Mean Total Score Research Articles

Self-reported knowledge and difficulties towards palliative care among healthcare professionals in rural China: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundPalliative care (PC) in rural China remains underdeveloped, with limited specialized services and significant challenges for healthcare professionals. This study aimed to examine the difficulties in providing PC and their factors from the perspective of healthcare professionals in rural Henan province, China, where specific PC services are currently unavailable.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted between June and July 2024, using a convenience sample of 255 healthcare professionals from four secondary/tertiary hospitals participated. Data were collected on participants’ demographic characteristics, information on recently deceased cancer patients they had cared for, and PC-related information. PC knowledge and PC difficulties were assessed using the Palliative Care Knowledge Questionnaire-Chinese version (PCKQ-PCN) and the Palliative Care Difficulties Scale (PCDS). Linear regression analysis identified factors associated with PC difficulties.ResultsAmong the 255 participants (Mean[age]: 34.82 ± 7.04), 71.8% were females, 57.3% were physicians, and the average work experience was 10.20 years. Regarding PC experience, 48.2% had participated in 1–2 training sessions annually over the past two years, and 32.2% reported a poor understanding of PC. The total PCKQ-PCN mean score was 13.28 ± 2.62, with 25.2% of participants classified as having poor knowledge. The PCDS mean score was 42.58 ± 13.59. Linear regression analysis showed that participating in at least one PC training session every six months (β = -10.66; p = 0.032), having experience caring for seriously ill people at home (β = -6.31; p = 0.024), greater knowledge of symptom management (β = -3.72; p = 0.012), and higher levels of basic knowledge (β = -5.12; p = 0.007) were negatively associated with PC difficulties. Conversely, limited understanding of PC (β = 12.95; p = 0.021), greater knowledge of spiritual care and death education (β = 4.95; p = 0.034), and having new rural cooperative medical insurance (β = 6.36; p = 0.023; β = 3.21; p = 0.042) were positively associated with PC difficulties.ConclusionsThis study highlights critical gaps in rural China’s PC services, including inadequate training, limited focus on spiritual needs and death education, and disparities in insurance coverage. Targeted training programs in healthcare professionals and policy reforms are urgently needed to improve PC quality and accessibility in rural areas.

The effect of progressive muscle relaxation therapy on diabetes distress & anxiety among people with type 2 diabetes

Background & objectives Diabetes distress (DD) is a mental condition that can develop in people with diabetes and shares characteristics with stress, anxiety, and depression. The aim was to determine the effect of Jacobson’s Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) therapy on DD, anxiety, glycemic control, hemodynamic and lipid measures among people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Methods A total of 80 participants were recruited for this prospective randomised intervention study and divided into two groups equally; group 1 (Control) (n=40) received general counselling for stress reduction and group 2 (Intervention) (n=40) received PMR therapy and general counselling for stress reduction. A pre-, and post-test was done with diabetes distress Scale (DDS) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) Scales. Baseline data on anthropometric, hemodynamic, biochemical details were collected and repeated after three months. Thirty-six participants, with four dropouts in each group, reported for follow up. Diabetes medication regimens in both groups remained unchanged throughout the study period. Results There was a significant reduction in the total mean scores of DDS (Pre vs. Post) (3.8 vs. 1.6) and GAD Scale (17.9 vs. 6.3; P<0.0001) in the intervention group. The PMR therapy group showed a significant reduction in HbA1c, fasting and post prandial (PP) glucose levels with HbA1c (baseline vs. follow up; 9.2% vs. 7.6%), fasting (194.5 mg/dl vs. 142.4 mg/dl) and PP glucose levels (266.5 mg/dl vs. 175.5 mg/dl) (P=0.001) whereas control group showed an increase in HbA1c, fasting and PP glucose levels. The impact of PMR therapy was also reflected in the lipid profile. Seventy per cent of the intervention group participants followed PMR therapy regularly. Interpretation & conclusions Our study findings highlighted that PMR therapy had a positive effect on diabetes distress and anxiety among people with T2DM. It also improved glycemic control and can be used as an adjunctive to the medications for better management of T2DM.

