Evaluation of the First Polish Web-Based Intervention Aimed at Improving Cancer Prevention (the PORINA Study).

Maksymilian Gajda,Jan Zejda,Małgorzata Kowalska

doi:10.3390/ijerph15061167

Abstract

The appropriate level of the society’s health-oriented knowledge is essential for improving the effectiveness of actions to reduce the number of new cases and deaths caused by cancer. The aim of this study was to identify the role of web-based educational campaigns in the field of cancer prevention in Poland. From 14.05.2015 to 13.11.2016 readers of Polish scientific websites were invited to participate in the “PORINA” prospective interventional study. A total of 1118 volunteers (unrepresentative sample) were recruited and randomized (interventional and control groups). After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 463 participants (41.4% of the recruited) qualified for the final analysis; 207 were allocated to the interventional and 256 to the control group. A specially designed internet platform, a self-reported questionnaire (validated during the study) and educational materials which were prepared by a physician specialized in clinical oncology were used. Assessments of participants’ knowledge were based on the authors Cancer Knowledge Index (CKI). The number of subjects with an increase in CKI score was significantly higher for the interventional group with minor changes in the control (p < 0.001). The highest increase in CKI scores was obtained in the following demographic groups: females, younger participants, those living in smaller villages and also among the less educated. An overall impact of presented web-based educational intervention was moderate. However, the results obtained confirmed that well-organized intervention supported by oncologists may be useful in cancer prevention.

Highlights

Some aspects of cancer-related deaths are avoidable primarily due to effective prevention and early diagnosis, as well as treatment and rehabilitation
The perception of the possibility of reducing or eliminating risk factors, the awareness of warning symptoms as well as the need for an early consultation with the physician, and the knowledge of preventive examinations are essential for improving the effectiveness of preventive actions [2,3]
It is essential that the Internet is more often used by young people, to whom it is easier to convey appropriate health-related attitudes, including those associated with proper behavior and prevention against cancer. review of current literature revealed that modern research tools based on Internet modalities can be used for conducting both questionnaire and interventional

Summary

Introduction

Some aspects of cancer-related deaths are avoidable primarily due to effective prevention and early diagnosis, as well as treatment and rehabilitation. The perception of the possibility of reducing or eliminating risk factors, the awareness of warning symptoms as well as the need for an early consultation with the physician, and the knowledge of preventive examinations are essential for improving the effectiveness of preventive actions [2,3]. Factors such as lack of knowledge, a sense of embarrassment, cultural factors, misconceptions and common myths may hinder prevention campaigns, and generally delay the decision to seek medical advice and diagnosis and treatment [3,4,5,6]. It is essential that the Internet is more often used by young people, to whom it is easier to convey appropriate health-related attitudes, including those associated with proper behavior and prevention against cancer. review of current literature revealed that modern research tools based on Internet modalities can be used for conducting both questionnaire and interventional

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Conclusion