Mean State Anxiety Research Articles

Effects of Footbath on Pain, Anxiety, Sleep, and Comfort Levels in Patients With Postlaparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Randomized Controlled Study.

The aim of the study is to determine the effect of of hot footbaths on the pain, anxiety, sleep, and comfort levels of patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The study is a randomized controlled designed. This study was conducted in surgery clinic of a university hospital between January 2022 and November 2022. The research was completed with 54 patients in the experimental group and 54 patients in the control group. The mean state anxiety score and VAS-Sleep score of the patients in the experimental group 120 minutes after the application was 31.07±4.70 and 612.62±82.37, respectively, which was statistically significantly lower than that of the patients in the control group ( P <0.05). On the other hand, at the 120th minutes after the application, the mean VAS-Comfort scores of the patients in the experimental group were statistically significantly higher than those of the patients in the control group ( P <0.05). A positive relationship was found between the mean VAS-Pain and VAS-Sleep scores of the patients in the experimental group, and a significant negative relationship was found between the mean VAS-Comfort and state anxiety scores. Foot bath is effective in reducing the pain and anxiety levels of patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery.

The Effect of Parental Presence on The Anxiety Level of Nurses During Intravenous Interventions in Children

&lt;b&gt;Aim:&lt;/b&gt; The present study employed an analytical, cross-sectional, and pretest-posttest design to assess the impact of parental presence on the anxiety levels of nurses during intravenous interventions in pediatric patients. &amp;nbsp;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Materials and Methods:&lt;/b&gt; The research was conducted in a public hospital in Istanbul between 01 September and 30 December 2021. The population of the research consisted of nurses working in the pediatric clinic of the hospital (N = 70), &amp;nbsp;and the sample consisted of 50 nurses who met the research criteria and agreed to participate in the research. Data were obtained through an information form and a state-trait anxiety inventory. Participants were first asked to fill out the information form and the trait anxiety inventory. The research was carried out in two phases with the same sample group. In the first phase, nurses were asked to fill out the state anxiety inventory immediately after intravenous interventions were administered to children while their parents were with their children. In the second phase, after a period of 15 days, a state anxiety inventory was applied to the nurses with the same sample group immediately after the intravenous interventions, without the participation of the family. The SPSS 26 package statistical program was used to evaluate the data.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Result and Conclusion:&lt;/b&gt; It was determined that the mean trait anxiety scores of the participants were at a medium level and that the mean state anxiety scores of the nurses were statistically significantly higher (p&amp;lt;0.001) in the interventions in which the parents were included in the process compared to the interventions in which the parents were not included in the process. Continuous in-service training can be recommended for pediatric nurses to adopt family-centered care.

Evaluation of the effect of stoma care training using the pechakucha method on stoma care skills and anxiety in nursing students: A single-blind randomized controlled trial

AimThis study aimed to evaluate the effects of stoma care training delivered using PechaKucha (PK) on the stoma care skills and anxiety of nursing students. BackgroundInnovative learning methods are needed to make the educational content of nursing courses more interesting and comprehensible. The PK presentation technique is used in various business sectors and can be considered as a novel teaching strategy for the development of stoma care skills in nursing education. The PK method is a visual and narrative slide-based presentation technique involving 20 slides (usually containing images only) that are shown for 20 s each, for a total presentation length of 6 min and 40 s. DesignA single-blind randomized controlled study was conducted according to the CONSORT guideline. MethodsThe study sample comprised 96 first-year nursing students (47 in the intervention group and 49 controls). Data were collected during the 2024 spring semester using a student information form, the Stoma Care Skill Rubric and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Stoma care training was delivered using the PK method for the intervention group and a classic lecture presentation for the control group. SPSS version 25.0 was used for statistical analysis. Independent-samples t-test was used to evaluate differences in mean stoma care skill and anxiety scores between the intervention and control groups. ResultsThe mean stoma care skills score two days after training was significantly higher in the intervention group (mean 42.59, SD 4.44) than in the control group (mean 33.87, SD 7.52) (p<0.05). Mean state anxiety scores after training did not differ significantly between the intervention group (mean 41.74, SD 6.51) and the control group (mean 43.08, SD 6.62) (p>0.05; Table 3). ConclusionThe PK method can be used as an alternative to classic slide-based presentations in nursing education. This study offers the first literature data regarding the efficacy of PK-based education for nursing care skills. Concise and image-based PK presentations may make the skill steps easier to understand and remember.

