Why mothers with midwifery-led vaginal births recommend that mode of birth: a qualitative study

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine why mothers with midwifery-led vaginal births recommend giving birth vaginally.

METHOD

This qualitative study was conducted with 14 mothers who had a vaginal birth with midwives and recommended it to other women. The data were collected using an in-depth interview form and analysed with the thematic analysis technique.

RESULTS

The reasons why these mothers recommend vaginal birth (VB) are discussed under five main themes: 'positive birth experience, postpartum comfort, beliefs and values, body image, and sexual life'. VB is mainly recommended to other women for emotional, medical, religious, and socio-cultural reasons, including pleasure/excitement related to the birth, newborn, and maternity, birth satisfaction, absence of interventions, early physical activity, early discharge from the hospital, beliefs and values, body image (easy weight loss, no incision, etc.), and early and safe sex life in the postpartum period.

CONCLUSION

Vaginal birth is mainly recommended to other women for emotional, medical, religious, and socio-cultural reasons. To support similar favourable views of vaginal birth, it is necessary to prioritise midwifery care that upholds the physiology of childbirth, minimises unnecessary medical interventions, ensures ongoing physical and emotional support, and respects socio-cultural beliefs and values.

The effect of listening to music and foot reflexology on nausea, pain and anxiety in children during perioperative period: A randomized controlled study

AIM

The purpose of this research was to examine the effects of listening to music and foot reflexology during the perioperative period on nausea, pain and anxiety in children aged 7-12 years.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

The sample for the randomized controlled experimental study included children who underwent outpatient surgery in the Pediatric Surgery Clinic. Research data were collected. A total of 99 children were included in the study with 33 in the music group, 33 in the foot reflexology group, and 33 in the control group.

RESULTS

In the preoperative and postoperative periods, Children's Perioperative Multidimensional Anxiety Scale (CPMAS) scores for the music listening and reflexology groups were significantly lower than the control group (p < 0.05). In the postoperative period, the Children's Emotional Manifestation Scale (CEMS) scores for the reflexology and music listening groups after the application were significantly lower than the control group (p < 0.001). Postoperative Baxter Retching Faces (BARF) scores were found to be significantly lower in children who listened to music compared to the control group (p = 0.002). The Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale (CHEOPS) scores for children in the control group were found to be significantly higher in the postoperative period than for children in the music and reflexology groups (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

As a result, listening to music and reflexology during the perioperative period were effective in reducing anxiety, pain and nausea in children.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

In the perioperative period, listening to music and reflexology for children can be recommended as non-pharmacological nursing interventions with low cost and easy implementation.

The relationship between coronavirus anxiety level and emotional eating in individuals with metabolic syndrome

This study used a descriptive, cross-sectional and relational screening model. The full sampling method was used in this study. The study was completed with 105 individuals with MetS attending the outpatient nutrition clinic and 109 non-MetS individuals without MetS diagnosis, who also attended the outpatient nutrition clinic. The data included anthropometric measurements, biochemical findings, blood pressure, a survey form, the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS), and the Emotional Eating Scale (EES). The coronavirus anxiety scale scores of individuals with MetS were found to be statistically significantly higher than those of the non-MetS group (p <0.05). The difference in the emotional eating scale scores between the MetS and non-MetS groups was not significant (p <0.05). Individuals with MetS had higher coronavirus anxiety levels than those without MetS; however, there was no difference between participants with and without MetS in terms of emotional eating behavior.

Investigation of the correlation between internet addiction, obesity risk and sleep disorder in children

AIM

This study was performed with the aim of investigating the correlation and the effective factors between internet addiction, obesity risk and sleep disorders in children.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

The sample for this descriptive and relational search type study comprised the parents of 458 children aged 7-10 years attending a primary school in Turkey. Data were collected the Parent and Child Descriptive Information Form, Family Child Internet Addiction Scale (FCIAS), Family Nutrition and Physical Activity Tool (FNPAT) and Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC).