Evaluation of primary health care nurses’ knowledge and neonatal screening performance for phenylketonuria in Alexandria

IntroductionNurses play a crucial role in the primary prevention of phenylketonuria (PKU) within national screening programs for newborns. This is achieved through consult with the child’s provider promptly to arrange a PKU test, accurate collection of blood samples at maternal and child health centers, enable early detection of potential cases.AimThis study aimed to assess the level of primary health care nurses’ knowledge and neonatal screening performance for phenylketonuria in AlexandriaMethodsA descriptive research design was used. The study included all nurses (50 nurses) who are responsible for obtaining newborn screening test from 5 primary health care centers in Alexandria. Two tools were used to collect the necessary data: nurses’ knowledge regarding phenylketonuria disease assessment sheet and nurses’ performance about newborn screening for phenylketonuria observational checklist.ResultsIt was found that the mean age of participant was 42.94 ± 5.0 and 52% of them had completed their technical level of education and the means years of experience was 17.64 ± 4.84. The total mean score of nurses’ knowledge regarding phenylketonuria screening was 16.24 ± 1.99 with the mean percent score of 72.72 ± 8.27. It was also found the total score of nurses’ screening performance was 11.0 ± 0.97 with the mean percent score of 64.71 ± 5.70. A significant positive correlation was found between nurses’ knowledge and their screening performance with P = < 0.001.ConclusionIt was concluded that majority of participant nurses had correct knowledge in neonatal screening and many aspects of phenylketonuria disease. However, they still needed support in steps related to infection control.

Protocols for ischemic stroke in Flemish hospitals: correlation between availability and content versus adherence.

Stroke is globally one of the leading causes of mortality and disability. Adhering to evidence-based guidelines and protocols can improve quality of care for ischemic stroke patients. We aimed to compare the availability and content of specific protocols versus adherence to these key intervention in clinical daily practice among Flemish hospitals. We selected five key interventions for managing ischemic stroke patients. These key interventions encompassed the measurement of body temperature, glycaemia monitoring, screening of Swallowing function according to the Fever, Sugar and Swallowing protocol (FeSS protocol) and depression and Activities of Daily Living (ADL), (FeSS+ key-interventions). A systematic quantitative and qualitative approach was designed to analyse specific protocols from 24 hospitals. A predefined data extraction matrix for the five FeSS+ key interventions was utilized for data collection. Using this matrix, protocols were scored according to completeness of content, regarding the FeSS+ interventions. These scores were used to calculate a total protocol content score, i.e. a total score for the five FeSS+ interventions and an individual score for each key intervention separately, ranging between 0 and 1, per hospital. A score of zero indicates absence of the FeSS+ interventions in the protocols, while a score of one signifies complete coverage of these interventions. In addition, we assessed the correlation between the availability and content of these protocols in relation to the adherence to interventions documented for 30 patients per hospital. The mean total protocol content score was 0.40±0.20, ranging from 0.64±0.25 for glycaemia management to 0.1±0.28 for ADL screening. With regard to the individual FeSS+ key interventions, we identified a correlation between protocol characteristics and adherence for glycaemia (rs = 0.42, p = 0.04), depression screening (rs = 0.43, p = 0.04) and ADL screening (rs = 0.44, p = 0.03). Total FeSS+-protocol content also correlated with adherence (r = 0.6140, p = 0.0014). Protocol characteristics for the FeSS+ key interventions were variable and rather limited, especially for ADL- and depression screening. The identified relationship between the content of protocols and adherence to interventions underscores the value of defining these activities in hospital documentation to improve stroke care.

Camp Wonder Provides Short-Term Health-Related Quality of Life Benefits for Participants With Chronic Skin Disease.

Chronic skin diseases in children can significantly impair their quality of life (QOL) due to physical discomfort and psychosocial challenges. Disease-focused summer camps, like Camp Wonder (CW), offer a supportive environment for children to engage in activities and build friendships, potentially improving their QOL. This prospective cohort study evaluated the short-term QOL benefits of CW as measured by the Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI). Data were collected from 58 camp participants aged 8-17 years. The CDLQI was administered on the first and last days of CW. The paired sample t-test was used to compare pre-camp and post-camp CDLQI scores. A multiple linear regression analysis examined predictors of QOL improvement, including age, diagnosis category, sex, and initial CDLQI severity. CW participants showed significant improvements in total CDLQI scores (mean change = -3.8 points, p < 0.0001) and in all constituent domains. Participants with "very large" initial QOL impacts experienced an average reduction of 8.4 points, while those with "extremely large" impacts had a reduction of 15.3 points relative to the reference group. Age, sex, and diagnosis were not significant predictors of QOL changes. CW provides significant short-term QOL benefits, particularly for children with severe impairments due to chronic skin disease. These findings suggest that summer camp experiences may be useful as part of a comprehensive care strategy, especially for pediatric patients with severe QOL impacts.

