Public Health and Community Nursing Commons^™

Validity And Reliability Of The Turkish Nursing Students’ Self-Perceptions About Safe Medication Management, Derya Şimşekli, Bedriye Cansu Koyunoğlu, Elanur Yilmaz Karabulutlu

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Safe medication management is central to nursing education and patient safety. To the best of our knowledge, there is currently no validated Turkish instrument specifically designed to assess nursing students’ self-perceptions regarding safe medication management. This study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Nursing Students’ Self-Perceptions about Safe Medication Management (NURSPeM).

Methods: This methodological study was conducted at a single university using convenience sampling. Data were collected from a sample of 400 nursing students using the NURSPeM. Construct validity was examined with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Internal consistency was evaluated …

Nurses’ Attitudes Toward Physical Examination, Nazan Çaylı, Cansu Nirgiz, Merve Kıymaç Sarı

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the attitudes of nurses working in clinical settings toward conducting physical examinations.

Methods: The sample surveyed consisted of 364 nurses currently working at 14 branches of a private hospital with facilities in seven cities, who participated voluntarily. Data was collected online via a survey created through Google Forms, applying descriptive characteristics form and the Physical Examination Attitude and Practice Scale in Nursing. The data were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U test, Kruskal–Wallis test, Spearman’s rank-order correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis.

Results: It was found that nurses had …

Climate Change Anxiety Related To Women’S Health Among Health Sciences Students, Derya Kaya Şenol, Semiha Aydın Özkan, Durdu Cennet Omuş

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Climate change impacts are unequally distributed globally, with children, women, pregnant women, the elderly, marginalized populations, and refugees bearing a disproportionate burden. This study aims to determine the levels of related anxiety among female students and to examine the relationship between the anxiety and their perceptions, knowledge levels, and health behaviors related to women’s health.

Methods: The study has a descriptive cross-sectional design. The study population included women students enrolled in the fall semester of the 2023–2024 academic year at the Faculty of Health Sciences of a university between October and December 2023. Personal Information Form and …

Moving Toward Healthy Ageing: The Role Of Physical Activity In Cognitive Function And Self-Esteem Among Older Adults In Türkiye, Canan Birimoglu Okuyan, Müjde Kerkez

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between religious attitudes and breastfeeding attitudes and the effect of this relationship on breastfeeding practices.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 251 older adults. Data were collected using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, the Standardized Mini-Mental State Examination, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Spearman’s correlation and chi-square tests were employed for statistical analysis.

Results: Physical activity levels were positively correlated with both cognitive function (r = 0.546, p < 0.001) and self-esteem (r = 0.168, p < 0.05). No significant association was observed between cognitive function and self-esteem. Physical inactivity, cognitive decline, and low self-esteem were more prevalent among women, participants with lower educational attainment, those with chronic diseases, and individuals engaged in polypharmacy.

Conclusions: The findings emphasize the importance of integrating physical activity promotion into national healthy ageing policies, particularly in Mediterranean contexts such …

The Effect Of Cultural Literacy, Ethnocentrism And Xenophobia On Intercultural Sensitivity In Intern Nurses In Türkiye, Yasemin Gümüş Şekerci, Beyza Gül Yıldırım

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: With rising migration and multicultural patient populations, understanding the factors that shape intercultural sensitivity among healthcare workers has become essential. This study aims to determine the effect of cultural literacy, ethnocentrism, and xenophobia on intercultural sensitivity in nurse interns.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 206 intern nurses from three universities in a province of Türkiye. A simple random sampling method is used. Data are collected by using the Introductory Information Form, Intercultural Sensitivity Scale, Cultural Literacy Scale, Ethnocentrism Scale, and Xenophobia Scale. Multiple regression is used for data analysis.

Results: Cultural literacy (β = …

Health Literacy, Health Perception, And Influencing Factors Among Immigrants, Canan Birimoglu Okuyan, Ebru Deveci, Fatma Karasu

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Individuals living in rural areas face several healthcare disadvantages, including limited access to medical facilities and specialists during emergencies. This study examines healthy lifestyle behaviors, health perceptions, and influencing factors among immigrants in a rural region of southern Türkiye.

Methods: This cross-sectional study involved immigrants registered at a family health center. Data were collected using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Perception of Health Scale, and the Health Literacy Scale.

Results: Statistically significant differences in THLS-32 scores were found based on participants’ occupation, marital status, and education level (p < 0.05). A moderately positive correlation was observed between health literacy and health perception scores (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Research on the relationship between …

Impact Of Pandemic-Driven Parental Fear On Childhood Immunization Rates: Examining Attitudes Toward Vaccination During Crisis Periods In Türkiye, Özüm Erkin, İlknur Göl

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: This study aimed to investigate the effect of parents’ fear of coronavirus on their attitudes towards the vaccination of their children.

Methods: The study was conducted with 2,350 parents who were selected by using the snowball sampling method. The questionnaire included a personal information form, the Public Attitude towards Vaccination Scale – Health Belief Model, and the Fear of COVID-19 Scale.

