Aysel Özdemir

Identification of the Knowledge of First Grade Students in University about Sexually Transmitted Diseases

ABSTRACT Young people with no or insufficient knowledge about sexually transmitted diseases are at a risk for these diseases. This study was performed with the aim of identifying knowledge level of first grade students in university about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Universe of this cross-sectional and descriptive study was composed of 283 first grade students. For obtaining data, general information form and Knowledge Test of Sexually Transmitted Diseases, which is composed of 36 questions, developed in Canada and translated to the Turkish, were used. Mean knowledge level of students was 18.37±6.87. According to the cases, conditions causing highest risk of STDs were unprotected sex (72.8%) and presence of multiple partners (61.8%). Knowledge about STDs showed significant difference according to the age, educational status and faculty (p<0.05). Regular education about STD for improving knowledge level of students is suggested.

The Awareness of Cancer and Attitudes among Turkish Adolescents

Abstract Cancer awareness among adolescents has a critical role in future cancer prevalence, therapy and early diagnosis. The aim of the study was to determine the knowledge level of adolescents about cancer and it’s symptoms. The 9-12th class students of two high schools were involved in the study. After getting informed consent 1311 students were asked to answer a questionnaire form. The mean age was 16.3 ± 1.12. The cases were grouped as Group 1 (adolescents without family members with cancer) and Group 2 (the cases that had family members with cancer). The awareness rates for all of nine common cancer signs were significantly higher in adolescents that had family members with cancer. The presence of a family member with cancer increased the rates of being aware but the increased awareness in that group did not change the attitudes towards possible presence of cancer symptoms.