Practice Of Self-examination Research Articles

Prevalence Of Sun Protection, Skin Self-Examination And Skin Cancer Screening Behaviours And Practices Among Medical Students in Tirana, Albania With Family History For Skin Cancer

Introduction Cutaneous malignant melanoma prevalence, incidence and mortality rates are increasing in white populations worldwide more rapidly than any other cancer site (American Cancer Society, 2006). Despite the potential importance of regular skin self­examination and promotion of self­protection practices, little is known about the prevalence of these practices in medical students in Albanian population.Methods This is a descriptive, quantitative cross­sectional study. In this study were included a sample of 150 individuals chosen among the students of Faculty of Medicine based on their family history for skin cancer. This study was started on October the 3rd and finished on November the 12th. Subjects had to fill in a structured, self­administered questionnaire. All participants lived within Republic of Albania but at the time of the study were students in University of Tirana, Faculty of Medicine.Results In this study that we conducted we included 150 individuals supposed to have a risk for skin cancer based on their family history. 200 individuals were approached for participation. Of these, 150 individuals returned questionnaire data, yielding a response rate of 75% among eligible, successfully contacted participants. The mean age of the sample was20.05 years (Std. Dev. = 0.925), with males (22%) and females (78%) represented unequally, because the gender configuration of the faculty itself has gender disparities with more than 80% females and only 20% male students. The majority of the sample was born in city or town (85.3%), 14.7% was born in a village. In terms of income level, 79.3% of participants had a medium income family background, 15.3% high income and 5.3% had a low income level family background. Conclusion It is important for those individuals with family history for skin cancer (which inherently indicates risk for skin cancer) to develop self­examination and SSE behaviours and practices in order to have a protection and at least an early detection (if onset) of the different forms of Melanoma. The results of this study provide some guide as to the key areas or 'hot spots' on which to focus attention when designing supportive care interventions for melanoma survivors and those at high risk of skin cancer.

P45 Testicular cancer and testicular self-examination knowledge and practice among university students

P45 Testicular cancer and testicular self-examination knowledge and practice among university students

Testicular self examination — Knowledge of men attending a large Genito Urinary Medicine clinic

Objective To elicit the level of knowledge, training and preferences of men in relation to Testicular Self Examination (TSE). Setting The Genito Urinary Medicine (GUM) department of a large teaching hospital in the North East of England. The open access clinic serves patients from Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland, Gateshead and surrounding areas. Newcastle is a city with two universities and therefore a large student population. We sought to estimate the current knowledge and practice of Testicular Self Examination amongst men attending a large Genito Urinary Medicine Clinic and ascertain whether they performed TSE, if they could articulate the signs or symptoms of testicular cancer, whether they felt instruction on TSE was necessary and who, if anyone, should provide training. This information was obtained using a simple questionnaire distributed to all new male patients attending GUM at Newcastle General Hospital, during a 12-week period in early 2006. Results demonstrated that only 67 (8%) of the men performed TSE as recommended in health education leaflets (monthly) with 576 (67%) carrying it out on a random basis. In total, 980 (98%) of the men felt that all men should be given instruction on TSE, with 59 per cent stating that school was the most appropriate place to receive the training.Whilst almost all men were aware that testicular lumps may be a sign of testicular cancer, few were able to identify any other potential signs or symptoms.

Testicular self-examination: change in rates of practice in European university students, from 13 countries, over a 10-year period

Background The objective of this study was to compare testicular self-examination (TSE) practice in 13 European countries over a 10-year period. Testicular cancer predominantly affects young men. It is rare but on the increase and is most common in Caucasian ethnic groups living in industrialised nations, particularly northern Europe. Stage and prognosis are related to early diagnosis and TSE has been advocated to help achieve this. Over the last 15 years there have been efforts to increase disease awareness and self-examination practice. Recent reductions in patients’ delay in seeking help have been attributed to the success of this education, although no evidence has been available to substantiate this claim. Methods Data from two successive international surveys in male student populations in Europe ( n = 4322, n = 4358) carried out in 1990 and 2000, respectively, are described. Results Although TSE practice rates are low, there have been significant increases over this 10-year period. Conclusions Increased TSE may reflect greater awareness of testicular cancer and could contribute to more timely help-seeking.