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant, positive and weak correlation between the Body Mass Index (BMI) and FCIAS scores of children (p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant, negative and very weak correlation between FNPAT total score with FCIAS total score (p = 0.007). There was a statistically significant, positive and moderate correlation between SDSC total score and FCIAS total score (p < 0.001). According to regression analysis, FCIAS was a determinant at significant levels for FNPAT and SDSC (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

There was a relationship between internet addiction and obesity and sleep quality. As a result of the study, the increase in internet use was determined to negatively impact physical activity and health nutrition behavior, and to increase sleep disturbance.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Pediatric nurses are recommended to give counseling to children and families about preventing obesity and the risk of sleep disorders by identifying children at risk in terms of internet addiction in the early period.

The care burden of mothers of children with disability: Association between family quality of life and fatigue

AIM

This study was performed with the aim of investigating the correlation between care burden, family quality of life and fatigue of mothers of children with disability.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

The sample for this descriptive study comprised the mothers of 280 children with disabilities accepting participation in the study, meeting the inclusion criteria, and registered in special education and rehabilitation centers in Turkey. Data were collected with the Mother-Child Descriptive Information Form, Bakas Caregiving Outcomes Scale (BCOS), Beach Center Family Quality of Life Scale (BCFQOLS) and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS).

RESULTS

Mothers, mean BCOS scores were 63.29 ± 17.47, mean BCFQOLS scores were 93.74 ± 14.63, and mean FSS scores were 3.84 ± 1.43. There was a statistically significant positive, moderate intensity correlation between the BCOS scores and BCFQOLS scores of mothers (r = 0.404, p < 0.001); a statistically significant negative weak correlation between BCOS scores and FSS scores (r = -0.346,p < 0.001); and a statistically significant negative weak correlation between BCFQOLS scores with FSS scores (r = -0.22,p < 0.001). According to regression analysis, the care burden of mothers was identified to be a significant determinant of family quality of life and fatigue severity (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The results of the study showed that as the care burden of mothers of children with disability increases, family quality of life reduces and fatigue levels increase.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

It is recommended to support the mother in the care process, to plan activities and trainings to reduce the burden and fatigue of care, to increase the quality of family life, and to provide psychological support.

Comparison of Effect of Feeding Premature Infants with Either Cup, Bottle, and Syringe on Transition to Breastfeeding, Breastfeeding Success, Weight Gain, and Duration of Hospitalization

Objective: This study was completed with the aim of determining the effect of cup feeding (CF), bottle feeding (BF), and syringe feeding (SF) methods on the transition to breastfeeding, breastfeeding success, physiological parameters, weight gain, and discharge duration for preterm neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Materials and Methods: The study was designed to be randomized, controlled, and single blinded. The study was completed with 102 premature neonates between 29-34 gestational weeks abiding by the case selection criteria receiving treatment and care in the NICU. The 1st group comprised premature neonates receiving CF, the second group received BF, and the third group received SF. For collection of data, the Premature Infant Descriptive Information and Monitoring Form, Bristol Breastfeeding Assessment Tool (BBAT), and Infant-Focused Feeding Scales (IFFS) were used. Results: Comparison of mean peak heart rate in the groups found that the BF group was significantly high (p = 0.047) and comparison of mean SO2 found that the SF group was significantly high (p = 0.000). Infants in the SF group were determined to have significantly higher BBAT scores compared to the infants in the BF and CF groups (p = 0.015). In addition, SF infants were determined to transition to full enteral feeding and breastfeeding in a shorter duration (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the groups for weight gain and discharge duration (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The SF method was determined to more positively affect breastfeeding success, transition to full breastfeeding duration, and vital signs compared to the CF and BF methods. In line with the results obtained in the study, the use of the SF method may be recommended to increase breastfeeding success of neonates, to shorten the transition to full breastfeeding and for stable physical parameters.

Impact of music therapy and hand massage in the pediatric intensive care unit on pain, fear and stress: Randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

This study was performed with the aim of assessing the effect of music therapy and hand massage on pain, fear and stress among 12-18 year-old adolescents treated in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU).

DESIGN

This study was a randomized controlled trial, with single-blind design.

