Yeliz Akkuş

Multiple sclerosis patient caregivers: the relationship between their psychological and social needs and burden levels

Purpose. The aim of this study was to discuss the burden of care-giving and the accompanied psychosocial experiences of caregivers. Method. We studied 49 caregivers of persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) recruited from a Turkish MS organisation, measuring their needs using the Psychological and Social Needs Scale. To assess the level of their burdens, we used the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview (ZCBI). Results. Most of the caregivers (63.3%) were females with a mean age of 42.12 (13.8) years, and 55.1% of the caregivers were spouses. The majority of caregivers were involved in bathing (59.2%) and dressing (55.1%) activities. A significant correlation exists between the ZCBI and dimensions of the Psychological and the Social Needs Scale (hopelessness, conflict in decision making, leisure activity deficit and social isolation). The following variables increased the ZCBI scores for caregivers: insufficient income; unemployment; presence of chronic disease; financial problems; difficulties in maintaining responsibilities; caregiver responsibilities involving dressing and positioning of the patient. Conclusion. Major predictors of feelings of being burdened were hopelessness, conflict in decision making, leisure activity deficits and social isolation of the person with MS. Psychological, social and financial support should be considered to reduce the burden of caregivers in Turkey.

Determination of burnout levels of nurses working in stem cell transplantation units in Turkey

Although burnout has been researched widely with regard to nurses working in different settings, until now it has not been investigated among stem cell transplantation unit nurses. This studys aim was to determine the burnout level of 57 nurses who were working in stem cell transplantation units in Turkey. The research instruments that were used included a form of demographic characteristics and the Maslach Burnout Inventory. For all the hematopoietic stem cell transplantation nurses, the mean subscale scores for emotional exhaustion were the highest, followed by personal accomplishment and then depersonalization. The burnout level rose with increasing age and duration on the job. Interventions to reduce burnout are needed at both the administrative and organizational levels. In addition, it is essential to address and prevent the problems that are related to burnout, especially among nurses who work in the same unit for a long time.

The Effectiveness of a Stimulation Program on Cognitive Capacity Among Individuals Older Than 60

The purpose of this study was to test the effects of a multistimulant home-based intervention program on cognitive function, anxiety, and depression among older adults with cognitive impairment. This research is quasi-experimental and was designed in an effort to increase the cognitive capacity of individuals above the age of 60 with reduced cognitive capacities. Each senior received a total of seven home visits, including intervention conversation, newspaper/ book reading, painting/handcraft activities, and physical exercise. The Mini Mental State Test scores of the participants statistically increased, whereas the Beck Anxiety and the Geriatric Depression Scale scores showed a decrease (p < .05) after the intervention. Findings demonstrate that the multistimulant approach to improve cognitive capacity among individuals older than 60 years was successful.

Effectiveness of a Multistimulant Home-Based Program on Cognitive Function of Older Adults

The purpose of this study was to test the effects of a multistimulant home-based program on cognitive function among older adults. This study was conducted in northeastern Turkey between March and June 2010. It was planned as an experimental versus control two-group design and carried out on 96 (intervention group = 48, control group = 48) participants. The intervention and control groups were similar regarding sex, education, partner status, and continuous drug use. Data were collected with a Standardized Mini Mental Test, the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and the Beck Anxiety Scale. Each senior received a total of 10 home visits on a once-per-week basis. Results for the intervention group showed that the Mini Mental State Test scores of the participants had statistically increased, and the Beck Anxiety and the GDS scores showed a decrease. The study found an association between the multistimulant home-based intervention program and cognitive function.

Effects of Training on Womans Who Have High Risk in Terms of Indoor Environmental Air Pollution

Yöntem: Müdahale çalışması olarak planlanan bu çalışmanın verileri 10 Mart 2010-10 Mart 2011 tarihleri arasında toplanmıştır. Çalışmaya 80 kadın alınmış ve birer hafta arayla altı kez ev ziyareti yapılarak eğitimler verilmiştir. Araştırmanın verileri sosyodemografik ve sağlık durumlarına ilişkin bilgi formu, kadınların tezek hakkındaki bilgi ve uygulamalarını tanılamaya yönelik bilgi formu, çevresel sigara dumanı maruziyet anketi, St. George Solunum Anketi aracılığıyla toplanmıştır.