Community Perceptions of Specific Skin Features of Possible Melanoma

Backgrourtd Melanoma can be curable if detected early. One component of detecting melanoma is an awareness of the important features of the disease. It is currently not clear which features the community view as indicative of melanoma. Objective To investigate which features of the skin members of an urban community believe may indicate skin cancer. Methods A total of 925 adults (71 per cent response rate) in Brisbane, Australia returned a completed postal questionnaire. Respondents were asked questions about their perceptions of features of skin lesions and other issues relating to skin self-examination (SSE) practices. Results The greatest proportion of respondents thought that change in the lesion, sensory features and whether a lesion was different to usual moles were most likely to indicate skin cancer. Fewer respondents thought that static features or new moles were indicative of skin cancer. The lowest proportion of respondents thought that the presence of hair was likely to indicate skin cancer. Conclusion Although change in a lesion is an important feature when looking for early melanoma, current recommendations of looking for change may need to be revised if low levels of skin self-examination continue in the community. Encouraging people to be more familiar with their skin, rather than looking for specific skin features, may improve people's ability to recognise change when it occurs, and recognise which lesions can be considered normal for their skin.

Student nurses' breast self-examination health beliefs, attitudes, knowledge, and performance during the first year of a preregistration degree program.

Very little information is available about young women's breast self-examination (BSE) health beliefs and practice. The purpose of this descriptive survey was to determine if changes occurred in young women's BSE health beliefs, attitudes, knowledge, and performance over the first year of a registered nursing degree program. The convenience sample consisted of female students ages 40 years or younger who were surveyed at the beginning (n = 105) and end (n = 71) of the first year of the course. The Health Belief Model was used as the conceptual model in the study to measure the students' health beliefs and to calculate mean health belief scores. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results found students' BSE health belief scores to be high for perceived seriousness and benefits; moderate for susceptibility, control, and health motivation; and low for perceived barriers. These beliefs were not found significantly to predict or increase student's attitudes, knowledge, or performance of BSE, even though significant associations were identified between individual health beliefs. Students consistently reported positive attitudes toward the importance of BSE and in learning more about the procedure. Approximately one-third of students reported performing BSE monthly. No significant differences were identified in their BSE knowledge or performance over the year. Positive correlations were found between students' BSE frequency and their nursing experience as well as BSE instruction gained outside the course. In summary, no statistically significant differences were found between students' pretest and posttest BSE variables.

Young men's awareness, attitudes and practice of testicular self-examination: A Health Action Process Approach

One-hundred-and-one Australian university students aged 18-25 years, with a mean age of 22.9 years (SD=1.62) completed a survey assessing testicular self-examination, and knowledge of testicular cancer. A statistically significant difference was found in knowledge scores between performers and non-performers. The factors influencing performance of testicular self-examination were examined using Schwarzer's (1992) Health Action Process Approach as the theoretical framework. Results showed that the majority of men were uninformed or misinformed about testicular cancer and testicular self-examination. Eighty-three per cent of respondents did not perform testicular self-examination once per month as recommended. Intention, outcome expectancies and self-efficacy were the best predictors of testicular self-examination performance. Findings provided some support for the Health Action Process Approach.

Breast Self-examination, the Health Belief Model, and Sexual Orientation in Women

This study investigated relationships among sexual orientation in women, breast self-examination (BSE) practice, and the Health Belief Model (HBM). The Champion Health Belief Scale was administered to 303 women over 35 years of age, with nearly equal samples of heterosexual and lesbian women. Significant differences were found for BSE practice between heterosexual and lesbian women, while only the HBM construct “health motivation” was found to significantly discriminate between the subsamples. The HBM constructs—“susceptibility,” “health motivation,” “confidence,” and “barriers”—were found to explain a significant portion of the variance of BSE in both subsamples. Heterosexual women were more likely than lesbian women to practice BSE regularly and to pursue preventive health care in general and annual gynecological examinations specifically. Implications include educating lesbian women on the importance of preventive medical care, and reducing barriers to its practice among the lesbian population.