METHODS

The adolescents were divided into groups with 33 receiving hand massage, 33 receiving music therapy and 33 in the control group. Collection of data used the Wong-Baker FACES (WB-FACES) Pain Rating Scale, Children's Fear Scale (CFS) and blood cortisol levels.

FINDINGS

In the study, adolescents in the music therapy group had lower mean points for WB-FACES before, during and after the procedure by a significant level compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the CFS mean points before and during the procedure were lowest in the music therapy group, while the music therapy and massage groups were determined to have lower points by a significant level after the procedure compared to the control group (p < 0.05). However, when the mean cortisol levels of adolescents before the procedure and on the 1st and 2nd day after the procedure were compared, there was no significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

It was determined that hand massage and music therapy were more effective than standard care at reducing pain and fear levels during blood drawing among 12-18-year-old adolescents in the PICU.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Nurses may use music therapy and hand massage to manage fear and pain related to blood drawing in the PICU.

The Spiritual and Religious Coping of Mothers with Disabled Children in Turkey: Correlation Between Stress Coping Styles and Self-Efficacy

This study aimed to determine the correlation between stress coping styles and self-efficacy with regard to the spiritual and religious coping of mothers with disabled children. The descriptive and relational screening model was used in this study. The research was completed with 227 mothers in a private rehabilitation center at Turkey. The data were collected using Maternal Spiritual Coping, Religious Coping Styles, Stress Coping Styles Scales (SCSS), and General Self-Efficacy Scales. As a result of the study, there was a statistically advanced degree of significant correlation in a positive direction between effective coping with stress and spiritual coping (p < 0.001), and a negative significant correlation between ineffective coping with stress and general self-efficacy (p < 0.05). Additionally, there was a negative significant correlation between the SCSS-effective coping dimension with the SCSS-ineffective coping points (p < 0.05). The high level of spiritual coping of mothers and its effect on coping with stress is an important result. For the participation of children with disabilities and their parents in society, it is essential to identify components such as mental health and spiritual coping that will improve mothers' mental health so that mothers can effectively cope with the difficulties they experience.

Clinical validation of the infant-driven feeding scales© in Turkey

BACKGROUND

Supporting the development of feeding skills among preterm infants is an important component of neonatal care. The selection of appropriate and supportive feeding interventions begins with a comprehensive assessment of the infant's skills.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to adapt the Infant-Driven Feeding Scales© (IDFS) to the Turkish language.

METHODS

This was a methodological, observational, single-center cross-sectional study. The study included 80 infants born at a gestational age ≥ 32 weeks, consecutively admitted to a tertiary Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Research data were collected using a premature infant descriptive information form (IDIF), IDFS, and LATCH Score for Breastfeeding Assessment. For the Turkish validity-reliability of the IDF, the translate-back translate method was used with the content validity index (CVI) assessed.

RESULTS

The scale had CVI values between 0.90 and 1.00 with a mean CVI = 0.96. For measures 1 and 2, there were significant positive and high-level correlations between IFDS-R and IFDS-Q correlation values (r = 0.553-0.958; p = 0.001) and significant negative, low-level correlations between IFDS-R and IFDS-Q with the LATCH scale (r = 0.439-0.532; p = 0.001). According to inter-observer compatibility analyses, the kappa value was 0.94-1.00 for the first measure and 0.96-1.00 for the second measure (p = 0.001). There were negative significant correlations between IDFS-R points with gestational age and postmenstrual age (PMA) (p = 0.001), and gestational age and PMA were explanatory factors for 13.8% of IDFS-R points (F = 7.30, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The IDFS is recommended for use as a valid and reliable tool to ease the safe and successful development of oral feeding skills in preterm infants and to plan evidence-based interventions.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

The IDFS appears to be a beneficial measurement device for use in assessing the state of readiness of preterm infants for oral feeding and for early determination of risks that may occur due to delayed feeding independence of infants.

Evaluation of accidental and intentional pediatric poisoning: Retrospective analysis in an emergency Department of Turkey

INTRODUCTION

Childhood poisoning is one of the leading causes of applications to ED and is a preventable cause of morbidity and mortality. The characteristics of poisoning may differ by geographic region, season, and the sociocultural aspects of the community and age groups.

