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Akakpo MG, Owusu Roberts E, Annobil R, Aboagye AS. Perceptions about the causes and treatment of cancer - A cross-sectional survey of university students in Ghana. Prev Med Rep 2023; 32:102160. [PMID: 36891543 PMCID: PMC9986619 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2023.102160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer awareness campaigns in Ghana and many parts of the world have gathered pace in recent years. Despite this encouraging trend, there has been no significant reduction in stigma in Ghana. This study investigated the role of beliefs about the causes of cancer in stigmatization and perceptions about treatment. Using standardized scales deployed in a survey, the study measured student perceptions about the causes of cancer, stigmatization, and opinion about the possibility of treating cancer. 225 students were sampled from two universities in the Ghanaian capital of Accra. The study used multiple linear regression and a logistic regression to answer two research questions. These asked whether beliefs in the mythical causes of cancer are associated with stigma towards cancer and whether this stigma is associated with the belief that cancer cannot be treated. The findings point to the association between perceived causes of cancer and stigma. Stigmatization was associated with the belief that cancer could not be treated. The findings imply that the perceived causes of cancer are associated with stigma and should thus be addressed by campaigners. Educating the public about the causes of cancer and addressing some of the myths can help reduce stigma and correct misperceptions about treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Gameli Akakpo
- Department of Human Development and Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Regent University College of Science and Technology, P.O. Box DS 1636, Accra, Ghana
| | - Evelyn Owusu Roberts
- Department of Human Development and Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Regent University College of Science and Technology, P.O. Box DS 1636, Accra, Ghana
| | - Rachel Annobil
- Department of Human Development and Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Regent University College of Science and Technology, P.O. Box DS 1636, Accra, Ghana
| | - Abigail Serwaah Aboagye
- Department of Human Development and Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Regent University College of Science and Technology, P.O. Box DS 1636, Accra, Ghana
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Sharma A, Shrivastava S, Singh A, Gupte SS, Rathour A, Reshi MS, Shukla S. Evidences of the radiofrequency exposure on the antioxidant status, potentially contributing to the inflammatory response and demyelination in rat brain. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2022; 94:103903. [PMID: 35700956 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2022.103903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Present study exhibited the oxidative potential of microwave radiation (MWR) leading to the neurodegeneration in rats. Wistar rats were exposed at 2100 MHz frequency for 4 h/day, 5 days/week/3 months. Animals were exposed at an estimated specific absorption rate (0.453 W/kg) and power density (8.237 µW/m2). After exposure irradiated group was compared with control group. Results indicated that microwave exposure significantly increased the levels of serological triglycerides and cholesterol. Oxidative stress is observed through alteration of glutathione homeostasis followed by activated inflammatory response further confirmed by pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the exposed group. Histopathological assessments and electron microscopic observation confirmed a significant change in the myelination pattern and cellular organelles in the brain of exposed animals. Taking everything into account it can be concluded that chronic exposure of 2100-MHz frequency caused oxidative stress, which leads to neural damage and demyelination and may affect neural communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjali Sharma
- Weill Cornell Medicine Helen & Robert Appel Alzheimer's Disease Research Institute, Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, 413 E. 69th St., New York, NY 10021, USA.
| | - Sadhana Shrivastava
- UNESCO-Trace Element and Satellite Centre, School of Studies in Zoology, Jiwaji University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh 474011, India
| | - Asha Singh
- UNESCO-Trace Element and Satellite Centre, School of Studies in Zoology, Jiwaji University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh 474011, India
| | - Shamli S Gupte
- UNESCO-Trace Element and Satellite Centre, School of Studies in Zoology, Jiwaji University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh 474011, India
| | - Arti Rathour
- UNESCO-Trace Element and Satellite Centre, School of Studies in Zoology, Jiwaji University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh 474011, India
| | - Mohd Salim Reshi
- Toxicology and Pharmacology Lab, Department of Zoology, School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Baba Gulam Shah University, Rajouri 185234, India
| | - Sangeeta Shukla
- UNESCO-Trace Element and Satellite Centre, School of Studies in Zoology, Jiwaji University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh 474011, India
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