O R I G I N A L P A P E R .r . Health-Related Quality of Life Patients with Diabetes Mellitus and Diabetic Foot in the Southeastern Anatolia Region of Turkey

Abstract Objective: This study was conducted to compare quality of life in two groups and to evaluate its relationship with various parameters. Methodology: A cross-sectional, population-based study was performed. The study was conducted between May and June 2011 in a hospital located in the Southeastern Anatolia Region. The research population included diabetes mellitus patient (n=99), and patients with diabetic foot ulcers (n=102). The study data was collected using a questionnaire and the Short Form-36. The scale's score may vary from 0-worst possible health status or quality of life to 100-best possible health status or quality of life. Results: The mean scores of physical component summary (PCS) of the group with diabetic foot ulcers, and the group with diabetes mellitus group were 18.7±13.8, 32.7±21.3 respectively and the mean scores of mental component summary (MCS) of them were 18.9±12.1 and 32.8±17.7 (p<0.001). It was also found that those having another chronic disease besides diabetes, those who fail to have their feet checked regularly, and those who did not receive any training in foot care had both their PCS and MCS scores low. Conclusions: It was found that diabetes mellitus and diabetic foot ulcers decreased quality of life and patients with diabetic foot ulcers in particular had the lowest quality of life. Therefore, it can be recommended that quality of life of patients with diabetes and those with diabetic foot ulcers in particular should be regularly evaluated, both disease-related and sociodemographic characteristics should be considered in terms of the rate at which they can affect quality of life and more weight should be given to patient training especially in foot care

The Effect of Acupressure on Pain in Cancer Patients With Bone Metastasis: A Nonrandomized Controlled Trial

Background: Pain is a serious and common problem in bone metastases. For this purpose, complementary and supportive practices are also applied along with medical treatment. This study was conducted for the purpose of evaluating the effect of acupressure on pain in cancer patients with bone metastasis. Methods: The study was conducted in a nonrandomized controlled trial with patients who applied to the radiotherapy unit of an oncology hospital. The data of the study were collected by using a questionnaire and the Visual Analog Scale. A total of 8 acupressure sessions, which lasted for approximately 10 minutes each (with warming and acupressure periods), was applied to the intervention group. The data were analyzed by using χ 2 test, paired t test, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results: It was determined that the pain mean score of the intervention group was 7.6 ± 1.9 before the acupressure and decreased to 6.8 ± 1.9 after the acupressure and this result was statistically significant. On the other hand, no significant difference was determined in the pain mean score of the control group. Conclusions: Acupressure is applicable for cancer patients with bone metastasis by nursing staff after receiving brief training and may make a difference in relieving pain of the patients. Further well-designed trials should be conducted