Need based training of Community Health Volunteers for Cervical Cancer in Delhi – A before and after study

Reg No: 18

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer, accounts for 6%–29% of all cancers among women, is the 2nd most common cause of cancer among females in India after cancer of breast. Nearly 20%–25% of the cervical cancer related death globally occurs in India. Key to reduce burden of cervical cancer is early detection with timely treatment.

Under National Health Mission, community health platforms are functioning and its members play key role in generating awareness related to health, hygiene, nutrition, water, sanitation and social determinants in community. The present study identified gaps in awareness about cervical cancer among community health volunteers (CHV) and addressed through need- based training.

Materials &Methods: A before and after study was conducted among 135 CHV from January-December,2023 in Delhi, using 100% sampling technique. They were interviewed using pre-tested structured questionnaire and training was provided addressing gaps identified in pretest. Data analysis was done by Microsoft excel, SPSS

Result: The mean pretest score 8.47(SD=4.76) improved to 18.29(SD=2.92) post test score. The knowledge score of CHV showed statistically significant improvement (P<.0001). There was significant improvement in scores of all areas of cervical cancer except  participation in health education programme , at the end of 6 months.

Conclusion: The need-based assessment proved effective in identifying gaps in knowledge about various aspects of cervical cancer among CHV which is critical for uptake of any screening program in a developing country. Thus, need based capacity building of health workforce is essential to achieve the goal of universal health coverage.