Strengthening Women's Health Literacy: Focusing on Early Detection and Prevention of Breast and Cervical Cancer in Rural Areas of Kolar District, India

Abstract

Background: One of the main causes of morbidity and mortality for Indian women is breast and cervical cancer, which continues to be serious public health issues. Even with the availability of screening techniques and preventative measures, there is still a large knowledge and awareness gap, particularly for rural women. In order to lessen the burden of these cancers, early detection through awareness and prompt screening is essential. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how well a Structured Teaching Program (STP) in a few rural Kolar district areas improved women's awareness of breast and cervical cancer prevention and early detection. Objectives: 1. To assess the existing level of knowledge among women regarding early detection and prevention of breast and cervical cancer. 2. To evaluate the effectiveness of a Structured Teaching Programme on improving their knowledge. 3. To determine the association between post-test knowledge scores and selected demographic variables. Methods: A one-group pre-test and post-test pre-experimental design was used in an evaluative research technique. The study was carried out in the rural Banagiri area of Karnataka's Kolar district. A basic random selection method was used to choose 60 women in total. Prior to and during the intervention, knowledge levels were evaluated using a standardized knowledge questionnaire. Following the pre-test, the Structured Teaching Program was given. The effectiveness of the intervention and its relationship to demographic characteristics were evaluated through the use of descriptive statistics (mean, percentage, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (paired t-test and chi-square test) in the analysis of the obtained data. Results: The findings revealed that the overall mean knowledge score in the pre-test was 18.60, which significantly increased to 31.28 in the post-test, indicating a substantial gain in knowledge. The overall mean percentage score improved from 46.50% (pre-test) to 78.20% (post-test), reflecting the effectiveness of the Structured Teaching Programme. The paired t-test value of 29.283 was statistically significant at p < 0.01, confirming the effectiveness of the intervention. The analysis of domain-specific knowledge showed maximum pre-test knowledge in the area of causes and symptoms of cervical cancer (mean percentage = 50.73%) and the lowest in early detection and prevention (mean percentage = 44.16%). Post-test scores improved across all areas, with the highest mean percentage of 76.00% in early detection and prevention of cervical cancer. There was no statistically significant association between post-test knowledge scores and most demographic variables, including age, religion, occupation, family income, number of children, family history of cancer, and sources of health information. However, a significant association was found between educational status and post-test knowledge scores (p < 0.05), suggesting that education plays a key role in health awareness and learning outcomes. Conclusion: According to the study, a structured teaching program is very successful in raising rural women's awareness of breast and cervical cancer prevention and early detection. In order to close the knowledge gap and encourage early screening and preventative behaviors, the results emphasize the necessity of consistent, organized health education programs in rural areas. Targeting less educated women should receive special attention because their ignorance puts them at higher danger.