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Background & Objective: Successful execution of exercise‐based cardiac rehabilitation programs, an important branch of physiotherapy in individuals with coronary artery disease (CAD), depends on adequate cognitive abilities. It has been identified that coronary microvascular dysfunction, marked by reduced coronary flow reserve, is associated with impaired cerebral blood flow, affecting haemodynamic and cognitive performance. This study aimed to investigate how cognitive function influences functional capacity and differences in fatigue perception in CAD patients. Methods: Fifty CAD patients, with an average age of 59.40 ± 6.58 years, were evaluated for comorbidities (Charlson comorbidity index), number of CAD risk factors (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia, smoking, and physical inactivity), cognitive performance (Montreal cognitive assessment scale [MoCA]), functional capacity (incremental shuttle walk test [ISWT]), exercise‐induced fatigue (Modified Bourg Scale), and physical activity (PA) levels (international physical activity questionnaire‐short form). Results: Analyses focused on the links between MoCA scores and CRF, ISWT outcomes, and differences in fatigue perception. Findings revealed a strong positive link between MoCA scores and ISWT performance (r = 0.83, p < 0.001), and a strong inverse relationship between CRF and MoCA scores (r = −0.95, p < 0.001). In addition, MoCA score was positively correlated with differences in fatigue perception (r = 0.88, p < 0.001). Conclusion: These results highlight the critical role of cognitive function in determining functional capacity and managing fatigue in CAD patients. They also suggest that cognitive interventions may be a potential adjunctive approach in physiotherapy programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Healthcare professionals are at high risk of developing physical and mental health outcomes due to the coronavirus. The study aimed to investigate coronaphobia levels in healthcare professionals and explore the relationship between other related factors in Turkey. This cross-sectional descriptive study included 422 participants. Sociodemographic characteristics such as age and gender; and features about working details of the participants including the history of Covid-19 were recorded. The Covid-19 Phobia Scale (C19P-S), The Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Jenkins Sleep Scale (JSS), and International Physical Activity Questionnaire – Short Form (IPAQ-SF) were used to measure outcomes. It was found that the total mean score obtained from the C19P-S of the doctors, physiotherapists, nurse-midwives, and other health professionals in the study were 46.31 ± 14.64, 50.55 ± 15.69, 54.82 ± 19.82, and 54.38 ± 17.81, respectively. A comparison of the C19P-S results showed that there is a significant difference between health professionals (p < 0.05). Doctors' physical activity levels were statistically related to their coronaphobia levels. Similarly, the coronaphobia levels of physiotherapists, nurses, and midwives were found to have a statistically significant relationship with their fatigue levels. It was found that healthcare professionals in Turkey have moderate coronaphobia levels and it affected some quality of life parameters such as sleep quality, fatigue severity, and physical activity status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to investigate the mediating role of sleep quality in the relationship between multidimensional perceived social support and fatigue among mothers of twin infants. One hundred and six (106) twin mothers participated in this cross-sectional study, who completed the Descriptive Information Form, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Checklist Individual Strength. The scale score averages of the mothers in the study are as follows: social support, 61.41 ± 23.86; fatigue, 77.64 ± 28.68; and sleep quality, 8.26 ± 2.38. According to the path model, perceived social support has a negative effect on poor sleep quality (p =.001, Beta = −0.411), and poor sleep quality has a positive effect on fatigue (p =.001, Beta = 0.335). Sleep quality also mediates the effect of multidimensional perceived social support on mothers' fatigue levels (p =.001, Beta = −0.138). The study results suggest that the perceived social support and fatigue levels of twin mothers are moderate, while their sleep quality is poor. Therefore, mothers of twin infants may benefit from increased social support to alleviate fatigue and enhance sleep quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkiye Klinikleri Journal of Nursing Sciences is the property of Turkiye Klinikleri and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Fenerbahce University Journal of Health Sciences (FBU-JOSH) / Fenerbahçe Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of Fenerbahce University Journal of Health Sciences (FBU-JOSH) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: In this study, it was aimed to examine the relationship between postpartum fatigue and sleep quality of women. Methods: This was a descriptive and crosssectional study This study was conducted in a public hospital in the south of Turkey between April and June 2021. 272 women were included in the study. The personal information form, the Visual Similarity Scale for Fatigue and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were used to collect data. Data were analysed using Mann Whitney-U test, Kruskal-Wallis H t test and Interquartile Range tests analyses. The relationships between the scales were evaluated with the Spearman correlation analysis. Findings: A total of 272 responders answered the survey. The mean age of the women who participated in the study was 31.30±5.40. The total PSQI mean score of women who participated in the study was 15.39±5.82, the mean score of the fatigue sub-dimension was 98.40±30.76, and the mean score of the energy sub-dimension was 18.88±13.72. Conclusions: It was determined that the fatigue level of women was high while their sleep quality was poor in the postpartum period. Our study showed that women's sleep quality deteriorated as their fatigue scores increased. Implications for nursing practice: Nurses should carefully monitor the sleep of mothers when they are together with their infants. Mothers should be provided with help when they are tired so that they can sleep more comfortably. It is important to understand the subjectivity and multidimensionality of fatigue and to constantly evaluate sleep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess whether lifting velocity (MV) can provide accurate estimations of the maximum number of repetitions that can be performed to failure (RTF) during the parallel back‐squat exercise performed in a Smith machine. Thirty male wrestlers from the Turkey Olympic preparation center (age = 22.6 ± 2.2 years) completed four testing sessions: a session to determine the back‐squat one‐repetition maximum [1RM], two sessions consisting of single sets to failure against three loads (90%‐80%‐70%1RM), and one session consisting of four sets to failure against the 75%1RM. The goodness‐of‐fit of the generalized RTF‐MV relationship was strong (r2 = 0.838), but the individualized RTF‐MV relationships were stronger (r2 = 0.957 ± 0.058). Only 3 out of 60 individualized RTF‐MV relationships revealed a r2 lower than the r2 of the generalized RTF‐MV relationship (r2 = 0.685, 0.779 and 0.810). The reliability of the fastest MV associated with each RTF ranged from acceptable (4 out of 15 RTFs) to high (11 out of 15 RTFs). The raw and absolute errors in the prediction of RTF did not increase under fatigue and