Interventional study on cervical cancer health literacy among Anganwadi teachers - An interprofessional approach

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer health literacy among Anganwadi teachers is very important. Further, they can educate community women through Anganwadi centers. The study aimed to assess cervical cancer health literacy among Anganwadi teachers by interventional study (pre-test survey followed by post-test survey) - an interprofessional approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 141 women aged 18-50 years were employed in Anganwadi's in Udupi district. The participants were randomly assigned to the control (79) and intervention groups (62). Participants in the control group received health education through pamphlets, while the interventional group received health education through video. A validated questionnaire was designed to assess their knowledge and awareness about various risk factors, pap smear tests, and prevention and treatment of cervical cancer. Written consent was taken from all the women who voluntarily participated in the study. Descriptive data were presented as frequencies and percentages. Change in knowledge was assessed using the Student's t-test. RESULTS: On the pre-test, 38% and 35.5% in the control and interventional groups felt that personal hygiene was important to prevent cervical cancer. Both the groups had poor knowledge about causes (93.6%; 72.6%), Pap smear to detect cancer (91.9%; 76%), and symptoms (91%; 91.9%). Post-intervention, health literacy of cervical cancer was significantly (P = 0.001) improved in the video as an intervention group. CONCLUSION: The intervention in the form of the pamphlet and video showed a very good impact on health literacy of cervical cancer. This study supports the importance of interventions in the form of videos and pamphlets to upgrade the level of health education about cervical cancer.