Cancer nursing
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Instruments using Health Belief Model constructs in breast cancer screening in previous studies were developed and tested by Champion for American women, and since then, these have been revised twice. Champion's Health Belief Model Scale (CHBMS) has been translated and tested in various studies in other countries and cultures. Also, the current study examined the validity and reliability of the Turkish adaptation of the CHBMS among Turkish women. ⋯ Construct validity was supported by exploring the factor structure of the instrument using factor analysis and testing known-group techniques. Psychometric testing demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency and validity of the instrument for this group of women. It can be used in planning and testing interventions to improve BSE beliefs and practice.
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The ability to communicate the presence of pain by means of verbal and nonverbal communication is crucial to facilitate the assessment of pain. Patients with communication impairment (CI) are limited in their ability to verbally report their pain and, consequently, mechanisms to elicit information about the pain experience must incorporate simple and valid methods to accomplish this goal. Pain measurement and the impact of the pain experience in older adults with CI are areas that have been studied on a limited basis in nursing. ⋯ The highest correlation coefficients between pain measurement tools were identified during the third time when the pain measurement tools were used to rate pain intensity. Subjects identified the Numeric Rating Scale as the preferred method to rate pain intensity. Canonical correlation analysis demonstrated that among the demographic variables evaluated in the study, education explained the largest variance in composite of the pain measurement scales.
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Although Papanicolaou test screening rates are reportedly high, a significant proportion of women remain unscreened. With recent revision of Papanicolaou test guidelines, it is critical that interventions and programs for cervical cancer directed toward low participating groups or individuals be developed. The purpose of the study was to examine factors that influence participation in cervical cancer screening by quantifying characteristics of women who engage in Papanicolaou test screening in a 12-month period. ⋯ Using logistic regression, all variables except race and income level were found to be significant for participation in cervical cancer screening (P < .000). Each variable is discussed within the framework of the Institute of Medicine model of access to personal healthcare services. Study findings provide insight and guidance for the development and implementation of methods for accessing women who have lower participation rates.
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Multicenter Study Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical Trial
Effect of acupressure on nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy cycle for Korean postoperative stomach cancer patients.
Despite the development of effective antiemetic drugs, nausea and vomiting remain the main side effects associated with cancer chemotherapy. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of acupressure on emesis control in postoperative gastric cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Forty postoperative gastric cancer patients receiving the first cycle of chemotherapy with cisplatin and 5-Fluorouracil were divided into control and intervention groups (n = 20 each). ⋯ Both groups received equally frequent nursing visits and consultations, and reported nausea and vomiting using Rhode's Index of Nausea, Vomiting and Retching. We found significant differences between intervention and control groups in the severity of nausea and vomiting, the duration of nausea, and frequency of vomiting. This study suggests that acupressure on P6 point appears to be an effective adjunct maneuver in the course of emesis control.
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Patients' end-of-life decisions challenge nurses to improve palliative care, symptom management, and patient advocacy, and examine ethical issues. When terminally ill patients take charge of the last stages of life, they may challenge nurses to reexamine attitudes about lifesaving technology and autonomy and values about preserving life. Staff members can become benevolent and believe that they know what is best despite the patient's independent decisions. ⋯ Medical and psychological symptoms and spiritual distress often trigger thoughts of hastening death even when pain and symptoms have been treated (Breitbart WS et al. JAMA. 2000;284:2907-2911). Ethical issues and guidelines for management of patients and evaluation of rationality are presented.