were comparable for both generalized (raw errors: −1.0–0.3 repetitions; absolute errors: 1.1–1.7 repetitions) and individualized (raw errors: −0.8 to 0.1 repetitions; absolute errors: 1.2–1.8 repetitions) RTF‐MV relationships. These results indicate that RTF can be predicted with acceptable precision from MV recordings in resistance‐trained skilled wrestlers during the parallel back‐squat exercise performed in a Smith machine. Highlights: The maximum number of repetitions completed to failure (RTF) can be predicted with acceptable precision from mean velocity (MV) recordings in resistance‐trained skilled wrestlers during the parallel back‐squat exercise performed in a Smith machine.The raw and absolute errors in the prediction of RTF is not influenced by the fatigue levels experienced at the beginning of the set.For more accurate RTF‐MV relationships, familiarity with lifting at maximal intended velocity and performing sets to failure seems beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and Objectives: This study aimed at determining the perception of fatigue among patients with a history of the coronavirus disease (COVID‐19). Background: Fatigue is a long‐lasting distressing symptom. It is a multidimensional symptom consisting of several factors, including physiological, psychological, social and environmental. It is vital to examine and understand the perception of fatigue among post‐COVID‐19 participants. Design: A descriptive phenomenological design. Methods: The study sample consisted of 14 post‐COVID‐19 participants that were recruited using criterion sampling. The fatigue levels of the participants were determined using the Chalder Fatigue Scale (CFS), and those with a fatigue score above 12 were interviewed. All the interviews were conducted with a smartphone due to the COVID‐19. The COnsolidated criteria for REporting Qualitative research (COREQ) checklist was used. Results: The age of the participants varied from 24 to 67 years, with the majority of the participants being female (n = 8). The COVID‐19 duration ranged from one to 11 months, and the CFS scores varied between 14 and 33. Four themes emerged following the qualitative data analysis: a new symptom beyond fatigue, fatigue increases dependency in daily life, fatigue impedes sociability and a way to hold on to life's regular rhythms. Conclusions: This study concluded that fatigue in post‐COVID‐19 participants is a new experience that is difficult to define and manage and overwhelmingly affects the physical and social aspects of life. Participants look for new ways to live with fatigue and turn to traditional methods and psychosocial strategies. Relevance to clinical practice: This study revealed the miscellaneous aspects of fatigue in post‐COVID‐19 participants. Nurses should evaluate fatigue with a holistic approach that includes its physical, social, emotional and spiritual aspects. Nurses can play an active role in the management of fatigue, which is a very common symptom in the COVID‐19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Reiki on fatigue and anxiety in hemodialysis patients. This study was designed as a randomized controlled study. The population of the study consisted of hemodialysis patients at the hemodialysis clinic of Siirt State Hospital, Turkey, between January and August 2021. The patients were divided into 2 groups: Reiki and control, with 30 patients in each group. The patients in the Reiki group underwent their respective interventions once a day for 4 consecutive weeks (30-35 minutes). The intervention of Reiki reduced fatigue and anxiety in the hemodialysis patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myasthenia gravis is a rare and chronic autoimmune disease. The study aimed to evaluate the influence of symptom severity and fatigue on sleep quality in patients with myasthenia gravis. This was a cross-sectional study, and the population consisted of patients with MG throughout Turkey. The study was completed with 163 patients on 1 April and 31 July 2022. It was found that the mean Myasthenia Gravis-Activities of Daily Living Scale score was 6.32 ± 3.9, the Fatigue Severity Scale score was 37.01 ± 23.26, and the total Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score was 9.04 ± 2.69. The variables affecting the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores were age, Body Mass Index, Fatigue Severity Scale ≥ 4, Myasthenia Gravis-Activities of Daily Living Scale ≥ 5.5, duration of diagnosis, and income level; a multiple regression model was created with these variables, and the variables in the resulting model explained 26.4% of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores. In addition, those with clinically significant symptom severity (MG-ADL ≥5.5) in daily living and those with severe fatigue (FSS ≥4) explained 17.2% of the PSQI scores, and the model was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The study determined that the participants had clinically significant symptom severity in daily living, severe fatigue, and poor sleep quality. The participants with clinically significant severe symptoms in daily living and fatigue had higher sleep disturbances, daytime dysfunction, and poor sleep quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to determine the effects of fatigue in nurses with confirmed COVID‐19 infection on organizational outcomes. The study was carried out with the participation of 200 nurses who had tested positive for COVID‐19 in the last eighteen months and had COVID‐19‐related fatigue complaints. Data were collected between October 2022 and February 2023 using a questionnaire consisting of the Chalder Fatigue Scale, the Work Alienation Scale, the Turnover Intention Scale, and the Employee Performance Scale. Fatigue was the most common symptom of COVID‐19 in this study, as in other results. The number of being infected with COVID‐19 and education levels were found to be significant predictors of post‐COVID‐19 fatigue. Post‐COVID‐19 fatigue had an effect on turnover intention and alienation to work, but it did not affect employee performance. In this study, the effects of post‐COVID‐19 fatigue on organizational outcomes such as employee performance, turnover intention, and work alienation were determined. Therefore, regardless of its source, fatigue should be dealt with managerially, and preventive policies and procedures should be developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to determine the prevalence and severity of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and its association with spinal cord lesions, fatigue, quality of life, and sleep disturbance. Methods: We recruited 222 consecutive MS patients admitted to MS outpatient clinic. Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and MS Quality of Life-54 (MSQoL-54) questionnaire scores of all patients were measured. Initial cervical spinal cord magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the patients at first clinical evaluation for diagnosis was reviewed for accompanying demyelinating lesions. Results: RLS was diagnosed in 53 (23.87%) patients. RLS was associated with poor sleep, worse quality of life, increased fatigue, and depressive mood. The sleep quality index, FSS, and MSQoL-54 physical composite scores significantly correlated with RLS severity (P < 0.001, P = 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). Of the 200 patients, 127 (63.5%) had spinal cord lesions. 