Effect of Humor on Pain and Anxiety in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Prospective, Randomized Controlled Study.

Humor can contribute to nursing practices for relieving pain and anxiety in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) during intravenous (IV) biologic treatment. This study used a prospective, randomized controlled study design to investigate the effect of humor on pain and state anxiety in patients with RA receiving IV infusion therapy. Two sample groups were formed: the intervention group (watching a comedy movie) (n = 18) and the control group (usual care) (n = 18). Both groups received IV biologic therapy. A significant difference was found between the groups' pain mean scores, but the effect size was small (P < .001, η² = 0.032). The mean visual analog scale scores decreased in both groups after the treatment; however, it decreased more in the intervention group (P < .001, Md = 2.44) than in the control group (P = .017, Md = 0.83). No significant difference was found between the groups' mean state anxiety scores, and the effect size was irrelevant (P > .05, η² = 0.001). There was a significant decrease in the anxiety levels of both groups (P < .001). During IV biologic infusion therapy, watching comedy movies is recommended as a nursing care intervention for reducing pain in patients with RA in cooperation with other health professionals.

The midterm psychological effect of cast removal procedures in children.

This study aimed to compare the course of anxiety change in children who used headphones during cast removal with controls in midterm follow-up. Sixty-six patients who underwent forearm fracture treatment with closed reduction and long arm casting between June 2021 and March 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups based on the use of headphones (n=27; 21 males, 6 females; mean age: 8.0±1.8 years; range, 6 to 12 years) or not (n=39; 27 males, 12 females; mean age: 8.9±1.8 years; range, 6 to 12 years) during cast removal with an oscillating saw. Primary outcome measures included preprocedure, postprocedure, and six-month anxiety assessments with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. There was an acute increase in the mean state anxiety scores after the procedure, which returned to below baseline at the six-month follow-up in the headphone (31.4±8.3, 33.3±8.7, and 25.1±4.1, respectively) and control groups (34.9±11.1, 37.4±9.5, and 27.3±5.3, respectively). The mean trait anxiety scores before the procedure, after the procedure, and at six months remained similar in the headphone (33.6±3.0, 34.6±3.2, and 32.4±2.8; p>0.05) and control groups (34.1±2.7, 33.7±3.0, and 33.7±3.0, p>0.05). This study suggests that the acute anxiety during cast removal did not create anxiety sequelae in the sixth month regardless of headphone use.

Evaluation of anxiety and hopelessness levels in emergency service workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey

Background/Aim: The COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant threat to the lives of individuals, particularly frontline healthcare workers. This brought about negative emotions, such as anxiety and hopelessness. Despite the existence of research evaluating psychiatric symptoms among healthcare personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic, this study is also significant in terms of evaluating and emphasizing the common negative emotions experienced by frontline healthcare workers during the pandemic. This study aimed to evaluate anxiety and hopelessness levels in emergency service workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and to examine these levels in terms of specific variables. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among emergency service healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, and healthcare officers working in a training and research hospital from July 10 to August 10, 2020 during the pandemic. Participants completed a survey that included a sociodemographic information form, the State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS). A total of 135 personnel without a history of psychiatric illness or use of psychiatric medication were included in the study. Results: Of the 135 participants in the study, 67 were female, and 68 were male. The mean state anxiety score for all participants was 44.5 (12.6), trait anxiety score was 44.2 (7.3) and hopelessness score was 7.1 (5.2). It was found that the anxiety of emergency service workers during the pandemic was at a moderate level and their hopelessness was at a mild level. In the study, higher scores were found in hopelessness and state-trait anxiety measurements in married individuals compared to single participants (P=0.040, P=0.003, P=0.001, respectively). Trait anxiety scores were significantly higher among those with chronic diseases compared to those without chronic diseases, and in those living with families compared to those living alone (P=0.039 and P=0.017, respectively). A positive and moderate relationship was observed between hopelessness levels and state-trait anxiety levels (P&lt;0.001 for all, r=0.457, r=0.425, respectively). Conclusion: During the COVID-19 pandemic, increased levels of anxiety and hopelessness were detected among healthcare workers in emergency services. It was observed that as the working time in the emergency department increased, hopelessness and state anxiety levels of the employees also increased.

