microsoft programs. CONCLUSION Nursing students are capable of technology-based teaching, which can be expanded as a result.

Cultural Validation and Reliability of the Turkish Version of the Geriatric Pain Measure in the Elderly.

Many pain problems and untreated pain are known to adversely affect the quality of life of the elderly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Geriatric Pain Measure (GPM) in the elderly.

PSYCHOMETRIC EVALUATION OF THE DIABETES DISTRESS SCALE IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES IN TURKEY

Background: One of the most important tasks at the initial stage of treatment of patients with primary insulin resistance is a decrease in body weight, which means a decrease in the amount of food consumed. Patients rarely manage to cope with this task independently, and drug therapy does not always provide sufficient effect. Methods: Patients (42 people) aged 38.4 ± 2.0 years, body mass index (BMI) 32.3 ± 4.2 kg/m2. Two groups of observation were formed: group 1 (20 people) received reflexotherapy using special corporal and auricular points and a hypocaloric diet. Patients of the 2nd group (22 people) were given only a diet was studied: BMI, the ratio of WC/HC, HOMA-IR index, insulin and C-peptide. ELISA (Labor Diagnostica NORT Serotonin RESEARCH ELISA, Germany) determined serotonin in serum. The reflexotherapy procedures included daily corporal and auricular acupuncture. Results: Based on the results of their own research, it has been shown that the use of reflex therapy using special corporal and auricular points with obese patients contributes to serotonin in the blood serum and leads to rapid satiety during eating. This allows patients to observe a low caloric diet at the initial stage of treatment. It is also shown that the increase in serotonin in the serum is statistically significant only when the combination of the therapeutic diet with reflex therapy, but not in the case of exclusively dietary correction. Conclusion: The use of reflexotherapy with the use of special corporal and auricular points promoted the increase of serotonin in the blood serum and led to rapid satiety during eating. This allowed patients to observe a hypocaloric diet at the initial stage of treatment.Background: One of the most important tasks at the initial stage of treatment of patients with primary insulin resistance is a decrease in body weight, which means a decrease in the amount of food consumed. Patients rarely manage to cope with this task independently, and drug therapy does not always provide sufficient effect. Methods: Patients (42 people) aged 38.4 ± 2.0 years, body mass index (BMI) 32.3 ± 4.2 kg/m2. Two groups of observation were formed: group 1 (20 people) received reflexotherapy using special corporal and auricular points and a hypocaloric diet. Patients of the 2nd group (22 people) were given only a diet was studied: BMI, the ratio of WC/HC, HOMA-IR index, insulin and C-peptide. ELISA (Labor Diagnostica NORT Serotonin RESEARCH ELISA, Germany) determined serotonin in serum. The reflexotherapy procedures included daily corporal and auricular acupuncture. Results: Based on the results of their own research, it has been shown that the use of reflex therapy using special corporal and auricular points with obese patients contributes to serotonin in the blood serum and leads to rapid satiety during eating. This allows patients to observe a low caloric diet at the initial stage of treatment. It is also shown that the increase in serotonin in the serum is statistically significant only when the combination of the therapeutic diet with reflex therapy, but not in the case of exclusively dietary correction. Conclusion: The use of reflexotherapy with the use of special corporal and auricular points promoted the increase of serotonin in the blood serum and led to rapid satiety during eating. This allowed patients to observe a hypocaloric diet at the initial stage of treatment.

Psychometric evaluation of the Diabetes Symptom Checklist-Revised in patients with type 2 diabetes in Turkey

AIM To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Diabetes Symptoms Checklist-Revised (DSC-R), as measures of diabetes-related symptoms, in patients with type 2 diabetes in Turkey. METHODS This research was carried out on 340 patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases of a university hospital in Turkey, between 25 January 2011 and 1 April 2011. Personal information forms developed by the researchers and the DSC-R were used as the data tools. All data were collected by authors during face-to-face interviews. RESULTS According to the results of the research, the patients had a mean ± standard deviation age 55.9 ± 7.54 years (range, 20-65) and included most patients who were female (64.1%), married (87.1%), housewives (50.3%), and had completed primary education (47.4%). Cronbachs alpha found reliability for the total scale to be 0.92 and subscale alpha coefficients ranged 0.76-0.85. Confirmatory factor analysis resulted in a six factor structure: (i) neurology; (ii) psychology/fatigue; (iii) cardiology; (iv) ophthalmology; (v) psychology/cognition; and (vi) hyperglycemia. CONCLUSION The Turkish version of the DSC-R was found to be a reliable and valid means to measure the level in effect on symptoms in patients with type 2 diabetes.

The West Haven Yale Multidimensional Pain Inventory: Reliability and validity of the Turkish version in individuals with cancer

PURPOSE Pain is a complex, multidimensional and subjective phenomenon that is common in patients with cancer. The translation of existing pain measurement scales is considered important in producing internationally comparable measures for evidence based practice. In measuring the pain experience, the WHYMPI is a widely used instrument to measure assessment of clinical pain, and it has not been validated in Turkey. The present study aimed to assess the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the West Haven Yale Multidimensional Pain Inventory (WHYMPI). METHOD In this methodological study, the scale was translated into simplified Turkish by the cross-culture translation method, and 520 participants with cancer were assessed. The internal consistency, item analysis, and test-retest methods were used to determine the reliability of the Turkish WHYMPI. Content validity, criterion validity, convergent/divergent validity, and exploratory factor analysis were used to test the construct validity of the Turkish WHYMPI. RESULTS Cronbachs alpha and item-total correlations results suggested that there was good internal reliability. The Cronbachs alpha for internal consistency of the pain experience, responses by significant others, and daily activities were 0.85, 0.60, and 0.83, respectively. The internal consistency coefficient for test-retest reliability of the pain experience, responses by significant others, and daily activities were acceptable: 0.82, 0.66, and 0.81, respectively. Factor loadings were significant, with standardised loadings ranging from 0.40 to 0.92. CONCLUSIONS WHYMPI is reliable and valid instrument for the measurement of pain in patients with cancer in Turkey. Its use is recommended for clinical and research purposes.