• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.1093-1098
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• 2014

Background: Cancer is a major public health problem both in our country and worldwide due to its disease burden, fatality and tendency for increased incidence. In Turkey, breast cancer ranks first with an incidence of 41.6% and cervical cancer is the tenth most common cancer with an incidence of 4.4%. Objectives and Design: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted with 240 women aged from 15 to 65 years admitted to a gynecology-obstetrics outpatient clinic of a private hospital in Gaziantep. Study data were collected by the investigators through a 36-item questionnaire form which was generated using information gathered from similar surveys in the literature. Results: It was determined that 34.6% of women were high-school graduates, and 64.2% had a medium income level. The majority (79.2%) stated that they never performed BSE and 49.5% of them said that they did not know how to do it. Some 79.2% did not know what a Pap smear was and 73.3% had not experienced a smear test ever. Conclusions: In this study, we found that most of the women had insufficient knowledge of breast and cervical cancer, while knowledge and practices increased with the education level. Based on these findings, we suggest that there is a need for planning, implementation and assessment of health policies and healthcare services at the national and regional level and we believe that nurses working in the field of protective health services should develop educational programmes for women with a primary focus on cancer in order to increase awareness among the female population in Turkey.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.40 no.8
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• pp.745-752
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• 2007

While metabolic syndrome(MS) is rapidly expanding and dietary pattern, the known risk factor of MS, goes through heavy transition to western diet, not many researches have been done on the association between dyslipidemia and dietary factors in Korean adults. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between compliance with dietary guidelines and dyslipidemia among Koreans. The subjects of 399 adults who visited health examination center were classified into dyslipidemia(n=180) and control(n=219). Diagnosis of dyslipidemia was based on NCEP-ATPIII criteria(triglyceride>=150mg/d, HDL-C<50mg/dl for male, HDL-C<40mg/dl for female). A questionnaire based interview was done to collect information on compliance with dietary guidelines, general characteristics and health related behaviors. Anthropometric variables were measured during the survey. Mean compliance score of dietary guideline was significantly lower in dyslipidemia group than in control. It was associated negatively with waist circumference and positively with serum HDL-cholesterol(p<0.05). Risks of dyslipidemia were significantly decreased in the group with highest dietary guideline score, high serum triglyceride levels(OR=0.484, 95% CI=0.268-0.875), abdominal obesity(OR=0.296, 95% CI=0.159-0.553), and dyslipidemia(OR=0.481, 95% CI=0.266-0.869). These results indicated that increasing compliance with dietary guidelines could be an effective strategy to lower the risk of dyslipidemia among Koreans.

• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.361-373
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• 2011

1. Objectives: The purpose of this study was done to learn the Sasang constitutional distribution and to find out if there are differences in the type of diseases and symptoms according to the Sasang constitution in Japan. 2. Methods: We collected data from 366 patients who visited the Department of Oriental Medicine, Keio University and recruited 132 healthy persons in Tokyo, Japan. For sasang constitution diagnosis, they all have done SSCQ-P(Sasang Constitution Questionaire for Patients) questionnaire. and a sasang constitution specialist diagnosed the sasang constitution of them. And We classify the diseases and symptoms of 313 patients according to KCD(Korean Standard Classification of Diseases) and learn the prevalences of diseases and symptoms according to Sasang Constitution. 3. Results: 1) Among the total 498 subjects, distributional rate of Taeyangin, Soyangin, Taeeumin, and Soeumin were 2.0%, 26.3%, 29.9%, and 41.8%. Among the 366 patients, distributional rate of Taeyangin, Soyangin, Taeumin, and Soeumin were 0.8%, 27.3%, 28.7%, and 43.2%. Among the 132 healthy group, distributional rate of Taeyangin, Soyangin, Taeeumin, and Soeumin were 5.3%, 23.5%, 33.3%, and 37.9%. 2) The prevalences of 'V.Mental and behavioural disorders', 'XI.Diseases of the digestive system', 'XV.Pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium' and 'feeling of coldness(X VIII.Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, NEC)' of Soeumin were significantly higher than those of the other constitutions.(p-value<0.05) 4. Conclusions: The distributional rate of Sasangin of Japanese was different from that of Korean and especially the distributional rate of Soeumin of Japanese was significantly higher than that of Korean. There were significant differences on the prevalences of some diseases and symtoms according to KCD in Soeumin.

