Preventing hepatocellular carcinoma in Egypt: results of a Pilot Health Education Intervention Study

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the most fatal malignancies, is particularly prevalent in Egypt, where we previously found deficiencies in knowledge concerning HCC and its risk factors. Hepatitis B and C viral infections are highly prevalent in Egypt, pesticides are very commonly used, and diets are often contaminated by aflatoxin, especially in rural areas. METHODS: We conducted a study to pilot test a health education intervention addressing HCC, its risk factors, and its main modes of prevention. It included four health education modules: HCC, hepatitis viruses, pesticides and aflatoxin. We used a pre- and post-intervention set of questionnaires to assess knowledge gained by the participants. RESULTS: A total of 25 participants from a village in the Nile Delta area attended the health education session and completed the questionnaires. The education intervention significantly increased the participants’ knowledge on HCC and its risk factors, particularly regarding the use of pesticides at home and aflatoxin contaminated foods (both p < 0.05). Overall, there was a 12 % increase in the number of participants who believed that HCC could be prevented, and they reported their intention to practice prevention for HCC risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: We found that the education intervention we pilot tested was feasible and proved effective in increasing participants’ knowledge. Future efforts should focus on implementing targeted education programs in high-risk populations in Egypt.