Acil servise kabul edilen travmalı hastaların yakınlarının yaşadıkları kaygı

Introduction: Emergency departments, which are the busiest and most complex units of hospitals, are areas where multidisciplinary teamwork is performed. Patients and their relatives admitted to emergency departments in an unprepared manner because of traumas face many uncertainties. Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the anxiety levels of relatives of patients admitted to emergency departments with trauma. Material and Methods: This descriptive study was conducted in the emergency department of a university hospital with the participation of a total of 97 patient relatives between December 2020 and April 2021. Data were collected using Information form and State Anxiety Inventory. Results: The mean age of the patient relatives was 35.1±8.4, and 54.6% of the patient relatives were men, and 55.7% were undergraduates. The mean State Anxiety Inventory score of patient relatives was found to be 37.3±6.3. It was also found that 63.9% had mild anxiety, and 36.1% had moderate anxiety levels. It was determined that the anxiety of the relatives of the patients varied according to the positive alcohol test results and the type of shift in which they were admitted (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion and suggestions: It was determined that the patient relatives admitted to the emergency department with traumas experienced mild anxiety during the first 24 hours after admission. Training should be continued to support the skills of emergency department staff in patient communication and psychosocial support, and patient relatives should be informed about the process.

Effects of inhalation of peppermint oil after lumbar discectomy surgery on pain and anxiety levels of patients: A randomized controlled study

AimThis study was conducted to analyze the effects of the inhalation of peppermint oil after lumbar discectomy surgery on the pain and anxiety levels of patients. Materials and methodThis study was performed as a randomized controlled trial from September 2022 to June 2023 with 68 patients (34 patients in the experimental group and 34 patients in the control group). A Patient Information Form, the Numerical Pain Rating Scale, and the State Anxiety Inventory were used in the data collection process. The researcher administered the Patient Information Form to the patients before they underwent surgery. The State Anxiety Inventory and the Numerical Pain Rating Scale were administered to the patients after the second hour in the postoperative period. Next, for 10 minutes, only the patients in the experimental group inhaled five drops of peppermint oil dripped on a sterile gauze pad whereas no intervention was administered to the patients in the control group. Then, the State Anxiety Inventory and the Numerical Pain Rating Scale were administered again to the patients in both groups successively after the third and fourth hours in the postoperative period. ResultsAfter the second hour in the postoperative period, the difference between the mean pain or state anxiety levels of the two groups were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). On the other hand, after the third and fourth hours in the postoperative period, the differences between the two groups were statistically significant (p < 0.05). ConclusionIt was concluded that the inhalation of peppermint oil after lumbar discectomy surgery reduced pain and anxiety levels.

Surgeon reported measures of stress and anxiety prior to and after elective gynecological surgery.

