Role of Print and Audiovisual Media in Cervical Cancer Prevention in Bangladesh

Background: Visual inspection of cervix with acetic acid (VIA) is offered at 252 centers in 64 districts ofBangladesh. VIA+ve women are managed at colposcopy clinics of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University(BSMMU) and 14 Medical College Hospitals (MCHs). This research work has been supported by ‘UICC CancerPrevention Campaign’ programme.
Objectives: This study explored the role of print materials and electronicmedia to improve cervical cancer screening in the present socio-cultural context of Bangladesh.
Methods: Thisstudy was performed from January to August 2011 at two upazilas of Bangladesh (Singair with screening facilityand Sonargaon without screening facility). Data were collected by focus group discussion (FGD) with women,husbands and community people before and after intervention. Information on cervical cancer screening and VIAcamps was disseminated using advertisement through local cable line of the television, microphone announcement,service providers and leaflet throughout the week prior to a VIA camp. Three-day VIA camps were organized atthe upazila health complex (UHC) of both upazilas. Quantitative data was gathered from women at the campson source of information on VIA and the best method of awareness creation.
Results: The population was awareof “cancer” and a notable number knew about cervical cancer. Baseline awareness on prevention and VIA waslow and it was negligible where screening services were unavailable. Awareness was increased fourfold in bothupazilas after interventions and half of the women and the majority of the community people became aware ofscreening and available facilities. Cable line advertisement (25.5%), microphone announcement (21.4%), anddiscussion sessions (20.4%) were effective for awareness creation on VIA. Television was mentioned as the bestmethod (37.4%) of awareness creation.
Conclusion: Television should be used for nation-wide awareness creation.For local awareness creation, cable line advertisement, microphone announcements and health education atUthan Baithaks/ EPI sessions can easily be adopted by the government.