Effect of A Structured Educational Intervention Compared With Baseline on Oral Cancer and Tobacco Awareness Among College Students in Jamnagar: A Before-and-After Study

Abstract

Background:

Tobacco, alcohol, and areca nut are important risk factors for oral cancer. Educational interventions may improve awareness of oral cancer and its associated risk factors among young adults.

Objective:

To assess changes in oral cancer and tobacco awareness following an educational intervention among college students in Jamnagar, Gujarat, India

Methods:

A single-group, before-and-after study was conducted among 180 college students who completed paired assessments before and after an educational intervention. Responses to 15 awareness and attitude items were combined to generate a composite score ranging from 0 to 19. Pre-intervention and post-intervention scores were compared using a paired-samples t-test.

Results:

The mean awareness score increased from 10.14 ± 4.19 before the intervention to 13.34 ± 3.32 afterward. The mean paired increase was 3.20 ± 3.17 points (approximate 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.73–3.67; paired-samples t-test (t) 179 = 13.54; probability (p) < 0.001). Scores increased in 146 students (81.1%), remained unchanged in 15 (8.3%), and decreased in 19 (10.6%).

Conclusion:

The educational intervention was associated with a significant improvement in oral cancer and tobacco awareness scores among college students. Further studies with longer follow-up periods are needed to determine whether these improvements are sustained and translate into preventive behaviours.