A QUASI EXPERIMENTAL STUDY TO ASSESS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF AN EDUCATIONAL INTERVENTIONS ON KNOWLEDGE REGARDING CERVICAL CANCER AND HPV VACCINATION AMONG ADOLESCENT GIRLS IN SELECTED SCHOOLS OF SURAT DISTRICT

Abstract

Introduction: Cervical cancer is the second most common malignancy among women in India, marked by a high rate of mortality owing to socio-economic inequalities and a lack of screening. The main causative factor is attributed to the persistent infection with high-risk strains of Human Papillomavirus (HPV), namely types 16 and 18. Although the HPV vaccine represents a major breakthrough in the prevention of this malignancy, the level of awareness among Indian adolescent girls is shockingly low.

Objective of the Study: The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of educational interventions (role play and booklet) on knowledge about cervical cancer and HPV vaccination among adolescent girls in selected schools of the Surat district.

Materials and Methods: A two-group pre-test and post-test design was used in this quasi-experimental study. The study was conducted on 80 adolescent girls aged 15-17 years, selected school of Surat, using a probability simple random sampling method. The data collection instrument consisted of a socio-demographic part and a 24-item self-constructed knowledge scale. The experimental group was administered a planned educational intervention through role play and an informative booklet, whereas the control group was not.

Results: In the pre-test, most participants (90% in the experimental group and 85% in the control group) had only moderate knowledge. After the intervention, 50% of the experimental group attained "Adequate" knowledge, while none in the control group attained the same. The mean score of the experimental group on knowledge significantly improved from 11.97 to 16.45. Effectiveness was proved by the paired t-test, which gave a calculated value of 11.65, significant at p < 0.05. Chi-square test revealed a significant relationship between knowledge in the pre-test and variables like religion and area of residence in the experimental group.

Conclusion: The conclusion of this study is that educational interventions, particularly role play and booklets, are highly effective in improving knowledge related to cervical cancer and HPV vaccination in adolescent girls. Incorporating these interventions into school health services is a crucial strategy for improving health behaviors and future acceptance of vaccination.