Nursing & Health Sciences

Health beliefs and practices regarding cervical cancer screening among women in Nepal: A descriptive cross‐sectional study

AbstractThe health beliefs and practices regarding cervical cancer screening among women in the mountainous and Terai region of Nepal were investigated and examined for the differences. A descriptive cross‐sectional study was conducted with a purposive sample of 216 in mountainous and 294 in Terai. The interview tools were a socio‐demographic scale, a Nepalese Health Belief Model Scale for Cervical Cancer followed by the Screening Test. Chi‐square test, binary logistic regression, Mann–Whitney U, and Kruskal‐Wallis were used to analyze the data. The results showed that the screening rate was low for both regions with a significant difference in the benefit of screening and health motivation. Being older and having a positive family history of cervical cancer were shown to be predictors screening practice. Women from both groups preferred female doctors for screening. Culturally appropriate educational interventions focused on the benefits and obstacles of screening is needed to improve the beliefs of cervical cancer and screening and increase the screening rate. Nurses need to be aware of health beliefs regarding cervical cancer during cervical screening and education.

Barriers to undergoing cervical cancer screening among health sciences university students in Japan: A cross‐sectional study

AbstractIn most developed countries, cervical cancer screening and human papillomavirus vaccination have reduced cervical cancer incidence. However, the incidence has been increasing in Japan, possibly because of the low screening rate. Although cervical cancer incidence has increased in people in their 20s, the screening rate among 20–24‐year‐olds in Japan is only 10.2%, meaning that cervical cancer screening rates should be increased among young Japanese women. We conducted a questionnaire survey among students at health sciences universities to determine their knowledge of cervical cancer, screening rates, and barriers to screening. Students taking specialized medical courses were highly knowledgeable; recognition of the facts that “cervical cancer can be prevented through screening” and that “the risk of cervical cancer increases in one's 20s” was significantly high among those who underwent screening. On the other hand, only 7.5% of students used the free coupons provided for screening. Knowledge of cervical cancer improves screening rates. Therefore, educational programs to raise awareness of the importance of cervical cancer screening among non‐medical and health sciences university students and young women in general are required.

The Relationship Between Breast and Gynecological Cancers and a Diagnosis of Serious Mental Illness: A Scoping Review

ABSTRACTWomen who are living with a diagnosis of serious mental illness face an elevated risk of premature mortality from breast and gynecological cancers. To understand the risk factors associated with prevalence and premature death from breast or gynecological cancer in women diagnosed with an SMI, a scoping review was conducted, using the Arksey and O'Malley framework in accordance with the PRISMAScR guidelines. Four electronic databases were searched for research from 2012 to 2024. The 21 selected articles identified potential factors associated with our target: clinical status, coordination of care across health services, and social and family support. The findings suggest that the keys to improving outcomes are conducting proper screening among women diagnosed with SMI, coordinating mental health and oncological care, and capitalizing on available family support.