22.83% of the patients with cervical spinal cord lesions had RLS comorbidity. We found no significant difference regarding spinal cord demyelinating lesions between RLS positives and negatives. (P = 0.77). In addition, having multiple spinal cord demyelinating lesions did not differ between the two groups (P = 0.84). Besides, the severity of RLS symptoms did not differ in patients who had a single cervical spinal lesion and those who had multiple lesions (P = 0.35). Conclusion: We have demonstrated the negative impact of comorbid RLS on fatigue, sleep quality, mood, and quality of life in MS patients. However, initial spinal cord lesions did not correlate with RLS comorbidity. The severity of RLS symptoms is associated with poor sleep and physical health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is important to examine relationship between work-life balance, work stress, and fatigue of taxi drivers. This stress reduces performance and satisfaction of the individual at work and other daily life activities, and causes intense mental fatigue. It is important to make the necessary arrangements to increase the work-life balance. Purpose: This is a descriptive study that was conducted to examine the effect of work-life balance on job stress and fatigue in taxi drivers. Methods: The study included 150 taxi drivers residing in Ankara. As a data collection tool, we used Work-Life Balance, Chalder Fatigue, and Work Stress Scales. We used the Mann-Whitney U test and multiple linear regression analysis. Results: The model established after multiple linear regression analysis was statistically significant (F [5.142] = 5.442, P < 0.001). A 1-unit increase in the work-life balance variable caused a 2.885-unit decrease in the work stress score and a 0.143-unit decrease in the fatigue score. Conclusions: We can suggest that taxi drivers who have a work-life balance will be able to participate in social activities in their daily lives, and leisure time activities with family and friends can help motivate individuals more and increase energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of nursing care based on the Levine's Conservation Model on depression caused by infertility, fatigue, perceived social support, and sleep quality levels. Methods: This study includes randomized controlled trial that was conducted from July 2019 to April 2020, with 65 Turkish women with infertility (experimental group: 34, control group: 31). We collected data using the Visual Similarity Scale for Fatigue, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Beck's Depression Inventory, and the Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale. The experimental group received nursing care based on the Levine's Conservation Model. Data were analyzed using t‐tests and χ2 tests analyses. Findings: As a result of the measurements made, it was found that the experimental group had a lower fatigue level than the control group, with a statistically significant difference between the groups (p < 0.001). It was also found that the experimental group had higher energy and perceived social support scores than the control group after the practice, with a statistically significant difference between the groups (p < 0.001). As a result of the measurements made after the practice, it was found that the experimental group had a lower depression level than the control group, with a statistically significant difference between the groups (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Nursing care based on the Levine's Conservation Model decreased fatigue and depression in women receiving infertility treatment and increased perceived social support and sleep. Implications for nursing practice: This research provides important findings about nursing care based on Levine's Conservation Model for women receiving infertility treatment. It decreased depression and fatigue and increased perceived social support and sleep quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkiye Klinikleri Journal of Nursing Sciences is the property of Turkiye Klinikleri and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: Fatigue is a common adverse experience in postpartum women and can seriously affect maternal and infant health and quality of life. The aim of this study was to adapt the validity and reliability of the postnatal accumulated fatigue scale (PAFS) for postpartum mothers. Methods: The sample of the cross‐sectional methodological study consisted of 140 postpartum mothers. Data were collected between July and December 2020. Tools used for data collection were the mother information form, Edinburgh postpartum depression scale, and the PAFS. Results: As a result of exploratory factor analysis, it was determined that PAFS consisted of 13 items, 6 items in the "Physical Fatigue" subdimension, 4 items in the "Emotional" subdimension, and 3 items in the "Cognitive" subdimension. The three‐factor scale structure supported confirmatory factor analysis. On the total scale, Cronbach's α was found to be 0.91. Conclusions: Based on the study results, the Turkish language version of the PAFS is valid and reliable for postpartum mothers. This scale can be used safely by health professionals in postpartum units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of pranayama and deep breathing exercises on fatigue and sleep quality in women undergoing radiation therapy for breast cancer. SAMPLE & SETTING: This randomized controlled study was conducted on the outpatient radiation oncology unit of a hospital with 20 patients each in pranayama, deep breathing, and standard care groups (N = 60). METHODS & VARIABLES: The Piper Fatigue Scale and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were used to evaluate the participants' fatigue and sleep quality. RESULTS: The control group showed a significant increase in fatigue levels at the end of radiation therapy compared to the beginning. Sleep quality was improved only in the pranayama group. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Pranayama can be learned easily, can be performed anywhere, and does not require any equipment, making it a convenient exercise for patients. Oncology nurses can take the lead in suggesting pranayama for symptom management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Cancer is a health problem that ranks second among the causes of death in the world and has a high mortality and morbidity rate. The most preferred systemic treatment method in cancer is chemotherapy. Chemotherapy has many side effects, depending on the treatment regimen used. Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms that cause many cognitive and physiological conditions in cancer patients. Therefore, aim of this study is to examine how fatigue affects anxiety, depression, and sleep quality of patients undergoing chemotherapy. Method: The data of this descriptive-cross-sectional study were obtained from 72 cancer patients over the age of 18 who agreed to participate in the study in a research hospital in Izmir between May 2020 and October 2020. 