The Study to assess the effect of a Structured Teaching Programme on knowledge regarding Cervical Cancer among girls in a selected College, Kottayam District

 

Ardhra P J1, Godson Roy1, Lakshmi E R1, Sona Shony1, Treesa Kuriakose1, Santy John2,

Fintu Kurian3, Sr. Joseena SVM4

1BSc Nursing Students, Little Lourdes College of Nursing, Kottayam, Kerala, India.

2Associate Professor, Little Lourdes College of Nursing, Kottayam, Kerala, India.

3Lecturer, Little Lourdes College of Nursing, Kottayam, Kerala, India.

4Principal, Little Lourdes College of Nursing, Kottayam, Kerala, India.

*Corresponding Author E-mail: treesa1311@gmail.com

 

ABSTRACT:

A quantitative research approach with a pre-experimental one group pretest- posttest design was employed to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured teaching programme (STP) on knowledge regarding cervical cancer among girls in a selected college, Kottayam. Data were collected using a structured knowledge questionnaire on cervical cancer. The results revealed that the mean pretest knowledge score was 13.45 while the mean posttest knowledge score was 19.05. The significant mean difference of 5.6 (p<0.05) indicates that the STP was effective in enhancing the girl's knowledge about cervical cancer. 

 

KEYWORDS: Cervical cancer Structured teaching programme.

 

 

INTRODUCTION:

Cervical cancer is a malignant tumor of the cervix caused by the HPV Virus.It is a vaccine preventable disease.HPV-16 and HPV-18 are the primary(70%) HPV types that causes the cancer.Every year 1.25 lakh confirmed cases are observed and 75,000 die every year.The risk factor for cervical cancer includes multiple sex partners, history of sexually transmitted infection, immune suppression, poor socioeconomic background, multi-parity, smoking, use of oral contraceptive, intrauterine exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES).

 

Regular screening and vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer1.

 

NEED OF THE STUDY:

Internationally, cervical cancer is ranked as the second most commonest cancer among women. Among this One- fourth of cases are from India. More women are diagnosed in the cervical pre invasive cancerous state by pap smear test and100% cure can be provided if detected at this stage. Death from cervical cancer can be prevented by the early detection of abnormal cell changes through a Pap smear1.

 

GLOBOCAN 2022 reported 6,62,301 new cases of cervical cancer globally and approximately 3,48,709 deaths were attributed to cervical cancer in 20222. In India, 123,907 new cases are diagnosed and 67,500 deaths occur annually3. In Kerala, Cervical cancer is among the top five most common cancers in women. A significant proportion of cervical cancer cases in Kerala are diagnosed at advanced stages (Stages III and IV)4. This data emphasizes the importance of awareness and screening programs to detect cervical cancer at earlier stages, when it is more treatable.

 

RESEARCH STATEMENT:

A study to assess the effect of a Structured Teaching Programme on knowledge regarding cervical cancer among girls in a selected college, Kottayam District.

 

OBJECTIVES:

·       To assess the level of knowledge regarding cervical cancer among girls in a selected college, Kottayam.

·       To assess the effectiveness of structured Teaching Programme regarding cervical cancer among girls in a selected college, Kottayam.

·       To associate pre-test level of knowledge regarding cervical cancer among girls with selected demographic variables.

 

OPERATIONAL DEFINITIONS:

·       Structured Teaching Programme: It refers to the planned and organised educational intervention specially designed to educate the students about cervical cancer it’s causes, symptoms, prevention and management .

·       Cervical cancer: It refers to the cancer that occurs in the cervix, the lower part of uterus caused by abnormal growth of cells.

·       Knowledge: It refers to the understanding and awareness of cervical cancer including risk factors, signs, symptoms, preventive strategies and treatment options as measured by a predesigned questionnaire.

·       Effectiveness: It refers to the extend to which the structured teaching programme improve the knowledge of students regarding cervical cancer as measured by comparing pre test and post test.

 

ASSUMPTIONS:

·       Structured Teaching Programme can be an effective way to improve knowledge regarding cervical cancer among girls.

