Effectiveness Of Structured Teaching Program on Knowledge Regarding Cervical Cancer and Its Prevention Among Adolescent Girls in Ramaiah Composite Pre-University College, Bengaluru

Abstract

Background: Globally cervical cancer is the one of the most leading causes of cancer related morbidity and mortality among women all over the world. Although it is largely preventable through HPV vaccination, regular screening, and early detection, lack of awareness remains a major challenge particularly among adolescent girls. School based health education is one of the effective ways to improve knowledge and promote preventive measures.

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of a structured teaching program on knowledge regarding cervical cancer and its prevention among adolescent girls and to determine association between pretest knowledge and selected sociodemographic variables.

Method: A quantitative pre-experimental one group pretest-posttest design conducted among 100 adolescent girls in Ramaiah composite pre-university college in Bengaluru. Participants were selected using non probability convenience sampling. Knowledge regarding cervical cancer and its prevention was assessed using structured 30 items knowledge questionnaire. Following the pretest, a structured teaching program lasting approximately 20-25mins was administered. The posttest was conducted 10 days after the intervention using the same questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including paired t-test and chi-square/Fisher’s exact test, were used to analyse the data.

Result: Study result show’s that mean pretest knowledge score was 14.54 + 2.90, which increased to 22.67+ 3.32 after the structured teaching program. The improvement was significant (t = -24.646, p < 0.001). Before the intervention, 90% of the participants have moderate knowledge and only 2 % had adequate knowledge. After the intervention, 70% shows adequate knowledge. Know significant association was observed between pretest knowledge score and selected socio-demographic variables.

Conclusion: The structured teaching program was effective in significantly improving knowledge regarding cervical caner and its prevention among adolescent girls. Nurse led educational interventions implemented in educational institutions can improve awareness regarding HPV vaccination, cervical caner screening, and preventive health practices, thereby contributing to long term cervical cancer and its prevention.