'Patient Information Form', 'Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), 'FACIT Fatigue Scale', and 'Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)' were used to collect data. Results: As a result of the analysis, a statistically significant and positive correlation was found with a correlation coefficient of 0.468 for PSQI and FACIT and Depression subscale. A statistically significant, positive and moderate correlation was found with a correlation coefficient of 0.342 calculated between PSQI and Depression subscale. A statistically significant difference was found with a correlation coefficient of 0.616 calculated between the FACIT scale and the HADS. In the scales applied to the patients, it was determined that there were statistically significant differences only between the chemotherapy type, disease stage, and age from the descriptive characteristics of the patients. Conclusion and Recommendations: A high level of fatigue affects adversely patients' anxiety, depression and sleep quality. Planning interventions to control the factors that cause fatigue in patients undergoing chemotherapy will prevent them from experiencing other negative symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adverse physical, psychological, and mental health consequences associated with COVID-19 illness are well-documented. However, how specific symptoms change over time and how COVID-19 affects one's day-to-day activities of daily living (ADL), Quality of Life (QoL), sleep quality, and fatigue severity are not well described. This longitudinal and descriptive study examined the changes in COVID-19 symptoms, ADL, QoL, sleep quality, and fatigue severity within the first 20 days. A convenience sample (n = 41) of non-hospitalized SARS-CoV-2 positive patients were recruited and followed for 20 days. Participants completed self-report measures: COVID-19 symptoms, ADL, QoL, sleep quality, and fatigue severity at days: 1, 10, and 20 following a diagnosis. Findings revealed that symptoms decreased over 20 days (p <.001). In parallel with the decrease in symptoms, QoL and ADL improved over 20 days (p <.05). However, sleep quality and fatigue severity did not improve within 20 days (p >.05). Our findings contribute to the growing evidence that COVID-19 symptoms can linger, especially fatigue and sleep quality, that affect overall day-to-day functioning for at least 20 days after diagnosis. To mitigate the effect of COVID-19 on QOL and ADL, findings underscore the need for clinicians to work collaboratively with patients to develop a symptom management plan for a variety of symptoms including fatigue and sleep quality. Beginning to repurpose existing self-management strategies for the longer term COVID-19 symptoms could be beneficial and help to optimize patient outcomes. Future work should examine these variables over a longer timeframe and among different samples of non-hospitalized patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out to find the forces acting on a Siemens Velaro D type high-speed train hollow power axle commissioned by Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Devlet Demiryolları (TCDD) to examine the dynamic loads created by these forces and to understand whether these shafts are safe in terms of continued strength. Track shift forces were found for the high-speed train, and according to these forces the net axle force ratio (L/V) was calculated depending on the speed increase. These data were compared with the experimental results of the Federal Railroad Administration (American FRA) and German Railways. In this study, after determining the compatibility of the calculated results with the experimental data, various analyses such as different road conditions, load on the axle for full vehicles, variation of vertical load, dynamic factor, safety factor and continuous strength calculation for the most dangerous section were carried out. Considering these analyses, while the static load is 148 kN in the vehicle loaded condition, this load increases to 153 kN in the vehicle loaded condition and at a speed of 70 m/s. For this reason, it would be wrong to use the static load created by the weight of the vehicle alone in the classical continuous strength calculation. The dynamic load created by the vehicle travel speed must be added to the calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We evaluated pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and quality of life in patients hospitalized for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and observed them over a period of 3 months. We also investigated the relationship of these symptoms to age, sex, disease severity, and levels of anxiety and depression. Methods: The study included 100 confirmed COVID-19 patients (i.e., positive on a polymerase chain reaction test) between the ages of 18 and 75 years. Pain (visual analog scale [VAS]), fatigue (fatigue severity scale), anxiety, and depression (hospital anxiety and depression scales) were evaluated on the first day of hospitalization and at 1-month and 3-month follow-ups. The short form-12 questionnaire was used to measure quality of life at the 1-month and 3-month follow-ups. Results: No differences were found in pain, fatigue, anxiety levels, depression levels, and quality of life according to disease severity. High VAS scores at hospital admission were related to continued pain at the 3-month follow-up (odds ratio [OR], 1.067; p<0.001). High VAS (OR, 1.072; p=0.003) and anxiety levels (OR, 1.360; p=0.007) were related to severe fatigue at the 3-month evaluation. Conclusion: Pain, fatigue, anxiety, and depression appear to be long-term sequelae of COVID-19 and can affect quality of life. High VAS and anxiety levels were found to be associated with long-term fatigue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Namık Kemal Tıp Dergisi is the property of Galenos Yayinevi Tic. LTD. STI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, autoimmune disease that attacks the central nervous system., Aims: The study was conducted to determine the role of sex and other personal characteristics in the impact of symptom severity on self-care in individuals with MS., Methods: The study was cross-sectional and was completed with 200 participants throughout Turkey. The data were collected through random and snowball sampling using the MS-related symptom checklist (MS-RS), the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and the Exercise of Self-Care Agency (ESCA) form. The data obtained were analyzed using the SPSS 21. Statistical significance was evaluated at the level of p < 0.05., Results: The mean age of the participants was 37.97 ± 10.6 years. The mean scores were 47.4 ± 22.41 for MS-RS, 4.58 ± 2.2 for FSS, and 94.65 ± 24.76 for ESCA in females. The mean MS-RS score in males was 45 ± 25.89, FSS was 4.33 ± 2.5, and ESCA was 83.43 ± 23.95. There were no significant differences between the sexes except that the ESCA scores were higher in females (p < 0.05). According to a multiple linear regression analysis, the duration of diagnosis and sensory subdimension of MS-RS negatively affected the ESCA score in females, and this statistically significant model explained 22.6% of ESCA scores., Conclusion: The study found that both sexes had clinically significant fatigue, mildly severe symptoms, and moderate self-care agency. While being a female positively affected self-care agency, disease duration, and sensory symptoms negatively affected females' self-care agency., (© 2024 The Author(s). Brain and Behavior published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