METHOD

Poisoned patients age ≤ 18 years admitted to the ED January 2018-December 2019, were evaluated retrospectively.

RESULTS

Of 170 cases, mean age was 7.48 ± 5.54 years. Of the cases, 0-5 years (44.1%), 6-12 years (24.7%), and 13-18 years (31.2%); most were female (58.2%). Causes were accidental (72.9%), intentional (24.1%), and substance use (2.9%). Accidental cases were all patients age 0-5 years, 31.8% of age 6-12 years, and 24.5% of age 13-18 years. Drugs caused 72.9% of cases, primarily analgesics (22.4%), among which nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were most common (12.4%). Intentional poisoning by repeated drug intake caused 5.9% of cases. Rat poison caused 7.1% of non-drug cases. Treatment was gastric lavage (52.4%) and oral activated charcoal (45.9%).

CONCLUSION

As a result of the study, it was determined that accidental drug intake was the most common reason for children to apply to the ED due to acute poisoning in our region. Childhood poisoning can be prevented by measures to be taken by the environment, family, and healthcare professionals.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

The fact that children's acute poisoning cases are mostly accidental in our region shows that it is important to raise the awareness of parents to reduce acute poisoning and alleviate its negative consequences.

The Effect of Supportive Nursing Interventions on Reducing Stress Levels of Mothers of Infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of supportive interventions on the stress levels of mothers with infants hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). This study was a prospective, pre-and post-test randomized controlled trial. The research was completed with 85 mothers in two groups of 45 subjects and 40 controls selected at random. Data collection used the Parental Stressor Scale: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (PSS:NICU), NICU Parent Belief Scale (NICU:PBS), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI TX-2) and saliva cortisol analysis. There were statistically significant differences in favor of the experiment group for the PSS:NICU images and sounds subscale and PBS total points after supportive interventions (p < .05). Supportive nursing interventions were effective in reducing stress related to the intensive care environment, anxiety levels and saliva cortisol levels and increasing parental belief among mothers.

Evaluation of worry level in healthcare professionals and mental symptoms encountered in their children during the COVID-19 pandemic process

This study was conducted to evaluate the worry level in healthcare professionals and the mental symptoms encountered in their children during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The study was designed in a cross-sectional, descriptive and relational screening model. Target population of the study comprised healthcare professionals living in Turkey who had children aged 6 to 16 years. The study data was obtained from 457 healthcare professionals who were accessible online between June 15 and August 15, 2020. The Introductory Information Form, the Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ) and the Pediatric Symptom Checklist-17 (PSC-17) were used as data collection method. The mean age of the healthcare professionals was 39.82 ± 4.83 years and 88.6% of them were female, 58.6% were nurses, 9.0% were doctors and 54.3% were working in the pandemic service. The mean total PSWQ score of the healthcare professionals was 53.53 ± 11.82 and the mean total PSC-17 score of their children was 10.74 ± 5.68. The mean PSWQ score of the healthcare professionals who had a psychological disease and provided care to COVID-19 patients was significantly higher. The PSC-17 scores were significantly higher in children with a mental disorder. There was a statistically significant positively correlation between the mean total PSWQ score of the healthcare professionals and the mean total PSC-17 score of their children. The study showed that children of healthcare professionals who experience all aspects of the pandemic, comprise an important risk group because they are unable to have physical contact with their parents and they experience the pandemic-related measures more.

Evaluation of perceived breast milk insufficiency in mothers of infants with infantile colic: a case-control study

BACKGROUND

Mothers' lack of information about crying spells in infantile colic and feeling of insufficiency create anxiety in mothers, a decrease in satisfaction with being a mother and make them feel insufficient and tired. Fatigue in breastfeeding mothers can also lead to changes in milk biology and cause insufficient milk secretion.

METHODS

This study aims to determine the perceived breast milk insufficiency of mothers of infants with infantile colic and mothers of healthy infants. Mothers of infants aged three weeks to six months who were diagnosed with infantile colic (n=162) and were healthy (n=162), were admitted to the Pediatric Polyclinic of a hospital, comprised the target population of the case-controlled study. The Infant Colic Scale (ICS) and Perception of Insufficient Milk Supply (PIM) were used as data collection tools.

