Nurdan Demirci

Domestic violence against women in Turkey

Objective: To identify the prevalence of domestic violence and the factors that influence domestic violence. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive research design was used with data from 1481 women over 18 years of age who were married at least once. Demographics and the Scale for Domestic Violence against Women (SDVAW) were used to collect the data. Results: The results showed that 41.3% of the women experienced domestic violence, and the majority (89.2%) had been subjected to violence by their spouses. There was a significant relationship between the mean SDVAW score and educational status, income status, spouse’s age, spouse’s education level, marriage age, family type and subjection to violence (p<.05). Conclusion: Low social status in Turkey was connected to the level of domestic violence. Efforts should be made to improve women’s social status. Changing the country’s patriarchal system, and educating women and their spouses can be useful in preventing domestic violence.

Effects of pushing techniques during the second stage of labor: A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE Spontaneous pushing is a method that is used in the management of the second stage of labor and suggested to be more physiological for the mother and infant. The present study aims to evaluate the effects of pushing techniques on the mother and newborn. MATERIALS AND METHODS This randomized prospective study was performed between June 2013-March 2014 in a tertiary maternity clinic in Istanbul. 80 low risk, nulliparous cases were randomized to pushing groups. Valsalva pushing group was told to hold their breath while pushing. No visual-verbal instructions were given to spontaneous pushing group and they were encouraged to push without preventing respiration. Demographic data, second stage period, perineal laceration rates, fetal heart rate patterns, presence of meconium stained amniotic liquid, newborn APGAR scores, POP-Q examination and Q-tip test results were evaluated in these cases. RESULTS The second stage of labor was significantly longer with spontaneous pushing. Decrease in Hb levels in valsalva pushing group was determined to be higher than spontaneous pushing group. An increased urethral mobility was observed in valsalva pushing group. CONCLUSIONS Although the duration of the second stage of labor was longer compared to valsalva pushing technique, women were able to give birth without requiring any verbal or visual instruction, without exceeding the limit value of two hours and without affecting fetal wellness and neonatal results.

Association between fear of childbirth and maternal acceptance of pregnancy

AIM This descriptive study aimed to explore the associations between fear of childbirth, acceptance of pregnancy and identification with the motherhood role among primipara women. BACKGROUND Women who have difficulty accepting their pregnancy have a harder time adapting to pregnancy and motherhood and experience more fears related to childbirth. The number of studies conducted on this topic is limited. METHODS This study involved 310 pregnant women admitted to a public hospital in Istanbul between January and June of 2013. A participant identification form, the Prenatal Self-Evaluation Questionnaire and the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire Version A were used for data collection. RESULTS Pregnant women participating in the study experienced moderate levels fear of childbirth. Pregnant women who requested caesarean section experienced more intense fear of childbirth. Fear of childbirth scores had significant but weak correlations with acceptance of pregnancy and identification with the motherhood role. CONCLUSION The findings showed that acceptance of pregnancy and identification with the motherhood role are weakly associated with fear of childbirth. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY The results from this study can be used to help: increase awareness among health professionals (doctors, nurses, midwives) in antenatal care services about a mothers adaptation to pregnancy and the negative effects of fear of childbirth; direct future research examining factors affecting adaptation to pregnancy and fear of childbirth; establish routine assessments for adaptation to pregnancy and fear of childbirth; provide professional support for women with difficulties adapting to pregnancy and with fear of childbirth; result in reduced complications from invasive methods such as caesarean section due to less requests for these procedures; and promote the health of mothers and babies.

Attitudes of nursing students toward gender roles: a cross-sectional study

Background: Nurses can play a critical role in the development of equalitarian perspectives of gender roles. Aims: This study was conducted to determine the attitudes toward gender roles of Turkish nursing students’ and to examine the factors affecting these attitudes. Design: The study used a cross-sectional descriptive relational design. Methods: The data were collected with “The Characteristics Form” and “Gender Roles Attitude Scale (GRAS)”. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the GRAS total score means, which determine the attitudes of the students to gender roles, according to their university, age, gender, length of residency, number of siblings, family type, parents’ educational background and mothers employment status (p < .05). Conclusions: There should be training programs for parents in order to maintain gender equality. Impact statement: The results indicate that nurse students possess an egalitarian attitude toward gender roles. This would contribute to decreasing gender discrimination in health.

Effects of Intradermal Sterile Water Injections in Women with Low Back Pain in Labor: A Randomized, Controlled, Clinical Trial

Background: In addition to the pain caused byuterine contractions during labour, continuous and severe back pain is observed in 33% of women. Several pharmacological and nonpharmacological methods are available for managing this pain. Sterile water injection is considered as alternative method for nonpharmacological pain management. Aims: To assess the satisfaction level and effectiveness of sterile water injection for back pain among women in labour. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: A total of 168 term, healthy women with labour pain and severe back pain were randomized into the sterile water injection (study) and dry injection (placebo) groups. Injections were applied to the rhombus of Michaelis in the sacral area. Pain scores were assessed at 10, 30, 60, 120, and 180 min using a visual analogue scale. Additionally, the need for epidural analgesia, Apgar score, mode of delivery, time of delivery, maternal satisfaction, and breastfeeding score were assessed. Results: The mean back pain scores at 30 min after injections were significantly lower in the study group (study group: 31.66±11.38; placebo: 75±18.26, p<0.01). The mean decrease in pain scores after 30 min according to baseline was significantly higher in the study group (study group: 54.82±7.81; placebo: 13.33±12.05, p<0.01). The need for epidural analgesia, time of delivery, mode of delivery, and Apgar and breastfeeding scores were similar in both groups. Maternal satisfaction from the analgesic effect was significantly higher in the study group (study group: 84.5%; placebo: 35.7%, p<0.01). Conclusion: The application of sterile water injection is effective for relieving back pain in the first stage of labour and has a sufficient satisfaction level among women.