GEVHER NESIBE JOURNAL OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES

Preoperative Anxiety and Nursing Care

2025-08-25T10:26:01+03:00

Anxiety is defined as the totality of cognitive and behavioral responses developed by individuals in the face of stressors, and it becomes particularly evident in the preoperative period. Emotional changes experienced before surgery are closely associated with the possibility of impaired body integrity, fear of death, and feelings of uncertainty. Factors influencing the level of anxiety in this period include individual characteristics such as age, gender, educational status, previous surgical experiences, social support, and health literacy. High levels of anxiety not only negatively affect psychological well-being but also complicate pain management and increase the risk of postoperative complications. In this context, nursing care plays a critical role in supporting patients’ physical and psychological preparation during the preoperative period. In addition to providing information, nonpharmacological interventions such as breathing and relaxation exercises, music therapy, aromatherapy, and massage have been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety. The aim of this review is to examine the causes and consequences of preoperative anxiety, highlight the role of nursing care in this process, and provide guidance for nursing practice. Therefore, individualized and holistic nursing approaches are of great importance in managing anxiety in the preoperative period.

Childhood Abuse and Guilt-Shame: A Review Study

2025-05-31T18:50:42+03:00

This review examines how childhood maltreatment and neglect (physical, emotional, sexual) shape guilt and shame in later life. Early adverse experiences may profoundly affect self-concept, interpersonal relationships, and emotion regulation, often correlating with depression, post-traumatic stress, suicidal ideation, substance use, and somatic complaints. In particular, emotional and sexual abuse tend to elicit pronounced shame, while physical abuse and neglect may lead to varying levels of guilt depending on individual and contextual factors. Findings suggest that guilt and shame can hinder help-seeking behaviors, deepen interpersonal conflicts, and undermine psychological well-being. Shame often triggers withdrawal and secrecy regarding abuse histories; guilt, though occasionally tied to reparative actions, typically strengthens self-blame tendencies. These outcomes highlight the extensive impact of negative self-conscious emotions stemming from early maltreatment. Based on these insights, broad strategies aimed at preventing and detecting childhood maltreatment are urgently needed, involving collaboration among families, schools, and healthcare institutions. Clinical interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, compassion-focused therapy, and trauma-oriented approaches appear beneficial in reframing guilt and shame. Through timely identification and targeted support, it may be possible to alleviate the harmful long-term consequences of childhood trauma and foster improved mental health in adulthood. By addressing both systemic and individual dimensions of maltreatment, the review emphasizes the necessity of multifaceted initiatives to reduce the pervasive influence of guilt and shame on survivors’ lives.

Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic (CKM) Syndrome: New Developments in Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

2025-05-31T18:54:27+03:00

The association between obesity, type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM), cardiovascular disease (CVD), and chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasingly and widely recognized in developed countries. This condition has been collectively defined by the American Heart Association (AHA) as the Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic (CKM) syndrome, which is characterized by hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and increased activity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), formation of advanced glycation end products, oxidative stress, lipotoxicity, endoplasmic reticulum stress, abnormal calcium handling, mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired energy production, and chronic inflammation. Addressing their prevention, management, and treatment is of paramount importance to improve patient health outcomes. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the status and new treatment modalities for the recently described CKM syndrome.

Determination of Risk Awareness and Knowledge Levels of First Degree Relatives of Colorectal Cancer Patients: The Case of Turkey

2025-02-23T22:53:58+03:00

Aim: This study was conducted to determine the knowledge level of first-degree relatives of colorectal cancer patients about colorectal cancer and their awareness of colorectal cancer risk factors.

Method: This is a descriptive study. 251 patients undergoing chemotherapy with a diagnosis of colorectal cancer in a university hospital constituted the sample of the study. The data were obtained by face-to-face interview method using the Information Form and the Questionnaire for the Evaluation of Knowledge and Awareness Levels of Colorectal Cancers.

