GEVHER NESIBE JOURNAL OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES

Determination of Psychological Insulin Resistance and Self-Management in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Buket AĞRİ — 2025-12-31

Aim: The aim of this study is to determine psychological insulin resistance and self-management in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Method: The population of this descriptive and correlation-seeking study consists of all patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes aged 18 and over who apply to internal medicine outpatient clinics in a training and research hospital of a province, while the sample is made up of patients with type 2 diabetes who are 18 years old and over and who apply to internal medicine outpatient clinics without any calculations. It comprised 155 diagnosed patients. Patient diagnosis form, Psychological Insulin Resistance and Insulin Therapy Self-Management Scales were used to collect data.

Results: The average age of type 2 diabetic patients included in the study was 55.06±10.19, 57.4% were women, 38.1% were primary school graduates, 89% were married and 58.7% were not working. 61.9% of the patients' income matches their expenses, 53.5% do not smoke and 91% do not drink alcohol. It was determined that 51% of the participants had no other disease other than diabetes, 40% had diabetes for 4-6 years, 66.5% had no other diabetic patients in their household, and 78.7% had received training on diabetes. The difference in the Psychological Insulin Resistance scale score average of the patients according to their gender, education level, employment status, income status, smoking status, alcohol use status and duration of diabetes is statistically significant. The difference between the mean scores of the Insulin Therapy Self-Management scale according to smoking status is significant. There is a statistically significant, negative and low-level relationship between the Psychological Insulin Resistance Scale and the Insulin Therapy Self-Management Scale (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The psychological insulin resistance status of the patients was found to be below the moderate level, and the insulin therapy self-management status was found to be above the moderate level. It is seen that as the psychological insulin resistance level score of type 2 diabetic patients increases, the insulin therapy self-management level score decreases. It is recommended to increase individual training for patients with type 2 diabetes to reduce their fear of insulin injection and to ensure self-management of insulin therapy.

Radiation Prevention and Health Complaints of Radiology

Reşat AVCI — 2025-12-31

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the radiation protection habits, health complaints and existing diseases of radiology workers working in public hospitals in Diyarbakır province.

Methods: This descriptive study was conducted with a face-to-face questionnaire with 220 of 250 radiology workers in public hospitals in Diyarbakır who agreed to participate in the study. Sociodemographic characteristics, radiation protection methods, health complaints and existing diseases were questioned in the questionnaire form. The data were analyzed in SPSS program and frequency and chi-square tests were used.

Results: 61.4% of the participants were male and 38.6% were female; mean age was 32.4±6.1 years. Among radiology workers, 66.8% used lead aprons, 65.5% used lead screens, and 84.1% used dosimeters. The rate of receiving radiation safety training was 82.3% and the rate of knowing the legal working hours was 88.6%. The most frequently reported health complaints were fatigue (75.9%), weakness (72.7%), forgetfulness (61.4%) and headache (55.5%). Anemia was present in 24.5%, migraine in 22.3% and depression in 18.6% of the participants. Among female employees, 19.6% had experienced at least one involuntary abortion and 5.9% had experienced at least one stillbirth. Similarly high rates of pregnancy complications were found in the spouses of male employees.

Conclusion: Health complaints and some diseases were observed more frequently in radiology workers than in the general population. It is recommended that the use of radiation protection equipment and dosimeters should be increased, vocational training should be expanded, and especially women of childbearing age should be informed about radiation protection.

Bibliometric Analysis of the Use of Watson Human Care Model in Graduate Theses: A Case Study of Women's Health-Diseases and Obstetrics Nursing Field in Turkey

Tuğba ÖZTÜRK — 2025-12-31

Objective: In this study, a bibliometric analysis of Watson's Human Caring Theory was conducted in postgraduate theses in the field of women's health-diseases and obstetric nursing.

Methods: In the study conducted in a retrospective and descriptive design, a search was conducted between 01.08.2024 and 08.08.2024 in the National Thesis Center of the Turkish Council of Higher Education with the keywords "Watson, Human Caring Model and Human Caring Theory". Theses were examined according to their type, year of publication, type of university, advisor title, research design, sample group and model usage area. Data were analyzed with the SPSS 24 program.

