A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Structured Teaching Programme on Knowledge regarding Preventive Measures of Oral Cancer among Hotel Workers Working at Selected Hotels of Sringeri, Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka

Renuka Amalajari, Dr. Sureshgouda S Patil, Dr. U N Dhandargi

Abstract: Background of the study: Cancer is a non-communicable disease that affects all populations regardless of race, gender, socio economics status or culture. It can originate in any body tissue and affect any cell type. There are significant variations in cancer incidence and types across different regions of the world. Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, highlighting its seriousness. With high incidence and mortality rates, cancer is now recognized as a global health challenge not just a problem for industrialized countries.1 Oral health is crucial to overall health and quality of life. Good oral health means being free from mouth and facial pain, oral and throat cancers, infections, sores, gum disease, tooth decay/loss and other oral disorders. Poor oral health can impair vital functions like chewing, smiling, speaking, and affect psychosocial wellbeing. The most common oral diseases include oral cancer, dental cavities, gum disease, oral infections, injury-related trauma and hereditary lesions.2 Oral cancer is a particularly lethal condition, especially in India, often linked to poor life style choices and harmful habits. It causes approximately 200, 000 deaths annually worldwide, with around 46, 000 deaths in India alone, indicating a serious national health concern.3 Aim: The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of structured teaching programme on knowledge regarding prevention of oral cancer among hotel workers. Objectives of the study: 1) To assess the knowledge regarding preventive measures of oral cancer before and after implementation of structured teaching programme among hotel workers. 2) To assess the effectiveness of Structured Teaching Programme on knowledge regarding preventive measures of oral cancer among hotel workers. 3) To determine the association between pre-test knowledge regarding preventive measures of oral cancer among hotel workers with their selected socio-demographic variables. Methodology: Pre experiment one group pretest posted without control group design was used for the present study, with the objective to assess the effectiveness of structured teaching program on knowledge regarding preventive measures of oral cancer among hotel workers in Sringeri Karnataka. Hotel workers were the sample in the present study, researcher has selected 50 hotel workers by following convenient sampling technique. Researcher has collected the data by structured interview method using structured knowledge questionnaire. Result: The overall finding reveals that the post-test mean knowledge score was 26.94 with SD ?1.76 which was compared to the pre-test mean knowledge score 15.8 with SD ?3.07 this showed that the post-test knowledge score was significantly higher than pre-test knowledge scores. Hence the STP was found to be effective in enhancing the knowledge of the hotel workers regarding prevention of oral cancer. The calculated "t" value 35.01 was much higher than table "t" value (1.96) hence the hypothesis H1 stating there will be significant difference in the pre-test knowledge and post-test knowledge scores is accepted at 0.05 level of significance. p<0.05. Conclusion: The present study concluded that knowledge of hotel workers regarding preventive measures of oral cancer was poor and the STP has proved to be effective in improving the knowledge.

Keywords: Effectiveness, Knowledge, Structured teaching program, oral cancer, Preventive measures, Socio-demographic variables

How to Cite?: Renuka Amalajari, Dr. Sureshgouda S Patil, Dr. U N Dhandargi, "A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Structured Teaching Programme on Knowledge regarding Preventive Measures of Oral Cancer among Hotel Workers Working at Selected Hotels of Sringeri, Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka", Volume 14 Issue 8, August 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 990-993, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR25624124957, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR25624124957