Support

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of midwife-guided birth affirmation cards on labor duration, pain level, fear of childbirth, perceived control, and perceived support in primigravidas. The study seeks to determine whether this non-pharmacological approach used during labor improves the childbirth experience. Accordingly, the research aims to answer the question: "Do midwife-guided birth affirmation cards affect labor duration and the childbirth experience, including pain, fear, perceived control, and perceived support, in primigravidas?"

The transition to motherhood, particularly for first-time (primiparous) women, is a critical life period requiring substantial psychological and social adjustment. Hormonal changes, increased caregiving responsibilities, sleep disturbances, and potential social isolation during pregnancy and the postpartum period may increase vulnerability to stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common mental health concern that adversely affects maternal well-being, mother-infant interaction, and infant development, with insufficient social support identified as one of its most significant risk factors. Maternal self-efficacy, defined as a mother's perceived competence in caring for and responding to her infant's needs, is a key indicator of successful adaptation to the parenting role. Evidence suggests that maternal self-efficacy develops primarily within the first months after childbirth and tends to be lower in primiparous women. Low parenting self-efficacy has been associated with increased depressive symptoms, higher parenting stress, impaired mother-infant bonding, and negative developmental outcomes for the infant. Among social support sources, partner support plays a particularly protective role during the transition to parenthood. Emotional, informational, and practical support provided by the partner has been shown to enhance maternal self-efficacy, reduce psychological distress, improve marital adjustment, and lower the risk of postpartum depression. Conversely, low perceived partner support and relationship difficulties are associated with an increased risk of PPD in primiparous mothers. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between perceived partner support and postpartum parenting self-efficacy and depressive symptoms in primiparous women. Additionally, the study seeks to evaluate the explanatory and protective role of partner support on maternal self-efficacy and postpartum depression during the early postpartum period.

Menopause is a natural transition period in women's lives characterized by concurrent hormonal, psychological, and relational changes. During the postmenopausal period, hormonal alterations are not limited to physical symptoms but also have significant effects on psychological well-being, interpersonal relationships, and particularly sexual quality of life. Common concerns during this period include decreased sexual desire, vaginal dryness, pelvic discomfort, and reduced sexual satisfaction, all of which may negatively affect overall quality of life. Sexual quality of life is influenced not only by biological factors but also by psychological and relational dimensions. The quality of partner relationships and perceived partner support play an important role in women's adaptation to sexual changes during the postmenopausal period. However, partner support during menopause is often reported to be insufficient, which may adversely affect sexual well-being. Despite this, evidence examining the relationship between perceived partner support and sexual quality of life in postmenopausal women remains limited. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of perceived partner support on sexual quality of life in postmenopausal women. Through this investigation, the explanatory role of partner support in postmenopausal sexual well-being is aimed.

It was designed as a randomized controlled experimental study to determine whether the care protocol planned for pregnant women in the disaster area positively affects their physical and psychological health.