Performing surgical procedures is a recognized source of stress for surgeons. Vocational stress is an important contributor to performance, patient care, and burnout with dispositional and environmental factors contributing. Accurately assessing surgeon stress is critical to measuring effectiveness of stress reduction programs. The primary aim was to identify differences between surgeons' self-reported anticipated stress and anxiety prior to gynecological surgery, compared with their recollection of experienced stress and anxiety during surgery. Secondary aims assessed any differences by level of training, surgical type, and surgeon role. Attending and resident gynecologists performing routine elective surgeries completed a visual analog scale (VAS) assessing perceived stress and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) prior to and immediately after completing 161 elective surgeries including total laparoscopic hysterectomy, laparoscopic excision of moderate-severe endometriosis, or hysteroscopic myomectomy. Eight attending gynecologists and nine residents participated. Residents commenced as primary surgeon in 62/90 (69%) procedures. Stress experienced during surgery was greater than anticipated in 92/161 (57%) surgery episodes (mean VAS increase: 3.9; 95% CI: 1.1-6.8, p = 0.009). State anxiety was greater than anticipated in 99/161 (62%) episodes (mean state anxiety increase: 4.4; 95% CI: 3.0-5.8, p < 0.001). Greater preprocedural anticipatory stress and anxiety was observed in residents vs. attending gynecologists (VAS 51.9 vs. 22.8, p < 0.001; state anxiety 38.3 vs. 28.1, p < 0.001) and in primary vs. assistant surgeons (VAS 47.2 vs. 29.9, p < 0.001; state anxiety 36.9 vs. 28.3, p < 0.001). Intraoperative stress and anxiety were greater in primary surgeons (VAS 50.4 vs. 30.5, p < 0.001; anxiety 41.3 vs. 32.5, p < 0.001) and residents (VAS 43.4 vs. 31.7, p < 0.001; anxiety 53.5 vs. 33.7, p < 0.001) compared with assistants and attending gynecologists. Perceived stress and anxiety were positively correlated at both timepoints (r = 0.68, p < 0.001; r = 0.82, p < 0.001). When asked to reflect on stress experienced during surgery, our data show that stress during surgery is greater than anticipated for many surgical episodes. Self-reported stress symptoms commence prior to surgery and are more commonly reported by surgeons operating as primary surgeon and by those in training. Future research should focus on determinants of presurgical stress and examine when stressors become inhibitory to performance.

Effect of Auriculotherapy on the Anxiety of Women After Cesarean Section: A Clinical Trial

Introduction: Anxiety after cesarean section can delay the recovery process of mothers after delivery. Auriculotherapy as a complementary medicine may be beneficial in reducing maternal anxiety. Objective: This study assesses auriculotherapy’s effect on women’s anxiety after cesarean section. Materials and Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 68 women after cesarean section in a teaching hospital in Rasht City, Iran. The mothers were assigned into intervention groups (n=34) and control (n=34). In the intervention group, auriculotherapy was performed by Vaccaria seeds on 1 point in the left ear and 5 points in the right ear. The mothers’ anxiety was measured by the Spielberger state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI) before, 3, and 10 days after the intervention. The collected data were analyzed by using the independent t-test, Fisher exact test, and repeated measures ANOVA. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was also used to compare the STAI score between the two groups after the intervention. The significance level was set at 0.05. Results: The Mean±SD age of the participants was 31.8±7.2 years. In the intervention group, no significant difference was found in the state and trait anxiety scores from baseline to day 3 after the intervention. However, their mean scores were significantly reduced on the 10th day after the intervention compared to the scores at baseline and day 3 (P=0.001). In the control group, the mean state anxiety score on the third day was significantly higher than at baseline and day 10 (P=0.001, η2=0.249). At the same time, there was no significant difference in trait anxiety scores from the baseline to the third day. However, these values increased on day 10 (P=0.001). According to the ANCOVA results, the adjusted means of state and trait anxiety in the intervention group were lower than in the control group on the 3rd and 10th days; these values decreased more from the third to the tenth day (P=0.001, η2=0.829). Conclusion: Auriculotherapy effectively reduces mothers’ anxiety after cesarean section. Therefore, health service providers, especially midwives, can use this complementary medicine to reduce mothers’ anxiety.

The Effect of Reiki and Aromatherapy on Vital Signs, Oxygen Saturation, and Anxiety Level in Patients Undergoing Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: A Randomized Controlled Study.