Rett Syndrome Behaviour Questionnaire: Variability of Scores and Related Factors.

Objective: Rett syndrome (RTT) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder affecting predominantly females and associated with variants in the MECP2 gene. Recent success in clinical trials have resulted in an expanded use of the Rett Syndrome Behaviour Questionnaire (RSBQ) for clinical and research purposes. Implementation of the RSBQ as a global clinical severity scale has raised concerns about its construct validity considering its content, structure, and psychometric features. To further understand RSBQ data, we analyzed RSBQ scores available in the literature with a focus on variability and influencing factors. Methods: We identified publications reporting RSBQ total and/or subscale scores and summarized relevant study information, such as type of investigation, administration method, and descriptive data. We then analyzed means and standard deviations, calculating variance-to-mean ratios (VMR), as a measure of variability, when raw score descriptive statistics were available. Where appropriate, we compared means and VMRs by Welch t-tests. Results: Of the 14 publications identified, raw total scores from 5 observational studies and 4 clinical trials (baseline) were available. Raw subscale scores from four of the five observational studies were also available. We found a wide but comparable range of mean total scores for observational studies and clinical trials. However, VMRs were significantly higher in observational studies. Subscale scores showed either high (i.e., General Mood, Breathing Problems) or low (e.g., Hand Behaviours, Body Rocking and Expressionless Face) variability. Available data demonstrated greater variability in pediatric than adult groups and less variability when using interviews or electronic RSBQ administration compared with paper forms. Total score changes over time did not affect variability. Although certain studies offered insight into the relationship between the RSBQ and other measures, overall, data were insufficient for characterizing how RSBQ variability relates to other factors. Conclusions: Our findings on score variability support the need for more comprehensive reporting of RSBQ data, cohort characterization, and methodology; and the deployment of standardized RSBQ administration methods, such as advanced data capture systems. There is potential for use of subscales as outcome measures, subject to further psychometric validation studies, including prospective investigations testing the stability of RSBQ scores and influencing factors. Further examining the relationship between RSBQ scores and other instruments will aid in its interpretation as a clinical outcome measure.

A Study of the Impact of the Teachings of the Quran on the Stress, Anxiety, Depression, and Resilience of Nurses Caring for COVID-19 Patients in Iran.

Nurses have been exposed to great tension in the COVID-19 pandemic. The present study aims to investigate the impact of the teachings of the Quran on the stress, anxiety, depression, and resilience of nurses caring for COVID-19 patients. This is a quasi-experimental study on 70 nurses at Larestan and Gerash hospitals. The intervention was implemented in ten 30-min online and offline sessions through mobile phone-based applications. The standard resilience scale and DASS-21 were completed by the two study groups immediately before and one month after the intervention. The posttest total stress mean scores of the experimental and the control group were 5.77 ± 4.67 and 17.71 ± 3.22, respectively, showing a statistically significant difference between the two groups after the intervention (p-value < 0.05). Similarly, there was a statistically significant difference (p-value < 0.05) between the experimental and the control group' posttest total resilience mean scores (71.17 ± 15.16 and 36.05 ± 0.5, respectively). Accordingly, educational programs based on the teachings of the Quran are recommended as an effective way to improve resilience and decrease anxiety in nurses.

