Knowledge about cervical cancer, Pap test, and barriers to women's participation in screening in Belgrade, Serbia.

INTRODUCTION: Cervical cancer (CC) is a serious public health concern in Serbia, due to opportunistic screening still being in force, which led to twice higher than the average incidence rate of cervical cancer in Europe. Despite the fact that early detection and treatment services of CC are available at no additional cost, majority of women use inadequate screening services in Serbia. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the link between the knowledge about CC and Papanicolaou (Pap) test and perception of barriers to women's participation in CC screening. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 300 women aged 21 to 69, with a place of residence in the city of Belgrade (Serbia), who were attending for their medical examination to the University Clinic of Gynecology and Obstetrics - "Narodni front", from June through December 2014. A survey instrument to collect data was an adapted questionnaire for the assessment of knowledge about and barriers to CC and Pap test. Patients were divided into three groups: a study group consisted of women attending irregularly (over three years), women who never participated in screening, and a control group that included women regularly participating in screening. RESULTS: Women regularly participating in screening (52.7%) had adequate knowledge about CC and Pap test, while women who irregularly (79.4%) or never participated (71.9%) did not have any adequate knowledge. There was a significant statistical difference between the CC and Pap test awareness in a group of respondents who regularly participated in comparison to respondents who irregularly or never participated in screening (x²= 27.772, p = 0.000). Regarding knowledge about human papillomavirus (HPV), 80% of women did not know that Pap test cannot be used for detection of HPV, as well as that abnormal Pap test result may be due to HPV (61.7%). Majority of women (93.7%) had poor knowledge about Pap test role in CC early detection and considered Pap test to be used to diagnose CC. The authors found a significant statistical correlation between participation of women in screening and barriers. Women who were irregular or never participated, had barriers such as: lack of time (F = 9.51; p = 0,000), difficult access to Healthcare facilities (F = 11.29; p = 0.000), lack of knowledge about the Pap test procedure (F = 21.27,p = 0.000), discomfort (F = 9.36; p = 0.000), and anxiety of Pap test results (F = 3.35; p = 0.036). Women who regularly participated did not have prejudice when choosing a gynecologist, unlike the other two groups that preferred a female gynecologist (F = 3.61; p = 0.028). CONCLUSION: This study showed that the level of knowledge about CC and Pap test in women is an important factor associated with regular participation in screening. It is necessary to take educational measures in order to raise awareness of women regarding risk factors, as well as to overcome fear and shame, with the ultimate aim to reduce frequency and mortality rate caused by CC in Serbia.

Comparison of electrolytic status (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+) in preterm and term deliveries.

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION: The objective of this study was to evaluate the electrolytic status of Na+, K+, Ca+, and Mg2+ in serum and red blood cells in idiopathic preterm and term deliveries. METHODS: The study included 105 pregnant women diagnosed with idiopathic premature delivery (study group) and 36 pregnant women with physiologically term delivery (controls). Samples of mother's blood were collected and analyzed for the level of electrolytes in the serum/plasma and red blood cells. RESULTS: Measured values of magnesium in red blood cells in the study group were far lower than physiological values, intracellular calcium levels were higher in the study group compared to levels measured in the controls. Sodium concentrations in cells were significantly lower in subjects with premature delivery. CONCLUSION: The magnesium intracellular level is the best representative value of magnesium in the body.

Ovarian carcinoma patients--life quality analysis in the postoperative period--how to improve it?

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION: The objective of this research was to analyze the quality of life of patients with advanced ovarian carcinoma in the period following radical surgery and application of chemotherapy. METHODS: A random selection method was used to choose 30 patients who had previously filled out the QLQ-C30 health questionnaire. Data obtained from questionnaires were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The percentage of the general health scores were the highest in the bottom third of the scale, where 21.9% of the patients self-scored at 0. Financial difficulties were scored the lowest at 65.6%. The impairment of physical functioning was reported by 21.9% of patients, where the score for impact of this physical impairment was reported at 0 by 18.8%, and the impact of cognitive impairment was scored at 0 by 56.3%. Nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite were completely affecting normal daily functioning of 40.6% patients, constipation was present in 59.4% cases and diarrhea in as many as 71.9% patients; 15.6% patients reported being in continuous pain. CONCLUSION: Health questionnaires should be used because they can help identify patients prone to develop psychological problems and symptoms. Early recognition of patients prone to psychosomatic problems would allow doctors to help maintain and/or improve on patients' quality of life.