Effectiveness of a Capacity-Building Session for Nursing Students on Account of World No Tobacco Day in India: A Preliminary Study.

BACKGROUND

Tobacco, being a cash crop in India, its production and consumption is high. Oral cancer, having the prime etiological factor as tobacco, accounts for a substantial number of all cancer cases in India. In order to curb the habit amongst the masses, it is imperative to get the maximum workforce on hand to promote the detrimental effects of tobacco.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the level of knowledge among nursing students about tobacco before and after receiving an intervention in the form of a sensitization lecture about the use of tobacco in India.

METHODS

This preliminary study was conducted among a convenience sample of 61 nursing students. A pre- and post-survey questionnaire, comprising demographic details and knowledge about the ill effects of tobacco (eight items), was distributed. The survey questionnaire was tailor-made and validated by five subject matter experts.

RESULTS

The pre-test median was 4.2 (range=1 to 7), and that of the post-test was 4.8 (range=2 to 8). When Student's t-test was applied, a significant difference was observed between the scores (p=0.027).

CONCLUSION

The level of knowledge was significantly higher after receiving the lecture. Nursing students will be future healthcare professionals. They can act as a channel to educate the population on matters of oral cancer prevention.