Awareness, Practice and Intention to Practice Testicular Self-Examination among Professional Working Males in Ghana

Background: The aetiology of Testicular Cancer (TC) is still unknown to researchers but many of the associated risk factors have been identified. These include family history, age, racial origin, cryptorchidism, urogenital malformations, testicular atrophy, and infertility. Given the lack of scientific data on the causes of the disease, it has been asserted in previous studies that the promotion of awareness and early detection are prerequisites to mitigating risks of metastasis as well as improving survival. This study is to assess the awareness, practice, and intention to practice testicular self-examination among professional working males in Accra. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional design with a structured research instrument was used to collect data from respondants. The purposive and convenience sampling techniques were used to collect data from 300 men at Accra in Ghana. The study was conducted at two (2) Universities and a Senior High school at Accra in Ghana. The data was then analysed using descriptive statistics, logistic regression, multiple linear regression, and structural equation modeling. Results: From the study findings, 37% of male participants rated their knowledge of testicular self-examination and related symptoms as good, 28% of participants practised testicular self-examination monthly, while 65% of respondents expressed their intention to practice monthly testicular self-examination. The findings from logistic regression demonstrated that level of education, age, and marital status of participants had a significant influence on testicular self-examination. Additionally, the multiple linear regression results revealed knowledge and self-efficacy significantly predict testicular self-examination intention. The path coefficient results from the structural equation model are consistent with results from the regression models. Conclusion: This research is the first to investigate testicular self-examination among men in Ghana. The findings revealed awareness and practice of TSE are low among participants. Therefore, the research findings would improve the expertise of physicians and nurses in providing counsel, intervention, and support for patients at risk of testicular cancer.

Breast Self-Examination (BSE): Association between “Belief in BSE” and “Awareness of BSE” among University Female Students in Uganda

Background: Regular breast self-examination (BSE) has been known to effectively detect breast cancer occurrence early. Are Women who consider BSE effective in detecting breast cancer more likely to be aware of BSE, or vice versa? The present study was an attempt to answer this question. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed for 259 female University students in Kampala, Uganda. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Univariate and bivariate analyses were carried out. Results: The majority (64.1%) were aware of the BSE technique. Women considering BSE to be effective for early cancer detection were significantly more likely to be aware of the BSE technique. Conclusions: University students who believed in the benefits of BSE were more likely to be aware of BSE than those who did not. More emphasis should be placed on health education for women of younger ages to increase the knowledge of the practice of BSE.

Breast self examination practices among female secondary school teachers in a rural community in Oyo State, Nigeria

The objective of the study was to assess female secondary school teachers’ knowledge and attitude of breast self examination (BSE) and to describe the extent of practice of breast self examination among them. This study employed a descriptive design and data was collected with the aid of validated semi structured questionnaire from 100 female teachers in all the five secondary schools in Oko, Oyo State, and analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences. The result showed that 82% of the respondents were aware of breast self examination practices and their source of this information was from mass media (55%) and friends (25%). Fifty-four respondents had poor knowledge of BSE and 48% had negative attitude towards practice of BSE and majority (62%) had a low practice. The study however, revealed that majority of the respondents who practice BSE do not know what to look for. The results further showed that, there is no significant relationship between age of the respondents and their awareness (X2 = 8.322;p = 0.0800;df = 4) and knowledge (X2 = 14.501;p = 0.264 and df = 8) of breast self examination. This study concluded that there is poor knowledge and attitude towards BSE practice among the secondary school teachers in Oko community and with unsatisfactory practice. It therefore, suggests that breast awareness campaign and self efficacy development is important for teachers in secondary schools to aid early detection and better prognosis of breast cancer in this community, and this will have a multiplier effect on female secondary school girls.

A Cross Sectional Study of the Knowledge and Practice of Self-Breast Examination among Market Women at the Makola Shopping Mall, Accra, Ghana