Melanoma awareness and self-examination practices: Results of a United States survey

Background: Skin cancers are common and there has been a dramatic increase in their incidence, particularly melanoma. However, little is known about awareness of melanoma and early detection practices in the general U.S. population. Objective: In 1995, the American Academy of Dermatology increased their efforts to promote awareness of melanoma. This study was conducted to document current knowledge of melanoma and self-examination practices. Methods: In February 1995, a telephone survey was conducted in a nationally representative sample of 1001 persons at least 18 years of age (3% margin of error) that included questions on knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding early detection of melanoma. Results: Almost 42% of those surveyed were unaware of melanoma, and only 26% of those who were aware could identify its specific signs. Most recognized at least one common risk factor for melanoma (e.g., sun exposure, fair skin). However, many did not distinguish melanoma from other skin cancers in terms of risk factors, signs of early disease, and body site distribution. The lowest measures of melanoma knowledge and attitudes were found among those who are male, nonwhite, and parents, and those with the lowest level of education and income. More than half (54%) did not conduct a self-examination. This practice was most frequently reported by women, white persons, and the elderly, as well as those with a greater knowledge of melanoma. Conclusion: Our research documents deficiencies in knowledge and practices related to early detection of melanoma in the general U.S. population and supports the need for public education about melanoma.

Cancer awareness and self-examination practices in young men and women.

Participants in this study (N = 178) were poorly informed about risk factors, warning signs, and self-examination (SE) practices for two common cancers in young adults, testicular cancer in men and breast cancer in women. Compared to women, men were less likely to know about, see the importance of, or practice SE. We found no relationship between internal locus of control, hypochondriasis, and loneliness, on the one hand, and cancer knowledge and SE, on the other. The best predictors of cancer awareness and SE were fear of developing cancer and self-rated confidence that SE was being done correctly. The results are consistent with a health belief model and self-efficacy theory of health behavior.

Breast self-examination: Knowledge and practices of Hispanic women in two southwestern metropolitan areas

The breast self-examination (BSE) practices of 1,453 Hispanic women in Phoenix, Arizona and San Diego, California were the focus of this study. Variables proposed as factors that influence the frequency and proficiency of BSE were demographic variables, particularly language and level of acculturation, having been taught BSE by a health professional, and experience with the disease. Results indicate that even though the majority of the women at both the Phoenix (78.1%) and San Diego (83.7%) sites had been taught BSE by a professional and most women in Phoenix (62.5%) and San Diego (63.4%) reported performing BSE within the past month, only 0.7% of the women at both sites were found to be proficient in the technique of BSE. Further, results indicate that language and acculturation were correlated with whether or not a woman performed BSE. These findings suggest that BSE education classes must provide information and techniques that promote proficiency in BSE, and must be designed to meet the unique needs of Hispanic women, particularly those of low acculturation levels.

Testicular Carcinoma: A Study of Knowledge, Awareness, and Practice of Testicular Self-Examination in Male Soldiers and Military Physicians

Multiple-choice questionnaires devised to evaluate knowledge and awareness of testicular carcinoma and the practice of testicular self-examination (TSE) were distributed to 717 male soldiers and 200 military physicians in the Israeli army. Twenty-one percent of the soldiers had received explanations about the importance of TSE; 16% actually received instruction on TSE; yet only 2% practiced TSE regularly. Seventy percent of physicians had been taught how to examine testicles, but only 10% of physicians examined testicles in their routine physical exams. TSE was practiced most frequently among soldiers who had received instruction in the technique. Physicians should encourage their young male patients to practice TSE.

