Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Abstract BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide, especially in developing
countries. More than one‑fifth of newly diagnosed cervical cancer cases are occurring in India. Cervical
cancer is a highly preventable and curable cancer compared with other types of cancer, if detected
at an early stage. The present study has been carried out to assess whether a community‑based,
multicomponent, nurse‑led intervention program improves cervical cancer screening behavior of
women.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: An experimental randomized controlled trial was carried out by
recruiting 419 women in the age group of 30–60 years (246 in the experimental group and 173 in the
control group) residing in a selected rural community (selected tribal settlements) of Idukki district of
Kerala, India, using multistage cluster sampling. The intervention comprising small group education
followed by reinforcement session, telephonic reminders, navigation and guidance for Pap smear,
and follow‑up visit by the investigator was administered to the experimental group, and the control
group did not receive any intervention. Knowledge, attitude, and screening behavior of women related
to prevention of cervical cancer were assessed before and twice after the intervention.
RESULTS: The experimental and control groups were homogenous in all baseline sociodemographic
variables. The community‑based intervention program was effective in improving knowledge(P< 0.001),
attitude (P < 0.001), and screening behavior (P < 0.001) of women regarding the prevention of cervical
cancer. A significant moderate positive correlation was found between knowledge and screening
behavior (r = 0.408). Significant association was found between knowledge, attitude, and practice
regarding prevention of cervical cancer with education, age at the time of marriage, and number of
pregnancies.
CONCLUSION: The community‑based, multicomponent, nurse‑led intervention program was
effective in improving cervical cancer screening behavior among women. Repeated motivation and
reinforcement are needed to bring behavioral change and to increase uptake of screening services
among rural women.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Nurse educators require to exhibit specialized behaviors that demonstrate the beliefs
of the nursing profession. The aim of the study is to explore the factors influencing professionalism
among nurse educators in the selected nursing educational institutes of Indian States.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Qualitative approach was adopted where multiple focus group
discussions were planned and conducted. The study was carried out among nurse educators from
the Northern Indian states. Thematic analysis, using the argumentative interactions approach was
used. The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) guide were followed.
RESULTS: Three types of factors, that is, individual (micro‑level), organizational (meso‑level), and
external professional occupational (macro‑level) were explored, where individual factors emerged as
having a strong positive impact on nurse educators’ professionalism as compared to other factors.
Poor organizational infrastructure, privatization of educational institutions, and other related factors
were reported as having a negative influence on nurse educators’ professionalism.
CONCLUSION: Most of the educational institutions included in the present study, lacked basic
infrastructure/facilities for the professional development of nurse educators and professionalism.