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Purpose: This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to synthesize the outcomes of theory‐based nursing interventions for coronary heart disease management. Design and Methods: Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, and PubMed databases were electronically searched from January 2013 to August 2021. The Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses statement guidelines was followed for this meta‐analysis. Randomized controlled trials on patients with coronary heart disease, using a theory‐based nursing intervention were eligible. Methodological quality was examined by two authors using the Modified Jadad Scale. Based on the heterogeneity test, the results were analyzed using a pool of data with 95% confidence intervals, p‐values, and fixed or random‐effect models (PROSPERO registration number X). Findings A total of 1030 studies were initially retrieved, and 8 randomized controlled trials were eventually included in the meta‐analysis after screening. The big majority (81.3%) of participants were males, and the mean age was 54.8 (SD = 8.7) years. This meta‐analysis found theory‐based nursing interventions had no significant effect on blood lipid profile, blood pressure, and healthy lifestyle. However, these interventions significantly reduced fasting blood glucose, and body mass index and improved the physical and psychological domains of quality of life. Conclusions: The evidence from this meta‐analysis reveals that theory‐based nursing interventions have a positive effect on fasting blood glucose, body mass index, and quality of life. However, their effects on blood lipid profile, blood pressure, and a healthy lifestyle are inconclusive. The results of this metanalysis are largely based on a few trials and were limited in terms of the number of outcomes. Conducting well‐designed randomized controlled trials with adequate power is needed to make a firm conclusion on the influence of theory‐based nursing interventions on patient outcomes in the CHD population. Clinical relevance: Considering the high mortality and morbidity of coronary heart disease, nurses may play a significant role in coronary heart disease management by providing interventions that are based on a certain theoretical framework. This meta‐analysis provides insights into the implementation of theory‐based nursing interventions in heart attack survivors or those newly diagnosed with coronary heart disease led by nurses and lasting longer than 6 months in coronary heart disease. In addition, future studies should consider enhancing the content of training programs for a healthy lifestyle within the theory‐based nursing interventions and compare the effects of these interventions on acute and chronic coronary syndromes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This randomized controlled study aimed to investigate the effects of classical massage (CM) and Benson relaxation exercise (BRE) on symptom status and quality of life (QoL) in patients with heart failure (HF). Seventy-two patients with HF were recruited from 4 hospitals in Ankara, Turkey. The study sample was allocated to a CM (n = 24), BRE (n = 26), or control group (n = 22) based on the New York Heart Association classification of HF (stages III and IV) through stratified randomization. The intervention groups received either CM or BRE twice daily for 7 days (total of 14 sessions). The control group received only routine care. The scores of symptom status decreased in the CM and BRE groups at the end of the intervention (first week) as compared with the control group (P <.05). Nevertheless, at the end of the monitoring period, no significant differences were detected between the 3 study groups at baseline (P =.474), week 1 (P =.936), and week 3 (P =.668) in terms of QoL scores. The CM and BRE showed beneficial effects in the management of HF symptoms in advanced stage HF patients who were hospitalized and received intensive treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the effects of the Benson relaxation technique combined with music therapy on fatigue, anxiety, and depression levels of patients undergoing hemodialysis. This randomized controlled study was conducted with 61 patients (30 patients in the intervention group, 31 patients in the control group) in a province located in Turkey. This 8-week, randomized, clinical trial was carried out in 2 hemodialysis units. After the patients in both groups were informed about the study, the Piper Fatigue Scale and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were administered to the patients. All subdomain scores of the Piper Fatigue Scale in the intervention group were significantly lower at weeks 4, 8, and 10 than those of the control group (P <.05). The intervention group had significantly lower Anxiety subscale scores than those of the control group at week 10 (P <.05). Similarly, Depression subscale scores were significantly lower in the intervention group at weeks 8 and 10 than those in the control group (P <.05). The findings suggest that Benson relaxation technique combined with music therapy is an effective approach to manage fatigue, anxiety, and depression symptoms related to hemodialysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of complementary and integrative health approach (CIHA) use in patients with heart failure (HF) and compare quality of life (QoL) between