This randomized controlled study aimed to determine the effect of Reiki and aromatherapy on vital signs, oxygen saturation, and anxiety level in patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The sample consisted of 100 patients divided into Reiki (n = 34), aromatherapy (n = 33), and control (n = 33) groups. Data were collected 3 times (before, during, and after the procedure) using a descriptive characteristics questionnaire, a follow-up form, and the State Anxiety Subscale. The Reiki group had a mean State Anxiety Subscale score of 53.59 ± 2.98 and 43.94 ± 4.31 before and after the procedure, respectively. The aromatherapy group had a mean State Anxiety Subscale score of 54.03 ± 4.03 and 43.85 ± 3.91 before and after the procedure, respectively. The control group had a mean State Anxiety Subscale score of 38.79 ± 4.68 and 53.30 ± 7.26 before and after the procedure, respectively (P < .05). The results showed that the Reiki and aromatherapy groups had significantly lower State Anxiety Subscale scores than the control group after the procedure, indicating that Reiki and aromatherapy help reduce anxiety levels. There was a significant difference in the mean respiratory rates and oxygen saturation levels between the groups (P < .05). In conclusion, patients who do Reiki or undergo aromatherapy are less likely to experience anxiety before upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Evaluation of maternal anxiety and depression levels in pregnancies with fetal anomalies

Aim: This study aimed to document depression and anxiety levels in pregnant women with intrauterine fetal anomalies based on objective measurement inventories, raise awareness of this issue and provide the necessary support to patients. &#x0D; Materials and Method: Forty pregnant women between the ages of 18-41 who were diagnosed with a major fetal anomaly, and decided their pregnancy to continue were included in the study group. Forty pregnant women with a healthy fetus and gestational week and maternal age matched with the study group were included as the control group. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were applied to pregnant women.&#x0D; Results: Anxiety and depression levels were compared between pregnant women diagnosed with an intrauterine fetal anomaly and the control group. The mean BDI score was significantly higher in the study group (P=0.008). In the STAI scoring, the mean state anxiety level (P0.001) and the mean trait anxiety score (P=0.001) were found to be statistically higher in the study group compared to the control group. &#x0D; Conclusion: The depressive symptom scores and the state and trait anxiety levels of pregnant women with the intrauterine fetal anomaly, increased compared to the healthy pregnant women. These pregnant women should be provided with professional psychological support and necessary medical assistance during this difficult period.

A randomized controlled trial on the effect of music and white noise listening on anxiety and vital signs during intramuscular injection skill learning

This study explored the effects of environmental white noise and music on the physiological and psychological conditions of nursing students who were first-year (n = 50). Also, intramuscular injection skills were evaluated. The data of randomized controlled design were collected by using an information form, the intramuscular injection checklist, The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the vital signs assessment form. After interventions, the mean state anxiety levels of the groups showed a statistically significant difference, and the score of students in the white noise group was higher than students in the music and control groups (p ≤ .001). All groups showed a statistically significant difference between the first and second measurements for the state anxiety level (p < .05). While no statistically significant difference was determined in the means of heart rate and diastolic pressure among the groups after the intervention, the means of systolic pressure of the white noise group increased significantly when compared to the music group (p < .05). There were no significant differences between the groups in the skill test (p > .05). While music listening and a silent environment had positive effects on the state of anxiety of students, white noise had negative effects. No significant difference was determined between the groups in the skill test.

Determination of Anxiety Levels and Factors Affecting Anxiety in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Background/aim: Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) is an alternative treatment for patients with severe aortic stenosis who are considered high-risk for surgery. Determine the anxiety levels of patients, who will undergo TAVI surgery, and factors affecting anxiety in the pre- and postoperative period. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Sifa hospital in Izmir, Turkey between September 2014 and June 2015. Data were collected in the cardiology outpatient clinic for preoperative data, and in the coronary intensive care unit and cardiology outpatient clinic for postoperative data. The data were collected by interviewing patients who presented with aortic stenosis or aortic insufficiency and underwent TAVI surgery. Stress status of the patients before and after TAVI was measured with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Results: The mean age of 34 patients participating in the study was 78.21(±6.67), and 61.8 % of the patients were women. The mean state anxiety scores of all patients were 45.5(±12.1) before the surgery, 36.4(±10.6) after the surgery. The anxiety experienced before the operation was moderate to high; and after the operation was lower. Conclusion: The patients were experiencing moderate to high and levels of anxiety. The factors affecting the state anxiety scores in the preoperative period were the age of the patient and the presence of chronic diseases. The factors affecting the stress of the patients in the pre- and post-TAVI period were subjective fear felt due to the stressful situation in the preoperative period were found to be age and the presence of chronic disease.

