scholarly journals Delay in Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer in Afghanistan: A Pilot Cross-Sectional Survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cecilia Acuti Martellucci ◽  
Mohammad Delsoz ◽  
Shohra Qaderi ◽  
Shekiba Madadi ◽  
Divya Bhandari ◽  
...  

Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the potential delays in healthcare seeking and diagnosis of women with cervical cancer (CC) in Afghanistan.Methods: Clinical records of three hospitals in Kabul were searched for CC cases, and the women identified were interviewed by a trained physician using a semi-structured questionnaire. The main outcomes were the prevalence of potential delays over 90 days (1) from symptoms onset to healthcare seeking (patient delay), and (2) from first healthcare visit to CC diagnosis (healthcare delay). Information was also collected on: type and stage of CC, diagnostic test utilized, familiarity for CC, signs and symptoms, treatment type, and potential reasons for delaying healthcare seeking.Results: 31 women with CC were identified, however only 11 continued their treatment in the study hospitals or were reachable by telephone, and accepted the interview. The mean age was 51 ± 14 years, and only 18.2% had a previous history of seeking medical care. Patient delay was seen in 90.9% of the women (95% CI: 58.7–99.8), with a median of 304 ± 183 days. Instead, healthcare delay was found in 45.4% (95% CI: 16.7–76.6), with a median of 61 ± 152 days. The main reasons for patient delays were unawareness of the seriousness of the symptoms (70.0%) and unwillingness to consult a healthcare professional (30.0%). None of the women ever underwent cervical screening or heard of the HPV vaccination.Conclusions: Given the global effort to provide quality health care to all CC patients, Afghanistan needs interventions to reduce the delays in the diagnosis of this cancer, for instance by improving all women's awareness of gynecological signs and symptoms.

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 526-533
Author(s):  
Ian Peate

Screening for cervical cancer saves lives. This article provides an overview of cervical screening programmes offered by the NHS. All four countries in the UK provide a cervical cancer screening programme. Cervical screening identifies apparently healthy women who may be at increased risk of a disease or condition; this then provides an opportunity for earlier treatment or better informed decisions. In some instances, the healthcare assistant and assistant practitioner (HCA and AP) may be needed in order to provide assistance with the screening procedure, offering the woman physical and psychological support. This article offers the reader an overview of the cervix, along with a brief description of signs and symptoms of cervical cancer.


Author(s):  
Desak Gede Yenny Apriani ◽  
N.L.P. Suariyani ◽  
Mangku Karmaya

Background and purpose: Cervical and breast cancers are the most common malignancies among women in Indonesia. The prevalence of cervical cancer in Bali was 0.6% in 2013. Screening coverage for cervical cancer in Tabanan district varies from 37% to 67%. This study aims to determine factors associated to cervical cancer screening uptake among reproductive-aged women.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at Baturiti Subdistrict, Tabanan Regency, Bali Province. This study involved 188 reproductive-aged women. Samples were randomly selected from all reproductive-aged women from two villages of Baturiti and Angseri. Data were collected using home interviews by a standardised questionaire. Multivariate analysis was conducted using poisson regression model to determine factors associated to cervical cancer screening uptake.Results: This study showed that the proportion of cervical cancer screening was 38.83%. Variables associated to the uptake of cervical cancer screening were comprehensive knowledge about cervical cancer (APR=10.16; 95%CI: 4.33-24.76), insurance holder (APR=2.95; 95%CI: 1.38-6.64) and aged of ?40 years (APR=1.26; 95%CI: 1.01-1.59). Education level, employment status and perceived benefits were not associated with the screening uptake among reproductive-aged women.Conclusions: Level of knowledge about cervical cancer, insurance ownership and aged over 40 years increase the cervical screening uptake among reproductive-aged women


Author(s):  
Ezekiel Uba Nwose ◽  
Uchechukwuka Nnemdi Okwe ◽  
Helen Chime

Background: Factors influencing acceptance of cervical cancer services are being investigated, and widely reported to be quite low. However, there is dearth of research investigation on the odds of women’s acceptance of this gynaecological service. Objective of this study was to investigates the odds of unwilling to accept cervical cancer services.Methods: The study was a questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey and fourth piece in a series of analysis. Details of data collection are as previously described. Odds ratio was determined using online calculator; and based on proportion of respondents who have accepted the cervical cancer service, willing to complete an incomplete process and encourage others to take up the procedure.Results: The percentage of respondents who indicated no problem with HPV vaccination (55%) is higher than cervical screening (53%), but not statistically significantly different. On average, unwillingness to vaccinate later, complete their vaccinations or encourage their daughter are one-third of those who vaccinated. Those unwilling to take up cervical screening, encourage others to screen or overcome their fears are more than (161%) the subgroup who have been screened. Results show odds of unwillingness for both procedures are less than 1, but a little greater for cervical screening.Conclusions: It has been articulated that the likelihood to take up cervical cancer services will be influenced by the beliefs. This report advances that observed low acceptance level does not translate to high likelihood of unwillingness to accept the gynaecological services. Belief and nature of work of women need to be concertedly investigated.


