Effects of SiO2 in Turkish natural stones on cancer development.

In materials science, one of the new concerns in the construction industry, it is well established that mineral dust from rocks (stones) has adverse effects on human health. For instance, it is suspected that some mineral dusts in particular leads to occupational diseases, including lung cancer. The present research concerned the relationship between cancer and those workers who work in Turkish construction industry and quarries and are exposed to silica mineral dust from natural stones. One focus was cancer prevention methods applied in-site. In mining and construction industry where stone dust is widely used, silicosis induced lung cancer is frequently seen. Cancer cases which are seen across the regions mostly affected by silica containing dust in Turkey were identified and a survey was conducted of the methods to protect workers in the construction industry from exposure to silica dust.

Cigarette dependence among males and females aged 50+ living in Izmir, Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Smoking, the most important preventable cause of death overall, is also the leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Tobacco consumption has a direct or indirect relationship with most types of cancer. In Turkey, the second leading cause of death is cancer, with lung cancer the most prevalent. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the level of cigarette dependence among men and women aged 50+, living in Izmir. METHODS: This research is a descriptive and cross-sectional field study, carried out with the participation of a total of 2,497 subjects. RESULTS: It was found that 48.8% of the participants used to be smokers, and 95.5% of the smoking participants had been smoking for at least 11 years at the time of study. 36.1% of the participants were being exposed to secondhand smoke at home, and almost one third of the smokers (29%) had a moderate level of dependence. CONCLUSIONS: Continuing education may help high-risk groups develop good habits for a healthier lifestyle such as smoking less and quitting smoking, thereby reducing the level of morbidity and mortality of most common types of cancer.

Relationships between psychosocial adjustment and hopelessness in women with breast cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Several physical, psychological and social variables influence women with breast cancer. This study was designed to analyze the relationship between psychosocial adjustment and hopelessness in a group of such women in Turkey. METHOD: The subjects were 90 women with breast cancer recruited at Ege University School of Medicine Department of Radiation Oncology Nurse Counsellor Unit and Tulay Aktas Oncology Hospital Outpatient Chemotherapy Unit. Data were collected using an Introductory Information Form and Psychosocial Adjustment to the Illness Scale - Self-Report (PAIS-SR) and the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS) and analyzed by Pearson Correlation Analysis. RESULTS: The mean age of the women was 49.4 ± 11.0. It was found that the level of psychosocial adjustment of 63.3% of the women was 'poor'. A positive relationship was determined between PAIS-SR mean score and BHS mean score of the women with breast cancer (r = 0.731, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: It was observed that as the psychosocial adjustment worsens, as the level of hopelessness of the women increases. In the light of this relationship, it was concluded that the attempts to increase hope and therefore the support for the psychosocial adjustment of patients should play a vital role in increasing their quality of life.

Information needs of patients with meningiomas.

The aim of this descriptive, cross-sectional study was to determine information requirements of patients with typical meningiomas after surgery. The study sample consisted of 20 patients who underwent surgery for brain tumours in neurosurgery clinics of a university hospital. Permission to conduct research was obtained from all patients and from the hospital. Before the surgery, a booklet was given to patients for training. Patients were followed up one, three, six and 12 months later by the phone after the surgery and asked to report their problems. All questions were recorded and answered. Data were collected by the socio-demographic, patient symptom and health status questionnaire. Descriptive data were analyzed using percentage and arithmetic averages. Comparative statistics were evaluated using chi-square. Patients wanted information about diet, physical therapy and rehabilitation, quick thinking difficulties, fasting, headache, irritability, personality change, fatigue, driving, deep vein thrombosis during the follow up. There was a significant difference between their health status and fear of seizures and recurrent tumor, forgetfulness, lack of concentration (p < 0.05). Although they received health education and booklet, patients needed more information during the 12 months after surgery. Therefore it suggested that monitoring the patient's needs is necessary.

Do Turkish nursing and midwifery students teach breast self-examination to their relatives?

