Group Characteristics and Setting



Group Characteristics and Setting

The breast and cervical awareness education was presented to teen girls ages ninth grade and up, and women of all ages. The primary developmental stage of the participants was families with adolescent children. There were 26 participants present for the teaching. Although exact ages were not known, there were four mothers present with adolescent children. There were 8 adolescents present overall. The other women present, varied in age from younger to elderly women. The majority of women present attended the church in which the information was presented. However, there were several women from the communities of Meigs and Athens counties, who did not attend the church.

The information was presented at Bethel Worship Center, a church in Meigs county. The environment was very conducive to learning. Each participant was greeted as they entered the teaching area, with water offered. Pink (highlighting breast cancer awareness) snack baskets were prepared and placed in the center of the tables, with pink napkins. The participants had comfortable cushioned seats. The temperature was comfortable. Each participant received a “goody bag” with pink ribbons, which was placed at their seats. The bags contained brochures on breast and cervical cancer, information about Ohio University’s Free Breast and Cervical Clinic, several pieces of dark chocolates, and several Komen for the Cure promotional items such as ink pens, nail files, and pink ribbon pins. A note packet was also placed at each table. A breast and cervical cancer awareness table was displayed with information and materials obtained from OU-COMM.

Content Area with Rationale

The two topics covered were breast cancer and cervical cancer awareness. Healthy people 2010 objective 03.03 is to reduce the breast cancer death rate from 26.6 (1999) to 21.3. Healthy people 2010 objective 03.04 is to reduce the death rate from cancer of the cervix from 2.8 (1999) to 2.0 (Healthy People 2010). The Center for Disease Control breast cancer statistics shows Ohio as one of the highest ranked states for mortality, with death rate at 25.3-29.9. The cervical cancer mortality rate is at 2.5-2.8 (CDC, 2009). Risk factors were discussed for both topic areas. During the teaching, emphasis was placed on the PAP test, as cervical cancer is primarily preventable. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) was also discussed with risks and methods of prevention for contracting the virus. Emphasis was also placed on the Breast Self Exam (BSE), in attempt to ensure early detection. Many expert guidelines emphasize the importance of early detection, which decreases the risk of mortality from this disease (Harvard Women’s Health Watch, 2008).

Information was given at the end of the session regarding the free clinics where PAP test and mammograms can be received if participants qualify, as Meigs and Athens counties rank among the poorest counties in Ohio. Poverty places women in these counties at a higher risk, as women with no insurance, or who are underinsured, would be less likely to pursue the annual recommended screenings (Welch, Miller, & James, 2008).

In attempt to meet the goal of 21.3 for Ohio, there is a need to continue public awareness through ongoing public health education sessions.

Behavioral and Measurable Objectives

Diagnosis: Risk of breast and cervical cancer among female teens and women of southeastern Ohio, related to lack of knowledge, irregular screening procedures, and decreased access to health care as a result of no insurance or underinsured/poverty.

1. Objective: At the end of the session, 90 % of students will demonstrate by post- test score, a minimum of one action necessary to prevent breast or cervical cancer.

2. Objective: At the end of session, 90% of participants will increase their pre-test score by a minimum of 10%.

3. Objective: One week post education session, a minimum of 80 % of participants will respond with a yes answer to email questions which ask: 1. Do you feel more encouraged to have annual pap and mammogram screenings? 2. Do you feel more comfortable than before the session, in the knowledge you have regarding these screenings?

Methods Used

The primary method for instruction was power point for both breast and cervical cancer. During the breast awareness section, a model of a breast with lumps was passed among participants. Also, a cervical model was used during the cervical awareness presentation. The PAP test tools were shown, with a basic demonstration as to how the health professional would perform the exam. These tools were also passed among the participants. Videos were shown of both the BSE and PAP test. There were 4 different educational pamphlets added to the participant goody bags. A display table was set up so that all participants could view the models more closely, and obtain additional information on breast and cervical cancer, as well as the free clinic information.

Self Evaluation

The presentation went extremely well. There was a scant amount of difficulty with the hook up of the video camera. However, the teaching was started on time. Positive feedback was received from all participants. There was no negative feedback. Amazingly, among only 26 participants, one had been recently diagnosed with breast cancer, one mother stated she was taking her daughter for her pap next week, and one spoke privately with me about being diagnosed with HPV. These statements were confirmation of the necessity of the education in these rural communities. Fazekas, Brewer, & Smith (2008) explain how disparities remain and mortality and incidence rates are higher among rural areas, economically disadvantaged, and those who have decreased access to health care.

The pre-tests and post-tests were effective tools in measuring the success of the teaching. Objective one was met with 96% of students being able to identify one method to reduce the risk of cervical cancer. Objective two was met with 92 % of participants increasing their pre-test scores. Only 50% of participants have replied overall to the email questions in objective three thus far. Their answer was yes.

I feel the methods of teaching were effective. The models and videos kept the participants interested by allowing breaks in the lecturing. There were some questions asked and answered during the session, as well as time allotted after the teaching for questions and discussion. The woman who oversees the breast and cervical programs at OU-COMM assisted with changing the power point screens. This allowed me to focus more on the material presented.

I would change two things about the teaching project. First, I would encourage parents with teens to brief them on what the teaching is about, prior to attending. Some of the teens appeared somewhat surprised/embarrassed initially during the presentation. Second, I would request from the OU-COMM employee, that she allow me the opportunity to answer the questions asked. There were several questions in which I was not given an opportunity to answer, as she began answering before I had a chance. This OU employee also provides breast and cervical awareness education on a regular basis. I realize she is an educator at heart and felt led to share her knowledge. This did not create a problem as the participant’s questions were of course answered. I only felt it took away the opportunity to allow me the privilege and experience of answering.

Summary

The teaching project went very well. I was very fortunate to have the vast amount of educational tools such as the power point and breast and cervical models, as a result of having clinical at OU-COMM. These tools assisted in making the planning and presentation of the material go smoothly. Attendance was great and the women were receptive and appreciative of the information received. The content was relevant and needed in the geographical area presented. The material was well received and the participants seemed genuinely interested throughout the course of the teaching. Two of the three objectives have been met at this time. I believe the information provided to these women has allowed them a greater knowledge of breast and cervical cancer, and will encourage them to obtain the recommended screenings, thereby moving toward the Healthy People 2010 objective to significantly reduce or eliminate cancer screening disparities that may exist with respect to socioeconomic status (Welch, Miller, & James, 2008).

References

Center for Disease Control, (2009). CDC national center for health statistics.

Retrieved from February 8, 2009.

Fazekas K.L., Brewer N.T., & Smith J.S. (2008). HPV vaccine acceptability

in a rural southern area. Journal of Women’s Health (15409996), 17(4),

539-548.

Harvard Women’s Health Watch, 15(11), 1-2. (2008) Age no bar to routine

mammography.

Healthy People 2010. Data. Retrieved from

February 8, 2009.

Welch C., Miller C.W., & James N.T. (2008). Sociodemographic and

health-related determinants of breast and cervical cancer screening

behavior, 2005. JOGNN: Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, &

Neonatal Nursing, 37(1), 51-57.

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download