Fatma Demirkiran

Risk factors for and protective factors against adolescent suicidal behavior in Turkey

This study investigated the possible role of depression, self-esteem, problem solving, assertiveness, social support, and some socioeconomic factors on adolescent suicidal behavior in youth in a small city located in the southwestern part of Turkey. Participants in the study were 805 (367 girls) first-year high school students between the ages of 13-18 years. Some 23% of participants reported having thought of killing themselves during the past 12 months or their lifetime. The percentage of students who said that they had attempted to kill themselves was 2.5. Suicidal ideation during ones lifetime or during the past 12 months was more frequent among girls than among boys but suicidal attempts were equally common in girls and boys. Girls scored significantly higher on depression and the Suicide Probability Scale (SPS) but also on assertiveness and perceived social support from friends than boys. Boys tended to score higher on self-esteem than girls. Depression and low self-esteem were the most consistent and independent predictors of suicidal thoughts, attempts, and SPS scores in both girls and boys. The results are discussed in terms of relevant literature with special reference to developmental and sociocultural issues. The implications of findings for the assessment and treatment of suicidal youths are highlighted.

How do nurses and teachers perform breast self-examination: are they reliable sources of information?

BackgroundBreast cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. The aim of the present study was to determine and compare knowledge, behavior and attitudes among female nurses and teachers concerning breast self-examination (BSE).MethodsTwo-hundred and eighty nine women working in Aydin, Turkey (125 nurses and 164 teachers) were included in the study. The data were collected using a questionnaire designed to measure the knowledge, attitudes and behavior of the groups. Analysis involved percentiles, χ2 tests, t tests and factor analysis.ResultsThe knowledge of nurses about BSE was higher than that of teachers (81.5% versus 45.1%; p < 0.001). BSE practice parameters (i.e. age groups, indications, frequency) were similar (p > 0.05), whereas skills in performing self-examination were higher in nurses (p < 0.001). Fear of having breast cancer is the most frequent reason for performing BSE. Among nurses, the reasons for failure to perform BSE were the absence of prominent breast problems (82%) and forgetting (56.4%). The teachers who did not perform BSE said that the reasons were lack of knowledge on how to perform self-examination (68.9%) and absence of problems (54%). Both groups had unacceptable technical errors in the performance of BSE.ConclusionWe conclude that nurses and teachers should be supported with information enabling them to accomplish their roles in the community. To improve BSE practice, it is crucial to coordinate continuous and planned education.

The Effects of Breast Self-Exam Education on The Performance of Nursing and Midwifery Students: A 6-Month Follow-Up Study*

Background. Late detection of breast cancer is still a leading cause of morbidity among patients. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of preplanned breast self-examination (BSE) training on nursing and midwifery students. Methods. A total of 74 first-year nursing and midwifery students were trained on BSE. Data were collected before and after BSE education by a modified questionnaire. Results. The BSE accuracy of the students was increased after education. Furthermore, positive attitude and behavior of the students toward BSE were improved. The students started to practice BSE with the right techniques and positions at the right time. The main reasons not to perform BSE were the lack of knowledge and motivation prior the education. Conclusions. BSE training is effective in nursing and midwifery students but should be repeated periodically for better efficacy. J Cancer Educ . 2007; 22:77–79.

Awreness Research on Household Cleaning Substances-Aydın -

Objective: To determine the knowledge levels of participants at the age of above 20 about the risks of household cleaning substances and investigate of the storage conditions of them in the houses of the participants. Materials and Method: This is a cross-sectional research which involves 603 participants as head of the household from each of houses region of eight health center of Aydin, October 2007-January 2008. The questionnaire was given to the participants by a face-to-face technique. The storage conditions of household cleaning substances were also investigated and filled a control list for each houses. Results: There were at least one household cleaning substance of 97.7% of the houses. The most of them were storaged in the bathroom (88.6%). In the houses, cleaners were founded attainable level for the childrens at the age of under the six as at the varying percents between 86-100 % according to storage part of the houses. Conclusion: Child-specific health and environment control/investigation lists for practical using during periodical visiting of the health staffs should be developed. Specific training programs can be prepared and performed to increase knowledge and awareness level of the community.