2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement 2) ◽  
pp. 3s-3s
Author(s):  
J. Agboeze ◽  
M. Nwali ◽  
N. Ezeani

Background: Cervical cancer is a highly preventable disease that affects women especially in developing countries. Over the years awareness and uptake of cervical cancer screening services have remained poor in developing countries. Lack of knowledge and poor attitude toward the disease and risk factors can affect screening practice and development of preventive behavior for cervical cancer. Aim: This study assessed the level of knowledge and barriers toward cervical cancer screening among female university students. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 234 female students selected by stratified random sampling techniques at Ebonyi State University Abakaliki Nigeria. A pretested questionnaire was administered to assess knowledge, attitude and screening history. Data were analyzed with Epi info version 7.1.4. Results: Participants' mean age was 22 years (SD=3). Majority of the respondents 79.5% have not heard of screening, 58.9% knew that it can be prevented, 78.5% have not heard about HPV vaccine and only 4.0% have had Papanicolaou test. Common barriers include lack of centers where such services are obtainable (88%) and fear of cancer being discovered (9%). Reported risk factors were multiple sexual partners (24.2%) and early onset of sexual intercourse (19.8%). A significant association was found between institutional and personal barriers and having a Papanicolaou test. Conclusion: Comprehensive education on cervical cancer screening in universities is critical in reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with cervical cancer. Few screening centers have also contributed to poor cervical screening uptake.


2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 14
Author(s):  
Desak Gede Yenny Apriani ◽  
Ni Luh Putu Suaryani ◽  
I Nyoman Mangku Karmaya

Background and purpose: Cervical and breast cancers are the most common malignancies among women in Indonesia. The prevalence of cervical cancer in Bali was 0.6% in 2013. Screening coverage for cervical cancer in Tabanan district varies from 37% to 67%. This study aims to determine factors associated to cervical cancer screening uptake among reproductive-aged women.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at Baturiti Subdistrict, Tabanan Regency, Bali Province. This study involved 188 reproductive-aged women. Samples were randomly selected from all reproductive-aged women from two villages of Baturiti and Angseri. Data were collected using home interviews by a standardised questionnaire. Multivariate analysis was conducted using poisson regression model to determine factors associated to cervical cancer screening uptake.Results: This study showed that the proportion of cervical cancer screening was 38.83%. Variables associated to the uptake of cervical cancer screening were comprehensive knowledge about cervical cancer (APR=10.16; 95%CI: 4.33-24.76), insurance holder (APR=2.95; 95%CI: 1.38-6.64) and aged of ≥40 years (APR=1.26; 95%CI: 1.01-1.59). Education level, employment status and perceived benefits were not associated with the screening uptake among reproductive-aged women.Conclusions: Level of knowledge about cervical cancer, insurance ownership and aged over 40 years increase the cervical screening uptake among reproductive-aged women.


2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hafsa Younus ◽  
Joel Joy Thomas ◽  
Faateh Siddiq ◽  
Vishali Sharma ◽  
Sadaf Fiyyaz ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Primary gastric lymphomas are rare tumours and account for 5% of all gastric neoplasms. Esophaphageal lymphomas are even rarer, accounting for 1% of all oesophageal tumours. Incidence of these tumours have been increasing over time and there is increasing need to understand this tumour subtype. This is a single centre study of esophagogastric lymphomas over a period of 15 years. Methods Between 2005 to 2020; patients who were diagnosed of having esophagogastric lymphomas, were retrospectively studied. Their clinical records were assessed for age, gender, clinical signs and symptoms, histological type, association with H pylori, LDH levels, stage at diagnosis, treatment type, Endoscopy and clinical follow up and survival. Results 66 patients were diagnosed of having lymphoma, out of which 4 (6%) were oesophageal and 62 (93.93%) were gastric. Median age was 77 years (Range 41-102 years), 39 were male (59%) and 27(41%) were female. Anaemia was the commonest sign (53%), followed by nausea/vomiting (45%), weight loss (44.5%), abdominal pain (40.6%) and dysphagia (24%). 15.6% patients were found to have H pylori and 10% of patients had Barrett’s. Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphomas were commonest tumours (28.33%) followed by MALToma’s (26.6%). 60% patients were T3/4 at the time of diagnosis and 9.7% had other OG malignancies. 53% patients received antibiotics, 61% received chemotherapy, 16% received chemoradiotherapy and 16% received surgical resection. Median survival was 3 years (range 0-14). Conclusions Esophagogastric lymphomas are successfully treated with chemotherapy with promising survival. The stage at diagnosis and presence of comorbidities are limiting factors in overall disease prognosis.