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among parents of children with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination remains an essential strategy for reducing disease burden. Specific guidelines for vaccinating children with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are currently unavailable, highlighting the gap in tailored recommendations for this population. This study aimed to estimate parental intention to vaccinate children with SLE against COVID-19 and identify factors associated with this intention. It also explored parents' attitudes toward the vaccine. Seventy-four parents of patients aged 5-21 years who were diagnosed with SLE before 18 years of age were surveyed regarding their willingness to further vaccinate their children with SLE against COVID-19. The parents were categorized into vaccine acceptance (VA) and vaccine hesitancy (VH) groups and completed a validated six-item questionnaire designed to gauge their attitudes toward the vaccine. Vaccine Hesitancy Scale (VHS) scores were calculated with higher scores indicating increased VH. The adjusted odds ratios (aOR [95% confidence interval]) for VA-associated factors were determined using multivariate analysis. Twenty-five parents (33.8%) were diagnosed with VH. Compared with the VH group, the VA group showed a higher frequency of previous COVID-19 vaccine uptake, completed immunization in children, and parental willingness to be vaccinated themselves. Children were older in the VA versus VH group. The mean total VHS score was significantly higher in the VH versus VA group. In a multivariate model of factors differing significantly between the VA and VH groups, parental willingness to vaccinate themselves (aOR, 5.0 [1.2-20.4]), patient age (aOR, 1.4 [1.1-1.9]), and VHS score on vaccine efficacy belief (aOR, 0.1 [0.0-0.5]) were significantly associated with VA. A significant proportion of parents were hesitant to vaccinate their children with SLE against COVID-19. These insights underscore the importance of developing targeted educational interventions to address specific parental concerns and improve vaccine uptake in children with SLE.

The Effect of Online Infant Care Education and Postpartum Counseling Based on Meleis's Transition Theory on Mothers' Self-Esteem and Infant Health: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The aim of this research was to assess the effects of online infant care education and postnatal counseling, based on Meleis's transition theory, on maternal self-esteem and infant health. The randomized controlled trial was conducted between November 2022 and May 2023 with 102 mothers and their infants, n = 52 in the intervention and n = 50 in the control. The intervention group received training across two sessions between 32 and 38 weeks of gestation and counseling support for 3 months postbirth. The control group was shared with additional educational materials in PDF format in addition to their usual care. In the intervention group, the subdimension and total score mean of the Karitane Parental Self-Confidence Scale during pregnancy, postpartum, first, second, and third months were higher than the control group (p = 0.001). The proportion of exclusive breastfeeding in the third month was higher in the intervention group than in the control group (p = 0.001). Newborn nurses' care on Meleis' transition theory will increase the quality of care and newborn health. In our study, Meleis's transition theory provides a strong foundation for understanding mothers' psychological and physical transitions in the postpartum period. Trial Registration: NCT05812833.

Proposal of a New Composite Score (DAMADECO) to Simultaneously Evaluate Asthma and CRSwNP Severity in Comorbid Patients

Background: Asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) are chronic respiratory conditions that frequently coexist. However, an integrated assessment tool for both conditions is currently lacking. This study aimed to develop and preliminarily evaluate a composite score capable of simultaneously assessing asthma and CRSwNP in comorbid patients. Methods: An expert panel comprising three pulmonologists, one allergist/clinical immunologist, and four ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists developed a tool to capture asthma and CRSwNP severity. The tool (D’Amato-De Corso score, or DAMADECO score) incorporates eight parameters, four specific to asthma and four specific to CRSwNP, to assign individual scores for each condition. A composite score is then calculated to reflect the overall disease burden (ranging from −8: poor control and +8: optimal control). A retrospective pilot study was conducted to evaluate the tool. Results: The DAMADECO composite score was applied to 21 comorbid patients. The mean partial scores for asthma and CRSwNP were −1.57 and −1.67, respectively, with a mean total composite score of −3.24. A total of 13 out of 21 patients had uncontrolled domains in both diseases, while fewer patients had only uncontrolled domains in asthma (1/21) or CRSwNP (6/21). The DAMADECO score also allows researchers to track disease progression and monitor treatment effectiveness. Conclusions: The preliminary results suggest that the DAMADECO score is a promising tool for simultaneously assessing asthma and CRSwNP, addressing the unmet need for an integrated approach to comorbid respiratory diseases. Further validation studies are needed to validate the tool in larger patient populations.

Relationship Between Health Literacy and Knowledge About Gynaecological Cancer Prevention of Women.