Results: It was determined that all theses were prepared at the doctoral level and in state universities. The years with the most studies were 2021 and 2019, and the most frequently preferred universities were Dokuz Eylül and Ege Universities (33.3%). 55.5% of the theses were experimental, the most frequently studied sample group was postpartum women (44.4%), 66.6% of the studies focused on psychological and 33.3% on physiological effects. It was reported that the model was effective in all theses.

Conclusion: Watson Human Caring Theory is used as an effective theoretical framework in doctoral theses in the field of women's health and obstetric nursing. The theory reveals significant results in psychological and physiological effects. The fact that the studies were conducted in state universities and the variety of applications of the model support its academic depth. More graduate research should be encouraged and studies should be conducted with different sample groups.

An Examination of the Knowledge and Opinions of University Students Studying In Health Sciences Departments Regarding Sexually Transmitted Diseases: A Descriptive Study

Süreyya YIĞITALP RENÇBER — 2025-12-31

Objective: This study aimed to determine the level of knowledge about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among students in the health department of a university.

Materials and Methods: Designed as a descriptive cross-sectional study, the sample consisted of 278 students enrolled in the School of Health and Vocational School of Health Services at a university who agreed to participate in the study. Data were collected digitally through Google Forms using a "Sociodemographic Information Form" and a "Knowledge Test on Sexually Transmitted Diseases."

Results: Among the participants, 55% were female, and 57.2% were in the 21-24 age range. It was found that 66.5% of the students had insufficient knowledge about STDs. The average total score for correct answers on the "Knowledge Test on Sexually Transmitted Diseases" was 12.72±5.50, with an average of 14.0 correct responses. Statistically significant differences were found in students' test scores based on the program they attended, marital status, year of study, and their fathers' educational levels (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The study revealed that students lacked sufficient knowledge about STDs but were interested in learning more about sexual and reproductive health. Female students, in particular, communicated more with their mothers on these topics.

The Relationship between Brain Fog Levels In Individuals with COVID-19 and Mediterranean Diet: A Cross-Sectional Study

Zeynep OZDEMIR — 2025-12-31

Objective: Post-illness complications are observed in individuals who have had a COVID-19 infection. Although many recover without lasting effects, some continue to experience cognitive impairments. A common symptom observed in many patients following COVID-19 infection is brain fog. The Mediterranean diet is effective in improving brain functions. The primary aim of this cross-sectional study is to examine the potential relationship between the severity of brain fog and adherence to the Mediterranean diet.

Methods: A total of 314 individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 at Zonguldak Atatürk State Hospital between 2020 and 2022 were included in this study. The study was conducted between April and June 2024 with individuals aged 19 to 65. Participants were surveyed via telephone interviews, and data on sociodemographic characteristics, dietary habits, and anthropometric measurements were collected. They also completed the Brain Fog Scale (30 items, three dimensions; cognitive symptoms: 17–85, physical symptoms: 8–40, psychological symptoms: 5–25, total score: 30–150) and the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (≤5: low adherence; 6–9: moderate adherence; ≥9: high adherence).

Results: The average Mediterranean diet quality score was 4.9±2.3 for women and 4.2±2.1 for men (p=0.04). The majority of participants (67.8%) had a low Mediterranean diet score. The average Brain Fog Scale scores were 34.5±10.7 for cognitive symptoms, 18.8±6.9 for physical symptoms, and 9.7±4.1 for psychological symptoms. A significant negative correlation was found between physical symptom scores and Mediterranean diet quality scores (r=-0.169; p=0.001).

Conclusion: Lifestyle and dietary habits appear to play an important role in alleviating brain fog symptoms observed in the post-COVID-19 period. In this context, improving adherence to the Mediterranean diet may contribute particularly to the reduction of physical symptoms.

Heavy Metals and Human Health: Electrochemical Method for Measuring Toxic Iron

Ümit YASAR — 2025-12-31

Objective: Water resources on Earth are essential for life. Today, heavy metals are released into the ecosystem as a result of various factors, such as increasing industrialization. Iron ions have toxic properties in cells in various ways. Iron ions cause the formation of hydroxyl radicals through Fenton reactions. By participating in reactions within cells, they can lead to the formation of reactive oxygen species and lead to the development of diseases related to oxidative stress. Therefore, the assessment of iron concentrations is of great importance in biomedical and environmental analyses.

