Introduction
In 2021, Osowiecka et al. published a study in Medicina on “Students´ Awareness and Knowledge about Cervical Cancer Prevention in Poland” (Osowiecka et al., 2021). The article focuses on an important topic of cervical cancer prevention and assesses the knowledge and understanding of Polish students regarding this issue. Castle et al. (2021), assert that cervical cancer can be considered as a noteworthy health problem all over the world and the vaccine and screening programs are crucial preventive measures in the war against it. The goal of the study is to examine the level of comprehension of the pupils; to determine whether early preventive measures are necessary, as well, to discover where more educational efforts should be concentrated.
Identification of Disease as well as Program
The condition or disease discussed in this article is cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is mostly caused by the recurrent infection of the cervix with high-risk HPV strains (Oświecka, et al., 2021). The research preventive approach or program includes educational efforts that focus on raising the knowledge of the public regarding protection against cervical cancer, especially through the use of vaccines against HPV and periodic screenings (Osowiecka et al., 2021).
Premise as well as Significant Points
The article’s fundamental premise is to assess Polish students’ understanding of cervical cancer prevention (Osowiecka, et al., 2021). The authors not only have addressed the topic, but have also brought to light the fact that the students are not knowledgeable about risk factors for cervical cancer, measures that could be taken to prevent it, and screening protocols (Osowiecka, et al., 2021). The study highlights the necessity of targeted communication and instruction which help to fill the knowledge gaps and ensure that youngsters possess the tools to protect their health.
Application of Epidemiology as well as Biostatistics
Throughout the article epidemiology as well biostatistics are utilized. The distributional strategy, sample size estimation, and prevalence for different risk factors and protective behaviors, among the target population, are all anchored on epidemiology principles (Khan, et al., 2022). The associations between demographic traits, knowledge levels, and preventive measures participation are measured by non-parametric statistical techniques such as the t-test, Chi-square test, and Spearman’s correlation coefficient (Khan et al., 2022). To illustrate, whether relationships existing among categorical variables were calculated using inferential statistical methods like chi-square tests is one possible way of doing this.
Data Source, Variables, as well as Statistical Analysis
As its main data source, the study employed a cross-sectional survey that was conducted on a representative sample of students from Poland. Population-related factors including age, gender, educational level, as well as socioeconomic background are the main independent variables (Osowiecka et al., 2021). The independent variables include the experimental group and the control group, while the dependent variables encompass knowledge scores on risk factors, prevention measures, and screening guidelines. Various statistical analyses were performed using multivariate regression techniques, as well as descriptive methods, in a bid to determine the factors associated with the high level of knowledge and participation in preventive activities (Osowiecka, et al., 2021). The role of relations built and the effectiveness of educational interventions were tested by hypothesis testing.
Significance of the Study
The research is very considerable since it shows the areas of uncertainty in preventing cervical cancer in the Polish youth (Osowiecka, et al., 2021). The study can help determine regions where the situation of disinformation and misconception is prevalent. This data can guide the launch of educational programs and health intervention initiatives that are focused on creating awareness and promoting preventive measures. In conclusion, educating the general population and involving them in the prevention of cervical cancer are the best ways to alleviate this complication and improve health conditions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the article by Osowiecka et al. has in the end shed some light on the level of cancer awareness and knowledge of Polish students. Through the employment of epidemiological and biostatistical procedures, the research advocates for a greater level of educational efforts to bridge the existing knowledge gaps and emphasize preventive measures. The conclusion of the study is a testimony to the fact that targeting the disease lowers the incidence of cervical cancer and the health outcomes get better. Thus it has implications for public health policy and practice.
References
Castle, P. E., Einstein, M. H., & Sahasrabuddhe, V. V. (2021). Cervical cancer prevention and control in women living with human immunodeficiency virus. CA: a cancer journal for clinicians, 71(6), 505-526.
Khan, J., Adil, M., Wang, G., Tsheten, T., Zhang, D., Pan, W., … & Wu, Y. (2022). A cross-sectional study to assess the epidemiological situation and associated risk factors of dengue fever; knowledge, attitudes, and practices about dengue prevention in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan. Frontiers in Public Health, 10, 923277.
Osowiecka, K., Yahuza, S., Szwiec, M., Gwara, A., Kasprzycka, K., Godawska, M., … & Rucinska, M. (2021). Students’ Knowledge about Cervical Cancer Prevention in Poland. Medicina, 57(10), 1045.