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women worldwide. With an estimated incidence of 1,676,633 with 521,817 deaths in the year 2012, the figure is expected to hit the 82.5 millionth mark by 2015. Breast cancer screening is reported to be extremely low in most low-middle income countries like Ghana. This study was to determine the knowledge and practices of self-breast examination among market women at Makola Shopping Mall in Accra, Ghana. Methods: The study was conducted at the Makola Shopping Mall in Accra among women above the age of 20 years who owned a store and sell at the mall. Data were collected using mixed method involving in-depth interviews and questionnaire survey. Random samples of 170 participants were selected from a population of 400 for the quantitative survey. A total of eight in-depth interviews were conducted to generate qualitative data to complement the survey data. Results: Majority (60%) of the respondents were between the ages of 20 - 40 years. There’s a high literacy rate among the participants. Though awareness of self-breast examination was very high (93%), only 27% practiced self-breast examination in line with the recommended one week period after menses due to lack of knowledge of the basic skills to do self-breast examination. Conclusion: In view of the lack of knowledge resulting in non-performance of self-breast examination, continuous education on breast cancer screening should be given to the women to enable them acquire the skills of performing self-breast examination to promote early detection of the disease.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Breast Self-Examination amongst Women in Two Communities of Cameroon

Breast cancer is a major health problem in the world. It is the most common cancer in women and is equally the leading cause of cancer death in women. Though in controversy Breast self-examination (BSE) remains a useful tool in early diagnosis of breast cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice of BSE amongst women in Yaoundé and Monatele. We carried out a cross sectional study in two communities of Cameron over a period of eight months, targeting females older than 15 years. After obtaining authorization, we randomly interviewed 402 consenting participants, using a pretested questionnaire. Data were entered using CS Pro 7.3 and analysed using SPSS 23. Of a total of 402 participants, 256 (63.7%) in Monatele and 146 (36.3%) in Yaoundé VI, the mean age was 26.55 ± 9.57 years. Exactly 50% (201) had earlier heard of BSE. Health personnel and media represented the main sources of information on BSE. Of the total, 46 (11.4%) knew BSE should be done monthly. Fifty-three percent had poor knowledge and 51.0% had a generally low attitude towards BSE. Out of 402 participants, 65.2% reported not practicing BSE. For those practicing, 71.6% had poor practices. The main reason for not practicing was lack of knowledge. Poor knowledge increased poor practice. In conclusion half of the women had heard about BSE even though the majority had a poor knowledge on BSE and very low overall attitude and practice. Health personnel and media played a key role in passing of information. Increasing the number of health campaigns, multiplying TV shows and health talks about breast self-examination will improve knowledge and hence attitude and practice.

Knowledge, attitude and practice of breast self examination and breast cancer among female medical students in Taif, Saudi Arabia

Introduction and Research Problem: Breast cancer is the most common of all female cancers in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Different studies conducted in the Kingdom have shown that knowledge of females regarding breast cancer is poor. Aim of the study was to determine knowledge, attitude and practice among students of Saudi female medical university towards Breast Self Examination (BSE) and also to explore their knowledge about breast cancer. Research Methodology: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted at Faculty of Medicine, Taif University during October 2013. Sample size was 378 with mean age of 19.9 ± 1.5. A self administrated questionnaire was used to obtain data about knowledge, attitude and practice towards BSE and knowledge about breast cancer. Data were collected and fed to SPSS version 16. Shape of distribution for numerical data was tested by using one sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Chi-Square Test & Fissure Exact Test (FET) were used for testing relation between categorical variables while correlation analysis was used to test the strength of relation between numeric variables. Main Results: The study revealed that only 8.2% of participants had good overall knowledge about breast cancer and BSE. Although 66% of the study sample had positive attitude towards BSE, only 17% reported that they practiced BSE monthly. A significant positive moderate correlation was found between overall knowledge score and attitude towards BSE (r = 0.449 & p = 0.000). The same was for the frequency of BSE practice but it was found to be in a weak magnitude (r = 0.223 & p = 0.000). Conclusion and Recommendations: Although there was lack of knowledge about breast cancer and BSE yet, positive attitude towards BSE was encouraging. Most female medical students in our sample did not perform BSE or perform it irregularly. Therefore, more intensified awareness programs among students of medical university are necessary to keep in view their current status of breast cancer and BSE knowledge. Further researches are needed to identify causes of inadequate knowledge and practice of BSE among medical students in Taif.

Awareness of breast cancer risk factors and practice of breast self examination among female undergraduates in university of Nigeria Enugu campus

Breast cancer patients generally have low rates of survival due to being diagnosed at advanced stages raising critical issues about prevention and avoidance of risk factors. Breast self examination makes women more “breast aware”, which in turn may lead to an earlier diagnosis of breast cancer. In Nigeria, the statistics of breast cancer have overtaken cancer of the cervix to become the commonest malignancy in women. This study was carried out to determine the awareness of breast cancer risk factors and practice of breast self examination among female students of the University of Nigeria Enugu Campus. The descriptive survey design was used for the study. The population of the study was all the female students that reside in hostels in the campus (2400) in number. A sample of 240 students was selected using quota sampling technique. Structured questionnaires based on the research objectives were used for data collection. The results of the study showed that most of the students have little knowledge of breast cancer risk factors and majority of the students do not practice BSE monthly. It was recommended that there should be regular organization of seminars and workshops for students to address sensitive topics like breast cancer risk factors and breast self examination.

