This research aims to determine the genital hygiene behaviors and risk factors of women of reproductive age after the earthquake.

The descriptive and relationship-seeking research was conducted with 296 women reached online in the Malatya province, where the earthquake in Turkey caused heavy damage. Research data was collected using an online survey form created via Google Forms. Data were obtained using the Personal Information Form and Genital Hygiene Behavior Scale.

In the study, genital hygiene behaviors of women with low education level (p = .004), not working (p = .003), sharing underwear (p = .002), having vaginal itching (p = .006), bathing frequency once a week or less (p = .001), bathing while sitting on a stool (p = .001) and having no knowledge about genital infection (p = .001) were found to be inadequate.

In the study, it was determined that the genital hygiene behaviors of women of reproductive age were negative after the earthquake. It is recommended that health professionals should not ignore the adverse effects that may occur on women’s genital hygiene behaviors after disasters such as earthquakes and take the necessary initiatives.

To explore hospital healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) knowledge, attitudes, and experiences on advance care planning (ACP), comparing different professions and care specialties, in a country where ACP is formally regulated.

An online survey involving HCPs from different care specialties involved in ACP working in Italian hospitals. Different tests were used for comparisons among HCPs.

We included responses from 724 HCPs (259 physicians, 86 residents, 339 nurses, 40 physiotherapists). Despite only 29.7% of participants having received education on ACP, the majority (75.5%) had heard of ACP and were aware of its key elements. The main misconceptions concerned legal aspects, while uncertainty regarding ACP practical implementation and correct timing were among the main reported barriers. Virtually all participants favored ACP, and 81.1% considered ACP part of their duty, but ACP is seldom offered to patients and is not always documented. Knowledge and attitudes toward ACP were similar across professional roles, while ACP education and discussion varied across specializations, with the highest levels reported by Palliative Care HCPs. In most specialties, a substantial overlap can be noted between levels of ACP education and ACP discussion among all HCPs, while higher levels of discussion were generally observed among physicians, though the magnitude of the gap between education and discussion levels differed across care specialties.

Despite ad hoc regulation and HCPs’ favorable attitudes, the legal aspects of ACP remain poorly understood and ACP implementation in hospitals is still low. This study supports the need for clear procedures and for inclusion of ACP education and training in the core curricula of all HCPs, suggesting the need for studies integrating social sciences to explore specialty-specific barriers and facilitators to ACP. Due to their unique level of engagement in the process, palliative care HCPs may play a pivotal role in implementing hospital-based ACP.