AIM: To describe health beliefs and breast self-examination (BSE) practice of Turkish female nursing and midwifery students and extent of teaching the screening method to their mothers, sisters and relatives. DESIGN: In this definition survey, data were obtained from 113 nursing and midwifery students (n = 113) in third and fourth class and their mothers, sisters and other relatives in Turkey. METHODS: Data were collected using a personal data form, a knowledge evaluation form for BSE (Maurer 1997) and the Champion's Health Belief Model Scale. Number percentage, Chi-square test were used in the evaluation of the data. RESULTS: Students learned breast cancer and BSE in their lessons one or two years previously. Knowledge level scores of the students were 52.3 ± 9.6 (min:25,max: 75). Rate of having regular BSE was 32.7%. When health belief scale assessed; the average of susceptibility was 7.52 ± 2.62, seriousness was 21.8 ± 5.30, benefit was 16.7±4.45, barrier was 22.3 ± 6.44, confidence was 40.3 ± 6.67 and medical motivation was 26.6 ± 4.22. The rate of having regular BSE and benefit, barrier scores were compared, they were statistically significant difference(p < 0.05). The majority (106, 91.3%) gave BSE training to their mother and sisters, and 42.6% (48) to relatives, 6.2% (7) to friends, and 5.4% (6) to patients. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge about breast cancer and BSE repetition training programs should be planned for nursing/midwifery students, to increasae their sensitivity, beliefs and attitudes, and medical motivation for BSE.

Effects of training about skin cancer on farmers' knowledge level and attitudes.

BACKGROUND: Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. As farmers stay under sun for a long time and handle many different chemicals, they are at risk. This study was carried out to examine the effects of training for protection on their knowledge level and attitudes. METHOD: The subjects were 194 farmers living in a village in Marmara region which most benefits from the sun in Turkey. No sampling was performed. Data were collected before and after six months of training through a personal description form and skin cancer attitude-knowledge form and analyzed using percentage calculations, McNeamer test and t-test in dependent groups. RESULTS: Knowledge level of farmers on skin cancer and the protection from skin cancer was significantly increased after the training (p<0.01) regarding use of sun cream, umbrellas, swimming and traditional behavior (p<.01) but not use of hats, sunglasses and long-sleeved shirts (p>0.01). A significant decrease was also determined in tampering with moles, acnes and scars (p<.01). CONCLUSION: The training given to farmers for protection against skin cancer was found effective for improving knowledge levels and attitudes. Planned and regular education should decrease the skin cancer rate among farmers.

Relations between breast and cervical cancer prevention behaviour of female students at a school of health and their healthy life style.

Regular breast self-examination (BSE) and pap-smear tests are the two of the positive heath behaviors for improving, promoting and protecting the health of adolescent girls. The present quasi-experimental research was carried out with the purpose of analyzing the relations between breast and cervical cancer prevention behavior of female students at a School of Health and their health lifestyle. The research was conducted at Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University School of Health between November 2008 and February 2009. A total of 77 female students attending the first and second grades were included in the sample. Education pertinent to the matter was provided and evaluation was made three months later. A knowledge evaluation form for breast and gynecological examination, the Healthy Life-Style Behavior Scale (HPLP), was used in data collection. Number percentages, the McNemar Bowker test, the t test and the Mann Whitney U test were used in the evaluation. Despite the information they had received, not all of the students performed regular breast self-examination (BSE) prior to the education. For 24.7% (n=19) the reason for not doing regular BSE was their having no symptoms and for 29.9% (n=23) it was due to thinking that they would not have breast cancer. The reason for not having pap smear test was a virgin status. Three months after the education, knowledge level scores of the students increased approximately three and a half times (from 23.8-9.8) to 81.2-8.0). The rate of having regular BSE was 88.3% after three months, however; there was no pap smear test probably due to the fact that it was a taboo. When the rate of having regular BSE three months after the education and HLPL scores were compared, the scores of those having it regularly and the scores of those not having it regularly were found to be close and no statistically significant difference was detected (p> 0.05). In conclusion, consultancy service units should be established to comprehend the barriers perceived by adolescent girls who do not have regular health screening, to make appropriate strategic planning in order to eradicate the hindrances in Muslim societies and to enhance the motivation of youth with continuous education.

Socio-demographic factors and the practice of breast self examination and mammography by Turkish women.

