Participatory learning : a training program for increasing cervical cancer screening

Abstract

The training program adopting participatory learning approach was set up to educate women about cervical cancer. Thirty participants were selected by purposive selection from a group of female village leaders and village health volunteers at Linfa Subdistrict, Chaturaphukphiman District, Roi-Et Province. Project evaluation was conducted at three intervals; pre-training, in-session, post-training. Qualitative data were obtained from group discussion sessions and observation during the training activities. Quantitative data were obtained by means of pre- and post-test questionnaires, then analyzed by statistical approach to obtain values of percentage, mean and standard deviation. The paired t-test was employed in comparison of pre and post-test data. The study results found that after the training program the knowledge of participants’ regarding cervical cancer, risk factors, severity, and importance of screening was significantly higher than that at pre-training by statistical comparison (P < 0.05). In addition, as a result of the resolution plan set up by the participants and the implementation at the villages, the screening service rate during 6-month post-training period has increased from 6.6 % to 14.6 %. Therefore, it may be said that the training program by participatory learning approach is an effective tool in providing knowledge for the participants and for enable them to develop skills and involve in solving problems of cervical cancer screening in the community. However the social cultural aspect such as men influence in cervical cancer screening should be considered. A similar program should, therefore, be adopted for increase cervical cancer screening in other communities.