Ümmühan Aktürk

Relationship between depression and loneliness in elderly and examination of influential factors

This study was planned and conducted for the purpose of examining the relationship between depression and loneliness in elderly people and the influencing factors. The study was a descriptive and correlational study and its population consisted of 17,080 older individuals aged sixty and over who were registered at six Family Healthcare Centers (FHCs) located in the provisional center of Malatya. The sample of the study comprised of 913 elderly people who were chosen from the elderly people registered at the FHCs first by cluster sampling and then by simple random sampling from the clusters in proportion to the population. The data was collected between April and June 2011 using a questionnaire developed by the investigators in line with the literature, the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and the UCLA Loneliness Scale (ULS). They had a mean score of 13.83 ± 7.4 from the GDS and 40.50 ± 12.1 from the ULS. A positive correlation was found between Geriatric Depression and loneliness (r=0.608, p<0.001). It was observed that there was a significant correlation between loneliness and depression in the elderly people living in a community, presence of social security and higher income, on the other hand, led to lower mean scores. In view of these results, it can be advised that a minimum income should be secured for elderly people whether they have social security or not, their families and the society should be trained not to leave elderly people alone.

The Effect of Watson’s Human Caring Model on Meaning of Life and Symptom Management in Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of Watson’s Human Caring Model on the meaning of life and symptom management in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Design: The study was conducted using a real test model featuring a pretest and posttest and a control group. Methods: The sample consisted of 158 adult cancer patients (79 in both the experimental and control groups). The sample size was determined and the participants were allocated to groups using power analysis and a random sampling method. For the pretest, both groups completed an introductory questionnaire, the Life Attitude Profile, and the General Symptom Inventory. Then, the experimenter visited the experimental group patients’ homes three times, at 2-week intervals, to provide nursing care based on Watson’s model. Finally, after 8 weeks, a posttest was conducted by having both groups complete the Life Attitude Profile and General Symptom Inventory once again. Results: In the experimental group, the mean total posttest score for the Life Attitude Profile was determined to be 164.21 ± 36.5, and the mean total General Symptom Inventory score was 55.06 ± 13.19; however, in the control group, the mean total Life Attitude Profile score was 127.31 ± 10.61 and the mean total General Symptom Inventory score was 136.91 ± 16.20. The mean differences between the groups were statistically significant (p < .001). Implications for Practice: Care based on Watson’s model increases the sense of meaning in life and decreases symptom levels for patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Comparison of smartphone addiction and loneliness in high school and university students

PURPOSE This study was conducted to compare the relationship between the smartphone addiction and loneliness in high school and university students. DESIGN AND METHODS A correlation and descriptive study from a convenience sample of 1156 high school and university students. Questionnaire, Smartphone Addiction scale, and Short Loneliness scale were used to collect the data of the study. FINDINGS No relationship was found between the smartphone addiction and loneliness in high school and university students. PRACTICE IMPLACITIONS It is recommended to organize comprehensive training programs for the students and their families in the school health services.

The effects of depression, personal characteristics, and some habits on physical activity in the elderly: AKTÜRK et al.

PURPOSE The current study investigated the effects of depression, personal characteristics, and some habits on physical activity levels among the elderly. DESIGN AND METHODS This study followed a descriptive design. The population of the study consisted of 11 750 individuals at least 65 years old. The sample size of the study was determined to be 967 by power analysis. Descriptive statistics and logistic models were used for data analysis. RESULTS Together, age, the presence of a caregiver, chronic disease, and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) score explained 32% of the variance in the physical activity of the elderly. Among these factors, the GDS score alone had the greatest effect. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS To maintain health, it is important to reduce depression and increase physical activity among the elderly.