RESULTS

The PIM score averages of the case and control group mothers were compared and the case group mothers had a significantly higher perception of insufficient milk (p<0.05). However, as a result of a correlation analysis between the ICS total and the subscale score average of the case group infants and the PIM Scale total score average of the mothers, no significant correlation was found (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

As a result of the study, there was a significant difference between the milk insufficiency perceptions of the case and control group mothers. However, no significant correlation was found between the infantile colic score of the case group infants and insufficient milk perception of the mothers.

Evaluation of care burden among mothers of children with a disability: Correlation between physical activity, quality of life, and sleep quality; a cross-sectional study

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to determine the correlation between care burden and physical activity, quality of life, and sleep quality of mothers with disabled children.

DESIGN AND METHODS

The study was conducted with 165 mothers in a private rehabilitation center.

FINDINGS

There was a significant correlation between care burden and quality of life and sleep quality among mothers with disabled children.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

It is necessary for nurses to consult parents in terms of social support and to provide psychological support for families with disabled children to reduce the care burden of parents.

Evaluation of Pediatric Forensic Cases Admitted to the Emergency Department in Turkey: A Retrospective Analysis

AIM

The aim of this study was to determine retrospectively the demographic characteristics of forensic cases aged 0-18 years who were admitted to the emergency department.

METHOD

A total of 14,352 pediatric forensic cases aged 0-18 years, who were admitted to the emergency department of a hospital, were analyzed retrospectively in terms of the date of presentation, age, gender, and type of case.

RESULTS

Among the pediatric cases presenting to the emergency department, 56% were due to falling, 19% were due to burns, 8.5% were due to poisoning, 7.4% were due to animal bites, 5.3% were due to traffic accidents, 3.4% were due to battery, and 0.4% were due to other phenomena (electric shock and sexual abuse). Examination of the distribution of cases in terms of age showed that falling (16.4%), burns (25.7%), and poisoning (28%) were more frequent in boys in the age group of 15-18 months and in girls in the age group of 0-12 months. Presenting to the emergency department because of sexual abuse was observed to be more frequent in girls in the age groups of 10-14 years (40%) and 15-18 years (26.7%).

CONCLUSION

The high rates of falling, burns, and poisoning cases among children observed in this study suggest that child neglect and abuse were high and reveal the necessity of the presence of forensic nurses in the emergency departments.

Effects of smelling amniotic fluid on preterm infant's pain and stress during peripheral cannulation: A randomized controlled trial

AIM

To investigate the effect of smelling amniotic fluid on preterm infants' pain and stress caused by peripheral cannulation.

METHODS

This was a randomized controlled trial. The study sample consisted of 80 preterm infants meeting the case selection criteria and infants were randomly assigned to each group. However, in addition to the infants excluded from the study, total number of the infants in all the groups was 61. Infants in the amniotic fluid group smelled amniotic fluid for 15 min before, during, and after the application of peripheral cannulation while those in the control group received routine care during the procedure. The Premature Infant Pain Profile was used to assess their pain levels, and salivary cortisol analysis was performed to evaluate stress levels.

RESULTS

Preterm infants in the amniotic fluid and control groups had similar baseline characteristics. However, the pain levels of infants in the amniotic fluid group were significantly lower than of those in the control group during and after the procedure. After the procedure, cortisol levels of the infants in the amniotic fluid group were lower than of those in the control group, although this difference was not significant.

CONCLUSION

The intervention of smelling amniotic fluid is a practice that can be used for reducing pain and stress of preterm infants during peripheral cannulation.

Correlation between Infantile Colic and Maternal Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy, Breastfeeding Success and Breast Milk Amount

AIM

The study was conducted to determine the correlation between infantile colic and maternal breastfeeding self-efficacy, breastfeeding success and breast milk amount.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This descriptive study included 154 mothers, with infants of age between 3 weeks and 6 months who were diagnosed with infantile colic and who were admitted to the paediatric outpatient clinics of a hospital located in northern Turkey.

