ResumoDados estatísticos atuais apontam para elevados índices de prevalência e mortalidade em mulheres acometidas pelo câncer de mama (INCA, 2004), o que poderia ser minimizado pela prática do auto-exame, visto que esta se caracteriza como elemento facilitador de diagnóstico precoce. Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo conhecer a prática do auto-exame das mamas em mulheres representantes da população da PUCRS. Para tanto foi utilizada uma abordagem mista (qualitativa e quantitativa), aplicando-se como instrumento um questionário semi-estruturado, em uma amostra de 215 mulheres. Os resultados mostraram que apenas 25% das mulheres pesquisadas referem adotar a prática do auto-exame das mamas periodicamente como cuidado preventivo. O estudo também evidenciou que todas essas mulheres reconhecem a importância desta prática, porém, muitas vezes não sabem ou não lembram de realizá-la, e outras vezes a praticam de maneira inadequada (com relação à freqüência). Palavras-Chave: Auto-exame; Câncer de mama; Diagnóstico precoce. Breast self-exam practice in women from an universitary community AbstractCurrent statistical data point to high rates of prevalence and death among women undergoing breast cancer (INCA, 2004). This issue could be minimized through the self exam practice, since this procedure is considered a facilitating element in early diagnosis. This research aimed at knowing the practice of breast self-exam in women, representing the population of PUCRS, wich is a university. A mixed methodology was used (quantitative and qualitative) and as a tool, semi-structural questionnaire was applied in a sample of 215 women. The results show that only 25 percent of researched women refer to the habit of practicing breast self-exam periodically as a preventive care. The study also enhanced that all women recognize the importance of this practice however, many times they don't know how to do it or don't remember to do it and many other times they do it in an inappropriate way (related to frequency). Keywords: Self-exam; Breast of cancer; Early diagnosis. IntroduçãoO câncer de mama é uma doença que vem se tornando cada vez mais freqüente entre as mulheres. De acordo com o Instituto Nacional de Câncer (INCA, 2004), esse tipo de câncer é o mais comum entre as mulheres no contexto mundial. No Rio Grande do Sul, além da alta prevalência de pessoas acometidas por este tipo de câncer, observa-se uma alta taxa de mortalidade, a qual se deve, em grande parte, ao avançado estágio da doença encontrado no momento do diagnóstico.Segundo Novais (2004), presidente da Sociedade Brasileira de Mastologia, 70% dos casos podem ser detectados pela apalpação. Além de detectar doenças malignas e benignas na mama (mas que necessitam de tratamento), o auto-exame também contribui para que as mulheres que não têm acesso fácil aos serviços de saúde sejam motivadas a procurá-los em casos alterados.Alguns pesquisadores (Marinho, Costa-Gurgel, Cecatti & Osis, 2003;Tubiana & Koscielny, 1999), apontam que, pelo diagnóstico precoce, é possível reduzir a morta...

Background: The housing stock of rural sub-Saharan Africa is changing rapidly. With millions of new homes required over the coming decades, there is an opportunity to protect residents by screening homes from malaria mosquitoes. This study, undertaken in the Upper River Region of The Gambia, explores local perceptions of what a good house should provide for its inhabitants and responses to living in a house that has been modified as part of a randomised control trial designed to assess whether improved housing provided additional protection against clinical malaria in children (the RooPfs trial).Methods: This descriptive, exploratory study was undertaken over 22 months using mixed-methods (informal conversations, observations, focus group discussions, photovoice, and a questionnaire survey) in a parallel convergent design. Analysis was conducted across the data sets using a framework approach. Following coding, the textual data were charted by a priori and emerging themes. These themes were compared with the quantitative survey results. The nature and range of views about housing and the RooPfs study modifications and the relationships among them were identified and described.Results: The data were derived from a total of 35 sets of observations and informal conversations in 10 villages, 12 discussions with the photovoice photographers, 26 focus group discussions (across 13 villages) and 391 completed questionnaires. The study participants described a ‘good house’ as one with a corrugate-metal roof, cement walls (preferably cement block, but mud block covered with cement plaster was also an acceptable and cheaper substitute) and well-fitting doors. These features align with local perceptions of a modern house that provides social status and protection from physical harms. The RooPfs modifications were largely appreciated, although poor workmanship caused concerns that houses had become insecure. However, the long-term trusting relationship with the implementing institution and the actions taken to rectify problems provided reassurance and enhanced acceptability.Conclusion: In developing housing to address population needs in Africa, attention should be paid to local perceptions of what is required to make a house secure for its inhabitants, as well as providing a healthy environment.