An Assessment of the Knowledge and Practice of Self Breast Examination (BSE) amongst University Students

Objective: This study sought to assess the knowledge and practice of breast self-examination (BSE) amongst students in the Department of Nursing Science of a tertiary institution in Benin City, Edo State towards self breast examination (SBE). Methods: A descriptive, cross sectional study was conducted in the nursing department of a tertiary institution in Benin City, Edo state. The age range of the study population was between 17-31 years. Convenient sampling technique was used to select 200 female students. The instrument used was a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was divided into 4 sections: i) Bio-data;ii) knowledge of self breast examination;iii) practice self breast examination;iv) factors affecting SBE. Results: The results of this study indicated that majority of the students were knowledgeable about self breast examination and majority of them practiced self breast examination. The alternate hypothesis which stated that there was a significant difference between factors affecting SBE was retained and the mean values revealed that “forgetfulness” as a factor had the highest mean value. This meant that “forgetfulness” was a potent factor to SBE among the respondents studied. Conclusion: The students in this tertiary institution were aware of self breast examination and they did practice it. Studies like these could enhance the knowledge regarding BSE among nurses and other health professionals.

Women’s Performance of Breast Cancer Screening (Breast Self-Examination, Clinical Breast Exam and Mammography)

Background: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women in Saudi Arabia. Despite the availability of early detection methods to diagnose breast cancer, a huge number of women are still unaware about these methods. This study was conducted to identify the attitude of women in Medina toward breast cancer screening methods, including breast self-examination (BSE), clinical breast examination (CBE) and mammography. Methods and Materials: A cross-sectional survey has been conducted on 124 women aged from 39 and older, who attended Taibah Medical Center for cancer screening either by doctor’s recommendation, family or friends advice, or by herself. Face to face questionnaire was used to collect data. All data were analyzed by statistical analysis system software. Results: The results showed only 35.5%, 27.4% and 37.8% of participants reported that they practiced BSE, CBE and annual mammography, respectively. Only 27.3% of women practiced BSE once per month, and 8.8% visited doctor annually for CBE. Both educational level (p = 0.004) and family history (p = 0.01) were significantly related to BSE. 57.7% of the participants who had positive family history practiced BSE, and 56.0% of the participants who practiced BSE were highly educated. Lacking awareness about BSE is the most important barrier in not practicing BSE, while not having a breast lump was the reason for not undergoing either clinical breast examination (38.7%) or periodic mammography (54.9%). Conclusion: This study emphasized the need for massive health education program to increase awareness, and improve the attitude of women toward breast cancer screening methods.

Analysis on Factors Influencing Sustainable Development of Self-study Examination of Agricultural Science Disciplines

Based on existing problems in the course of development of self-study examination of agricultural science disciplines, this paper analyzes logical conditions for its sustainable development. Major logical conditions include requirement for free and comprehensive development of individuals; requirement for social institutional evolution and change; requirement for fairness and justice of education and development; as well as requirement for better-established organization system and higher social reputation. Finally, it presents basic measures for sustainable development of self-study examination of agricultural science disciplines, including carrying on reasonable core elements of self-study examination system, adjusting structure of discipline, improving social assistance system, and expanding service space.

Relationships between Demographic Variables and Breast Self-Examination among Women in a Rural Community South East of Nigeria

This study examined the relationships between demographic variables of women in a rural community, South East of Nigeria and their practice of Breast Self-Examination (BSE). A descriptive survey design was adopted. The study population of 349 was drawn using system atichousehold sampling technique. Two research questions and three null hypotheses guided the study. The instruments used for data collection were validated structured questionnaire which was interview administered. Demographic information of the women such was also obtained for the study. The result indicated significant correlation between respondents’ educational level and BSE. There was however no significance difference between age, parity and BSE. There was need for community health nurses to reinforce home visits in order to enhance the awareness of breast cancer and needed skill for BSE among the rural populace while liberal education irrespective of age should be instituted by the Government.

