survey of the knowledge about PAP smears among women aged 15 and above

To estimate the lifetime prevalence of pap smear among a group of women and assess the relationship between some possible risk factors and pap smear knowledge status. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. We interviewed 1972 women in their houses in a quarter of a city in western Turkey, who agreed to participate in the study. Factors related to history of having a Pap smear and knowledge level and willingness to participate in a screening program were evaluated using a questionnaire. The questionnaire forms were filled by a face to face method. The student's t test and the chi square [x[2]] test were used for statistical analysis. Twenty one point four percent of women had a pap smear at least once in their lives [422/1972]. The rate of those having knowledge about pap smear was 42.4% [n=836/1972]. In this study, the prevalence of the women having pap smear test was lower in the women who didn't know pap smear test than the women who knew pap smear test [p<0.05]. Study results showed that prevalence of the women having pap smear test, and the prevalence of the women who did not know pap smear test are low, but is compatible with the literature

Knowledge of women on early diagnosis methods and risk factors for breast cancer in a province of Western Turkey: a descriptive study

To determine the knowledge of women on early diagnosis methods and risk factors for breast cancer [BC]. This descriptive study was conducted on all the women attending to the Eskisehir Municipality Women's Counseling and Solidarity Center in a province of western Turkey for any reasons between April 1, 2008 and April 1, 2010. The evaluation of knowledge was scored by a questionnaire formed using literature. The statistical analysis was carried out using Chi-square [x[2]], and student t test. A value of p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. The average age of the participants was 47.21 +/- 10.46 years. The proportion of those with enough knowledge about BC was 48.7%. In younger ages, in those with higher education levels, in those living in nuclear family type, in those with higher family income level, in those smoking cigarette, in those receiving knowledge previously about BC, in those having positive family history and in those with a benign or malignant breast disease diagnosed previously, the knowledge about BC were higher [p<0.001, per one]. According to the results of this study, breast self-examination, a simple and economical diagnostic tool which protects women's privacy, should be performed regularly and properly by women themselves

Frequency of vaccination and exposure to needle-stick sharp injuries among a group of nurses in Turkey: a meta regression analysis

To determine the prevalence of needle stick sharps injuries [NSSIs] and the frequency of vaccination, and to determine the risk of exposure to hepatitis B virus [HBV] and hepatitis C virus [HCV] infections. We found 14 NSSIs-related studies conducted between January 1996 and January 2006 in Turkey. Out of those, 10 studies selected according to systematic review were related to vaccination. Analyses were prepared using a Meta Regression Analysis. In 14 case-control studies, the rate of NSSIs among nurses for the last year was found to be 64%. The frequency of injury among nurses aged 30 and below when compared to that of nurses aged 31 and over was 1.071-fold higher. The frequency of vaccination among nurses in the age of 30 and under was 1.01-fold lower when compared to those in the age of 31 and over. We conclude that the prevention of NSSIs through education and training of nurses, especially younger nurses, is of great importance