This study was conducted to examine the effect of progressive muscle relaxation and deep breathing exercises applied to patients diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on their dyspnea and fatigue symptoms. The study was a randomized controlled experimental trial and comprised 116 COPD patients who applied to a chest diseases follow-up outpatient clinic hospital located in Gaziantep, Turkey. The data were collected using the "Patient Information Form" including sociodemographic and disease-related characteristics of the patients, COPD and Asthma Fatigue Scale (CAFS), and Dyspnea-12 Scale. Dyspnea-12 Scale and CAFS total scores of the patients in the intervention group showed a statistically significant difference before and after the Progressive Relaxation Exercise and Deep Breathing Exercise applications (P <.05). Although the Dyspnea-12 Scale and CAFS total mean scores showed an increase in the intervention group, they remained the same in the control group. In the present study, it was found that the Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercise and Deep Breathing Exercise applied to COPD patients were effective in decreasing their dyspnea and fatigue symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkiye Klinikleri Journal of Sports Sciences is the property of Turkiye Klinikleri and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The present study determines the effects of dyspnea and fatigue on the sex life and marital adjustment of patients with COPD. The study sample of this descriptive research included individuals hospitalized in the Pulmonary Diseases Clinic of a university hospital in Turkey who voluntarily accepted to participate in the study. The data for the research were collected using a question form, the Modified British Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale (mMRC), the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale-Female Form, the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale-Male Form, the Marriage Adjustment Test, the COPD and Asthma Fatigue Scale, and the COPD Assessment Test (CAT). The data, in the form of numbers, percentages means and standard deviations, were assessed with Mann–Whitney U-tests, Kruskal–Wallis tests, One Way Analyses of Variance and t tests. Of the participants with COPD, 83.3% reported that the disease affected their sex life; 83.6% reported that they had not consulted a physician about sexual problems due to believed the disease ends sexual desire, as one of the obstacles preventing help being sought in this matter; 95.8% reported using no methods other than medical ones to resolve their sexual problems; 90.3% reported encountering problems during sexual intercourse; and 58.3% stated that the symptom with the greatest effect on their sex life was dyspnea. COPD was reported to affect marital adjustment in 54.2, and 55.8% reported that the disease had led to the development of good relations between the partners, and thus better adjustment. It was found in the present study that dyspnea had a negative effect on the patients' sex life, but no effect on the marital adjustment of individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease; while fatigue negatively affected the patients' sex life, but positively affected marital adjustment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This randomized controlled study was conducted to evaluate the effects of progressive relaxation exercises on vital signs and fatigue level. Ninety patients with liver transplantation (experimental group = 45, control group = 45) were included in the study. The patients in the experimental group performed progressive relaxation exercises for 25 to 30 minutes every day for 4 weeks. Before the progressive relaxation exercises, the vital signs and fatigue level of the patients were recorded. Vital signs were recorded again immediately after the progressive relaxation exercises and at the end of the second week. At the end of the fourth week, the final measurement of vital signs was performed along with the second fatigue level assessment. In the experimental group, pulse and respiratory rates, systolic and diastolic blood pressure values, and fatigue severity mean scores were found to be lower and oxygen saturation level was higher than those of the control group. The improvement in vital signs in the experimental group was evident at week 3 (p < .05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Reiki applications on pain, fatigue, and quality of life in adolescents with dysmenorrhea. There were 38 patients in the Reiki group and 37 in the placebo-controlled group. Reiki was found to be effective on pain and fatigue in adolescents with dysmenorrhea but with no effect on the quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

: Our objective was to obtain an initial prevalence estimate of post-COVID-19 fatigue in Turkey and identify psychological and sociodemographic risk factors associated with post-COVID-19 fatigue. : The data were collected from a cross-sectional community-based survey among the population recovered from COVID-19 in Turkey. A sociodemographic data form, the Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS), and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) were included in the survey. Participants were divided into two groups, fatigued and non-fatigued, based on their FAS scores. Sociodemographic and psychological characteristics of the two groups were examined with comparative analyses, and binary regression analysis identified predictors of post-COVID-19 fatigue. : The completed survey (N = 275) included individuals from 50 cities in Turkey who reported a prior COVID-19 illness. The mean age was 34.67 ± 8.35 years and 58.2% were female. Significant fatigue was detected in 56.4% (155) of participants. Female gender, history of psychiatric illness, history of psychiatric drug use, and current psychiatric drug use were significantly higher in the fatigued group than in the non-fatigued group (p < 0.01). In addition, the fatigued group showed significantly higher scores on all domains of the FAS and DASS-21 scales than the non-fatigued group (p < 0.01). Female gender and a high DASS-21 total score were predictors of post-COVID-19 fatigue. : Patients with post-COVID-19 fatigue should be evaluated for mental health issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designing and reviewing suspension bridges with world record breaking main spans in countries like Turkey, China and Norway requires a new and advanced method for fatigue verification. COWI's in‐house software IBDAS (Integrated Bridge Design and Analysis System) is used to perform the full fatigue verification including load modelling, finite element modelling, stress history analysis and damage evaluation based on the damage accumulation method. Discussions of boundary conditions are avoided by utilizing a global IBDAS beam model for the overall static system. A few segments of the girder in the global model are replaced by a semi‐local shell model in which a fine local shell model with all local geometry is placed at the location of interest. Fatigue data points used for verification are defined in the local model, typically based on hot‐spot extrapolation methods. In IBDAS, the extrapolation can be defined whereby the fatigue data point stress histories can be used directly for fatigue evaluation with the reservoir cycle counting method. Hereby, time‐consuming bookkeeping of FE node output is avoided. This paper presents technical aspects of the fatigue verification method used for the latest suspension bridge designs including the advantages of utilizing a fully integrated system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the effectivity of Familial Mediterranean Fever Quality of Life (FMF-QoL) Scale for the measurement of QoL in patients with FMF and to perform correlations between related clinical variables in Turkish patients. Patients and methods: This multicenter prospective study performed between December 2017 and November 2018 included 974 FMF patients (334 males, 640 females; median age: 35; range, 26 to 45 years). Sociodemographic characteristics and clinical features were recorded. All participants were asked to complete the FMF-QoL Scale, Short Form-36 (SF-36), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT) Scale. Results: The median FMF-QoL Scale score was 26. Higher FMF-QoL Scale scores were shown to be related to female sex, illiteracy or primary education, monthly low-income (US$<300), smoking, late-onset FMF (>20 years), a higher number of attacks per month (>1/month), and severe disease. FMF-QoL Scale scores were correlated negatively with subscales of SF-36, and positively with