Effect of Educational Program on Knowledge and Quality of Life for Elderly Women with Cervical Cancer

Abstract

Background: The general level of knowledge of elderly women with cervical cancer is inadequate especially among elderly women. So, it is imperative to increase awareness about cervical cancer, palliative care and dispel myths and misconceptions to improve their quality of life.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of educational program on knowledge and quality of life for elderly women with cervical cancer.

Methods & Materials: A quasi- experimental design was used in this study and applied on 60 elderly women who suffered from cervical cancer, purposively assigned according to study inclusion criteria, conducted at outpatients’ gynecological oncology at outpatient clinic at Zagazig University Hospitals. Tools: Two tools were used for data collection: A structured interview questionnaire and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Cervical Cancer Module (EORTC QoL-CX24).

Results: The study findings reveal that total knowledge among studied elderly women throughout the study phases was improved in post intervention than pre intervention, where satisfactory knowledge was 38.3% pre intervention and increased to 71.7% post intervention.   Also, there was highly statistically significant improvement in total functional mean score and total symptoms mean score at post program than preprogram. There was statistically significant relation between total knowledge of studied participants regarding cervical cancer and education. Also, there was statistically significant relation between total cancer quality of studied elderly women and marital status post the program Conclusion: Educational program is effectively improving knowledge and quality of life of studied elderly women with cervical cancer.