ASSESS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF STRUCTURED TEACHING PROGRAM ON KNOWLEDGE REGARDING PREVENTION OF CERVICAL CANCER AMONG PARAMEDICAL UNDERGRADUATE GIRLS IN SELECTED NURSING COLLEGE OF BUDGAM KASHMIR

Cervical cancer is a leading cause of death among women worldwide, with an estimated 500,000 new cases and 280,000 deaths each year. Around 80% of new cases occur in developing countries, including India, where approximately 100,000 new cases are diagnosed annually. One out of every five women worldwide affected by cervical cancer is from India. In fact, cervical cancer is the most common cancer among women in India, especially those aged 18 to 44. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of firstyear paramedical students at Ibn Sina College of Nursing, Budgam, Kashmir, regarding the prevention of cervical cancer. The study aimed to compare the pre-test and post-test knowledge scores of the students on cervical cancer prevention. A quantitative pre-experimental one-group pre-test post-test design was used, with a nonprobability purposive sampling technique to select 60 first-year paramedical students. A self-structured knowledge questionnaire, which included demographic variables, was used for data collection. The findings showed a significant improvement in the students’ knowledge after the teaching program, with post-test scores being much higher than the pre-test scores. The study also found a significant association between knowledge scores and the demographic variable of the mother’s education, but no association with other demographic variables. The study highlights the importance of developing and implementing training and health education programs to improve cervical cancer prevention awareness, particularly for students.