OBJECTIVE: The health beliefs and experiences of women related to preventive behavior must be understood within the cultural context. The present study was conducted to assess socio-demographic characteristics affecting breast cancer health beliefs of Turkish women. METHODS: This research was conducted in an area covered by three neighborhood public education centres in Bornova, Izmir. The data were collected from 382 women over 40 years of age who were selected using a stratified random sampling method, using a descriptive information form and the Champion's Health Belief Model Scale (CHBMS). Data was analyzed by t test, variance analysis and Duncan test. RESULTS: Some 40.6 % of women performed BSE, and 34.0% had undergone mammography. There was a significant difference in CHBMS total mean score of women according to age, marital status, family type, regarding information about breast cancer. Variation in scores on susceptibility, seriousness, benefits, barriers, health motivation, and confidence were observed regarding women who performed BSE (p<0.05) but not mammography. CONCLUSION: The effective socio-demographic characteristics of breast cancer health beliefs of women should be considered in the design of breast health promotion and screening programs because they are likely to have a bearing on Turkish women's attitudes regarding the value they perceive in cancer screening.

Do Turkish nursing and midwifery students teach breast self-examination to their relatives?

AIM: To describe health beliefs and breast self-examination (BSE) practice of Turkish female nursing and midwifery students and assess teaching of BSE to their mothers, sisters, relatives. METHODS: The study was designed as a definition survey, withe data obtained from 113 participants, in third and fourth class and their mothers, sisters, relatives in Turkey. Data were collected by using a personal data form, knowledge evaluation form for BSE (Maurer 1997) and the Champion's Health Belief Model Scale. RESULTS: Students had learned about breast cancer and BSE in their lessons one or two years previous to the study. Knowledge level scores of the students were 52.3 ∓ 9.63 (min:25, max: 75). Rate of regular BSE was 32.7%. When health belief scale assessed, the average susceptibility was 7.52∓2.62, seriousness was 21.8∓5.30, benefit was 16.7∓4.45, barrier was 22.3∓6.44, confidence was 40.3∓6.67 and medical motivation was 26.6∓4.22. A statistically significant difference in the rate of having regular BSE and benefit, barrier scores was noted (p<0.05). Regarding BSE training, 91.3% (n = 106) gave assistance to their mother and sisters, 42.6% (n = 48) to relatives, 6.2% (n = 7) to friends, and 5.4% (n = 6) to patients. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge about breast cancer and BSE repetition training programs should be planned for nursing/midwifery students. Their susceptibility, belief and attitudes, medical motivation with BSE should thereby increase.

Turkish university students' nutritional habits regarding cancer prevention and healthy lifestyles.

AIM: Chronic disorders have been increasing over the past century, and the relationship with nutrition has been widely discussed. The present study was carried out in order to determine health school students' nutrition styles, health lifestyle behavior, and their interactions. METHOD: With a cross-sectional design, data from 79 students in the Nursing School were collected via a socio-demographic data collection form, a nutrition form, and and a Health Promotion Life-Style Profile (HPLP) questionnaire. Percentages, McNemar data, Independent-sample t-test and paired-samples t-test were used in data assessment. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed between the number of students with healthy nutrition and mean healthy lifestyle scores, pre and post-training. There was also no influence of presence of a family member with cancer and weight perception. However, there was a significant difference between HPLP scores before the training and six months following training (p=0.049) and the mean healthy lifestyle scores increased. CONCLUSION: Students with poor nutrition who were trained in cancer prevention and healthy diets, demonstrated increase in their HPLP, yet this did not make a difference to their healthy nutrition behavior.

Effects of peer education, social support and self esteem on breast self examination performance and knowledge level.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate associations among peer education, social support and self-esteem and their influences on performance of breast self-examination (BSE). METHOD: Seven volunteer peer educators were given the BSE training programme and in turn educated 65 women students in the university. BSE knowledge evaluation forms developed by Maurer were applied for evaluation. Other data were collected with questionnaires for the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory and Scale of Perceived Social Support over three months. RESULTS: Knowledge level points of students and the BSE practice ratio were increased by peer support. There was a positive relationship between average BSE knowledge points and social support and self-esteem. CONCLUSION: The results showed positive relationships among BSE knowledge, social support and self-esteem, these affecting the BSE performance level.