• Korean Journal of Bronchoesophagology
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.29-33
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• 2008

Objectives : Oral pain without identifiable oral mucosa lesion is probably multifactorial origin, which include burning mouth syndrome (BMS), oral candidiasis and so on. The aim of this study was to analyze the characteristics of oral pain without identifiable oral mucosa lesion and to evaluate treatment outcome of those patients. Materials and Methods : We reviewed 50 patients without identifiable oral mucosa lesion who were complaint of oral pain. The patients were analyzed according tothe sites, associated symptoms, laboratory tests and fungus culture. The questionnaire included questions on their current diseases, smoking and alcoholic history, psychological factors, and symptoms. Results : The average age of patients was 60 years old. The most frequently involved site was tongue (92%), followed by palate, lower lip, oropharynx, and gingiva. 60% of the patients has psychological disorder as self reported. Culture for Candida was positive in 36% of patients and serum zinc deficiency was present in 60% of patients. Serum iron, vitamin B12, hemoglobin, folic acid deficiency were present in 6-2% of patients. Seventeen patients (65%) with BMS and twelve patients (66%) with oral candidiasis were improved after treatment. Conclusion : We recommend oral candida culture to oral pain patients without oral mucosa lesion. Zinc supplementation of zinc depletion patients may be helpful whereas other laboratory tests have no diagnostic values.

• Journal of the Korean Society of School Health
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.214-221
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• 2012

Purpose: This study was to assess the association of internet addiction and depression, stress and suicidal ideation among adolescents. Methods: The authors have surveyed 2 middle schools and 2 high schools located in Seoul and analyzed 525 questionnaires. The questionnaire included the Internet Addiction Self Diagnosis Index (K-index), Child Depression Index (CDI), Stress Index and Reynold's Suicidal Ideation Index. Structural equational model analysis was done to explore the association between internet addiction and suicidal ideation. Results: The adolescent internet addiction groups were classified as the high risk group 12 (2.3%), the potential risk group 64 (12.2%) and the normal group 449 (85.5%). When classified according to sex, the high risk group is consisted of 8 (3.9%) boys, 4 (1.3%) girls and the potential risk group is consisted of 41 (64.1%) boys and 23 (35.9%) girls which leads to the conclusion that boys are relatively more addicted compared with girls. The group with more addiction showed higher depression scores, stress scores and suicidal ideation scores. The correlation analysis showed the significant relations between internet addiction and depression (r=0.263), stress (r=0.265) and suicidal ideation (r=0.284). According to the structural equation model analysis, internet addiction had direct effects on the depression and indirect effects on suicidal ideation. Stress had the significant direct effects on both internet addiction and depression. Depression had a significant direct effect on suicidal ideation. Conclusion: Internet addiction affects directly and indirectly an depression and suicidal ideation among adolescent.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.167-171
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• 2016

Purpose: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common medical disorder with serious complications if untreated. Dentists play a vital role in the early diagnosis of this condition, thereby improving patients' prognoses. The purpose of this study was to identify patients with a high risk of OSA using simple cephalometric measurements in patients receiving routine dental care. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted on 206 patients divided into a high-risk group and a control group after answering the Berlin questionnaire. Cephalometric analysis of a digital cephalogram was performed to measure the upper airway diameter (UAD) and mandibular-to-hyoid bone distance (MP-H) by 2 observers at 2 different times. Results: Among 206 patients, 93 (45%) were included in the high-risk group and 113 (55%) were in the control group. No significant difference was present between the groups with regard to gender, and the patients ranged in age from 18 to 65 years. The UAD measurements in the high-risk group were significantly lower than in the control group, and the MP-H measurements were significantly higher in the high-risk group than in the control group. The UAD was lower in middle-aged patients in both groups. Conclusion: Our study found that the UAD was lower in individuals with a high risk of OSA. Also, we found that middle-aged individuals of both genders were more likely to develop OSA. Dentists play a vital role in diagnosing patients at a high risk for OSA via thorough clinical examinations, risk factor analyses, and simple cephalometric analyses.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.18
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• pp.8163-8171
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• 2016

