Objective: Guided by the ecological systems perspectives, this study examined the direct and indirect effects of ACEs on suicide attempts through four types of peer victimization (school bullying, cyberbullying, physical dating violence, and sexual dating violence) and depression, and tested sex differences in these associations.
Methods: Using path analysis, we tested the direct and indirect effects in a mediation model based on data from 9325 U.S. high school students in the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey.
Results: ACEs had a significant direct effect on suicide attempts among high school students, with a stronger association observed among female adolescents. All four types of peer victimization (school bullying, cyberbullying, physical dating violence, and sexual dating violence) and depression significantly mediated the relationship between ACEs and suicide attempts for both sexes. Particularly, the indirect effects of ACEs on suicide attempts through sexual dating violence victimization and depression were stronger among male adolescents.
Conclusion: ACEs are a significant public health concern due to their impact on adolescent mental health through peer victimization.
Implications for practice: Comprehensive assessment of ACEs and prevention efforts addressing peer victimization may reduce suicide risk among adolescents. Gender-specific, trauma-informed interventions in school and community settings are needed.
Background: Hospitalization and invasive procedures constitute major sources of stress and anxiety for children. Nurses' attitudes during these procedures play a pivotal role in mitigating children's negative psychological responses and in promoting atraumatic care.
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an innovative educational intervention in improving pediatric nurses' attitudes toward children during invasive procedures, as measured using a validated pediatric-specific attitude scale (ÇİTÖ).
Methods: A single-group quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design was conducted with 50 pediatric nurses working at Van Yüzüncü Yıl University Dursun Odabaş Medical Center between February and March 2025. Data were collected using a Sociodemographic Information Form and the Scale for Evaluating Pediatric Nurses' Attitudes Toward Children During Invasive Procedures (ÇİTÖ). Pre- and post-intervention scores were analyzed using paired-sample t-tests.
Results: Post-intervention scores demonstrated statistically significant improvements in overall attitudes, as well as in the Empathic View and Reassuring Behavior subdimensions (p < 0.05). Effect sizes were large for the total scale (d = 1.68) and the Empathic View subdimension (d = 1.44), and moderate for the Reassuring Behavior subdimension (d = 0.87). Demographic analyses indicated that higher job satisfaction, greater professional fulfillment, and longer weekly working hours were associated with higher attitude scores. Nurses also reported that interactive educational methods enhanced motivation, participation, and learning retention.
Conclusion: The training program effectively improved pediatric nurses' positive, empathic, and reassuring attitudes toward children during invasive procedures. The integration of mind maps and digital puzzles represents an innovative and engaging model for nursing education and contributes to the advancement of atraumatic pediatric care. These findings suggest that interactive and innovative educational approaches can be successfully incorporated into pediatric nursing training programs to strengthen atraumatic care practices during invasive procedures.
Implications for practice: Educational programs incorporating innovative teaching strategies, such as mind maps and digital puzzles, may enhance pediatric nurses' empathic and supportive attitudes toward children during invasive procedures. Integrating such interactive training approaches into routine in-service education programs may help promote atraumatic care principles, improve the quality of pediatric nursing practice, and support more child-centered healthcare environments.
Background: Adolescence is a critical stage marked by intense digital interaction and psychosocial vulnerability. This study examined the effects of digital addiction on aggressive behavior and psychological well-being in adolescents aged 10-12, and explored the mediating role of aggression.
Methods: A cross-sectional, correlational design was used with 401 students from public middle schools in western Türkiye. Data were collected via the Digital Addiction Scale for Children, the Aggression Questionnaire, and the Stirling Children's Well-being Scale. Analyses included Pearson correlation, multiple regression, and PROCESS Model 4 mediation.
Results: Digital addiction was positively correlated with aggression (r = 0.695, p < .01) and negatively with psychological well-being (r = -0.510, p < .01). Mediation analysis indicated aggression partially mediated the relationship between digital addiction and well-being. Interpersonal and intrapersonal dimensions of digital addiction significantly predicted both aggression and well-being.
Conclusion: Digital addiction poses a significant psychosocial risk, fostering aggression and reducing well-being in adolescents. Nurses in schools, pediatric, and community health settings should actively identify early signs of digital addiction and aggression. Implementing psychosocial screening and psychoeducational programs to enhance emotional regulation and resilience is essential for prevention and health promotion in this vulnerable group.
Implications to practice: Pediatric nurses should screen adolescents for digital addiction and aggression during routine health assessments. Early psychoeducational interventions that promote healthy digital use, emotional regulation, and resilience may help reduce aggression and improve psychological well-being.
Background and aim: Feeding difficulties are common after congenital heart surgery and may affect growth, development, and caregiver well-being. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and types of post-discharge feeding difficulties and examine associated medical, demographic, and socioeconomic factors.
Material and methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study included 177 children. The study involved children with CHD followed at a pediatric cardiovascular surgery clinic, who underwent surgery within the first two years of life and were 6-60 months postoperatively; data were collected between April-May 2025. Data were collected from caregivers via telephone using a validated Patient Information and Follow-up Form. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression to identify predictors of post-discharge feeding problems.
Results: Post-discharge feeding difficulties were reported in 70.1% of participants. The most frequent problems included inadequate weight gain (45.8%), food refusal (31.6%), and fatigue during feeding (28.8%). Multivariate regression identified lower paternal education (OR = 6.32), postoperative complications (OR = 6.14), mixed feeding (OR = 7.60), and difficulties during complementary feeding (OR = 0.014) as significant predictors. Protective factors included obstructive-type heart defects (OR = 0.05) and higher family income (OR = 0.084). Only 0.6% of families received professional feeding support.
Conclusion: Post-discharge feeding problems are common in children after congenital heart surgery and are associated with clinical and socioeconomic factors. Structured discharge planning, early risk identification, and multidisciplinary follow-up are essential to improve nutritional outcomes.
Implications to practice: Routine feeding assessment and caregiver education should be included in discharge planning. Early identification of high-risk families and multidisciplinary follow-up may help prevent feeding problems and support recovery.
Aim: This study aims to explore the psychosocial experiences of siblings of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) residing in the Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia regions of Türkiye.
Methods: A qualitative approach grounded in interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was employed. The sample comprised 27 siblings from these regions. Data were gathered through in-person, semi-structured interviews following a criterion sampling strategy.
Results: Five primary themes were identified: (1) daily interaction and experiences, (2) future concerns and responsibilities, (3) family dynamics and support, (4) social perceptions and external reactions, and (5) personal developments and values.
Conclusions: Siblings of children with ASD encounter complex, multifaceted psychosocial challenges. While fostering positive attributes such as resilience and empathy, they simultaneously shoulder emotional burdens and anxiety, necessitating targeted support.
Practical implications: Structured psychosocial programs are essential to address the emotional needs and future anxieties of siblings. Interventions enhancing family communication and societal awareness may facilitate better adjustment and promote overall family balance.

