Clinical Research Directory

Developing Disability Awareness, Attitude, and Empathy in Nursing Students

Abstract Individuals with disabilities frequently face barriers to accessing healthcare services due to physical, social, economic, and policy-related factors. As essential members of the healthcare workforce, nurses play a critical role in addressing these inequities. Previous studies focusing on disability awareness, attitudes, and empathy highlight the need for high-quality research employing mixed-method, simulation-based interventions aimed at enhancing awareness and empathy, fostering positive attitudes, and supporting learning outcomes. However, the existing literature lacks studies that simultaneously compare different simulation methods and comprehensively evaluate awareness, attitudes, and empathy using a multidimensional approach. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of simulation-based interventions-standardized patient encounters and virtual reality training-in improving nursing students' awareness, strengthening positive attitudes, and increasing sensitivity in the delivery of healthcare services to individuals with disabilities. The findings are expected to support the integration and expansion of disability-focused simulation practices in nursing curricula and contribute to the development of evidence-based nursing education programs. Keywords: nursing students; disability; attitude; simulation; virtual reality

The Use of Menstrual Cups in the Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management of Women Who Use Wheelchairs

This study is designed to evaluate the impact of menstrual cup use on menstrual health and hygiene management among women who use wheelchairs.In addition, the study will serve as a reference for future research that includes other groups of people with disabilities and will contribute to the literature. The main questions it aims to answer are: How does menstrual cup use affect the menstrual hygiene management experiences of women who use wheelchairs? What impact does menstrual cup use have on women's comfort, perception of hygiene, and participation in social life? Do women's knowledge, attitudes, and satisfaction levels regarding menstrual cup use change over time? Why do women who use wheelchairs choose to use or not to use menstrual cups? This quasi-experimental study will use a repeated measures design (within-subjects design). Participants included in the study will be scheduled for an appointment to receive training on menstrual cup use and to be provided with a menstrual cup. The training will be conducted face-to-face in the education room of the relevant association. During this session, the participant will first respond to the initial part of the questionnaire. Following that, she will receive training on menstrual cup use (supported by video, models, etc.), and based on the information obtained, a menstrual cup in a suitable size will be provided. The menstrual cups to be used by the participants will be supplied by the researcher. After the initial meeting, six follow-up interviews will be conducted following the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th menstrual periods. In each session, participants will be asked to complete a follow-up-specific questionnaire, and any questions they have will be answered. Their use of the menstrual cup will be assessed during each follow-up. If a participant is not using the cup, the reasons for non-use will be explored, and if desired, the training will be repeated or individual counseling will be provided. If the participant refuses counseling or states that she no longer wishes to use the cup, she will be withdrawn from the study. If a participant drops out during the first three follow-ups, a new participant will be recruited to replace her.