This study was conducted to determine the relationship between women's health literacy level and gynaecologic cancer prevention information. The research design was descriptive and correlational. A sample of 264 women was recruited, and the research was conducted within the outpatient clinics of a state hospital situated in the Black Sea Region of Turkey. Data collection was carried out using the Information Form, Health Literacy Scale and Gynecological Cancer Prevention Information Scale. Prior to the study, ethical approval, institutional permission and informed consent were received. Because the data were normally distributed, t-tests and one-way ANOVA tests were used to evaluate differences between independent groups. The mean age was 41.98 ± 14.03 years. The total mean score on the Health Literacy Scale was 52.85 ± 9.81, whereas the total mean score on the Gynecologic Cancer Prevention Information Scale was 18.73 ± 7.52, both at 'moderate' level. A moderately positive correlation was identified between women's Health Literacy Scale score and Gynecologic Cancer Prevention Information Scale score (r = 0.320, p < 0.001). Age, education, and health literacy emerged as predictors of gynaecologic cancer prevention information in women. Women's health literacy level is an important factor affecting their gynaecological cancer prevention knowledge behaviours. It is recommended that health professionals work to increase women's health literacy.

The Effectiveness of a Pap Smear Screening Practical Skills Training Program for Nurse-Midwifery Students

Pap smear screenings effectively reduce the incidence of cervical cancer. However, the effectiveness of practical teaching strategies for this procedure is seldom discussed. This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a Pap smear screening training approach using the two strategies of classroom simulation and practical community screening demonstrations. Convenience sampling was used to recruit undergraduate students enrolled between 2021 and 2023 in the nursing midwifery department of a national university. Data were collected between September 2023 and June 2024 and analyzed using a pre-experimental design with a one-group pretest-posttest design. The learning outcomes considered included self-directed learning ability and practical ability performance in cervical smear procedures. Self-directed learning ability was assessed using a self-reported questionnaire, while practical ability performance was separately evaluated by two instructors using direct observation. Fifty-two students were enrolled as participants. Over time, and with the changes in teaching strategies, significant improvements were observed in self-directed learning ability in terms of mean total and subscale scores. In addition, DOPS scores showed a significant increase in practical ability performance. Integrating clinical hands-on training into classroom-based simulation teaching can enhance autonomous learning, improve skill proficiency, and foster future self-directed learning and practical abilities in students to promote women's health.

Predictors of schoolteachers' intention to report suspected child abuse and neglect cases in Oman: A national study.

Although schoolteachers in Oman are legally mandated to report all child abuse cases, they often show reluctance to do so. This hesitancy can deprive abuse victims of necessary help, potentially leaving them to endure long-term consequences. Oman's efforts to combat child abuse and neglect align with international best practices. However, these measures might be ineffective without considering their applicability to a collective society like Oman. This study examined the predictors of schoolteachers' intention to report child abuse and neglect in Oman, considering their demographic and professional characteristics, attitudes toward reporting, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. This cross-sectional study was conducted across 280cycle one-basic education public schools in Oman. The Intention to Report Child Abuse Tool (IRCAT) was used to measure intention to report, perceived behavioral control, attitudes toward reporting, and subjective norms. A total of 653 schoolteachers were recruited using a convenience sampling technique. The mean total score for the intention to report subscale was 24.24 out of 36 (SD=7.44), indicating an acceptable level. A stepwise regression analysis yielded one significant model (F (1, 651)=112.23, p=0.001), which included perceived behavioral control, with an adjusted R2 of 0.146. This study's findings highlight influential variables that can guide future interventions. These results provide stakeholders with directions for designing culturally sensitive interventions to enhance the reporting of suspected child abuse cases in Oman.

The effect of social support provided to poor children on their emotional state and hope levels.

The aim of the study is to determine the effect of social support provided to children living in poverty aged 8-12 on their emotional states and levels of hope. This quasi-experimental study compares data obtained from the children in the "first encounter", "first month" and "third month". Data were collected in person through the "Introductory Information Form", "Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support", "Children's Emotion Regulation Scale" and "Children's Hope Scale". p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Statistically, the comparison of the total mean scores of the children on the "Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support" was highly significant (p≤0.001). The comparison of the total mean scores of the "Children's Emotion Regulation Scale" was statistically significant (p≤0.021). The comparison of the total average scores of the children's "Child Hope Scale" was statistically highly significant (p≤0.001). A positive relationship was found between the children's hope levels and emotional states and the average scores obtained in the 3rd month (p=0.044). The children's average scores on the scales increased after the first encounter. Providing social support positively affected children living in poverty. Implications to practice: Providing social support to children in poverty positively impacts their emotional states and hope levels, emphasizing the crucial role of healthcare professionals, particularly pediatric nurses, in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations. These findings align with global health goals, such as "No Poverty" and "Good Health and Well-Being."