CIHA users and nonusers. This was a cross-sectional, descriptive, and comparative study including 130 patients with HF in Turkey. The data were collected using the sociodemographic and CIHA information form and the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ). The mean age was 64.51 ± 10.40 years. Furthermore, 26.1% of the participants had used at least one form of CIHA in the previous year. The most used CIHA was herbal therapies (94.2%). The total scores of the KCCQ were 47.70 ± 9.50 in the study, and a statistically significant difference was found in the total scores of the KCCQ between CIHA users and nonusers. The findings of this study revealed that more than a quartile of patients with HF used at least one form of CIHA. Further prospective studies are warranted to follow up with patients having HF who use any form of CIHA for a longer period and determine other parameters that directly influence QoL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To analyse the different types of Aloe vera (AV) effects on various mucocutaneous problems among adults. Design: A systematic review and meta‐analysis. Data Sources: An exhaustive scanning of PubMed, Medline, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases was conducted from January 2000–December 2019. Review Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) publishing reports on the effects of AV in various mucocutaneous problems, psoriasis, burn, wound‐healing were included. The standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence Intervals (CIs) were determined for the main outcomes, heterogeneity was analysed using the I2 test and the risk of bias in the studies was reviewed by the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool. Results: The study included 23 trials with a total of 4,023 participants. Six trials were included in the meta‐analysis. The results indicated no significant differences in pain scores as assessed by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) (SMD = 0.11, 95% CI: −0.37 to 0.59). The Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) scores were significantly lower following AV gel application in two of the studies (SMD = −1.32 95% CI: −1.86 to −0.78). Considering results in a systematic manner, AV accelerated tissue epithelialization and wound‐healing process (N = 3), reduced oral mucositis (N = 3), and improved quality of life (N = 1). Conclusion: AV might have beneficial effects in reducing pain scores and the severity of mucocutaneous problems compared with placebo, especially with limited mild to moderate adverse effects. Impact: AV may be used as an alternative and integrative approach to reducing symptom severity in mucocutaneous problems and the wound‐healing process. High quality and well‐designed RCTs are still needed to elucidate the effects of AV in a variety of dosages and forms among adults with mucocutaneous problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To analyse the effects of nurse‐driven self‐management (SM) programs on physical and psychosocial health variables in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Design: A systematic review and meta‐analysis. Data Sources: An exhaustive scanning of PubMed, Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials, CINAHL, ScienceDirect and Medline databases between January 2010–December 2019 was conducted for this meta‐analysis. Review Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) related to nurse‐driven SM programs in COPD population were included. The standardized mean differences with 95% confidence intervals were determined for the main variables and heterogeneity was analysed using the I2 test. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA) was used. Results: Twelve studies were included. The results indicated that significant difference in physical health scores based on COPD Assessment Tool (CAT) and walking distance according to the 6‐min walk distance (6MWD) test in the intervention groups compared with the control groups. About psychosocial health findings, the quality of life increased and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores decreased following SM programs. All of the studies had good quality (varying from 5–8 points) according to The Modified Jadad Scale. Conclusion: Nurse‐driven SM programs may contribute to prognosis in patients with COPD. Due to methodological weaknesses in the included trials, high‐quality RCTs are needed to better determine the effects of nurse‐driven SM programs in the management of COPD. Nurse‐driven SM programs may be employed as a useful strategy to improve health status and QOL and psychosocial health in the COPD population, as well. Impact: Current evidence shows that nurse‐driven SM programs could be safely integrated into the clinical practice for patients with COPD. Future studies are warranted that evaluating the effects of nurse‐driven SM programs on other frequently observed COPD symptoms such as dyspnoea, fatigue and sleep disturbance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To examine the effects of progressive muscle relaxation and mindfulness meditation on the severity of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (DPNP), fatigue, and quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes. Design: An assessor‐blinded prospective randomized controlled trial. Methods: Participants were randomly assigned to the relaxation group (RG; n = 28), meditation