Evaluation of the efficiency of the evidence-based public health intervention program on health literacy and cancer awareness of university students and teachers

In this research, levels of health literacy and cancer awareness of university students and Academic staff have been determined and the correlation between them has been investigated. Certain activities used for the enhancement of cancer awareness have been assessed within the context of confirmation based public health intervention program. To achieve the concerning assessment "Efficiency of the assessment of both health literacy, and cancer awareness of University students, and academic staff interview form" has been devised which is based on "Turkish Health Literacy Scale-32" and the retrospective references. After the completion of preliminary interview forms health literacy and cancer awareness levels of participants have been determined. After the completion of a series of educational activities final interview forms are filled by the participants and the efficiency of these activities are determined. A significance level less 0,05 is assumed in all statistical analyses. 34 members of academic staff and 366 students, so totally 400 persons are participated in the investigation. Average health literacy index level of participants is 29,62±7,23, hence 71,8% of participants are of insufficient/limited levels. 25% of participants are determined to be of insufficient, 46,8% are of limited, 23,2% are of sufficient, and 5% are of perfect levels of health literacy. According to the preliminary investigation the average cancer awareness level was 61,6 ±12 whereas the final investigation yielded the average level of 75,8 ±13,8. The increase between the preliminary and final investigations are found to be statistically meaningful (p<0,001) which indicates that the intervention activities had a positive effect on the level of cancer awareness. It is concluded that activities concerning the enhancement of cancer awareness and health literacy must be increased.