The effect of weight-related self-stigma on sexual functioning in obese women with type 2 diabetes.

This study aims to determine the relationship between weight-related self-stigma and sexual function in obese women with type 2 diabetes. This is a descriptive correlational study. The study reached 236 women through social media between December 2023 and April 2024. In data collection, a descriptive information form, the Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire (WSSQ), and the Female Sexual Function Inventory (FSFI). The mean total score of the women on the Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire was 32.78±10.00 and the mean total score on the Female Sexual Function Inventory was 22.38±4.08. Sexual dysfunction was identified in 70.8% of the women. We found that women with type 2 diabetes exhibited high levels of weight-related self-stigma and sexual dysfunction. Additionally, the findings indicated a negative correlation between self-devaluation and fear of enacted stigma and lubrication and sexual pain. However, self-stigma about weight and sexual dysfunction were not significantly related. It is recommended to determine the prevalence of weight bias and sexual dysfunctions among obese women with diabetes, and to provide adequate support by health professionals, in order to prevent negative effects on their mental health and sexual functions.

Stigma of People Affected by Leprosy and its determinants: a cross-sectional study in Sri Lanka

BackgroundLeprosy, being a neglected tropical disease, remains a significant public health concern in several parts of the world, especially Sri Lanka, where it has long been associated with stigma. This study aims to assess the stigma faced by People Affected by Leprosy (PAL) undergoing treatment and to identify the factors associated with this stigma.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 109 Leprosy affected people attending the Central Leprosy Clinic and all dermatology clinics of the National Hospital of Sri Lanka (Colombo), selected using a consecutive sampling method. Data collection was done through an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Stigma was quantified using a validated and adapted version of the Stigma Assessment and Reduction of Impact (SARI) tool, which evaluates stigma pertaining to four domains: Experienced Stigma (ES), Disclosure Concerns (DC), Internalized Stigma (IS), and Anticipated Stigma (AS). Spearman’s correlation and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to analyze associations, with statistical significance set at 0.05.ResultsThe dataset showed a non-normal, right-skewed distribution. The mean total SARI score was 9.82 (SD = 10.23). Disclosure Concerns (rs=-2.66; p = 0.005) and Anticipated Stigma (rs=-3.6; p < 0.001) demonstrated weak - moderate negative correlations with the time since diagnosis. On the other hand, the correlation between time since diagnosis and Experienced Stigma (rs=0.22; p = 0.022) was positive and weak. Participants without disability had significantly lower scores in DC (p = 0.049), IS (p = 0.01), and AS (p = 0.01) compared to those with disability. Patients who did not develop Leprosy reactions displayed significantly lower scores across all SARI domains as well as the total SARI score (all p < 0.05) compared to those who did.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that over time, People Affected by Leprosy become less concerned about disclosing their diagnosis and anticipate less stigma but may experience greater overall stigma. Disability status and Leprosy reactions are key factors in determining the level of stigma faced by them.

Persian Version of the Modified Constant Score in Overhead Athletes: A Reliability and Validation Study.

Shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS) is the most common shoulder injury among overhead athletes. The Constant score (CS) is a combined scoring system to evaluate functional status of the shoulder in patients with shoulder pain. Cross-sectionalstudy. Cultural adaptation of the Persian version of CS was conducted using Beaton's guideline. Sixty-three overhead athletes (23.57 [7.50] y old) with SIS completed the final version for psychometric assessment. After 5 to 7 days, a group of 33 patients completed the Persian CS again to assess test-retest reliability. Internal consistency, floor/ceiling effects, and item-total correlation were evaluated in patients with SIS. Concurrent validity was assessed through comparison with the disability of the arm, shoulder, and hand questionnaire scores. Twenty-five healthy athletes (31.80 [7.32] y old) participated for determining discriminant validity. The Persian CS demonstrated good test-retest reliability, with subjective and objective intraclass correlation coefficients of .79 and .80, respectively. The internal consistency was satisfactory (Cronbach alpha = .74). No ceiling or floor effects were noted. The Pearson correlation coefficient between CS and disability questionnaire was -.68. The mean total score for patients was 67.02, while for the healthy group was 96.99 (P = .000). The standard error of measurement was 1.51 for patients and 0.7 for healthy group. The smallest detectable change was 16.95 for patients and 5.71 for healthy group. The translation and cross-cultural adaptation of CS into Persian were successful. The Persian version demonstrates sufficient reliability and validity to evaluate shoulder function in overhead athletes with SIS.