Results: The scores of the study group from the sub-dimensions of the Public Attitude towards Vaccination Scale Health Belief Model were as follows: 17.39 ± 2.92 perceived susceptibility, 16.74 ± 3.19 perceived severity, 21.10 ± …

Disaster Response Self-Efficacy Of Students In The Nursing Department: A Cross-Sectional Study, Dilek Yılmaz, Gonca Buran

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Nurses take on important roles in disasters. In this regard, the disaster response self-efficacy of nursing students must be evaluated. The study aimed to determine the self-efficacy of nursing students in disaster response.

Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, the study sample consisted of 207 nursing students who were in their third or fourth year attending the nursing department of a state university in the Marmara region of Türkiye between October and December 2023. Data were collected using a student description form and the disaster response self-efficacy scale.

Results: The mean age of the study participants …

Investigating Nursing Students’ Levels Of Knowledge About Alzheimer’S Disease, Dilek Doruk Kondakci, Aliye Mandiracioğlu

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Given that Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has become a major public health problem, this study aimed to investigate the AD knowledge level of nursing students who are health professional candidates.

Methods: The population of this cross-sectional study consisted of 346 nursing students taking up a 4-year program. They were asked to fill out a sociodemographic information form and answer questions from the Alzheimer’s Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS).

Results: Among the participants, 67.6% were female and 98.8% were single. The mean age of the students was 20.55 ± 2.05 years. Their general knowledge about AD was low, with …

Age, Body Mass Index, Physical Activity And Quality Of Life In Turkish Pregnant Woman With And Without A Diagnosis Of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Comparative Study, Yaren Nur Tayyar, Hatice Kahyaoglu Sut

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: This study aimed to examine and compare the age, body mass index (BMI), physical activity (PA), and quality of life (QOL) of third-trimester Turkish pregnant women with and without a diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods: A comparative study was conducted in the obstetrics clinic of a university hospital in Turkey, and it included 210 women (GDM women = 105 and non-GDM women = 105). Personal Information Form, International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ), and World Health Organization Quality of Life-Short Form-Turkish (WHOQOL-Bref-TR) were used.

Results: The age and BMI of GDM women were higher …

Associated Factors Related To Self-Management Behaviors Among People With Type 2 Diabetes In Myanmar, Aye Nyein Oo, Jiraporn Lininger, Sirirat Leelacharas

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Diabetes is a global health concern that affects individuals and the healthcare system. This study aimed to describe the relationships between personal and environmental factors and self-management behaviors in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods: This research included 100 individuals with T2DM who were recruited through convenient sampling from three government hospitals in Myanmar. Data collection was fulfilled using a standardized interviewer-administered questionnaire consisting of demographic information, the Diabetes Management Self-Efficacy Scale, the New Short-Form Health Literacy Instrument, the 24-item version of the Diabetes Knowledge Questionnaire, the Social Support Questionnaire, and the Summary of Diabetes …

Attitudes Toward Caring For Older Adults Among Undergraduate Nursing Students At A Public University In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Azera Hasra Ismail, Siti Zuhaida Hussein, Aslina Mohamed Yasi, Nurul Izzati Ishak, Nurul Nazira Mohd Yazar, Nur Syafiqah Sabri

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: The growing number of elderly members of the population is expected to increase the demand for more dedicated nursing students committed to providing excellent care. This study aims to determine prevailing attitudes toward the care of older adults among undergraduate nursing students at a public university in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Methods: This is a quantitative cross-sectional survey of 107 undergraduate nursing students enrolled at a public university in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The students were recruited using stratified random sampling. The respondents’ attitudes toward caring for older adults were measured using 14 items from the Geriatrics Attitudes Scale …

Factors Associated With Postacute Covid-19 Syndrome Among Patients In Malaysia, Ahtheemathurra Ballasingam, Farida Islahudin, Siti Azdiah Abdul Aziz, Mohd Makmor-Bakry

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Post-acute COVID-19 is known to affect multiple organs. It is essential to determine factors that affect post-acute COVID-19 syndrome and medications needed by patients for optimized care.

Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted among patients recruited by stratified sampling from two COVID-19 hospitals in Malaysia. Patients were followed up for 6 months using a standard questionnaire to identify demographics, symptoms, medications taken, and factors associated with post-acute COVID-19 syndrome.

Results: A total of 388 were successfully followed up. The most frequently reported symptom was respiratory symptoms (N = 168, 43.30%), of which cough (N = …

Social Media Addiction Among Nursing Students And Its Related Factors, Akgün Yeşiltepe, Bedriye Cansu Demirkiran, Sevgi Demir Çam

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Social media use has become an indispensable part of our lives as a result of technology advancement and is quite high among students.

Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional design. Participants were 289 students from the Faculty of Health Sciences at Artvin Coruh University, Turkey. The Social Media Addiction Scale (SMAS) was used to obtain data. T-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation, and Bonferroni analysis were used to analyze the data.

