Effect of Preventive Educational Program on University Female Students’ Knowledge and Attitude Regarding Cervical Cancer

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer is one of the main causes of morbidity and death for women in low- and middle-income countries. Implementing a comprehensive preventive educational program targeting early age groups is essential to raise their awareness about the risk factors for cervical cancer and the benefits of human papillomavirus vaccination. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the effect of preventive educational program on university female students’ knowledge and attitude regarding cervical cancer. Method: Quasi-experimental study design was employed on 654 Port Said University students within a one-year period from the beginning of October 2023 to the end of September 2024. Three tools of data collection were used: I) Socio-demographic questionnaire II) Knowledge assessment questionnaire III) Students’ Attitude about cervical cancer by using Victoria Champion Health Belief Model (CHBM) scale. Result: Before the implementation of the educational program, most students exhibited poor knowledge about cervical cancer, with only 16.2% demonstrating adequate understanding. Following the intervention, there was a highly significant increase in knowledge scores (p < 0.001), with the proportion of students achieving good knowledge rising to 70.6% immediately post-program and remaining at 66.1% three months later. Regarding students’ attitude, 26.6% of students held a positive view prior to the intervention; this figure surged to 86.9% immediately afterward, indicating a substantial impact. Although there was a slight decline over three months, the positive attitude remained high at 83.2%. Conclusion: the preventive educational program was highly effective in enhancing female university students’ knowledge and health positive attitude regarding cervical cancer. Recommendation: Implement periodic refreshing sessions to maintain and strengthen knowledge retention over time.