Knowledge and Practice of Breast Self-Examination among Female Undergraduates in South-Eastern Nigeria

Breast disease often presents as palpable masses (lumps), inflammatory lesions, nipple secretion, or mammography abnormalities;and this can be easily treated when discovered early. Breast Self-Examination (BSE) is the quickest and cheapest means of early breast cancer detection. The objective of this study was to determine the knowledge and practice of breast self-examination among female undergraduates in Owerri, south eastern Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling design was used to select participants. Interview using structured questionnaire was conducted on randomly selected respondents in six faculties from each tertiary institution. Questionnaire was prepared in English and was self-administered. Permission to conduct the survey was requested and obtained from the university ethical review board. Informed verbal and written consent was obtained from participants. Confidentiality of information was maintained throughout the study. Knowledge and practice of BSE was examined among 720 randomly selected female undergraduates aged 16 to 28 years. It was found that 98.9 percent have heard of BSE but only 32.5 percent of them performed this examination accurately and monthly as required. There is a statistically significant relationship between knowledge of risk factors for breast cancer and practice of BSE (χ2 = 31.17, P χ2 = 86.75, P χ2 = 75.94, P < 0.001). These female undergraduates had a poor knowledge of the right procedure and practice of BSE;therefore there is need for awareness creation on the risks of breast cancer and benefits of early detection among female undergraduates through breast self-examination.

基于微信公众平台的自助服务系统在预防性健康检查的应用效果

目的分析评价基于微信公众平台的自助服务系统在从业人员预防性健康检查的应用效果。方法将2021年1—6月在红谷滩区预防医学门诊部进行预防性健康检查的4768名从业人员和2022年1—6月在该门诊部进行预防性健康检查的4544名从业人员分别作为对照组和观察组。对照组的健康检查通过线下预约、在纸质表登记体检结果和人工核验后反馈结果等传统流程进行,观察组使用基于微信平台的自助服务系统进行健康检查,通过线上分时段预约、身份证读取信息、电脑端录入体检结果、系统自动核验及微信反馈结果等流程进行。记录并比较两组健康检查各环节消耗时间、检查信息完整率和准确率以及服务满意度评分。结果和对照组相比,观察组在信息录入、排队等待、检查全过程和检查后结果反馈环节消耗的时间更少(P<0.05);观察组健康检查数据完整率和准确率均高于对照组(均P<0.05);观察组在结果获取及时、检查结果防伪性、流程公正及现场秩序的满意度评分均高于对照组(均P<0.05)。结论基于微信平台的自助服务系统有助于提高预防性健康检查工作效率和服务质量,提升从业人员对体检机构的满意度。

教育法典编纂进程中的自学考试立法探究

教育法典编纂为解决自学考试立法层级低、内容滞后和体系分散等问题提供了契机。将自学考试纳入教育法典,可以提高自学考试的立法层级,明确自学考试在教育体系中的定位,也可以为自学考试与其他教育制度的协调和融通提供制度基础。在总分式体例下,自学考试的基本理念将体现在教育法典总则的立法目的条款和基本原则条款中,自学考试作为终身教育制度和国家教育考试制度应分别纳入法典分则的“终身教育编”和“教育考试编”。适度法典化的编纂模式并不需要实现对自学考试法律规范的全覆盖,法典中确立的自学考试相关制度仍需通过法规规章予以补充和完善,这些法规规章要受到法典立法目的、基本原则和一般规定的统领,既要实现法典设定的目标,又不能逾越法典的界限。

新高考改革促进了大学新生适应吗?——新高考政策认同对大学新生专业适应性的影响机制

始于2014年的新一轮高考改革把构建衔接各级各类教育“立交桥”作为改革总体目标之一,致力于通过改革促进教育衔接。大学新生的适应是学生从高中到大学转换衔接的重要表征。为此,基于社会认知生涯理论构建新高考政策认同与专业适应性间的中介关系模型,探究新高考政策认同对专业适应性的影响机制,从大学新生适应的视角,来考察新高考政策对高中教育与大学教育衔接的作用,进而评估新一轮高考改革的实施成效。研究发现:在新高考政策下,经历新高考的大学新生的专业适应性情况良好;总体而言,新高考政策认同对大学新生专业适应性具有显著的正向影响,体现出政策影响的持续性,但专业优先政策认知的直接影响并不显著;专业决策自我效能、专业选择结果预期在政策认同影响专业适应性中起到中介作用,但所呈现的中介效应有所不同。由此可认为,新高考改革能促进大学新生适应,改革取得了积极成效;建议从“学生中心”理念出发,进一步培养学生自主能力,强化政策宣传,优化政策方案。

