This study aimed to clarify the perceptions of nursing students regarding cervical cancer after attending a “Cervical Cancer Seminar” held as part of the Comprehensive Cancer Control Promotion Plan of Ibaraki Prefecture. A qualitative analysis of reflections written by 28 firstyear nursing students was performed to examine their learning experiences following the seminar. The analysis identified four key categories representing their perceptions: “acquisition of accurate knowledge”, “attitudes toward vaccination and screening”, “awareness of personal roles as future professionals”, and “consideration for partners”. Participation in the seminar led nursing students not only to gain accurate knowledge and develop positive attitudes toward vaccination and screening but also heightened their awareness of their roles as future healthcare professionals and as socially responsible individuals. Additionally, findings revealed preferences for female doctors during cervical cancer screening due to the embarrassment associated with the procedure, as well as concerns about the financial burden of screening costs. These findings suggest that improving the screening environment and reducing the financial burden will be crucial for advancing cervical cancer control efforts.

The objectives of this study were to investigate current conditions of home care in a depopulated agrarian region of Japan and identify issues that need to be addressed. An anonymous questionnaire survey was distributed, and responses obtained from 244 residents living in a region that has experienced population decline. Results demonstrated that 65.6% of respondents were certified as needing long-term care services, and 64.3% of respondents were receiving such services. More than half of care service users reported that they had used day care services or short-term institutionalization to help meet some of their needs. Satisfaction levels regarding these care services among users appeared to be high. Conversely, 20.5% of respondents reported that they had not used care services because of one or more of the following reasons: “Do not want to be taken care of by others,” “Do not have any need to use these services,” “Have adequate care from family members,” and “Unfamiliar with how to access them.” Female family caregivers reported that they needed the following to continue providing care: “Social welfare and health equipment rental,” “Access to facility-located rehabilitation services,” and “Support from cohabiting family members.” The results of this study suggest that professionals need to consider providing information that is easy to understand about the long-term care insurance system to care recipients in rural areas, including details of available care services and how best to access them.