The relationship of rural persons' multidimensional health locus of control to knowledge of cancer, cancer myths, and cancer danger signs

The purpose of the study was to determine if a relationship exists between multidimensional health locus of control and knowledge of breast cancer, prostate cancer, cancer myths, and danger signs. A descriptive correlational design was used. A convenience sample of 78 rural men and 79 rural women participated in the study. Participants completed three questionnaires: (a) the Cancer Danger Signs Questionnaire, (b) the Cancer Myths Questionnaire, (c) the Prostate Cancer Knowledge Test (completed by the men) and the Breast Cancer Knowledge Test (completed by the women). Results indicated that an internal score on the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLOC) scale did not predict knowledge of breast cancer in women, prostate cancer in men, cancer myths, or danger signs. Women who scored high on the Powerful Others subscale of the MHLOC had statistically significant high scores on knowledge of breast cancer, but not on cancer myths and danger signs. The MHLOC and its subscales did not predict knowledge of prostate cancer, cancer myths, or cancer danger signs for the male participants. The implications of these results for rural nursing practice and their relationship to previous research are discussed.

The pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus: an update (continuing education credit)

Both IDDM and NIDDM are multifaceted diseases whose pathophysiologies share two important characteristics. When not clinically treated, both involve chronic hyperglycemia. Further, all individuals with diabetes are at risk for developing the complications of the disease. These complications include neuropathies, retinopathies, and nephropathies. Other complications less often cited include sympathetic nervous sensitivity (at least in NIDDM), as well as neurobehavioral sequelae, especially in very young children whose IDDM treatment/response leads to two or more profound hypoglycemic episodes before age five. The future is bright--improved and appropriate insulinization, effective second-generation oral hypoglycemic agents, pancreatic transplantation, and immunosuppression offer hope in the management of diabetes.