Determining the spiritual well-being of patients with spinal cord injury

Context/Objective: The present study was designed to determine the spiritual belief levels of patients with spinal cord injury as well as to examine the socio-demographic factors that affect their spiritual beliefs. Design: This study was designed as a descriptive study. Setting: The physical therapy and rehabilitation unit of a city Education and Research hospital. Participants: All patients over the age of 18 years who have had spinal cord injuries. Outcome Measures: Data for the study were collected using a questionnaire and the FACIT-Spiritual Well-Being Scale. Results: People with SCI in the eastern region of Turkey demonstrate moderately high levels of spiritual well-being. A significant correlation was identified between socio-demographic characteristics, such as age, marital status, level of income, status of receiving care, and duration of diagnosis, and the spiritual well-being of patients with spinal cord injury. While previous studies have been conducted in Christian communities, the current study was the first to be conducted in a Turkish (primarily Muslim) community. Therefore, the current study will significantly contribute to the literature an explanation of the spiritual well-being of patients with spinal cord injuries in Muslim communities. Conclusions: Degree of spiritual well-being in Turkey is similar to other regions studied to date. Spiritual well-being is important in coping with the physical, social, economic, and emotional problems experienced by patients after a spinal cord injury. Healthcare professionals are encouraged to support the spiritual needs of their patients.

The Relationship Between Domestic Violence Against Women and Suicide Risk

Aim The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between domestic violence against women and suicide risk. Methods The population of the study consisted of married women aged 18 years and over in 10 Family Health Centers located within the boundaries of Yeşilyurt Municipality of Malatya Province. The study was completed with 1025 women. In the data collection, a 6‐question questionnaire prepared by the researcher upon the literature review, Domestic Violence Scale, and Suicide Probability Scale were used. Percentage distribution, arithmetic mean, independent samples t test, and correlation were used to assess the data. Results In the study, it was found that domestic violence levels of the women were high and their suicide risks were moderate. A statistically positive correlation was determined between DVS subscale and total mean scores of the women and their suicide risk subscale and total mean scores (p < 0.05). Conclusion In the study, it was determined that as the women’s exposure to domestic violence increased, their suicide risks also increased. It can be recommended to establish centers for women and organize trainings in order to prevent domestic violence and suicide risk in women. HIGHLIGHTSThe findings of the study are domestic violence against women related to suicide risk each other.Turkey and all over the world are increasingly violent. This situation brings some problems to women.Violence against women negatively affects the mental health of women.

The self-perceived burden scale: a validation study in Turkish patients with spinal cord injury

Methods: This study was conducted between January and June 2017 with 250 cancer patients in the oncology and hematology clinic of a university hospital in Turkey. The data was collected by using questionnaire consisting of the information about the patient’s demographic characteristics and using state of complementary and alternative treatment. Data that was collected from the study was analyzed by using means, percentage and chi-squared test.

The effect of care given according to Watson’s human caring model on the meaning of life and symptom management in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy

Methods: This study was conducted between January and June 2017 with 250 cancer patients in the oncology and hematology clinic of a university hospital in Turkey. The data was collected by using questionnaire consisting of the information about the patient’s demographic characteristics and using state of complementary and alternative treatment. Data that was collected from the study was analyzed by using means, percentage and chi-squared test.

Turkish validity and reliability of the Diabetes Self-Efficacy Scale

Purpose The aim of this methodological study was to determine the validity and reliability of the Diabetes Self-Efficacy Scale adapted to the Turkish community. Methods The study sample was completed with 319 patients who had been diagnosed at least 1 year before and hospitalized in the Malatya Turgut Ozal Health Center and Malatya State Hospital in Turkey. A questionnaire that consists of items on sociodemographic characteristics, drug use and information about the disease of patients and the Diabetes Self-Efficacy Scale were used for data collection in the study. In reliability analysis of the scale, the Cronbachs α coefficient was calculated and item analysis method was utilized. Factor analysis was used for the construct validity, and Principal Component Analysis and Varimax Rotation method were used for analyzing the factor structures. Results According to data obtained in the study, item-total correlation of the items of the scale was found to be at an adequate level (0.297–0.803). The scales Cronbachs α reliability coefficient was found to be 0.86, and there was one factor that explains 52.38% of the total variance with an eigenvalue was greater than 1.0. As a result of the analysis, the factor loadings of the items of the scale were found to be between 0.59 and 0.81. Conclusion Diabetes Self-Efficacy Scale is a valid and reliable instrument for determining the self-efficacy of patients and providing a proper care. It can be suggested to investigate and evaluate the consistency of the scale by applying it to broader sample groups representing different socioeconomic levels.