Methods: Hydrogen peroxidase enzyme (HRP), bovine serum albümin (BSA), glutaraldehyde, and gelatin were added to the Au electrode in 10 mL increments using an adjustable pipette. This mixture, which will form the bioactive layer, was captured on the electrode using an excimer laser. Electrochemical measurements were taken by sequentially adding Fe+2 prepared using stock iron nitrate and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2 was used in the study; 10 ml of a 100 g/dL stock solution was used for each measurement).

Results: Optimization studies determined the optimum pH as 6.4; optimum glutaraldehyde percentage as 2.5%; optimum gelatin concentration as 50 mg/dL; and optimum BSA as 45 mg/dL. SEM images showed that the crosslinker bound to the polymers in the bioactive layer, exhibiting a compact structure on the electrode surface. The layers formed were interlocked. Applications at different iron concentrations (0.2 mg/dL, 0.6 mg/dL, 1 mg/dL, 2 mg/dL, 3 mg/dL, and 4 mg/dL) demonstrated the sensitivity and specificity of the electrode.

Conclusion: In this study, a new and sensitive sensor was developed for the rapid and precise detection of Fe ions (Fe+2) in water. The sensor developed in this study was determined to have high sensitivity, low detection limit, and sensitivity for Fe+2 detection. The developed biosensor can be used as a low-cost, practical, and reliable analytical method for the detection of iron ions.

The Effect of Vaccination Status on COVID-19 Infection Symptoms during Pregnancy and Subsequent Attitudes towards Medication Use: A Case-Control Study

Gülçin NACAR — 2025-12-31

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of COVID-19 vaccination on symptoms of COVID-19 during pregnancy and subsequent medication use.

Materials and Methods: In the study, pregnant women who were admitted to the COVID-19 Septic Service of a public hospital, received COVID-19 vaccine and were diagnosed with COVID-19 constituted the case group. Pregnant women in the case group were matched for age (±1 year) and gestational week (±1 week) with pregnant women who did not receive COVID-19 vaccination and were diagnosed with COVID-19 at the appropriate service to form a control group. The study was completed with a total of 116 pregnant women, 65 case and 51 control. The Participant Information Form and Pregnancy Symptom Inventory were used to collect data.

Results: In the study, there was a significant correlation between COVID-19 vaccination status and COVID-19 symptoms of fever, shortness of breath, fatigue and headache (p<0.005). Pregnant women who received COVID-19 vaccine were found to use vitamin and mineral supplements at a significant level (OR=5.71, p=0.039).

Conclusion: Pregnant women receiving COVID-19 vaccine had fewer COVID-19 symptoms and more vitamin and mineral supplements.

Spiritual Well-Being and Psychosocial Health among Pregnant Women during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

Figen ALP YILMAZ — 2025-12-31

Background: The aim of this study was to examine the association between spiritual well-being and psychosocial health among pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic

Method: This cross-sectional online survey was conducted with 221 pregnant women in Turkey between November and December 2020. Data were collected using the Pregnancy Psychosocial Health Assessment Scale and the Spirituality Scale. Pearson correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis (enter method) were performed.

Result: The mean scores of the participants were 3.24 for psychosocial health and 105.92 for spiritual well-being. A weak but statistically significant negative correlation was found between psychosocial health and spiritual well-being (r = −0.234, p = 0.001). In the multivariate regression analysis, education level, employment status, and income level were identified as significant positive predictors of spiritual well-being, whereas knowledge about the effects of COVID-19 on pregnancy was identified as a significant negative predictor.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that spiritual well-being among pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic is associated with sociodemographic factors and COVID-19–related knowledge, highlighting the importance of considering multiple contextual factors when evaluating spiritual well-being in pregnancy.

Comparing the Cognitive Level and Urinary Incontinence Severity of Individuals Living in Nursing Homes According to Their Functional Levels

Bihter AKINOĞLU — 2025-12-31

Aim: The aim of this study is to compare the cognitive levels and urinary incontinence severity of elderly individuals living in nursing homes according to their functional levels.

Materials and Methods: The research was conducted with 45 individuals (30 women, 15 men) living in an elderly care center with an average age of 75.11±8.29 years. The functional levels of the individuals were classified by the physiotherapist from independence to full dependence as unassisted mobility (UM), mobility with assistive device (MAD) and wheelchair dependent (WD). Their cognitive levels were evaluated with the Mini Mental Assessment Test (MMT) and their urinary incontinence status was evaluated with the University of Michigan Incontinence Symptom Index (M-ISI).