HADS-anxiety and HADS-depression scores, HAQ and FACIT. Conclusion: Female sex, smoking, lower educational status, more severe disease, fatigue, and functional impairment were associated with poor QoL. FMF-QoL Scale was noted as a valid and simple patient-reported outcome instrument and correlated with the SF-36 scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the COVID-19 pandemic and psychological fatigue as a mental health issue among the population of Istanbul, Turkey. Participants and methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in Istanbul, Turkey, between March and June 2020, where a total of 4,700 persons were approached and 3,672 (78%) of participants (64.4% males and 35.6% females) completed the Knowledge Attitude Practices (KAP) and Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS) questionnaires. Results: In this study, 64.1% of participants were categorized as psychologically fatigued and 35.9% as normal. There was a significant difference between fatigued and normal participants with respect to age, educational level, occupational status, place of residence and number of family members (p <.001). Other differences related to knowledge of COVID-19 were symptoms, treatment, ways of spreading (p <.001), prevention by avoiding crowded places (p =.008) and isolation (p =.002). For attitudinal items, normal participants generally showed more positive attitudes than the fatigued in believing that COVID-19 will finally be controlled, satisfaction with preventive measures taken by the authorities, reporting suspected cases with symptoms and trusting that Turkey can overcome the COVID-19 pandemic (p <.001). Multivariate stepwise regression analysis indicated that level of education, avoiding going to crowded places, eye, nose and mouth organs are sensitive organs to the virus, keeping physical distance due to epidemic affect by COVID-19 virus, isolation and treatment of people reduce the spread of COVID-19 virus and 14-days period of time, COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through contact with the respiratory droplets of an infected person, occupational status, health education programme needed and antibody treatment variables were significantly associated with fatigue after adjusting for age, gender and income variables. Conclusion: The current study provides valuable information for policymakers and mental health professionals worldwide regarding associations between the mental health of individuals and the ongoing outbreak, COVİD-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Post-stroke fatigue is an often overlooked problem that hinders recovery. Therefore, stroke patients should be evaluated for fatigue during the recovery period. This study aimed to adapt the Neurological Fatigue Index for Stroke (NFI-Stroke) into the Turkish language., Methods: This methodological study was carried out on 110 stroke patients admitted to a university hospital in Istanbul. In addition to the NFI-Stroke, Functional Independence Measure, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, modified-Rankin Scale, Fatigue Severity-Scale, and Stroke Self Efficacy Questionnaire were used to collect data., Results: Since the linguistic validity study of the scale has already been carried out, only psychometric properties were evaluated. The items in the scale were grouped under two factors. The Cronbach`s alpha coefficient was found to be 0.96 for the physical sub-dimension and 0.84 for the cognitive sub-dimension. Item-total correlation coefficients were found between 0.74-0.91 for the physical sub-dimension, and 0.82-0.91 for the cognitive sub-dimension. The test-retest evaluation confirmed the consistency of the responses to the scale against time. The scale was correlated with other scales used in the study as expected., Conclusions: The NFI-Stroke will be useful in clinical practice in assessment of fatigue, which may affect the adaptation of patients to rehabilitation.

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]

Evidence has been limited on the effect of mother-infant skin-to-skin contact on the involution process and maternal postpartum fatigue. This study aimed to determine such effects in a randomized controlled trial conducted in a hospital in Sivas, Turkey. Seventy-five women were randomized into one of two groups. The Mother-Infant Information Form, Involution Process Evaluation Form and Visual Analogue Scale for Fatigue were used to collect data between October 1, 2015 and May 1, 2016. Repeated Measures ANOVAs were used for data analyzes. In the intervention group, routine care and mother-to-infant skin-to-skin contact were provided for 30 minutes in first postnatal hour. In the control group, routine care was provided. At the postnatal second, fourth and 24th hours, fundus heights were 13.4 ± 0.3, 12.9 ± 0.3 and 11.8 ± 0.3 cm, respectively, in the intervention group, and 14.4 ± 0.4, 13.8 ± 0.3 and 12.9 ± 0.3 cm in the control group (p <.05). At the 24th hour, women in the intervention group had higher mean energy levels (29.8 ± 10.1) than the control group (25.1 ± 10.0) (p <.05), and fatigue score, amount of lochia and number of pads were statistically similar between the groups (p >.05). Mothers expressed satisfaction with skin-to-skin practice. Thus, mother-to-infant skin-to-skin contact can be used as a care practice in the postpartum period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This randomized controlled experimental study was conducted to determine the effect of inhaled aromatherapy on the sleep quality and fatigue level of the institutionalized elderly. The sample of the study consisted of a total of 59 elderly individuals (30 in the intervention group and 29 in the control group) who met the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate in the study. Aromatherapy (lavender oil) inhalation was administered to individuals in the intervention group half hour before their sleep every day for a month in accordance with aromatherapy protocol. No administration was applied to the control group. The data were collected using the Elderly Description Form, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Fatigue Severity Scale. Forms were completed in the beginning of administration and in the follow-up at the end of 4 weeks (baseline and last follow-up). In the study, it was determined that aromatherapy administration improved sleep quality ( P< .001) and decreased fatigue severity in the elderly ( P< .05). The study should be replicated in a different group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients receiving hemodialysis treatment may experience several symptoms at the same time, such as fatigue and pain. Progressive relaxation exercises (PRE) have been reported to have positive effect on the control of these symptoms. In this study a randomized, controlled, and experimental study was conducted to examine the effect of PRE on pain, fatigue, and quality of life in hemodialysis patients; the study was carried out with 48 intervention and 48 control patients receiving treatment in the hemodialysis units of 2 hospitals. Data were collected by a questionnaire prepared by the researcher, which included questions about sociodemographic variables and the disease; Piper Fatigue Scale; Visual Analog Scale that measures pain severity; and SF-36 Quality of Life Scale. The results of study revealed that mean total fatigue score and mean pain score decreased in the intervention group after the application of PRE; whereas no change was observed in the control group (P < .05). It was also found that quality of life physical component mean score and mental component mean score increased in the intervention group after the application