Results: The mean score of the Questionnaire for the Evaluation of Knowledge and Awareness Levels of Colorectal Cancers was found to be 10.61 ± 5.65. This score indicated that individuals undergoing chemotherapy with a family history of colorectal cancer had a moderate level of knowledge and awareness about colorectal cancer. Two-thirds of the participants reported that they had knowledge that diabetes, obesity, lifestyle, smoking and alcohol use increased the risk of colorectal cancer.

Conclusion: The results revealed that It was observed that elderly, low educated, male and rural-dwelling participants needed more education on improving the level of knowledge and awareness about colorectal cancers.

Examination of Spiritual Well-Being, Psychological Resilience Levels, and Quality Of Life of Patients with Cancer Undergoing Outpatient Chemotherapy

2025-05-31T19:05:29+03:00

Purpose: The study was conducted to determine the spiritual well-being, psychological resilience levels, and quality of life of patients with cancer undergoing outpatient chemotherapy.

Method: The study population consisted of 200 patients with cancer undergoing outpatient chemotherapy in two public hospitals in Istanbul between April 2023 and July 2023. Data were collected with face-to-face interviews and a Personal Data Form, the Spiritual Well-Being Scale (FACIT-SP-12), the Brief Psychological Resilience Scale (BPRS), and the EORTC QLQ-C30 Quality of Life Scale.

Results: The mean total score of FACIT-SP-12 was 32.94±7.39, the average score of the Meaning subscale was 11.75±2.81, the average score of the Peace subscale was 10.05±3.85, and the average score of the Belief subscale was 11.14±3.21. The mean total score of the BPRS was 20.28±3.63. The average score of the Functional Scale, which is the sub-dimensions of the EORTC QLQ-C30 Quality of Life Scale, was 71.71±18, the average score of the Symptom Scale was 40.77±19.31, and the average score of the General Quality of Life was 66.29 ± 24.06. Spiritual well-being strengthens its positive impact on the General Quality of Life and Functional Scale. Spiritual well-being strengthens its negative impact on the Symptom Scale.

Conclusion: Spiritual well-being, psychological resilience level and quality of life of the patients were found to be moderate. Psychological resilience increased as the spiritual well-being of the patients increased. Psychological resilience has a direct impact on quality of life and an indirect impact with the role of spiritual well-being.

The Current Status and Recommendations in Occupational Health and Safety Education in Engineering and Medical Faculties: The Case of Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University

2025-04-07T17:03:40+03:00

Objective: This study aims to examine the current status of occupational health and safety courses in the engineering and medical faculties of Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University, based on the fact that occupational accidents and diseases remain a significant issue for both Turkey and the world in terms of their social and economic consequences. It also seeks to propose solutions in this field.

Materials and Methods: In this study, data from 2023 regarding occupational accidents and diseases were analyzed, and Herbert William Heinrich's Domino Theory was used as a foundation. The roles of safety culture, prevention culture, and education were discussed. Furthermore, the content of occupational health and safety education in higher education institutions and the status of mandatory/elective courses in faculties were evaluated.

Results: In 2023, the number of occupational accidents increased by 92,578 compared to the previous year, and the number of employees who lost their lives due to occupational accidents rose by 449. The number of insured individuals diagnosed with occupational diseases was recorded as 945 in 2023, compared to 953 in 2022. Additionally, 8 insured individuals died due to occupational diseases in 2022. Education has been identified as crucial for raising awareness and promoting proactive behaviors in occupational health and safety. Courses offered in faculties contribute to guiding students toward career paths such as safety specialists or occupational physicians.

Conclusion: The fact that 88% of occupational accidents are preventable highlights the need for trained and qualified human resources. Well-planned and continuously updated educational programs can enhance workers' safety awareness and contribute to the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases. Developing occupational health and safety education at Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University is essential for establishing a safety culture and offering new career opportunities for young individuals.

Keywords: Occupational Health and Safety Education, Prevention Culture, Safety Culture