Results: The participants’ mean SMAS score was 81.03 ± 34.79, which was moderate. A weak and positive correlation was found between social media addiction and daily …

A Cross-Sectional Study Of Nurses’ Perception Toward Utilization And Barriers Of Electronic Health Record, Mohammad Alboliteeh

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: The utilization of electronic health records (EHRs) is crucial. This study aimed to determine the perception of nurses on the utilization and barriers to the use of EHRs.

Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study on 327 participants was conducted at the government hospitals of Hail City that use EHRs. Data collection was conducted between March and April 2022. The adapted questionnaire was used to collect the data.

Results: Nurses perceived EHRs as useful (5.76 ± 1.71), easy to use (4.74 ± 1.56), and intend to use (5.85 ± 1.81). Sex had no effect on perceived usefulness ( …

Prioritizing Training Needs For Nurses In The Government Hospitals Of The Ha’Il Region, Saudi Arabia: Future Directions For Educational Developers, Eddieson Pasay-An, Hatem Homoud Alsrour

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: The assessment of training needs can help establish the current performance or knowledge levels related to certain essential nursing activities. The purpose of this study is to determine the training needs of the staff nurses of the government hospitals in Ha’il Region, Saudi Arabia.

Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional–correlational approach with 230 staff nurses of the government hospitals in the City of Ha’il. Random sampling was used to ensure the representativeness of the sample.

Results: The nurses perceived training activities as very important (6.22 ± 1.09) in their work but performed the necessary activities only …

Knowledge, Attitudes, And Practices Of Saudi Citizens On Covid-19 Pandemic: A Multi-Region Survey, Maha Sanat Alreshidi, Nojoud Abdullah Daaya Alreshidi, Ebaa Felemban, Ferdinand Gonzales

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Although policies and guidelines may not always be optimal in all settings, a tailor-fitted guideline is appropriate. This study aims to determine the differences in the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of Saudi citizens toward Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Methods: A quantitative-comparative-correlational approach was carried out from March 21 to May 22, 2020. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and t-test were used to determine the differences in knowledge and demographic characteristics. Linear regression was used to determine relationships among KAP.

Results: The participants’ knowledge yielded 82.83%, positive attitudes (M = 2.10; SD = 1.15) and good …

Prevalence And Impacts Of Musculoskeletal Pain Among The Elderly Living In The East Coast Region Of Peninsular Malaysia, Muhammad Kamil Che Hasan, Nur Nabila Izzati Asmera, Suliza Sulaiman, Mohd Said Nurumal, Nik Noor Kaussar Nik Mohd Hatta

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Musculoskeletal pain commonly affects the elderly, but the extent of this problem within the Malaysian community remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and impact of musculoskeletal pain among the elderly living in the community.

Methods: Elderly individuals aged 60 years and above with musculoskeletal pain and intact cognition were recruited for this study. Musculoskeletal pain was scored using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, and functional ability was assessed via the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scale. Mental wellbeing was evaluated using the Short Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing scale, and risk of falling was determined via …

A Cross-Sectional Study On Bullying And Psychological Disturbances Among Malaysian School Children, Muhammad Lokman Md Isa, Nurfatin Aina Mocktar, Wisam Nabeel Ibrahim, Mohd Said Nurumal, Muhammad Kamil Che Hasan

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Bullying is a common violence in school and has become a major public health and global concern. Bullying influences mental health and is identified as a leading factor of depression. Therefore, this study aimed to identify bullying prevalence and its association toward psychological disturbances (stress, anxiety, and depression).

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in three secondary schools in Kuantan. After obtaining consent from parents/guardians, participants were asked to answer a self-administered questionnaire, including School Climate Bullying Survey, Depression Anxiety Stress Questionnaire-21, Patient Depression Questionnaire, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Demographic data were self-reported. Data were analyzed using …

Caregiver Burden From Caring For Dependent Elderly In Yangon, The Republic Of The Union Of Myanmar, May Zun Naing, Sein Yaw May, Min Htike Aung

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Elderly population and well-being of those are emerging as major challenges for families and communities. This study aimed to identify caregiving burden among caregivers who care for dependent elderly.

Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted in Tharkayta Township, Yangon, Myanmar. Total 200 caregivers were selected applying multi-stage sampling method and structured questionnaires were used to collect data. Dependent score of elderly was assessed by using Barthel Index of activities of daily living (ADL) and assessment of caregiver burden through Zarit Burden Interview.

Results: The results showed that over one fifth of caregivers 21.5% had …

Chronic Constipation Among Community-Dwelling Older People In The East Coast Region Of Peninsular Malaysia, Patimah Abdul Wahab, Azidah Abdul Kadir, Yeong Yeh Lee, Siti Hawa Ali, Dariah Mohd Yusoff

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, symptoms, and factors associated with chronic constipation among community-dwelling older people in the East Coast region of Peninsular Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in four selected health clinics using stratified cluster sampling. A face-to-face interview was carried out among the elderly outpatients, in order to complete a structured questionnaire. Results: A total of 400 participants were included in the study. The mean age was 68.7 ± 6.4 years, and 55% of the cohort were women. The prevalence of chronic constipation was 32.3% among the sample population. The …