EVALUATION OF MASS EXAMINATION OF BREAST CANCEDR

The number of participants in a mass screening program for breast cancer since 1973 in Kochi Prefecture reached 14.4% of the national figure in the 1986 fiscal year. A total of 238, 767 women had participated in mass screening for breast cancer up to the 1986 fiscal year all over Japan, and breast cancer was detected in 202 women (0.085%). In the subjected women, early breast cancer was detected in 54.5%, which was significantly higher than the figure in Kochi Prefecture. As for the prognosis, the 5-year survival rate was 88.9% and 10-year survival rate 80.0%. There was also a difference in the mortality rate 80.0%. There was also a difference in the mortality rate between the subjects in Kochi Prefecture and those nationally. A comparison of changes in the standardized mortality ratio (SMR) of breast cancer by municipalities with the rate of receipt of examination revealed that the SMR decreased when the rate of receipt was higher than 10%. From a questionnaire survey regarding the practice of self-examination and the stage of interim breast cancer, the campaign for mass screening is considered to be becoming steadily more accepted, and the mass screening steadily more accepted, and the mass screening in the mortality rate.

Encouraging the practice of testicular self-examination: A field application of the theory of reasoned action.

Identified factors associated with testicular self-examination (TSE) within the context of the theory of reasoned action. Subjects (232 male college students) received instruction in TSE and completed a questionnaire operationalizing the components of the theoretical model. During the following 6 weeks, a field intervention was conducted in which approximately half the subjects were exposed to posters reminding them to perform the exam. Multiple-regression analyses revealed that intention to perform TSE correlated significantly with attitude and subjective norm and that consideration of self-efficacy and TSE knowledge improved the prediction of intention. Significant differences in outcome expectancies and normative beliefs were found between subjects who intended to perform the exam and those who did not. Intention was moderately (r = .30, p less than .001) correlated with behavior; the intention-behavior correlation, however, was stronger among subjects who intended to perform the exam and were exposed to the posters (r = .55, p less than .001).

Modeling and guided practice as components within a comprehensive testicular self-examination cancer education program.

This study sought to assess the effects of modeling and guided practice as components within a comprehensive testicular self-examination education program for college-aged men. We studied three treatment groups (N = 161) at two Arkansas universities. The variables investigated were knowledge of testicular cancer, attitudes toward testicular cancer, and frequency of self-reported testicular self-examination. A summary of the major findings revealed a significant difference in knowledge of testicular cancer and attitudes toward testicular cancer and a significant difference in frequency of testicular self-examination for all treatment groups. Modeling and guided practice yielded no significant differences in knowledge of testicular cancer or frequency of self-reported testicular self-examination but some significant attitudinal differences. Results indicated that subjects were not knowledgeable about testicular cancer and that most (91.7%) were not practicing testicular self-examination. Three months after participation in one of three education programs, 78.9% of the subjects indicated they had performed testicular self-examination. Modeling and guided practice as components of one education approach used appear to be an essential strategy to increase the practice of regular testicular self-examination.

Self-examination practices among women frequently screened for breast cancer: Rubie T. Senie, Ph.D.,∗,† Joyce Hausdorff, Ed.D., R.N.,‡ Louis Venet, M.D.,∗,†, § and Phillip Strax, M.D.,§ ∗Mount Sinai School of Medicine, 1 Gustave Levy Place, New York, New York 10029, †Beth Israel Medical Center, First Avenue and 16th Street, New York, New York 10003, ‡Downstate Medical Center, State University of New

This paper presents a blast experiment to investigate the blast-resistance of square sandwich panels with hexagon aluminum honeycomb cores. Different heights and cell side length s for honeycomb core were considered in the experiment. The impulse loading on the panel was calculated by using the displacement history of ballistic pendulum. The interaction between the shockwave and panel, as well as the deformation/failure modes of face sheet and core, were discussed. Finite-element simulation was also conducted to investigate the dynamic response of the sandwich panel. The simulation captured most of the details of the deformation patterns. The velocity, displacement, strain history and energy absorption of the sandwich panel was analyzed.