of PRE (P< .05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Fatigue is a common symptom in diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to determine the factors leading to fatigue and to investigate the effect of insulin use on fatigue among the diabetic population. Material and Methods: One-hundred diabetic patients attending the diabetes clinic of Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty between October 2017-January 2018 and 42 healthy controls were evaluated in this cross-sectional study. Questionnaires including demographic and disease characteristics, Fatigue Impact Scale (FIS), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), quality of life scale (SF-36), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used. Results: Ages (47.6±14.8 and 45.7±14.1 years; p=0.47) and body mass indices (26.6±4.1 and 25.3±3.5 kg/m²; p=0.08) of 100 patients with diabetes (Type 1 Diabetes/Type 2 Diabetes= 29/71) and 42 healthy volunteers were similar. The diabetic group had worse FIS total (p=0.05), FIS psychological (p=0.04) scores and SF-36 scores compared to the healthy controls. When the patients with diabetes were divided into two groups according to insulin use and compared with healthy controls, the ESS and PSQI were similar but all FIS parameters (total p=0.005, cognitive p=0.007, physical p=0.01, psychological p=0.009) and BDI (p=0.05) were significantly worse in patients with insulin use than non-insulin and control groups. The relationship between fatigue and insulin use was independent of glycemic control and duration of diabetes but was affected by the BDI (p=0.001). Conclusion: Insulin use leads to fatigue in patients with diabetes, regardless of diabetes type, and this effect is influenced by depressive mood. Psychotherapeutic approaches prior to insulin treatment might yield fruitful results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkiye Klinikleri Journal of Sports Sciences is the property of Turkiye Klinikleri and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of the application of lavender oil on fatigue and anxiety levels in patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment. This randomized controlled study was conducted with 60 patients (30 patients in intervention group, 30 patients in control group) in a province located in southeastern Turkey. After the patients in both groups were informed about the study, a questionnaire, the Fatigue Severity Scale, and the Beck Anxiety Inventory were applied to the patients. In the intervention group, a statistically significant difference was found between pretest and posttest scores of the Fatigue Severity Scale (t = 7.177, P = .001) and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (t = 10.371, P= .001). Mean scores of fatigue and anxiety decreased significantly following aromatherapy and also fatigue and anxiety levels declined. Lavender aromatherapy can be applied as an effective nursing intervention to reduce fatigue and anxiety of patients with chronic renal failure and undergoing hemodialysis treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There are several factors that cause fatigue on working nurses. However, very limited research is available on association of organisational stress with fatigue in operating room nurses. Aim: This was a descriptive and cross-sectional study which aimed to determine the association of the organizational stress with fatigue in operating room nurses (OR) nurses. Method: The study was conducted with OR nurses working in a university hospital. Data were collected in April 2016 and response rate was calculated as 57.5%. Demographic variables related to nurses, Piper Fatigue Scale and the short form of the Organisational Stress Questionnaire were used for data collection. Results: It was determined that organisational stress was triggering fatigue among OR nurses. Nurses found to feel fatigued, their affective, sensory and cognitive abilities were influenced. Working long hours also found to increase organizational stress scores in OR nurses. Conclusion: In order to protect both OR nurses' and patients' health and promote safety organisational stress and fatigue of nurses should be evaluated by managers and protective measures should be taken. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Technology addiction can cause certain physical, mental, and social health problems. Purpose: This study was conducted to determine the effect of technology addiction levels on academic success and fatigue in university students in Turkey. Methods: 743 students continuing their undergraduate education at a single university participated in this descriptive correlational study. Data was collected using a Student Identification Form, The Problematic Mobile Phone Use Scale, the Internet Addiction Scale, and the Piper Fatigue Scale. Results: 9.8% of the students exhibited internet addiction risk, while internet addiction was detected in 0.7%. Compared to students showing no addiction symptoms, students who scored in the internet addicts' category were found to have lower academic success averages and higher fatigue levels. It was found that smart phone addiction of students alone explained 5.8% of the total variance in fatigue levels while the internet addiction of students alone explained 6.8% of the total variance in fatigue levels. Conclusion: Although internet addiction was relatively low in this study, academic success was negatively affected in students categorized as internet addicted and fatigue increased alongside technology addiction, suggesting that internet addiction may be a predictor of fatigue. Educational initiatives could help to raise awareness on the negative relationship between technology addiction and academic success and its effects on physical and psychological health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Technology addiction can cause certain physical, mental, and social health problems. Purpose: This study was conducted to determine the effect of technology addiction levels on academic success and fatigue in university students in Turkey. Methods: 743 students continuing their undergraduate education at a single university participated in this descriptive correlational study. Data was collected using a Student Identification Form, The Problematic Mobile Phone Use Scale, the Internet Addiction Scale, and the Piper Fatigue Scale. Results: 9.8% of the students exhibited internet addiction risk, while internet addiction was detected in 0.7%. Compared to students showing no addiction symptoms, students who scored in the internet addicts' category were found to have lower academic success averages and higher fatigue levels. It was found that smart phone addiction of students alone explained 5.8% of the total variance in fatigue levels while the internet addiction of students alone explained 6.8% of the total variance in fatigue levels. Conclusion: Although internet addiction was relatively low in this study, academic success was negatively affected in students categorized as internet addicted and fatigue increased alongside technology addiction, suggesting that internet addiction may be a predictor of fatigue. Educational initiatives could help to raise awareness on the negative relationship between technology addiction and academic success and its effects on physical and psychological health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Fatigue negatively affects the performance of intensive care nurses. Factors contributing to the fatigue experienced by nurses include lifestyle, psychological status, work organization and sleep problems.~Background~Background~To determine the level of fatigue among nurses working in intensive care units and the related factors.