Nursing interventions and factors affecting physical, psychological and social adaptation of women with breast cancer.

Breast cancer and the associated physical problems may cause people to experience different psychological and social adaptation processes. Nursing interventions can affect physical, psychological and social adaptation in such women and help to prevent and overcome depression and anxiety. It should be stressed that both physical and psychosocial well-being enhance health and quality of life.

Complementary and alternative medicine in cancer patients - analysis of influencing factors in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional and descriptive study analysed complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices of patients with cancer diagnoses and influencing factors. METHODS: The subjects consisted of 55 cancer patients hospitalized in Canakkale State Hospital between November 2008 and March 2009 and who were willing to participate in the study. Research data were collected using a sociodemographic characteristics form regarding CAM practices of cancer patients and the Beck Hopelessness Scale (total points 20, rising with the degree of hopelessness). Written consent from the head physician of Canakkale State Hospital and verbal consents of the patients were obtained in order for the research to be performed. The data were analysed using the SPSS 13.0 program (numbers and percentages, chi-squared and Mann Whitney U tests). FINDINGS: Of the patients (49.1% female and 50.9% male) 78.2% had been living with a cancer diagnosis for more than two years. Of the 23.6% of patients with breast cancer and 21.8% with lung cancer, 87.2% uses CAM (72.7% received alternative treatment and 65.5% complementary treatment). Alternative treatments apply herbal treatments concomitantly such as honey, garlic; balsam apple, iscum album, tar oil and 29.1% of them only use stinging nettle. As a complementary treatment; 60% of patients pray for healing and 16.4% of them have massage regularly. Patients explained that they were using the alternative medicine in order to mitigate effects of the disease, to prevent its recurrence, to increase blood values, to feel psychologically relieved; and they were using complementary medicine just to feel psychologically relieved. Of 60% patients chose not to share their CAM practice with doctors and nurses. 36.4% of them use CAM on friend advice, 20% under media influence, 36.4% on their own initiative and 21.8% under family influence. The satisfaction from CAM is 61.1%. The rate of those who find alternative medicine expensive is 21.8%. There is statistically no correlation between CAM practice and age, gender, marital status, location they live for a long time, education and financial status of patients (p>0.05). The average of total hopelessness score of patients is 8.09 +/- 2.59, there is no statistically meaningful correlation between hopelessness score average of patients who use CAM and who do not use (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The cancer patients in the study who live in Canakkale province and in its districts use CAM. CAM practice does not vary by selected sociodemographic characteristics and the hope level. It is important that the health care professionals (nurses, doctors, etc) should be conscious of CAM-drug interactions and notify the patients about the risk.

Assessing the efficacy of a peer education model in teaching breast self-examination to university students.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a peer education model in teaching breast self-examination to a late adolescence female student group attending the second class of Buca Educational Faculty of Dokuz Eylül University (DEU). A total of 15 volunteer students were given the breast self-examination training programme by a researcher and thereby became qualified as peer educators. Each then reached 10 peers and conveyed information on the Breast-Self Examination Programme. The identification forms of the students were filled out by the researcher. Evaluation forms I and II developed by Maurer (1997) for regular BSE practice and skills were used and evaluated with 100 points. The "paired t-test", "Student's t-test", "McNemar test", and "Pearson correlation test" were employed to for statistical assessment. According to the evaluation results; while the students's average point of knowledge on BSE was 43.0 +/- 11.7 before training, it became 88.9 +/- 8.15 after a week, and 86.9 +/- 9.69 after four weeks. It was obvious that there was a meaningful difference between those knowledge rates (p<0,05). Similarly while the ratio of systematic practice of BSE among students was 2.6% before training it increased to 66% (p<0.05). Additionally, the average point of the students BSE practice skills became 91.5 +/- 7.25 at four weeks after the training with a significant increase as well (r=0,70). Therefore we conclude that the peer education model is an effective method for teaching breast self examination to students.