需求侧视角下高等教育自学考试的发展路径探析

随着高等教育从大众化向普及化阶段的发展,高等教育自学考试的重要使命从学历补偿教育迈向学历继续教育,本科层次的学历继续教育相对专科学历继续教育而言有更大的社会需求。这需要加快适合自考生职业发展需求的应用型专业和课程体系改革,采用信息技术和教材建设完善自学考试的社会助学教育功能,推进自学考试纸笔考试逐步向网络机考模式转型。

新高考改革选科的自我—他人决策差异:责任感的中介作用

以X省Y市4所普通高中的883名高一学生为对象,考察新高考改革选科中是否存在自我—他人决策差异,以及责任感在这一差异中所起的作用。研究发现:新高考改革选科中存在自我—他人决策差异,责任感在这一差异中起着中介作用;相较于为自我选科,学生为他人选科时感知到的责任感较小,更倾向于为他人选择高兴趣—高难度的科目;学生自我选科时感知到的责任感较大,更倾向于为自己选择低兴趣—低难度的科目。因此,社会各界尤其是学校和家长应深入了解高中生选科现状,树立“远景性”的选科导向,重视学生兴趣与潜能的发掘;科学认识选科责任,各方协同,助力学生合理选科;正视自我—他人选科差异,聚力优化选科决策。

连续定期体检老年人自我感知老化现状及影响因素分析

目的:了解北京市西城区某社区卫生服务机构连续参加体检的老年人自我感知老化现状,并分析其影响因素,为制订改善老年人身心的健康促进方案提供依据。方法:采用方便抽样法,选取北京市西城区某社区卫生服务机构连续3年参加老年体检的213名老年人为研究对象,采用自制的一般资料调查问卷和简版自我感知老化问卷(B-APQ)对其进行调查,采用多元线性回归分析其自我感知老化的影响因素。结果:连续参加老年体检的老年人自我感知老化得分为(46.24±8.83)分,处于中等水平。多元线性回归分析显示,连续体检老年人的年龄、婚姻状况、休闲活动频次、自评健康状况是影响自我老化感知的主要因素(P<0.05)。结论:连续体检老年人自我老化感知处于中等水平,应关注高龄和丧偶老年人身心状况,加强评估及健康指导,多开展健康促进活动,为老年人提供多样的文体活动,使老年人保持心情愉悦从而改善老化感知,实现积极老化。

高等教育自学考试演进逻辑与路径选择——基于江苏40年发展历史回溯

为进一步探寻新时代自学考试高质量发展路径,运用历史研究、文献研究的方法,在梳理总结40年来江苏自学考试发展脉络的基础上,分析在此期间自学考试政策与实践的演进逻辑,提供历史镜鉴,展望未来走向。江苏自学考试40年发展可划分为起步开展阶段、内涵拓展阶段和转型发展阶段,在不同发展时期具有不同特征,发挥了阶段性作用;其演进逻辑主要为价值取向从社会需求向个体发展演变、发展重心从注重考试向注重教育演变、管理机制从建立框架向完善体系演变、培养目标从学历补偿向技能提升演变;展望未来高质量发展,质量文化是根本保障,协同创新是应然路向,数字赋能是平台载体,服务乡村振兴是着力方向。

体感渊深处,静透梦影风——自审感通论视域下的福瑟戏剧

约恩·福瑟在戏剧创作上的成功,看似偶然,其实跟他严格深邃的多重自审、新奇陌生的精准感通有密切的关系,而自审与感通的融合素来有助于造就经典作品。福瑟以严格的自审,直面人性的种种弱点,同时在静默中用心倾听人心深处的种种声音与天地之间的诸多信息,然后以新奇独特的形式将那渊深处的声音、那神秘而幽微的信息暗示出来,形成了高度诗化音乐化、以大量静场说不可说、以灵知叙事探询神性消息、以循环律动反向感通的新型极简戏剧。而且,福瑟所采用的戏剧形式,与易卜生、契诃夫、贝克特、品特、汉德克等人的相比,确有诸多新奇之处;正因新奇,反而愈能感通人心。进而言之,约恩·福瑟的成功表明,一个作家如果能将“深广的自审”与“新奇的感通”很好地融合起来,就有可能创造出伟大的作品。