~Objective~Objective~This descriptive study was conducted with 102 nurses working in intensive care units in the West Black Sea Region of Turkey. Data were collected between February and May 2014 using a personal information form, the Visual Analogue Scale for Fatigue (VAS-F), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index.~Methods~Methods~The intensive care nurses in the study were found to be experiencing fatigue. Significant correlations were observed between scores on the VAS-F Fatigue and anxiety (p=0.01), depression (p=0.002), and sleep quality (p<0.001).~Results~Results~Anxiety, depression and quality of sleep were significantly affected by the intensive care nurses' levels of fatigue. These results can be of benefit in taking measures which may be used to reduce fatigue in nurses, especially the fatigue related to work organization and social life.~Conclusion~Conclusions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Health outcomes of electromagnetic fields (EMF) from mobile phones and their base stations are of concern. Conducting multidisciplinary research, targeting children and exploring dose-response are recommended. Our objectives were to describe the mobile phone usage characteristics of high school students and to explore the association between mobile phone usage characteristics, high school EMF levels and self-reported symptoms.Methods: This cross-sectional study's data were collected by a survey questionnaire and by measuring school EMF levels between November 2009 and April 2011. A sample size of 2530 was calculated from a total of 20,493 students in 26 high schools and 2150 (85.0%) were included in the analysis. The frequencies of 23 symptoms were questioned and analysed according to 16 different aspects of mobile phone use and school EMF levels, exploring also dose-response. School EMF levels were measured with Aaronia Spectran HF-4060 device. Chi square and trend tests were used for univariate and logistic regression was used for multivariate analyses.Results: Among participants, 2021 (94.0%) were using mobile phones and 129 (6.0%) were not. Among users, 49.4% were speaking <10 min and 52.2% were sending/receiving 75 or more messages per day. Headache, fatigue and sleep disturbances were observed respectively 1.90 (95% CI 1.30-2.77), 1.78 (1.21-2.63) and 1.53 (1.05-2.21) times more among mobile phone users. Dose-response relationships were observed especially for the number of calls per day, total duration of calls per day, total number of text messages per day, position and status of mobile phone at night and making calls while charging as exposures and headache, concentration difficulties, fatigue and sleep disturbances as general symptoms and warming of the ear and flushing as local symptoms.Conclusions: We found an association between mobile phone use and especially headache, concentration difficulties, fatigue, sleep disturbances and warming of the ear showing also dose-response. We have found limited associations between vicinity to base stations and some general symptoms; however, we did not find any association with school EMF levels. Decreasing the numbers of calls and messages, decreasing the duration of calls, using earphones, keeping the phone away from the head and body and similar precautions might decrease the frequencies or prevalence of the symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate fatigue in the mothers of children with cerebral palsy (CP), and to determine its associations with clinical parameters of CP, depression and quality of life (QoL). Method: Ninety children (50 girls and 40 boys) with spastic CP and their mothers were included. Control group comprised mothers of healthy children. Gross motor function classification system (GMFCS) was used for determining functional status. Spasticity was evaluated by using modified Ashworth scale. Fatigue symptom inventory (FSI) was used for assessing maternal fatigue, Nottingham health profile (NHP) for maternal QoL, and Beck Depression Scale (BDS) for maternal depression. Results: Mothers of children with CP scored significantly higher in all FSI subgroups (intensity of fatigue, duration of fatigue and interference with QoL), all NHP subgroups and BDS (p<0.05) when compared with controls. FSI was found to be correlated with BDS and all subgroups of NHP (p< 0.01). No association was found between FSI and clinical parameters of children with CP including age, gender, type of CP, tonus and functional impairment (p>0.05). Conclusions: Our findings indicate that fatigue levels of mothers with CP children are higher than those with healthy children and associated with depression and deterioration in QoL in terms of physical, social and emotional functioning. This should be considered while designing a family centred rehabilitation programme for children with CP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Although infertility is not a life-threatening condition, it decreases the quality of life of people. This single blind randomized controlled trial was conducted with 80 women who received infertility treatment in an IVF Center located in a city center in the west of Turkey between May 2020 and February 2021. It was determined that thanks to the holistic care given in line with Levine's Conservation Model (LCM), fatigue levels of the women in the experimental group decreased, their energy levels increased, their structural, personal and social integrity was conserved and thus their quality of life improved compared to the women in the control group (all p  < 0.001).

The pipelines should be inspected periodically to minimize the probability of failure. The timing of these periodic inspections can be determined by a risk assessment that considers the probability of failure of the pipeline and the potential undesirable effects of the chemical transferred. These are referred to as risk-based inspection methods in the literature. We evaluate pipelines with internal surface defects and under the effect of variable pressure in this study. Internal surface defects were considered production-related, and there is a lack of studies in the literature examining such kinds of defects. These defects generate the concentration of stress on the pipeline section. The reliability variation of the pipeline depends on some factors, namely, surface defect geometry, the pipe section geometry, and the mechanical properties of the pipe. Fatigue is accepted as the crucial damage mechanism. The cause of variable load is considered as the number of operations. As a result of the study, the probability of fatigue failure for pipelines with internal surface defects was evaluated. Then, a new approach was proposed for risk-based inspection planning of the pipelines. As a case study, the probability of fatigue failure on a fuel pipeline established between a refinery and an oil terminal operating in Turkey was calculated. Also, we tried to determine the most appropriate inspection time. The data used in the planning phase was collected from a measurement process performed on the pipeline using PIG (Pipe Inspection Gauge). Finite element analysis was used to calculate stress concentration factors. Finally, we used the Monte Carlo simulation method to obtain the probability of failure. • We evaluate pipelines with internal surface defects and under the effect of variable pressure in this study. • These defects generate the concentration of stress on the pipeline section. • The probability of fatigue failure for pipelines with internal surface defects was evaluated. • A new approach was proposed for risk-based inspection planning of the pipelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]