Effectiveness of a Structured Instructional Module Regarding the Prevention of Oral Cancer among Adolescents in Urban Colleges

BACKGROUND: Oral cancer is a preventable disease that can be controlled by tobacco cessation and health education. For development of a healthy nation, a healthy society is desirable that is dependent on physically and mentally strong adolescents and adults. OBJECTIVES: The present study was conducted to assess the effectiveness and utilization of a structured instructional module on knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding the prevention of oral cancer among adolescents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted on 500 preuniversity urban college students, divided into two groups: experimental and control groups (n = 250 each). A structured instructional module was developed and knowledge, attitude, and practice of students were analyzed. Pre and post values for all parameters were taken and subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS software version 20.0. RESULTS: The data were collected and compared for sociodemographic variables and knowledge, attitude, and practice of students for prevention of oral cancers. A statistically significant correlation was observed between all the parameters for both the groups. In the experimental group, a significant correlation (P ≤ 0.05) was observed between pre- and posttest values for knowledge, attitude, and practices for prevention of oral cancers. CONCLUSION: It has been observed that there are several implications of the structured instructional module in the field of education, practice, administration, and research.