The effects of hysterectomy on body image, self-esteem, and marital adjustment in Turkish women with gynecologic cancer.

The purpose of this research was to investigate the differences in the effect of hysterectomy on body image, self-esteem, and marital adjustment in Turkish women with gynecologic cancer based on specific independent variables, including age, education, employment, having or not having children, and income. This cross-sectional study compared a group of women who underwent a hysterectomy (n = 100) with a healthy control group (n = 100). The study findings indicate that women who had a hysterectomy were found in worse conditions in terms of body image, self-esteem, and dyadic adjustment compared to healthy women. In terms of dyadic adjustment and body image among women who had undergone a hysterectomy, those with lower levels of income and education were found in poorer conditions. The study's findings show that hysterectomies have negative effects on body image, self-esteem, and dyadic adjustment in women affected by gynecologic cancer. Nursing assessment of self-esteem and marital adjustment indicators and implementation of strategies to increase self-confidence and self-esteem are needed for high-risk women.

The relationship between social support and the level of anxiety, depression, and quality of life of Turkish women with gynecologic cancer.

BACKGROUND: Anxiety and depression are among the most common psychosocial problems with gynecologic cancer patients. In this respect, "social support" has become a key tool in the patients' coping with the aforementioned risk factors as an important contributor to their well-being. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between social support and the level of anxiety, depression, and quality of life of Turkish women with gynecologic cancer. METHODS: In a hospital in Turkey, 187 women with a diagnosis of gynecologic cancer comprised a convenience sample and completed 4 study instruments in a cross-sectional design. RESULTS: Statistically significant correlations among type of perceived social support, quality of life, anxiety, and depression (P < .001) were found. While high social support was associated with increased quality of life, it was also associated with reduced anxiety and depression rates. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that the type of perceived social support by the patients with cancer had significant effect on depression, anxiety, and quality of life. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Social support is a powerful tool that can mediate the effects of difficult life stressors and decrease the incidence of mood disorders, and, therefore, greater importance should be attached to it in the realm of cancer treatment. Supported by the collaborative efforts of family members and healthcare professionals, cancer patients will more easily cope with the drawbacks of their state.

Testicular cancer awareness and testicular self-examination among university students.

BACKGROUND: This study was planned to determine the knowledge of testicular cancer (TC), risk factors and testicular self-examination (TSE) among university students. METHODS: A survey study was conducted at a university located in Ankara, Turkey with 634 male students. RESULTS: Almost half of them (44%) heard TC during their education and life but majority of participants has lack of knowledge about sign and symptoms of TC. Only 5.9 % of them (n = 38) indicated they received information on TSE and 17.7 % have performed the practice of TSE before; only one in a forth (n=21) performed monthly. The reason for not doing TSE was mostly (83.4%) 'not having knowledge' and 'not seen as important' (55.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Adding the education on TC, risk factors and TSE into their curriculum is proposed.