2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-65
Author(s):  
Jude Egwurugwu ◽  
S.D. Ejikunle ◽  
E.I. Dike ◽  
M.C. Ohamaeme ◽  
Jude Egwurugwu ◽  
...  

Background: Cervical cancer is the 2nd commonest cancer among women worldwide and the most common cancer among women in developing countries like Nigeria. Though preventable by screening for premalignant and early cervical lesions, this is predicated on the knowledge and practice of a cervical screening. Objective: To assess the knowledge and practice of cervical cancer screening among women in Orlu, Local Government Area(LGA) Imo State, Nigeria. Materials & Methods: A community based cross-sectional study with the use of 502 interviewer – administered questionnaires was conducted among women in Orlu LGA of Imo State. All the women in the communities attending the annual August Meeting who consented were recruited for this study. Results: The study showed that the mean age of the respondents was 42±2.8years. Furthermore, 82.3% of respondents attained postsecondary school educational level, 61.8% & 21.1% were multiparous and grand multiparous respectively. Also, 80.5% of respondents have heard about cervical cancer screening. Majority (67.5%) of these respondents heard it from health care providers. There was a positive statistically significant relationship between educational status and the likelihood of having knowledge of cervical cancer screening, (p< 0.01). The level of practice of cervical cancer screening was very low among the respondents(13.5%).Though majority of the respondents have high level of educational attainment this did not reflect their practice of cervical cancer screening. Conclusion: There was high knowledge of cervical cancer and cervical screening modalities among women in Orlu but their practice of cervical cancer screening was very low. There is an urgent need to educate and encourage women on the benefits of cervical cancer screening. Key words: cervical cancer, knowledge, Practice, Orlu women, Screening.


Author(s):  
Valentina Scalise ◽  
Fabrizio Brindisino ◽  
Leonardo Pellicciari ◽  
Silvia Minnucci ◽  
Francesca Bonetti

The aim of this article was to investigate the knowledge, management, and clinical practice of Italian physiotherapists concerning patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). A national cross-sectional survey consisted of 24 questions was administered from December 2019 until February 2020. A Chi-squared independence test was run to study any difference between subgroups of the sample and responses to the questionnaire. Five hundred and eight respondents completed the survey. Most respondents (n = 225/508; 44.3%) are under 29 years old, female (n = 256/508; 50.4%) and have been working as physiotherapists for less than 5 years (n = 213/508; 41.9%). Most of respondents correctly knows about the cause (n = 455/508, 89.6%), main signs and symptoms of CTS (n = 415/508, 81.70%) and administer education, manual therapy, myofascial techniques and therapeutic exercises (n = 457/508, 89.88%). Three hundred and sixty-four (71.68%) respondents were aware of the influence of psychosocial factors on the patient’s outcomes. The survey showed greater adherence to evidences by physiotherapists holding a master’s degree. The results are mostly comparable with other surveys structured all over the world on the same topic. Italian physiotherapists management of the CTS was not always in line with current evidence. Interventions such as education, manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, nerve and tendon glide techniques are widely used, while the orthotic is only offered by half of the sample.


SAGE Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 215824402110063
Author(s):  
MaryJoy Umoke ◽  
Prince Christian Ifeanachor Umoke ◽  
Chioma Adaora Nwalieji ◽  
Rosemary N. Onwe ◽  
Ifeanyi Emmanuel Nwafor ◽  
...  

Lassa fever is a zoonotic disease characterized by acute viral hemorrhagic fever, endemic in West Africa including Nigeria. The study assessed the knowledge and sources of information on Lassa fever infection among the undergraduate students of Ebonyi State University, Nigeria. This was a descriptive cross-sectional survey conducted among a sample of 389 students (18 years above). A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were analyzed with SPSS (Version 20), and hypotheses were tested at p < .05 level of significance. Results showed that the majority of the students had good knowledge of Lassa fever description, 232 (60.75%); the signs and symptoms, 221 (57.9%); mode of transmission, 261 (68.41%); and preventive measures, 291 (76.13%). Radio, 23 (84.6%), and television, 307 (80.4%), were their major sources of information. Age ( p = .424), sex ( p = .082), and academic level ( p = .553) were not significant in the study, while faculty (social sciences; p = .000*) was strongly associated with the knowledge of Lassa fever. In conclusion, the overall knowledge of Lassa fever was good among students, though knowledge gaps were observed in the signs and symptoms. We recommend that health education on endemic diseases in the state be made a compulsory course as a general study (GST) in the university. Also, the internet, social media, and campus campaign be further used to educate and sensitize students on the effect of Lassa fever.


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