Role of Print and Audiovisual Media in Cervical Cancer Prevention in Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: Visual inspection of cervix with acetic acid (VIA) is offered at 252 centers in 64 districts of Bangladesh. VIA+ve women are managed at colposcopy clinics of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) and 14 Medical College Hospitals (MCHs). This research work has been supported by 'UICC Cancer Prevention Campaign' programme. Objectives: This study explored the role of print materials and electronic media to improve cervical cancer screening in the present socio-cultural context of Bangladesh. Methods: This study was performed from January to August 2011 at two upazilas of Bangladesh (Singair with screening facility and Sonargaon without screening facility). Data were collected by focus group discussion (FGD) with women, husbands and community people before and after intervention. Information on cervical cancer screening and VIA camps was disseminated using advertisement through local cable line of the television, microphone announcement, service providers and leaflet throughout the week prior to a VIA camp. Three-day VIA camps were organized at the upazila health complex (UHC) of both upazilas. Quantitative data was gathered from women at the camps on source of information on VIA and the best method of awareness creation. Results: The population was aware of "cancer" and a notable number knew about cervical cancer. Baseline awareness on prevention and VIA was low and it was negligible where screening services were unavailable. Awareness was increased fourfold in both upazilas after interventions and half of the women and the majority of the community people became aware of screening and available facilities. Cable line advertisement (25.5%), microphone announcement (21.4%), and discussion sessions (20.4%) were effective for awareness creation on VIA. Television was mentioned as the best method (37.4%) of awareness creation. Conclusion: Television should be used for nation-wide awareness creation. For local awareness creation, cable line advertisement, microphone announcements and health education at Uthan Baithaks/ EPI sessions can easily be adopted by the government.

Level of Awareness of Cervical and Breast Cancer Risk Factors and Safe Practices among College Teachers of Different States in India: Do Awareness Programmes Have an Impact on Adoption of Safe Practices?

“…Other barriers were lethargic attitude (44.87%), economic barrier (time and money), availability, fear and hesitation. Nessa et al showed that more emphasis must be given to use of print and audiovisual media in cervical and breast cancer prevention (Nessa et al, 2013). Tan et al (2010) showed that mass media and education were the most common sources of information of cervical cancer.…”

Determinants of Health Information-Seeking Behavior: Implications for Post-Treatment Cancer Patients

“…Under certain circumstances, the media can contribute to amplifying the community agenda for social changes (Demers and Viswanath, 1999;Nessa et al, 2013;Saleh et al, 2012). Organized efforts for the promotion of public health, such as population-based health communication campaigns, often use the mass media as a powerful tool (Beaudoin et al, 2006).…”

Lack of Understanding of Cervical Cancer and Screening Is the Leading Barrier to Screening Uptake in Women at Midlife in Bangladesh: Population-Based Cross-Sectional Survey

“…This is now available at 252 facilities, from tertiary to primary care levels [4]. The screening uptake among women aged 30-59 years has been low (8.6%), resulting in low coverage of the target population [5]. Furthermore, poor compliancewithcolposcopy, whenindicated, has beenreported [4,5].…”