group (MG; n = 25), or control group (CG; n = 24). The mean age of participants was 64.2 ± 8.1 years in the RG, 61.6 ± 8.0 years in the MG, and 64.1± 6.6 years in the CG. Patients in the intervention groups performed progressive muscle relaxation or mindfulness meditation at their home for 12 weeks, 20 min daily. The CG received only an attention‐matched controlled education on pancreas anatomy and diabetes. Data collection was performed at baseline and at weeks 12 and 14 using the VAS, FACIT Fatigue Scale (FACIT‐F), and Neuropathic Pain Impact on Quality of Life Questionnaire (NePIQoL). Findings: VAS scores were significantly lower in the RG and MG at week 12 (p <.05) and were statistically significant in the RG at week 14. Additionally, fatigue severity decreased significantly in the RG at weeks 12 and 14, compared to that in the CG (p <.05). While no significant difference was found in the quality of life scores between the study groups at weeks 12 and 14 (p >.05), a significant improvement in quality of life scores in the RG were provided at week 12 compared to those at baseline and week 14 (p <.05). Conclusions: Both progressive muscle relaxation and mindfulness meditation had a positive impact on providing pain relief in patients with DPNP. Moreover, progressive muscle relaxation also appeared to have a beneficial effect on fatigue. Clinical Relevance: Based on the results, progressive muscle relaxation and mindfulness meditation can be recommended as supportive therapies for the management of DPNP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this feasibility study was to determine the effects of a nurse-led education and counseling program for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD-ECP) on dyspnea, health status, and care dependency in patients. A quasi-experimental, pre-posttest research design without a control group was performed on 30 COPD patients. The patients received an 8-week COPD-ECP via home visits during the first 4 weeks and via phone interviews in the subsequent 4 weeks. After completion of COPD-ECP and a 4-week break, a final follow-up was conducted at the end of 12th week. The Dyspnea-12, COPD Assessment Test (CAT), and Care Dependency Scale (CDS) scores were calculated during the first interview, and on the 4th, 8th, and 12th week of the study. The patients completed all sessions of COPD-ECP without side effects. There was a significant decrease in the total Dyspnea-12 scores at the end of the study period. Compared to the baseline assessment, CAT total scores significantly decreased in the 4th, 8th, and 12th week (p < 0.05), and CDS scores showed a significant reduction at the 12th week (p < 0.05). In conclusion, COPD-ECP is feasible in regular clinical practice and well accepted by patients, and it seems to improve health status and decrease dyspnea, and care dependency. Future randomized controlled studies are warranted to explore the effects of COPD-ECP on fatigue, cough and sleep problems, and the best innovative strategies to improve the efficiency of COPD-ECP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The older population has reached to 8.5%, and the prevalence of frailty is reported as 39.2% in Turkey. The purpose of the study was to assess caregiver burden in families who care for frail older adults in Turkish culture. Method: This descriptive study was conducted in Turkey between June and October 2017. Frail older adults who had no severe cognitive impairment were included. Data were measured using the Older Adult Information Form, Edmonton Frailty Scale, Caregiver Information Form, and Zarit Burden Interview. Results: In total, 131 older person/caregiver dyads were analyzed; the Zarit Burden Interview mean score was 37.59 ± 18.20. Caregivers with less education and providing care more than 8 hours experienced a higher burden (p < .05). The severity of frailty significantly correlated with the caregiver scores (R = .36, p < .01). Conclusion: The caregiver burden in Turkish family caregivers was found mild to moderate and correlated with the degree of frailty. Policymakers should focus on culture-specific formal caregiver services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) affects almost 30% to 50% of patients with diabetes, 40% to 60% of whom suffer from diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (DPNP). Few studies have focused on individual experiences of DPNP in patients with diabetes. The purpose of this qualitative study was to elucidate the effects of DPNP on daily life and individual feelings regarding living with DPNP from the perspective of Turkish patients. Method: A total of 14 patients were interviewed, and interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to identify themes. Results: Findings indicated four main themes, including (a) physical limitations, (b) difficulties with daily routines, (c) social limitations, and (d) psychological impacts such as emotional changes, and being a burden on family. Conclusion: This study revealed that the majority of patients carry significant concerns about becoming a burden on their family and are afraid of becoming dependent on others because of DPNP. Implication for Practice: For the effective management of DPNP, health professionals need to consider using a holistic approach to address difficulties in daily living such as physical limitations and sexual problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]