Introduction: Attitudes of nursing students towards learning nurse-patient communication skills have for long been a concern of lecturers, planners and policy-makers. The objectives of our study were to explore the attitudes of nursing students towards learning communication skills.

Introduction: Alcohol dependence is the most prevalent addiction disorder that develops gradually as an interplay of individual and social factors. It impacts the quality of life of affected individuals. The purpose of this study was to examine the quality of life of alcohol-dependent people at different stages of treatment compared to individuals without alcohol dependence.Methods: A mixed-methods study was conducted. First, a cross-sectional study (n = 502) was conducted using a validated Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire (Q-LES-Q). Focus groups for subjective quality of life assessment were also conducted. Data were analysed using descriptive and inference methods (Mann Whitney U Test) with the SPSS, version 20 programme.Results: Non-dependent participants are significantly more satisfied with each of the quality of life component than alcohol-dependent participants. Differences were demonstrated in a sense of well-being and leisure-time activities. Differences between alcohol-dependent and non-dependent participants were seen in the domains of physical health, work satisfaction and social relationships.Discussion and conclusion: Alcohol-dependent participants reported a lower quality of life than non-alcohol dependent participants as alcohol dependents confront numerous problems associated with their dependence. There is a need for further research in the field of alcohol dependence in relation to the quality of life.

Background/Objectives: People with intellectual disabilities (IDs), representing approximately 200 million individuals globally (3% of the world’s population), face significant disparities in cancer prevention and care. While cancer remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, the intersection of cancer care and intellectual disability presents unique challenges that demand specialized attention within healthcare systems. This study evaluates the current status and effectiveness of National Cancer Control Programs (NCCPs) for individuals with intellectual disabilities across the European Union. Methods: A systematic analysis was conducted of 27 European Union member states’ National Cancer Control Programs between August 2023 and August 2024. The study utilized the International Cancer Control Partnership (ICCP) framework, examining English-language documents and official translations to ensure analytical consistency. Results: Our analysis reveals that while all 27 EU member states have established NCCPs, significant variations exist in their approach to ID-specific provisions, with implementation scores ranging from 1 (basic) to 3 (comprehensive). Key findings indicate that only 15% of programs have comprehensive ID-specific provisions, while 60% maintain moderate adaptations and 25% offer basic provisions. Specific gaps identified include limited specialized healthcare provider training (present in only 7.5% of programs) and inadequate screening program adaptations. Conclusions: Based on a quantitative assessment of implementation status and program components, we propose evidence-based recommendations emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced ID-specific provisions in NCCPs.

Background: People with intellectual disabilities, in comparison to the general population, face multiple health inequalities and poor health outcomes. Service organisations for people with intellectual disabilities are one of the key players in ensuring that people with intellectual disabilities have access to adequate healthcare. Methods: A cross-sectional web-based survey was implemented from 8 to 22 April 2025, focusing on organisations providing services to people with intellectual disabilities, with a peak response rate of 9%. The survey comprised 29 questions, split into three sections: general information, experience, and opinions on cancer prevention policy. Results: A total of 29 organisations from 14 upper-middle- and high-income European countries participated. Approximately 20% (n = 6) of organisations reported the existence of a cancer prevention policy in their country designed to address the needs of people with intellectual disabilities, with most considering them inadequate. Overall, 86.2% of organisations identified tailoring cancer prevention policy for people with intellectual disabilities to be of major importance. Respondents identified national government/ministries (n = 26, 90%), organisations for people with intellectual disabilities (n = 24, 82.8%), and research entities (n = 23, 79.3%) as the responsible stakeholders for implementing policy changes. Conclusions: Respondents expressed strong support for tailored policies, alongside support for a pan-European approach. From a policy perspective, findings support the critical need for policymakers to prioritise cancer prevention strategies, improve coordination, and ensure training and co-production with organisations supporting people with intellectual disabilities.

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (PWIDD) face persistent inequalities in accessing inclusive and health education. This contributes to lower participation in cancer screening, limited access to tailored health information, and poorer health outcomes. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a co-produced, pan-European COST Action CUPID Training School applying Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to improve cancer prevention education and health literacy for PWIDD. Co-produced, pan-European training intervention. A cross-European Training School was collaboratively developed by researchers, health professionals, educators, and PWIDD. UDL principles guided its design to ensure flexibility, accessibility, and inclusivity. A framework comprising six principles informed the approach: health literacy through tailored resources; inclusion of PWIDD as equal participants; co-production in shaping content and delivery; accessibility through easy-read, multimedia, and plain language formats; scaffolding to support confidence and comprehension; and cultural adaptation to different national contexts. The Training School demonstrated that inclusive education, UDL, and participatory approaches can be applied effectively across international and cultural contexts. PWIDD contributed as both co-trainers and learners, enhancing relevance and accessibility. Participants reported increased awareness of inclusive practices, improved understanding of cancer prevention, and strengthened communication skills. A co-produced, UDL-informed framework centred on inclusion, co-production, health literacy, accessibility, scaffolding, and cultural adaptation offers a promising approach to advancing health literacy for PWIDD. Embedding these principles within mainstream health prevention and inclusive education strategies, alongside addressing systemic barriers, is essential for achieving sustained improvements in health equity.

Background: Fatigue following treatment for breast cancer has a profound impact on quality of life. Dragon boating is known to be beneficial because of its networking and social function. Objective: The objective of this study was to explore the effects of dragon boating on fatigue and health related quality of life. Intervention/Methods: Individual and Family Self-Management Theory guided the study. The methodology was a multiple point cohort panel design. Data were collected from breast cancer survivors (n=26) to measure fatigue, quality of life and upper arm functioning at the beginning of the racing season timepoint 1 (T1), midway through the programme, timepoint 2 (T2), and at the end of the dragon boat season, timepoint 3 (T3). Results: Fatigue levels fell significantly between T1and T2 (p<.033) and from T2 to T3 (p<.048). Similarly, upper limb functioning improved from T1 to T2 (p<.002), but showed no significant change between T2 andT3 (p<.58). Fatigue was significantly related to quality of life at each time point. Conclusion: While this was a small scale study, the findings suggest that dragon boating appears to have beneficial effects on well-being including reduction of fatigue, which impacts on health related quality of life for women post breast cancer. Implications for Practice: This study confirms the benefits of dragon boating in upper limb functioning and reduction of fatigue. Health care professionals could advise cancer survivors on the benefits of dragon boating exercise, post cancer treatment.