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Aim and Objective: This study was conducted to assess whether there is an association between alexithymia in patients with diabetes and the levels of perceived social support and glycaemic control.Background: In the literature, whether inadequate perceived social support is a cause or effect of alexithymia has also not been clearly explained. It is stated that it is difficult to determine from where these contradictions arise, and there is a need for more studies on this topic. Method:This cross-sectional and correlational study included 537 patients with type I and type 2 diabetes. The data were collected using a Patient Information Form including the patient's HbA1c value that reflected their glycaemic control level, the Toronto Alexithymia Scale and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. The study was reported according to the STROBE Declaration.Results: Among the patients with diabetes, 63.9% showed signs of alexithymia.Alexithymia had a negative relationship with perceived social support and a positive relationship with HbA1c. Additionally, it was determined that the patients who showed signs of alexithymia had lower levels of perceived social support in comparison with those who did not show such signs, whereas the HbA1c levels of the former were also higher than those of the latter. Moreover, it was found that the duration of the disease, HbA1c levels and levels of perceived social support from family and a significant other explained 30% of the total variance in the level of alexithymia. Conclusion:Alexithymia was seen prevalently among the patients with diabetes, and it was associated with a reduced level of perceived social support and weak glycaemic control.Relevance to clinical practice: It is recommended to provide patients with psychosocial support in the scope of holistic care and include the individuals who provide care for and support the patient in the patient's management of the disease.

Background Patients receiving hemodialysis treatment are among the risk groups during the COVID‐19 pandemic. They must cope with many factors simultaneously like anxiety about being ill, social isolation, inadequate information about protective precautions, and the need to attend regular treatment. Objectives This study was performed with the aim of determining problems experienced by individuals receiving hemodialysis treatment during the pandemic. Design This was a descriptive and cross‐sectional type study. Participants The research included 234 patients receiving chronic hemodialysis treatment. Measurements For collection of data in the research, a patient descriptive information form and COVID‐19 phobia scale (CP19‐S) scale were used. Results Patients receiving hemodialysis treatment were determined to have high levels of compliance with individual precautions required during the pandemic. Of patients, 87.6% were determined to experience concern about bringing infection from the dialysis unit to family members. The mean total points for CP19‐S were 59.80 ± 14.49. Patients who were female, had low educational level, were not employed, had heart disease in addition to kidney failure, with hemodialysis age from 6 to 8 years, who did not want to go to the dialysis center and had not received education about the pandemic (p < 0.001) were identified to have high phobia at statistically significant levels. Conclusions Changes occurring in normal life and to hemodialysis treatment during the pandemic cause concern and anxiety in many patients. In this process, providing patients with education about the pandemic and protective methods is very important.

In this cross-sectional, descriptive study, the arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) of HD patients were evaluated by physical examination and factors associated with AVF function and longevity were investigated. Data were collected using a patient information form and the Arteriovenous Fistula Assessment Scale (AVF-AS). The study population included 279 patients under chronic HD treatment. Their mean age was 61.14 ± 14.00 years and 58.6% were men. Age, AVF location, and number of AVFs created were identified as factors associated with AVF needle entry site and flow problems, stenosis, and risk of developing ischemic complications (p = 0.005, p = 0.000, p = 0.006, respectively). AVF dysfunction adversely affected HD pump speed (p = 0.000) and HD adequacy (p = 0.000). It was determined that gender, AVF location, last AVF duration, and total number of previous AVF were identified as the risk of AVF complications. The results of this study revealed that regular follow-up and evaluation are needed to minimize the risk of dysfunction and failure due to AVF complications.

Aim: This methodological study was conducted to develop a reliable instrument for the assessment of the arteriovenous fistula in patients under hemodialysis therapy. The purpose of the scale is to evaluate risk of developing arteriovenous fistula complications in patients receiving hemodialysis treatment. Methods: An item pool was created in accordance with data obtained from our literature review and expert opinions. Validity of the scale was evaluated using construct and content validity analyses. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, test–retest, and split-half reliability were used to assess reliability. Results: The final 3-point Likert-type Arteriovenous Fistula Assessment Scale developed in this study consists of 18 items in three subdimensions: arteriovenous fistula flow, stenosis and ischemia, and needle entry site. The scale-level Content Validity Ratio was 0.90. Explanatory factor analysis revealed a three-factor structure with factor loadings of 0.622–0.800, 0.361–0.891, and 0.431–0.954, respectively, explaining 55.51% of the total variance. The Cronbach’s alpha values for the subdimensions were 0.72, 0.71, and 0.83, respectively, and 0.82 for the scale overall. Conclusion: The Arteriovenous Fistula Assessment Scale is a valid and reliable instrument that can be used to monitor arteriovenous fistulas in hemodialysis patients.