Validity and reliability study of the Turkish version of the Aging Anxiety Scale for Middle-Aged Women.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to perform a validity and reliability study of the Turkish version of the Aging Anxiety Scale for Middle-Aged Women. DESIGN AND METHODS: This methodological study was conducted with 262 women aged between 40 and 59 years. FINDINGS: While language, content and construct validity analyses were performed at the validity phase of the scale, internal consistency and stability over time analyses were performed at the reliability stage. Factor analyses were performed for the construct validity, and it was determined that the items of the scale were classified under four factors; this was consistent with the original form. The Cronbach's α reliability was 0.962 for the overall scale and ranged between 0.836 and 0.949 for the four subdimensions. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The study determined that the Turkish adaptation of the scale is a valid and reliable measuring instrument.

Awareness about Gynecologic Cancers and Related Factors among Healthy Women: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The risk of cancer-related mortality and morbidity decreases when women are aware of the risk factors for gynecologic cancers and implement strategies such as attending relevant early screening programs. This cross-sectional study conducted between August 2017 and August 2018 at a public hospital in Turkey aimed to determine the awareness about gynecologic cancers among healthy women by utilized the Krieger's ecosocial theory as a framework for the study. The study included 554 Turkish women aged 18-65 years. Data were collected using the Gynecological Cancer Awareness Scale (GCAS) and a questionnaire designed in this study. Significant differences were noted between the average GCAS score and variables such as the amount of menstrual bleeding, entering menopause, a history of reproductive system disease, regular gynecological examination (including Pap test), regular vaginal self-examination, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), genital hygiene behavior, the fear of having cancer, having knowledge about cancer, and requiring information about cancer (p < .05). Despite the high level of awareness about gynecologic cancer among these women, the lack of proper knowledge and preventive measures was high. Having knowledge about gynecologic cancers results in increased awareness; however, the level of knowledge is not sufficient to prevent gynecologic cancers, which shows the need for sufficient and effective cancer screening and education programs.