The anxiety level of healthcare professionals and hospital support staff during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background/Aim: The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has placed a significant psychological burden on healthcare professionals. This study aims to identify the anxiety levels of healthcare professionals and non-healthcare personnel during the pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on healthcare professionals during the pandemic, and we attempted to reach all personnel without setting a specific sample size. Participants completed a survey that included demographic information and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). We compared anxiety scores and working conditions between healthcare and non-healthcare personnel during the pandemic. Results: Our study included 204 personnel, with 45.1% being healthcare professionals and 54.9% non-healthcare professionals. The mean state anxiety score for all participants was 44.7 (10.3). Female professionals, those working in intensive care, and personnel who believed they lacked sufficient protection training had significantly higher mean anxiety scores (P=0.001, P=0.006, P&lt;0.001, respectively). Participants with mild or no problems initiating and maintaining sleep and waking up early had lower mean anxiety scores (P&lt;0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between healthcare professionals and non-healthcare personnel in mean scores (P=0.59). Conclusion: Our study found that all personnel experienced medium-level anxiety during the pandemic, indicating an increased risk for hospital staff. The fact that non-healthcare personnel had similar anxiety scores to healthcare professionals highlights the need for psychosocial interventions to support all hospital staff, regardless of their role in patient care.

The Effect of Listening to Music on Surgical Fear and Anxiety before Cardiac Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Objective: Listening to music has been used as an intervention during both the treatment and rehabilitation process. Cardiac surgery is stressful and generates fear for most patients. This study assessed the effect of listening to music on the level of surgical fear and state anxiety of the patients, who were undergoing cardiac surgery. Methods: This randomized controlled trial consisted of 50 patients in the intervention group and 50 patients in the control group. Two days before cardiac surgery, the intervention group listened to music for about 45 minutes each day. The control group received no music intervention. Patients’ state anxiety and surgical fear were measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Surgical Fear Scale. Results: After the music intervention, the mean surgical fear of the intervention group was 29.04±10.31, and the control group was 50.68±13.65. The state anxiety rate of the intervention group was 39.56 ± 9.37. The state anxiety rate of the control group was found to be 56.94±13.90. The difference between the mean state anxiety and surgical fear scores before cardiac surgery were statistically significant between the intervention group and control group. Conclusion: A music listening program may aid patients in the preoperative period to reduce stress and anxiety and is well accepted by patients. Listening to music as an intervention for patients, expecting to undergo cardiac surgery was feasible and the results suggest a high degree of effectiveness.

165 Investigating the benefits of low- and mid-level equine assisted activities on university students’ mental health

By most reports, student mental health is on the decline at colleges and universities. Animal assisted activities have been shown effective in improving students’ mental health, but few studies have focused on equine assisted activities (EAA). Researchers at Michigan State University (MSU) studied how EAA influenced university students’ mood and anxiety. MSU students (n = 150) were recruited from across campus with posters, social media, and class announcements, to participate in a study at the MSU Horse Teaching and Research Center (HTRC). Students were randomly assigned to 3 groups to perform a 30-min activity at HTRC: guided walk (WALK) down a farm lane with no opportunity for horse interaction and limited horse observation (n = 37); low-level (LL) EAA with a self-guided tour of the HTRC using a farm map and HTRC tour app with opportunity to interact with horses over a fence (n = 37); and mid-level (ML) EAA involving grooming a horse with supervision (n = 39). Pre and post surveys were administered to students immediately before and after completing their activity to compare mood and state anxiety among groups. Mood was measured with the Brief Mood Introspection Scale (BMIS) for Pleasant Unpleasant sub score using 16 items and a 4-point response scale with a possible score range from 16 to 64 and a higher score indicating a more pleasant mood. State anxiety was measuredusing the State -Trait Anxiety Inventory for Adults (STAI) TM with 20 items on a 4-point response scale and a possible score range from 20 to 80 with a higher score indicating a higher level of anxiety. A repeated-measures ANOVA in SPSS showed that mean mood and state anxiety scores improved significantly between pre and post tests among all 3 groups (F(1, 110) = 165.21, P < 0.001; F(1, 111) = 179.81, P < 0.001, respectively) and at least between 2 groups (F(2,110) = 13.195, P < 0.001; F(2, 111) = 10.08, P < 0.001, respectively). When comparing the improvement in the post versus pre mood score among the 3 groups, the improvement in both the LL-EAA and ML-EAA groups were greater compared with the improvement in the WALK group (3.38, P = 0.048 for LL EAA vs. WALK; 4.35, P = 0.007 for ML EAA vs. WALK). Improvements in state anxiety score were also greater for LL EAA and ML EAA groups compared with the WALK group (−5.36, P = 0.026 for LL EAA vs. WALK; −5.56, P = 0.019 for ML EAA vs. WALK). While all group activities had a positive effect on student mental health, the ability to interact with horses resulted in greater improvement in their current mood and decline in state anxiety.