      Sample of girls selected for study is the representative of larger populations of girls in similar colleges

·       There will be no significant external influences or biases that could affect the outcome of study.

 

HYPOTHESIS:

H0: There is no significant difference between pre test and post test level of knowledge regarding cervical cancer.

H1: There is a significant difference between pre test and post level of knowledge regarding cervical cancer.

H2: There is significant association between pre test level of knowledge regarding cervical cancer among girls with selected demographic variables.

 

DELIMITATIONS:

The study involves 40 samples, The study is limited to girls, St. Stephens College, Uzhavoor, Use convenient sampling which limits the generalization of findings.

 

PROJECTED OUTCOME:

The study is aimed to identify the knowledge of girls regarding cervical cancer. The good knowledge among girls help for prevention, early identification and management of cervical cancer.

 

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY:

Research approach:   Quantitative research approach

 

Research design: Pre experimental, one group pre test, post test research design

 

Population of the study: The target population of this study was the girls betwen the age 18-24 years in Kottayam District.

 

Sample: In this study, sample consists of 40 girls at St. Stephens College, Uzhavoor.

 

Sample size: In this study, the sample size is 40 girls between 18 to 24 years.

 

Sampling technique: Non probability convenience sampling technique was used.

 

Criteria For Sample Selection:

Inclusion criteria.

·       Girls who are willing to participate in the study.

·       Girls of age 18 to 24 years.

 

Exclusion criteria:

·       Girls who are not willing to participate in the study.

·       Girls who had previous exposure to the study.

 

METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION:

Data collection is the process of collecting the data needed for the study.

 

INSTRUMENT:

The instrument used for the study was a structured knowledge questionnaire developed after thorough reviewing of various literatures and articles.

 

Description of tool:

Tool I: Questionnaire related to socio demographic data. It includes age, marital status, religion, type of family, monthly family income, area of residence, diet, age of menarche, previous knowledge and family history of cervical cancer.

Tool II: Structured Knowledge questionnaire. This consists of 24 questions to assess the knowledge of regarding cervical cancer

 

RESULT AND DISCUSSION:

Table 1: Tabulated representation of percentage and frequency distribution of sample population according to demographic data.

SL.

No

Demographic variable

Frequency

Percentage (%)

1

Age

 

18years

7

17.5

 

19years

9

22.5

 

20years

7

17.5

 

21years

6

15

 

22years

8

20

 

23years

2

5

 

24years

1

2.5

2

Marital Status

 

Married

1

2.5

 

Unmarried

39

97.5

3

Type of family

 

Nuclear

40

100

 

Extended family

0

0

4

Religion

 

Christian

12

30

 

Hindu

20

50

 

Muslim

8

20

5

Monthly family income

 

Lessthan5000

18

45

 

6000-50000

14

35

 

21000-50000

8

20

 

Greaterthan50000

0

0

6

Area of living

 

Rural

36

90

 

urban

4

10

7

Diet

 

Vegetarian

6

15

 

Nonvegetarian

34

85

8

Age of Menarche

 

Lessthan12years

1

2.5

 

12-14years

36

90

 

15-17years

0

0

 

Greaterthan17

3

7.5

9

Previous knowledge

 

Yes

16

40

 

No

24

60

10

Family history

 

Yes

1

2.5

 

No

39

97.5

 

 

Assessment of level of knowledge regarding Cervical Cancer before and after administration of structured teaching programme.

 

Table 2: Frequency and percentage distribution of samples based on pre-test and post-test knowledge scores                                  n=40

Level of knowle dge

Pre test

Post test

Frequency

(f)

Percentage

(%)

Frequency

(f)

Perce ntage

(%)

Poor

15

37.5

1

2.5

Average

20

50

16

40

Good

5

12.5

23

57.5

 

 

 

 

This table shows Frequency and percentage distribution of samples based on pre test and post test .The data shows among 40 samples 15(37.5%) have poor knowledge, 20 samples (50%) have average knowledge, 5 samples (12.55%) have good knowledge in pre test. The post test shows 23 samples (57.5%) having good knowledge, 16 samples (40%) having average knowledge, 1 sample (2.5%) (having poor knowledge among 40 samples.