RESULT

A negative correlation was found between 'parent-infant interaction + problem infant' and 'immature gastrointestinal system' subscales of the Infantile Colic Scale (ICS) and the total mean scores of mothers on the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale. In addition, correlation analysis showed a statistically significant negative correlation between mean scores of mothers in breastfeeding success and subscale and total mean scores of ICS.

CONCLUSION

The breastfeeding self-efficacy and breastfeeding success is low in mothers of infants with infantile colic.

VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY OF THE NICU PARENTAL BELIEFS SCALE FOR PARENTS IN TURKEY

This methodological study was conducted for Turkish adaptation of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Parental Beliefs Scale (NICU PBS). The study sample consisted of 136 mothers and 97 fathers who had agreed to participate in the study. Turkish linguists were consulted to test the linguistic validity of the scale. Explanatory factor analysis was performed for construct validity of the scale, which indicated that the 18 items in the scale had a three-factor structure, explaining a maximum of 70.24% of total variance. Considering factor loadings, the factor load values ranged from 0.614 to 0.806. Concerning reliability of the scale, the item-total score correlation values were found to be 0.54-0.78, and the Cronbach’s alpha was 0.90. Accordingly, the Turkish version of NICU PBS can be considered valid and reliable.

The Use of the Buzzy, Jet Lidokaine, Bubble-blowing and Aromatherapy for Reducing Pediatric Pain, Stress and Fear Associated with Phlebotomy

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the effects of the Buzzy, Jet lidokaine, bubble-blowing and inhalation aromatherapy with lavender essence on pain, stress and fear in children undergoing phlebotomy.

DESIGNS AND METHODS

This study was a prospective, randomized controlled trial. The sample was comprised of children aged 5 to 10 years requiring blood tests. Children were assigned to five subgroups through randomization performed using a computer program: the Buzzy group (n = 39), Jet lidokaine group (n = 39), bubble-blowing group (n = 39), inhalation aromatherapy with lavender essence group (n = 39) and control group (n = 39). The children's levels of pain were evaluated and reported by the parents, observers and the children, who self-reported using the Oucher Pain Scale. The children's fear levels were assessed using the Children's Fear Scale, and salivary cortisol analysis was conducted to evaluate stress levels.

RESULTS

A significant difference was found between the intervention and control groups in terms of levels of pain during and after phlebotomy in favor of the Buzzy group (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference between the fear scores of the children in the intervention and control groups before phlebotomy (p < 0.05). This difference was found to be caused by the bubble-blowing method. There was a significant difference between intervention and control groups fear levels in favor of the Buzzy group during phlebotomy (p < 0.05).

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

It is recommended that the Buzzy and bubble-blowing be used during phlebotomy in children to reduce the severity of their pain.

Effect of Smelling Amniotic Fluid on Comfort and Crying in Preterm Infants During Peripheral Cannulation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of smelling amniotic fluid on comfort and duration of crying caused by peripheral cannulation in preterm infants. This was a randomized controlled trial. The study sample consisted of 80 preterm infants meeting the case selection criteria. The infants were randomly assigned to experimental and control group. Upon exclusion of some infants from the study, total number of infants in both groups was 61. The infants in the amniotic fluid group smelled amniotic fluid for 15 minutes before, during, and for 15 minutes after the ap-plication of peripheral cannulation, whereas the infants in the control group did not undergo any in-tervention other than routine care. The level of comfort was significantly higher and the duration of crying lower in the infants from the amniotic fluid group as compared with control group before, during and after the procedure. The intervention of smelling amniotic fluid was found to be an effective practice that could be used for reducing the length of crying and increase comfort in preterm infants undergoing peripheral cannulation.

Effects of Covering the Eyes versus Playing Intrauterine Sounds on Premature Infants' Pain and Physiological Parameters during Venipuncture

BACKGROUND

There is a need to assess the impact of initiatives to reduce exposure to environmental light and sound in preterm infants undergoing painful interventions in neonatal intensive care units.

OBJECTIVES

In this study, we aimed to identify the effect of covering the eyes and playing the intrauterine ambient sounds on premature infants' pain and physiological parameters during venipuncture.