The Effects of Breathing Exercises on Patients Having Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Surgery.

The aim of the study is to determine the effect of breathing exercises on patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy in terms of their level of anxiety, sleep, and recovery of quality after surgery. A randomized, controlled experimental research model was used in this work. This study was conducted in surgery clinic of a university hospital between December 2020 and May 2021. The research was completed with 58 patients in the experimental group and 57 patients in the control group. The mean Visual Analog Sleep Scale and state anxiety score of the patients in the control group was higher in the morning of the operation and on the 1st, 15th, and 30th days after the operation than that of the experimental group patients, and the difference was statistically significant (p < .05). The correlations between recovery quality, state anxiety, and sleep quality on the first postoperative day were significant at (p < .05) in the opposite direction.

Anxiety and Depression of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Mothers During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: To determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression of the mothers whose babies were admitted to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for any reason other than COVID-19 during the pandemic, and the effect of duration of NICU stay on mothers' anxiety and depression. Materials and Methods: The NICU mothers were divided into three groups according to duration of hospitalization of their babies. The duration of hospitalization of the babies was &amp;lt; 7 days for the first group of the mothers (G1), ≥ 7- &amp;lt;14 days for the second group (G2), and ≥ 14- &amp;lt; 30 days for the third group (G3). The anxiety level of the mothers was assessed with "State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)", and a cut-off score above 40 was used to define probable clinical levels of anxiety. Depression was evaluated with “Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS)”, and a cut-off score above 12 was considered as probable risk for presence of postpartum depression. Results: Among 150 mothers (in each group n=50), the STAI-State scores of all mothers were &amp;gt; 40, indicating clinical levels of anxiety. Seventy three (48.7%) of the mothers had a EPDS score &amp;gt; 12. The STAI-State scores of the mothers in G3 were higher than the mothers in G2 (p=0.029). Depression scores did not differ between the three groups. Conclusions: All the NICU mothers were found to be anxious and nearly half of them were depressive. Mean state anxiety levels were higher in mothers of babies who stayed longer in NICU.

The effects of goldfish on anxiety, fear, psychological and emotional well-being of hospitalized children: A randomized controlled study

AimThis study aimed to determine the effect of goldfish intervention on anxiety, fear, psychological and emotional well-being of hospitalized children. Materials and methodsBetween November 2020 and August 2021, an open-label, single-center randomized controlled experimental study was conducted in Türkiye's Eastern Anatolia region. The study included 112 children aged 8 to 10 years old (56 in the study group and 56 in the control group). The study and control groups were randomly assigned to strata using a table of random numbers. The children in the study group observed after goldfish intervention for three days. As data collection tools, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children, Child Fear Scale, and the Stirling Children's Well-being Scale were used. ResultsThe mean state anxiety scores of the children in the study group who looked after goldfish intervention decreased significantly compared to the control group. When the two groups were compared, the difference between the post-test measurements were significant (p < 0.05). The mean score of the fear scale in the post-test measurements of the study group children was significantly lower than the control group (p < 0.05). Finally, the emotional, and psychological well-being post-test scale mean scores of the study group children were higher than the control group (p < 0.01). ConclusionGoldfish intervention was found to be effective in decreasing the state anxiety and fear levels and increasing the psychological and emotional well-being levels of the children in the study group.