Health Education Research

Effect of constructivist model-based adult education on gynaecologic cancer awareness, spiritual well-being, and health anxiety

Abstract Gynecological cancers are among the most prevalent cancers in women, making it essential to enhance women’s health and awareness. Education is vital for raising this awareness. Constructivist educational models promote active learning and personal experiences, contrasting with traditional methods that emphasize information transmission. This study aims to assess the impact of the constructivist education model on gynecological cancer awareness, health anxiety, and spiritual well-being in women. This randomized controlled study was conducted from 25 December 2023, to 20 February 2024. The sample was selected using purposive sampling and included 60 participants. The personal information form, gynecologic cancer awareness scale GCAS, three-factor spiritual well-being scale TFSWBS, and health anxiety scales (HAI) were applied to both study groups before and after the intervention. Interventions were carried out in 6 sessions based on the constructivist learning model for the intervention group. Women in the traditional education group received standard education on the subject. The GCAS, TFSWBS, and HAI scales were administered after the education and 4 weeks later. The study showed that both constructivist-based health education and traditional cancer education programmes increased cancer awareness after the intervention. However, no significant differences were found between the groups at any of the time points.

Program implementation and evaluation of De Casa en Casa: a tailored community-based cervical cancer screening program for underserved Hispanic women

Abstract Women on the US-Mexico border have a higher cervical cancer incidence rate, are diagnosed at later stages, and have higher mortality compared to non-Border women in the US. We identified key barriers to screening through various qualitative methods and have designed a program that addresses the needs of our community and creates a coordinated program of education, outreach, service delivery, navigation, and capacity building for the future. A multicomponent, culturally tailored, bilingual, evidence-based cervical cancer screening program was developed at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso (TTUHSC El Paso). The program was implemented in El Paso and Hudspeth counties. Key program components were (i) theory-based and culturally tailored education delivered by bilingual community health workers; (ii) no-cost Pap and HPV screening; (iii) diagnostic and treatment colposcopy; and (iv) patient navigation and tracking. A total of 2318 women were recruited into the program and offered services. 2206 women were eligible for screening: mean age of the population was 44.8 years, 4.7% (N = 108) had never had a Pap smear, and 40.9% (N = 945) last received a Pap over 5 years previously. Screening uptake was 71.6% (N = 1 569); 7.8% (N = 114) of those tested were positive for high-risk HPV. 101 colposcopies were indicated and 98.0% (N = 99) were completed. Two cancers were diagnosed. A comprehensive cervical cancer screening program can achieve significant screening uptake rates in a high-risk population with historically low screening uptake and has the potential to significantly impact cervical cancer incidence and mortality in this border region.

The effect of multiple ınterventions for women at risk for cervical cancer on their health responsibility, beliefs regarding cervical cancer and having screening: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract This study was intended to analyze the effect of multiple initiations on beliefs about cervical cancer, health responsibility, and screening participation. In total, 134 women aged 40–55 years, who were at risk of cervical cancer and had never had a Pap smear before, were randomly assigned to the experimental (n = 67) and control (n = 67) groups. The 14 weeks of sessions involving the experimental group included group training on cervical cancer, counselling, reminder phone calls and delivery materials, all aimed to increase motivation to be screened regularly for cervical cancer. The control group received the usual care. The study data were collected using an information form, the Health Belief Model Scale, the Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Scale II and the Assessment Form for Undergoing Pap-Smear Test. After the multiple interventions, there was a significant difference between the experimental and control group’s Health Responsibility, Pap smear benefit and motivation, obstacle and health motivation scores (P < 0,05). The participation rate of women in the experimental group to cervical cancer screening was found to be 93%. Multiple nursing interventions (group training, counselling, reminder phone calls and delivery materials) were effective in increasing participation in cervical cancer screening programs.

Cancer education and capacity in sub-Saharan Africa-where do we stand?

Abstract Cancer is a controllable disease with advanced medical approaches and stakeholder collaborative efforts. Despite significant financial investments in cancer research, progress remains limited, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where most cancer types remain understudied. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of current trends in cancer education, awareness, and screening uptake in SSA. It also identifies prospects for advancing cancer education and sustaining research efforts in the region. We included 86 studies in this review, synthesizing evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses to present an unbiased overview of SSA-specific trends. A structured table was derived from 52 studies, comprising 26 on cervical cancer, 10 on breast cancer, and 16 on other cancer types. The review highlights positive outcomes from awareness campaigns of the included designs. However, low participant retention in trials and underdeveloped research infrastructure in SSA have hindered the translation of awareness into clinical trial participation and vaccine uptake. While the review identifies promising preventive, predictive, and personalized approaches for cancer awareness in SSA, it calls for more rigorous study designs with robust data analysis to address potential biases. Furthermore, sustained financial and cultural support is critical to align future research with SSA’s healthcare priorities and societal perceptions.

Integrating behavioural theories to advance cervical cancer prevention: insights from Chinese young women

Abstract Cervical cancer remains a major threat to women’s health. While the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) has been widely used to predict prevention behaviours, gaps in prior research highlight the need for integrated models that explore underlying mechanisms. This study examines cervical cancer prevention intentions among 1027 Chinese young women, the primary audience for such efforts, using a framework that combines TPB, the Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM), and Protection Motivation Theory (PMT). Structural equation modelling reveals that affective attitude (β = 0.51) is a stronger predictor of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination intention than cognitive attitude (β = 0.43) and perceived behavioural control (β = 0.39). For cervical cancer screening, perceived behavioural control (β = 0.42) surpasses injunctive norms (β = 0.28) and descriptive norms (β = 0.17). Additionally, perceived severity negatively impacts affective attitudes towards vaccination (β = −0.26), and response efficacy shows unexpected negative effects on behavioural intentions (βHPV vaccination = −1.34; βcervical cancer screening = −0.36). These findings underscore the importance of addressing emotional distress, enhancing susceptibility perceptions, and correcting misconceptions about response efficacy in health campaigns. This integrated approach offers critical insights for improving cervical cancer prevention strategies in China.

Development of a cervical cancer prevention text-messaging program for women living with HIV

Abstract Cervical cancer screening and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination are critical for those immunocompromised due to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Health education programs, including text messaging, can effectively improve knowledge of cervical cancer and recommended screening. This paper describes the data-driven development of a 4-week text-messaging intervention to improve HPV and cervical cancer knowledge among women living with HIV (WLH). This study reports data from surveys (n = 81; January 2020 to September 2021) and focus group discussions (FGDs, n = 39; April–June 2020) conducted among WLH in the DC area. While most WLH revealed that their usual sources of health information were through in-person group sessions, they pointed out that these were impractical options due to the coronavirus 2019 pandemic. They noted that a text-messaging intervention was feasible and acceptable. FGD participants’ responses structured around the Protection Motivation Theory constructs informed the text-messaging library, covering topics such as (I) understanding of cervical cancer and HPV, (II) cervical cancer prevention and (III) HPV self-sampling. The utilization of low-cost and easily accessible health education interventions, such as mobile-based text messaging, can effectively increase knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer in populations that have been historically difficult to access and during times when health services are disrupted such as during a global pandemic or public health emergency.