Background: Breast cancer is the second most cause of death (1.38 million, 10.9% of all cancer) worldwide after lung cancer. In present study, we assess the knowledge, level of awareness of risk factors and screening practices especially breast self examination (BSE) among women, considering the non-feasibility of diagnostic tools such as mammography for breast screening techniques of breast cancer in the holy city Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional population based survey was conducted. The investigation tool adopted was self administrated questionnaire format. Data were analysed using SPSS 20 version and Chi square test to determine significant association between various education groups with awareness and knowledge, analysis of variance was applied in order to establish significance. Results: The attitude of participants in this study, among 560 women 500 (89%) responded (age group 18-65 years), 53.8% were married. The knowledge about BSE was very low (16%) and out of them 15.6% were practised BSE only once in life time. study shown that prominent age at which women achieve their parity was 20 yrs, among 500 participants 224 women have achieved their parity from age 18 to 30 yrs. Very well known awareness about risk factors of breast cancer were alcohol (64.6%), smoking (64%) and least known awareness risk factors were early menarche (17.2%) and use of red meat (23%). The recovery factors of breast cancer cases were doctors support (95%) and family support (94.5%) as most familiar responses of the holy city Varanasi. Conclusions: The study revealed that the awareness about risk factors and practised of BSE among women in Varanasi is extremely low in comparison with other cities and countries as well (Delhi, Mumbai, Himachal Pradesh, Turkey and Nigeria). However, doctors and health workers may promote the early diagnosis of breast cancer.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.7
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• pp.3051-3056
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• 2015

Background: Skin self-examination (SSE) may facilitate early diagnosis of melanoma at a potentially curable stage. Little data are available concerning the SSE frequency and knowledge about the symptoms of melanoma in non-patient populations. The aim of our study was to assess the performance of skin self-examination, recognition of potential melanoma symptoms as well as behavior related to sun exposure among web users in Poland. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among readers of a scientific portal. Invited respondents were asked to complete an online questionnaire. Finally, statistical analysis was conducted on 4,919 surveys towards potential clinical signs of melanoma and SSE performance. Results: Approximately 60% of respondents had ever performed SSE in their life. Only 18.4 % declared performance on a regular, monthly, basis. Factors promoting this activity were established to be bigger place of residence, higher education and sensitive skin phototype, higher level of knowledge concerning melanoma, safe tanning rules and, especially, past surgical excision of naevi. Declared longer use of tanning beds was linked to understanding better the importance of clinical features of melanoma. Awareness of hazardous behavior during sunbathing is associated with the attempts to change them. Conclusions: Regular SSE is not a common practice, whilst the knowledge about the clinical features of melanoma is varied. Therefore, constant pressure should be put on promotion of regular skin self-examination and teaching its proper techniques, including familiarity with the ABCD (asymmetry; border; color; diameter) rule and its extension of "EFG" (elevated, firm, progressive growth) criteria.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.7
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• pp.2731-2737
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• 2015

Background: The majority of deaths from cancer occur in low and middle income countries, partly due to poor public awareness of the signs and symptoms of cancer. Materials and Methods: A community based survey using the Cancer Awareness Measure (CAM) questionnaire was conducted in three different communities in Oman. Omani adults aged 18 years and above were invited to participate in the study. Results: A total of 345 responded from 450 invited participants (response rate=76.7%). The majority of respondents were unable to identify the common signs and symptoms of cancer identified in the CAM (average awareness was 40.6%). The most emotional barrier to seeking help was worry about what the doctor might find (223, 64.6%); a practical barrier was too busy to make an appointment (259, 75.1%) and a service barrier was difficulty talking to the doctor (159, 46.1%). The majority of respondents (more than 60% for seven out of ten symptoms) would seek medical help in two weeks for most signs or symptoms of cancer. Females were significantly more likely than males to be embarrassed (p<0.001), scared (p=0.001), and lack confidence talking about their symptoms (p=0.022). Conclusions: Urgent strategies are needed to improve public awareness of the signs and symptoms of cancer in Oman. This might leads to earlier diagnosis, improved prognosis and reduced mortality from cancer.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.8
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• pp.3871-3875
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• 2016

Background: Colonoscopy plays a fundamental role in early diagnosis and management of colorectal cancer and requires public and professional acceptance to ensure the ongoing success of screening programs. The aim of the study was to prospectively assess whether patient acceptance rates to undergo screening colonoscopy could be improved by the offer of advanced imaging techniques. Materials and Methods: Overall, 372 randomly selected patients were prospectively included. A standardized questionnaire was developed that inquired of the patients their knowledge regarding advanced imaging techniques. Second, several media campaigns and information events were organized reporting about advanced imaging techniques, followed by repeated evaluation. After one year the evaluation ended. Results: At baseline, 64% of the patients declared that they had no knowledge about new endoscopic methods. After twelve months the overall grade of information increased significantly from 14% at baseline to 34%. The percentage of patients who decided to undergo colonoscopy because of the offer of new imaging methods also increased significantly from 12% at baseline to 42% after 12 months. Conclusions: Patients were highly interested in the offer of advanced imaging techniques. Knowledge about these techniques could relatively easy be provided using local media campaigns. The offer of advanced imaging techniques leads to higher acceptance rates for screening colonoscopies.