Search

Background: Infertility and its treatment can be complex, difficult, and uncomfortable, especially for women. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the quality of life and health literacy of women. This study was conducted to evaluate the quality of life and health literacy in women receiving infertility treatment and to determine the relationship between them. Methods: The study, in which a descriptive design was used, was carried out with 186 women who received infertility treatment. Data were collected by a descriptive information form, the Fertility Quality of Life Questionnaire (FertiQoL), and the Turkiye Health Literacy Scale-32 (THLS-32). Results: The mean scores of participants were 61.73±16.71 on the total FertiQoL and 36.46±8.45 on the total THLS-32. The level of health literacy was inadequate in 7.5% of women, problematic/ limited in 28.5%, adequate in 31.7%, and excellent in 32.3%. There was no significant correlation between FertiQoL and THLS-32 scores (p>.05). Conclusion: In this study, it was determined that the quality of life and health literacy of women who received infertility treatment were not at the desired level. The study found no relationship between women's quality of life and health literacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Prenatal testing induces elevated anxiety levels among high-risk pregnant women. • The utilization of virtual reality and music during non-stress tests alleviates anxiety and enhances satisfaction among high-risk pregnant women undergoing the procedure. • Virtual reality intervention resulted in a reduction in the duration of reactive non-stress tests. Prenatal tests cause high-risk pregnant women to experience high anxiety levels. This paper investigated the effect of Virtual Reality (VR) and music on anxiety, non-stress test parameters, and satisfaction of high-risk pregnant women undergoing non-stress tests (NSTs). This was a randomized controlled trial. The sample consisted of 102 participants randomized into three groups (VR = 34, music = 34, and control = 34). Maternal anxiety was assessed using the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-S (STAI-S) before and after NSTs. Satisfaction was evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) after NSTs. NST parameters were evaluated after NSTs. The findings were reported based on the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT). The VR and music groups had significantly lower mean posttest STAI-S scores than the control group (p <.05). There was no significant difference in NST findings (reactive/nonreactive) between the groups (p >.05). The VR group had a significantly shorter reactive NST duration than the control group (p <.05). The VR and music groups had significantly higher mean VAS-satisfaction scores than the control group (p <.05) Virtual reality and music during NSTs help high-risk pregnant women experience less anxiety and satisfy them more with the procedure. We recommend that obstetric midwives and nurses use these low-cost, simple, and noninvasive methods to reduce anxiety in high-risk pregnant women during prenatal testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) consists of psychiatric or somatic symptoms negatively affecting the daily life. PMS treatment can involve the use of complementary-alternative approaches. Hydrogen-rich water (HRW) has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may treat PMS. This study aimed to investigate the effect of drinking HRW on the severity of premenstrual symptoms and the quality of life of women who suffer from PMS. Methods: This study is a randomized controlled trial. Participants were randomized into two groups (intervention group=33, control group=32) using the block randomization method. Participants were requested to consume 1500-2000 mL of HRW daily in the intervention group and drink water in the placebo group. Participants began drinking either HRW or placebo water from day 16 of their menstrual cycle until day 2 of the following cycle for three menstrual cycles. The research data were collected using a Demographic Information Form, Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMSS), and Short form of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL- BREF). Results: The intervention group had significantly lower mean scores than the control group in both the first and second follow-ups on the PMSS (P<0.05). In the first follow-up, the intervention group had significantly higher mean scores in the Physical Health and Psychological domains of the WHOQOL-BREF compared to the control group (P<0.05). Group × time interaction was significant for PMSS (F = 10.54, P<0.001). Group × time interaction was insignificant for WHOQOL- BREF (P>0.05). Conclusions: The consumption of HRW reduces the severity of premenstrual symptoms and improves individuals' quality of life in physical and psychological domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]