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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]

Objective: Vaccination during pregnancy is important for both maternal and fetal/newborn health. The aim of this study was to examine the vaccination behaviors and levels of vaccine hesitancy among pregnant women. Methods: This descriptive study involved 518 pregnant women. Data were collected between March and May 2022, utilizing demographic information form and the Vaccine Hesitancy Scale (VHS). Results: The mean VHS score was found to be 31.92±4.68. The rate of vaccine hesitancy among pregnant women was determined to be 31.5%. The mean score for lack of confidence was 25.63±4.10, while the mean score for perceived risks was 6.29±1.50. Pregnant women who received information about vaccination during pregnancy from healthcare professionals had higher mean scores on the VHS, as well as on the lack of confidence and perceived risks sub-dimensions, compared to those who did not receive such information (p<.05). Of the pregnant women, 86.3% had received/were planning to receive tetanus vaccine, at least 1 dose of COVID-19 vaccine had been received by 61.8% before pregnancy and by 11.8% during pregnancy, and 37.5% had received/were planning to receive hepatitis B vaccine. The vaccine hesitancy of pregnant women who had received the COVID-19 vaccine before pregnancy, as well as those who had received or were planning to receive the tetanus and hepatitis B vaccines during pregnancy, was lower compared to those who had not received these vaccines(p<.05). Conclusions: As the vaccine hesitancy of pregnant women increased, their vaccination decreased. Healthcare providers catering to pregnant individuals should assess and address hesitancy, ensuring timely vaccinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]