METHODS

This was a randomized controlled trial. Ninety-four preterm infants were randomly divided into three groups: intrauterine sounds (n=32), covered eyes (n=32), and control (n=30) groups. Data were collected on the Preterm Infant Information Form, Preterm Infant Follow-up Form, and Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS), used to assess pain.

RESULTS

A significant difference was found between the intervention and control groups' NIPS score after venipuncture, which was primarily due to covered eyes' group. No significant difference was found between the intervention and control groups' NIPS score during venipuncture. In addition, no significant difference was found between the intervention and control groups of infants physiological parameters before, during, and after venipuncture. The practice of covering preterm infants' eyes during venipuncture positively affected their pain scores after venipuncture.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

The effect of covering the eyes and playing the intrauterine ambient sounds in preterm infants may be recommended as simple, safe, and supportive stimuli that facilitate positive effects during painful procedures.

Effects of Having Preterm Infants Smell Amniotic Fluid, Mother's Milk, and Mother's Odor During Heel Stick Procedure on Pain, Physiological Parameters, and Crying Duration

OBJECTIVE

The study aims to assess effects of having preterm infants smell amniotic fluid, mother's milk, and mother's odor during heel stick procedure on pain, physiological parameters, and crying duration.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was a randomized controlled experimental research. The population of the study was made up of preterm infants receiving treatment and care at a neonatal intensive care unit, where the study was conducted between January 2015 and March 2016. The study was performed with 85 preterm infants who met the selection criteria. Infants were randomized into four groups: amniotic fluid, mother's milk, mother's odor, and control group. Data obtained were analyzed by percentage distributions, means, standard deviation, chi-square test, Kruskal-Wallis, and Dunnett's test.

RESULTS

While no significant difference was found between the groups in terms of total preterm infant pain profile score before, during, and after the heel stick procedure (p > 0.05), a significant difference was found in terms of SO₂ values (p < 0.05) and the difference was caused by the amniotic fluid group. Although no significant difference was found between the groups in terms of crying duration (p > 0.05), the amniotic fluid group had the lowest score, followed by the mother's milk group, the mother's odor group, and the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Amniotic fluid, mother's milk, and mother's odor were not effective in preterm infants during painful procedures.

Supporting of the Fathers to Visit Their Infants in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Decreases Their Stress Level: A Pretest-Posttest Quasi-Experimental Study

It is known that fathers whose infants are hospitalized in NICUs (Neonatal Intensive Care Units) are severely stressed. This study was conducted for the purpose of determining the effect of supporting and visiting infants in NICUs on stress levels of Turkish fathers. This was a pretest-posttest quasi-experimental study. The population of the study consisted of 47 fathers who had their infants receiving treatment in NICU at a state hospital in the eastern Turkey and agreed to participate in the study. The data were collected by using "Father-Infant Introductory Information Form" and "Parental Stressor Scale: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, PSS:NICU". When comparing the PSS:NICU total mean scores of the fathers before and after interventions; it was determined that their mean scores were higher before visits compared to those obtained after interventions and the difference between them was significant at advanced level. It was found that the fathers visiting and supporting their infants in NICUs had the decreased stress levels. It is a useful nursing intervention to support fathers to visit their babies in NICUs and establish environments where they could spend time with their babies.

The Effect of Spiritual Care on Stress Levels of Mothers in NICU

Hospitalization of an infant is a difficult situation for the family, and parents require support from the health care team during this difficult time. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of spiritual care on levels of stress in mothers with infants in a neonatal intensive care unit. This spiritual care study was performed by comparing control and spiritual care pre- and posttest groups. The study population included 62 mothers. The Mother–Baby Introductory Information Form and the Parental Stressor Scale: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (PSS:NICU) were used for data collection. Prior to spiritual care, no significant difference was found between the mothers’ PSS:NICU scores, whereas following spiritual care, there was a significant difference between PSS:NICU scores of the mothers, in favor of the spiritual care group ( p < .05). Findings indicate that nurses should be aware and consider the spiritual needs of mothers and must identify and meet these needs.