Humanistic Studies and Social Researches

Abstract Objective:

This review sought to weave together evidence on breast cancer knowledge, attitudes, and screening practices across Asian and global populations.

Methods:

A structured literature review was carried out, drawing on systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and observational studies that documented women’s knowledge, beliefs, and preventive actions such as breast self-examination (BSE), clinical breast examination (CBE), and mammography.

Results:

Across countries, breast cancer knowledge and screening practices varied not just statistically but culturally and emotionally. Indian women showed comparatively higher awareness (~63%) and practice (~79%), whereas Iranian, Pakistani, Middle Eastern, and emigrant Asian communities often exhibited low-to-moderate knowledge combined with erratic screening habits. Widespread barriers, fear of diagnosis, financial constraints, social expectations, and limited flow of reliable health information, recurred across studies. Yet, whenever structured and culturally grounded interventions were introduced, from community-based education to navigator programs or train-the-trainer workshops, screening uptake almost always improved. Urban residence, a personal history of breast problems, and easier access to health facilities emerged as consistent predictors of engagement.

Conclusion:

In many Asian settings awareness and screening remain far from where they need to be. Still, the accumulated evidence makes one thing abundantly clear: thoughtful, culturally sensitive health education paired with improved access to care can meaningfully shift outcomes, enhance early detection, and reduce mortality. Prioritizing these strategies is essential if breast cancer control efforts are to be equitable and effective.

Abstract Background: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a critical life-saving intervention in cases of cardiac and respiratory arrest. Nurses, as front-line healthcare providers in hospital settings, play a vital role in initiating and performing effective CPR. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practical skills of nurses at Imam Khomeini Teaching Hospital in Sari regarding the basic principles of CPR.

Methods: This descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional study was conducted in 1403. The research population included 149 nurses working in different departments of Imam Khomeini Center in Sari who were included in the study by census method. The data collection tool was a standard checklist prepared based on the guidelines of the Heart Association. To examine the normality of the scores obtained from the total nurses' knowledge and skills questionnaire, two statistical tests, Kolmogorov-Smirnov, were used.

Results: Most participants were female (65.1%) and held a bachelor’s degree in nursing (96.6%). Although all nurses reported prior theoretical familiarity with CPR, deficiencies were noted in critical areas of practical skills, including proper AED usage, correct depth and frequency of chest compressions, and effective artificial ventilation. No statistically significant differences were found in knowledge and skill scores based on age, gender, education level, work experience, or ward of employment (P>0.05).

Conclusion: Despite theoretical awareness, the nurses’ practical CPR skills, especially in high-stakes interventions, were suboptimal. This highlights the necessity of regular hands-on training, simulation-based learning, and continuous professional development programs to enhance CPR competencies in clinical settings.