Examining The Factors Affecting Women's Family Planning Attitudes and Perceived Barriers to Contraception Methods

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the factors affecting women's attitudes towards family planning and their perceived barriers to contraception methods. Method: This descriptive, cross-sectional and correlational study was conducted in a university hospital in Bursa with 382 women between October 2018 and October 2019. Data were collected with the Family Planning Attitude Scale and the Perception Scale of Barriers to Contraceptive Use. Results: The mean total scores of the Family Planning Attitude Scale and the Perception Scale of Barriers to Contraceptive Use were determined to be 115.4±39.7 and 78.1±41.7, respectively. The mean total score of the Family Planning Attitude Scale was found to be statistically significantly high in women lower who were 33 years of age or younger, married, graduated from high school or above, had a nuclear family, had a high-income level, lived in the city center, were aware of and used birth control methods, received counseling about birth control methods, and had a planned pregnancy. The total mean score of the Perception Scale of Barriers to Contraceptive Use was statistically significantly lower in these women (p

Determining Nurses' Perceptions of Disaster Preparedness

Objective: This research was conducted to determine the disaster preparedness perceptions of nurses working at Basaksehir Cam and Sakura City Hospital. Material and Methods: The sample of the descriptive study consisted of 302 nurses. Data were collected with a Personal Information Form and the Disaster Preparedness Perception Scale for Nurses. In the evaluation of the data, number, percentage, mean, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis H test, and Spearman correlation analysis were used. Results: The mean age of the nurses was determined to be 25.88±2.21 and 62.3% were female. 73.8% of the nurses defined themselves as partially prepared for disasters. The total mean score of the Disaster Preparedness Perception Scale for nurses was determined as 73.278±13.23. The mean scores of the sub-dimensions of the scale were; preparedness sub-dimension 25.70±4.16, intervention sub-dimension 30.20±7.39 and post-disaster subdimension 17.37±4.95. According to the socio-demographic characteristics of the nurses; the mean scores of the Disaster Preparedness Perception Scale and sub-dimension of the singles, those between the ages of 24-27, those working in surgical and emergency services, those participating in disaster drills and those receiving disaster training were found to be higher than the others (p

The Effect of Health Fatalism and Health-Seeking Behaviors on the Frequency of Non-Medication Coping Strategy Use in Women with Urinary Incontinence in Türkiye.

Health-seeking behavior is habitual among people in a society, resulting from the interaction and balance between health needs, health resources, and socioeconomic factors. This study seeks to investigate the influence of health fatalism and health-seeking behaviors on the frequency of non-medication coping strategy use among women with urinary incontinence in Türkiye. This cross-sectional study was conducted between 8 August 2024, and 22 September 2024. A total of 354 women voluntarily participated in the study, which was disseminated via social media platforms and online forums. Data collection involved the use of a Personal Information Form, the Health Fatalism Scale (HFS), the Health-Seeking Behaviour Scale (HSBS), and the Non-Medication Coping Strategies for Urinary Incontinence Frequency of Use Scale (NMCS-UIFUS). The mean total HFS score was 50.39 ± 29.70, the mean total HSBS score was 38.76 ± 20.48, and the mean NMCS-UIFUS score was 35.69 ± 17.31. A statistically significant, strong negative correlation was found between health fatalism and health-seeking behavior, whereas a significant, strong positive correlation was observed between health fatalism and the frequency of non-medication coping strategy use for urinary incontinence (p < 0.001). Regression analysis revealed that health fatalism explained 37% of the variance in the frequency of non-medication coping strategy use for urinary incontinence, whereas health-seeking behavior accounted for 30% of the variance (p < 0.001). Our study demonstrated that women with urinary incontinence exhibit moderate levels of health fatalism, health-seeking behaviors, and the frequency of non-medication coping strategy use; further, as health fatalism increases, health-seeking behavior decreases, whereas the frequency of non-medication coping strategy use rises.