 

Table 3: Analysis of the effect of structured teaching programme on knowledge regarding cervical cancer among girls. n=40

Variable

Mean

Standard Deviation (SD)

Mean Difference

Paired t Value

P Value

Significance

Pre test Post test

13.45

19.05

4.0975

9.295

56.04

79.37

5.467

2.02*

Significant

*significance at 0.05 level

 

Table 3 shows that the mean post test knowledge score (9.295) is significantly greater than the mean pre test knowledge score (4.0975) of the girls (t(39)=5.467, P<0.05). Hence it is evident that the structured teaching programme is an effective module for improving the knowledge of girls regarding Cervical Cancer.

 

Table 4: The association between selected demographic variable and level of knowledge of girls on cervical cancer.                  n=40

Demographic tables

Level of knowledge

d

(f)

Chi square

P value

Good and average

poor

Age in years:

1.   18-20 years

2.   21-24 years

 

11

14

 

12

3

 

1

 

4.97

 

3.84

Marital status

A)married

b) unmarried

 

1

24

 

0

15

 

1

 

0.604

 

3.84

Type of family

a)nuclear

b)extended

 

25

0

 

15

0

 

1

 

0

 

3.84

Religion

Christian

Hindu and Muslim

5

20

7

8

 

1

 

3.174

 

3.84

Income

Less than 5000

Greater than 5000

 

13

12

 

5

10

 

1

 

1.319

 

3.84

Area of living

Urban

rural

 

3

23

 

1

13

 

1

 

0.193

 

3.84

Diet

Vegetarian

Non vegetarian

 

3

22

 

3

12

 

1

 

0.47

 

3.84

Age of menarche

Less than 12

Greater than 12

 

1

24

 

0

15

 

1

 

0.604

 

3.84

Previous knowledge

Yes

No

 

14

11

 

2

13

 

1

 

7.111

 

3.84

Family history

Yes

No

 

1

24

 

0

15

 

1

 

0.615

 

3.84

 

 

 

 

Table 4 depicts the association between the demographic variable and level of knowledge. The chi square is computed with 1 degree. Here, the calculated value is greater than table value, 3.8 at 1 degree of freedom. Hence there is an association between demographic variables such as age and previous knowledge with pre test level of knowledge.

 

RESULT:

·       The study shows that among 40 samples 23 samples (57.5%) have good knowledge, 16 samples (40%) have average knowledge and 1 samples (2.5%) has poor knowledge regarding cervical cancer.

·       Structured teaching programme was effective in improving the knowledge regarding cervical cancer

·       There is a significant association between age and previous knowledge with selected demographic variables.

 

NURSING IMPLICATIONS:

Nursing Education:

Focus on women’s health, like cervical cancer. Encourage students to join community education programs and raise awareness about early detection and screening.

 

Nursing Practice:

Nurses should teach young women about cervical cancer, encourage Pap smears and HPV vaccination, and offer education in clinics and communities

 

Nursing Research:

Support studies on education’s impact on reproductive health and encourage research on long-term behavior changes and community-based projects.

 

CONCLUSION:

This study finding evident that the structured teaching programme is an effective module in improving the knowledge of girls regarding cervical cancer. The result showed that there is a significant association between knowledge of girls regarding cervical cancer with age and previous knowledge. The post test score was significantly greater than the pretest knowledge score.

 

REFERENCE:

1          Kaur R. Textbook of Midwifery/ Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBG) Nursing-2. 1st ed. Vision Health Science Publishers; 2024.

2          The Lancet [Internet]. Available from: https://www.thelancet.com

3          Science Direct [Internet]. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com

4          PubMed Central (PMC) [Internet]. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articl es

 

 

 

Received on 27.08.2025         Revised on 29.09.2025

Accepted on 30.10.2025         Published on 23.02.2026

Available online from February 25, 2026

Int. J. Nursing Education and Research. 2026;14(1):43-46.

DOI: 10.52711/2454-2660.2026.00009

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