BackgroundBecause of physiological changes in geriatric patients, their surgical process differs from that of young adults. In this regard, the perioperative period is an extremely risky time for geriatric patients. The present study examined preoperative fear, anxiety, and perceived stress levels as well as the factors affecting them in elderly patients prior to surgical intervention.MethodsThis study adopted a cross‐sectional descriptive design. The study sample consisted of geriatric patients (n = 407) scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a research and training hospital in northeast Turkey. Data were collected by the researchers using the personal information form, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS‐10), Surgical Fear Questionnaire (SFQ) and Anxiety Specific to Surgery Questionnaire (ASSQ). In the data analysis, descriptive statistics, the t‐test in independent groups, one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA), correlation analysis and Bonferroni tests for post hoc analyses were used.ResultsOn the PSS–10, the mean score was higher for the 75‐and‐older age group, single patients, patients with a disease requiring medication, and those who had previously undergone surgery (P < 0.05). On the ASSQ, the mean score was lower for patients aged 65–69, university graduates, patients without children, and those without a disease requiring medication (P < 0.05). On the SFQ, the mean score was higher for the 75‐and‐older age group, primary school graduates, and single patients (P < 0.05).ConclusionIt was determined that being single, having a chronic disability, and advancing age had an effect on the patients' surgery‐specific anxiety, perceived stress, and fear of surgery. Long‐standing chronic diseases can negatively affect both stress and anxiety levels of individuals.

Objective: The aim of the study is to determine the methods used in umbilical care, the separation time of the umbilical cord, and the factors affecting it.Methods: A quantitative longitudinal observational analytical study was conducted between May 2018-May 2019 in an obstetrics clinic of a state hospital in eastern Turkey. The study consisted of a sample of 345 newborns and their mothers. Necessary permissions were obtained before the research data were collected. The data were collected through face-to-face interviews and via telephone. The data obtained were evaluated by percentage distribution, Independent Samples t-test, ANOVA, and Mann-Whitney U test.Results: The average gestational age of the newborns is 39.11 ± .71 week. 42.6% of the mothers stated that they performed umbilical cord care. The mean separation time of the umbilical cord in newborns was calculated as 7.55 ± 2.64 days. It was observed that the umbilical cord of the babies whose mothers put some application to the umbilical cord fell off in an average of 8.27 ± 2.97 days, while those who did not practice fell off in 7.01 ± 2.22 days (p &lt;0.05).Conclusion: According to the findings of the study, keeping the umbilical cord open and dry without any application to it shortens the time of umbilical cord falling off.