Tülay Yavan

Self-Application of Complementary and Alternative Medicine by Patients with Gynecologic Cancer

Objectives: In this study we aimed to determine the epidemiology and demographic data on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use along with the medical/surgical treatment modalities in patients with gynecologic cancers in Turkey. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was designed to determine demographic data on CAM use of patients with gynecologic cancers who had medical and/or surgical treatments. Semistructured questionnaires were used for collecting data from 126 patients. Results: When the CAM use ratio of patients was evaluated with respect to demographic characteristics, patients using any type of CAM were younger and more educated, and there were no significant differences between the patients who used and who did not use any type of CAM with respect to geographical region. There were no significant correlations between the use of CAM and the type of malignancy, treatment modality and time period after diagnosis. Conclusion: There is critical concern about the probable serious risks associated with non-educated CAM practitioners. Therefore, informed and educated healthcare professionals should inform and help in relieving patients in a more professional and multidisciplinary way.

Women's Breast Cancer Risk Perception and Attitudes Toward Screening Tests

This studys objective is to identify womens breast cancer risk perceptions and their attitudes and knowledge on screening tests. The cross-sectional research. Gulhane Military Medical Academy, Ankara, Turkey. The population of 188 females who applied for gynecological examination. The study employed a semistructured questionnaire form. Questions such as females demographic data, attitudes based on screening tests of breast cancer, family history, perceived risk breast cancer, and questions with regard to patients’ fear of breast cancer were included in the survey. In this study, it is determined that the rates of the women, who conduct breast self-examination (BSE), clinical breast examination (CBE) and mammography at least once, are very low. The reason for not performing the BSE was declared with a rate of 50.8% as “Do not know how to perform.” Of the women 20.2% were fully acknowledged about BSE. Nearly half of the women perceived 50% or more risk of developing breast cancer, and this rate increases as they get older. The risk perception and educational status increased CBE and mammography rates and BSE knowledge positively, but because of insufficient BSE application abilities BSE rate cannot increase as expected. It is recommended that nurses put forward the initiatives in training programs to increase womens BSE abilities. In planning such an education program risk perception and information of women about breast cancer should be considered.

Women’s awareness of the human papilloma virus and related health problems

AIM This paper is a report of a study of womens awareness of the human papilloma virus and related health problems. BACKGROUND Cervical cancer is an important cause of mortality, making up approximately 12% of all cancers in women. Awareness on the part of carriers of human papilloma virus is crucial in preventing transmission of the infection and protecting against cervical cancer. METHOD The study was performed as a cross-sectional descriptive study. The study consists of 79 human papilloma virus-positive women who had not been diagnosed with cervical cancer and 150 women who had not been diagnosed with human papilloma virus. Data were collected via questionnaires between November 2007 and April 2008. Percentages and chi-square test were used. FINDINGS A significantly higher percentage of women with positive human papilloma virus knew the definition of human papilloma virus, the fact that it is transmitted via sexual contact and that it can lead to cervical cancer than did women with negative human papilloma virus. It was established that approximately half the women with positive human papilloma virus presented at the hospital with a genital wart. None of the women knew that a Pap smear test was a necessary tool in the prevention of cervical cancer. CONCLUSION Women with positive human papilloma virus have insufficient knowledge of human papilloma virus, sexually transmitted diseases, the health risks associated with human papilloma virus and the means of preventing these risks. It is therefore necessary to evaluate the education of health workers, and especially of nurses, on human papilloma virus and its prevention.

The identification of the relationship between the perceived social support, fatigue levels and maternal attachment during the postpartum period.

Abstract Objective: This study aims to determinate the relationship between social support perceived by women, fatigue levels and maternal attachment in postpartum period. Methods: The sample of this descriptive study consists of 181 women who gave birth in the study period. The data was collected by the socio-demographic characteristics forms; “Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support” (MSPSS); “Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue Scale” (MAFS) and “Maternal Attachment Scale” (MAS) on the postpartum first days and 30–40th days. Results: MSPSS scores of women who had university or higher education, employed, had their first pregnancy, have 12 months or less between two pregnancies, were found to be significantly higher than others. MAS scores of women at the end of the postpartum first month were significantly increased. MAFS scores of women at the end of the postpartum first month were significantly decreased. The correlation between the fatigue levels and maternal attachment levels at the end of the postpartum first month was found to be negative and significant. Conclusion: In the postpartum period, the care of the mother should include social support, maternal attachment and fatigue assessment. Mothers should be encouraged to use social support resources. The continuity of social support systems should be provided.

The Effect of Different Maternal Positions on Reactivity of the Nonstress Test, Maternal Blood Pressure and Heart Rate

Objective: We aimed to investigate the effects of different maternal positions on reactivity of the Nonstress Test (NST), maternal blood pressure and heart rate. Methods: In this experimental study, 243 pregnants were randomized to the position groups (sitting, semi-Fowler’s, semi-Fowler’s left lateral) at 34-37 and 38-40 gestational weeks. The questionnaire form inquiring socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics and “NST Form” were used. For the statistical comparison of the continuous variables, one-way ANOVA, and independent groups t test were used. Results: Though not statistically significant difference existed, NST reactivity at sitting position was higher than the other positions, and it was higher in 38-40 gestational weeks relative to 34-37 gestational weeks (p>0.05). Results of NST reactivity were evaluated at 4 time periods. Time-to-reactivity in relation to position didn’t reveal a significant difference. Independent of the position, we found a significant difference in time to reactivity between 0-5 and 0-10 minutes, and between 0-10 and 0-15 minutes (p<0.05), but there was no significant difference in time to reactivity between 0-15 and 0-20 minutes (p>0.05). Fetal heart rate, maternal systolic, diastolic blood pressure levels were similar in all gestational weeks regardless of the position, at baseline and 10 minutes later (p>0.05). Maternal heart rates were significantly different in semifowler left lateral position (p<0.05). Conclusion: As the most comfortable positions for the pregnants NST applications at semi-Fowler’s left lateral and sitting positions seem to be more appropriate in order to get higher NTS reactivity results. No significant difference was observed in NTS reactivity between applications at 15 and 20 minutes, so application at 15 minutes may be sufficient for NST evaluation.