Results: While the UM and MAD groups were similar in terms of MMT scores, the score of the WD group was found to be lower (p <.050). It was determined that the urinary incontinence status of the UM group was lower than that of the MAD and WD groups (p <.050).

Discussion: The results of the study indicate that as individuals' functional levels increase, their cognitive levels increase and urinary incontinence situations decrease. We think that rehabilitation strategies aimed at maintaining and improving the functional level of elderly individuals can help increase the cognitive status of individuals and reduce urinary incontinence.

Maintaining Breastfeeding during Disasters and the Use of Innovative Technologies

Ayça TAŞÇI — 2025-12-31

Disaster situations pose serious risks to infant, child, and maternal health, particularly negatively affecting nutritional conditions. During this period, continuing breastfeeding is of vital importance due to its safe, accessible, and immunity-supporting properties. However, stress experienced in disaster settings, poor hygiene, incorrect feeding practices, and uncontrolled formula donations are among the key issues threatening the continuity of breastfeeding. This article addresses the importance of protecting breastfeeding in disaster situations and examines evidence-based approaches and innovative technologies that support the continuation of breastfeeding. The contributions of digital health applications, remote breastfeeding counseling, portable milk expression systems, and data-driven monitoring technologies to protecting maternal and infant health are evaluated. In conclusion, supporting breastfeeding and the effective use of innovative technologies in disaster management emerge as important strategies for reducing infant mortality and infection risks.

Encapsulation of Curcuma Longa L. Extract: Cytotoxicity Study on Promyelocytic Leukemia (HL-60) Cells

Ümit YASAR — 2025-12-31

Objective: There are great difficulties in the preparation and use of antitumor and therapeutic drugs. Preparation of highly efficient nano/micro devices to address these difficulties represents one of the new topics in the field of antitumor pharmaceuticals.

Methods: Biopolymers such as chitosan and alginate have been shown to be used as an absorption enhancing agent. In this study, the extracts of the turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) plant (TEX) was obtained by the Soxhlet method. Then, TEXs obtained in two different ways were encapsulated with alginate/chitosan. FT-IR, sem-edx and extract analyzes proved that encapsulation occurred and the presence of curcumin and phenolics. Drug loading efficiency (DL) and encapsulation efficiency (EE) of the obtained capsules were examined. EE and DL for TEX microcapsule 1 were 82.40% and 3.21%, respectively, and EE and DL for TEX microcapsule 2 were 88.16% and 4.68%, respectively. Additionally, the anti-proliferative activity and capsule release of the prepared capsules on the promyelocytic leukemia (HL-60) cell line were evaluated.

Results: According to the results of this analysis, it was determined that in the first 24 hours, TEX-1 Liposomes released 67.03% of their content into the environment at pH 5.5 and 58.24% of their existing content at pH 7.4. It was determined that TEX-2 liposome suspensions released 73.23% of their content at pH 5.5 and 66.89% of their content at pH 7.4 in the first 24 hours. In addition, the IC50 doses of TEX-1 and its liposomes after 48 hours were 242.3- 126.1µg/mL, respectively; The IC50 levels of TEX-2 and its liposomes were 81.2- 19.3µg/mL, respectively.

Conclusion: As a result of the study, it was observed that alginate/chitosan encapsulation strongly inhibited cellular proliferation in the cell line (HL-60).

University Students’ Attitudes towards Distance (Online) Education and Mobile Learning: A Cross-Sectional Study

Evrim ÇELEBİ — 2025-12-31

Objective: This study aimed to determine the attitudes of midwifery students studying at a state university in eastern Turkey toward distance (online) education and mobile learning, as well as the factors influencing these attitudes.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 286 midwifery students (90.4% participation rate). The data were collected using the Mobile Learning Attitude Scale developed by Çelik (2013). Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation were used, and ANOVA was performed for comparisons.

Results: The findings revealed that students generally had a positive attitude toward mobile learning. However, those who were dissatisfied with online education and believed that theoretical and practical courses conducted online negatively affected learning and the development of professional knowledge and skills had significantly lower scale scores (p<0.05). The most frequently reported challenges during online education were internet connection issues, technical problems related to the online platform, and difficulties in communicating with instructors.

Conclusion: It is recommended that educational institutions make online and mobile learning processes more interactive and responsive to students’ needs.