The Influence Of WhatsApp Counseling And Counseling On The Knowledge And Attitude Of Early Detection Of Cervical Cancer In Women Of Childbearing Age In Tanah Merah Village, Perbaungan District, Serdang Bedagai Regency

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The Influence of WhatsApp Counseling and Counseling on the Knowledge and Attitude of Early Detection of Cervical Cancer in Women of Childbearing Age in Tanah Merah Village, Perbaungan District, Serdang Bedagai Regency

Introduction

Cervical cancer is a serious threat to women's health in Indonesia, particularly among women aged 30-50 years. The disease is caused by the infection of human papilloma virus (HPV) and is one of the most common types of cancer in the country. Despite its prevalence, there are still many obstacles faced in the early detection of cervical cancer, including lack of knowledge, attitudes that do not support, and limited access to information. This study aimed to review the effectiveness of counseling and counseling through WhatsApp in increasing the knowledge and attitude of early detection of cervical cancer in women of childbearing age in Tanah Merah Village, Perbaungan District, Serdang Bedagai Regency.

Background

Cervical cancer is a significant public health concern in Indonesia, with a high incidence rate among women of childbearing age. The disease is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, making it difficult to treat and increasing the risk of mortality. Early detection of cervical cancer is crucial in preventing the disease and reducing its mortality rate. However, there are still many barriers to early detection, including lack of knowledge, attitudes that do not support, and limited access to information.

Research Methods and Promising Results

This study used the Quasi One Group Pretest-Posttest experimental design, involving 50 fertile women as a sample. The snowball sampling method was applied to collect samples. The research instrument consisted of a questionnaire on knowledge and attitudes and mobile phones with WhatsApp applications installed. The WhatsApp counseling and counseling process was carried out for 16 days, with 8 days of counseling sessions (2 hours per session) and 8 days of counseling sessions (1 hour per session).

The data analysis using the paired sample t-test showed significant results. The increased knowledge was indicated by the value of P = 0.000 (p < 0.05), while the increase in early detection was characterized by the value of P = 0.000 (< 0.05). These results indicate that WhatsApp counseling and counseling have a significant positive influence on the knowledge and attitude of early detection of cervical cancer in women of childbearing age.

WhatsApp Potential as an Educational Medium

This study proves the potential of WhatsApp as an effective educational medium for increasing awareness and knowledge about early detection of cervical cancer. Some of WhatsApp's advantages as counseling and counseling media include:

*** High Accessibility: WhatsApp is familiar and widely used by the community, including women of childbearing age. Ease of Delivery of Information: WhatsApp allows the delivery of information easily, quickly, and practically through text messages, images, videos, and audio. *** Direct Interaction: The WhatsApp group feature allows direct interaction between the instructor and participants, so that it can answer questions and overcome doubts in real-time. *** Relatively Low Cost: WhatsApp is a free application that can be accessed via a smartphone.

Recommendations and Conclusions

This study provides important recommendations for prevention and early detection of cervical cancer:

  • Expansion of the use of WhatsApp as a medium of counseling and counseling to increase knowledge and early detection of cervical cancer in women of childbearing age in various regions.
  • The importance of developing counseling and counseling material that is interesting, informative, and easy to understand to increase program effectiveness.
  • The importance of encouraging and facilitating the active participation of women in the early detection program of cervical cancer.

In conclusion, WhatsApp counseling and counseling have proven to be effective in increasing the knowledge and attitude of early detection of cervical cancer. This media has great potential in increasing awareness and access to information about reproductive health, especially the prevention of cervical cancer. By utilizing digital technology appropriately, we can go further in efforts to prevent and detect early cervical cancer, for the health of Indonesian women.

Implications for Future Research

This study has several implications for future research:

  • Further studies should be conducted to explore the effectiveness of WhatsApp counseling and counseling in other regions and populations.
  • The development of WhatsApp-based counseling and counseling materials should be continued to improve program effectiveness.
  • The role of WhatsApp in increasing awareness and access to information about reproductive health should be further explored.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations:

  • The sample size was relatively small, and further studies should be conducted with larger sample sizes.
  • The study was conducted in a single region, and further studies should be conducted in other regions to explore the generalizability of the findings.
  • The study did not explore the long-term effects of WhatsApp counseling and counseling on knowledge and attitude.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides evidence of the effectiveness of WhatsApp counseling and counseling in increasing the knowledge and attitude of early detection of cervical cancer in women of childbearing age. The study highlights the potential of WhatsApp as an educational medium for increasing awareness and access to information about reproductive health. By utilizing digital technology appropriately, we can go further in efforts to prevent and detect early cervical cancer, for the health of Indonesian women.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about WhatsApp Counseling and Counseling for Cervical Cancer Prevention

Q: What is WhatsApp counseling and counseling?

A: WhatsApp counseling and counseling is a type of counseling and education program that uses the WhatsApp messaging app to provide information and support to individuals, particularly women of childbearing age, about cervical cancer prevention and early detection.

Q: How does WhatsApp counseling and counseling work?

A: WhatsApp counseling and counseling involves the use of WhatsApp groups to deliver information and support to participants. The program typically includes a series of messages, images, videos, and audio files that provide information about cervical cancer prevention and early detection. Participants can also interact with the counselor and other participants through the WhatsApp group.

Q: What are the benefits of WhatsApp counseling and counseling for cervical cancer prevention?

A: The benefits of WhatsApp counseling and counseling for cervical cancer prevention include:

  • Increased knowledge and awareness about cervical cancer prevention and early detection
  • Improved attitudes and behaviors related to cervical cancer prevention and early detection
  • Increased access to information and support for cervical cancer prevention and early detection
  • Cost-effective and convenient delivery of information and support

Q: Who can benefit from WhatsApp counseling and counseling for cervical cancer prevention?

A: Anyone who is interested in learning more about cervical cancer prevention and early detection can benefit from WhatsApp counseling and counseling. This includes women of childbearing age, healthcare providers, and community leaders.

Q: How can I participate in WhatsApp counseling and counseling for cervical cancer prevention?

A: To participate in WhatsApp counseling and counseling for cervical cancer prevention, you can:

  • Contact a local healthcare provider or community organization to learn more about the program
  • Search for WhatsApp groups related to cervical cancer prevention and early detection
  • Join a WhatsApp group that is focused on cervical cancer prevention and early detection

Q: What are the limitations of WhatsApp counseling and counseling for cervical cancer prevention?

A: The limitations of WhatsApp counseling and counseling for cervical cancer prevention include:

  • Limited access to technology and internet connectivity
  • Limited ability to provide personalized support and counseling
  • Limited ability to address complex health issues and concerns

Q: How can I get involved in WhatsApp counseling and counseling for cervical cancer prevention?

A: To get involved in WhatsApp counseling and counseling for cervical cancer prevention, you can:

  • Volunteer to help develop and deliver the program
  • Participate in the program as a counselor or participant
  • Provide feedback and suggestions for improving the program

Q: What are the future directions for WhatsApp counseling and counseling for cervical cancer prevention?

A: The future directions for WhatsApp counseling and counseling for cervical cancer prevention include:

  • Expanding the program to reach more individuals and communities
  • Developing new and innovative ways to deliver information and support
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of the program and making improvements as needed

Q: How can I stay up-to-date with the latest information and research on WhatsApp counseling and counseling for cervical cancer prevention?

A: To stay up-to-date with the latest information and research on WhatsApp counseling and counseling for cervical cancer prevention, you can:

  • Follow reputable health organizations and researchers on social media
  • Subscribe to health-related newsletters and publications
  • Attend conferences and workshops related to health and technology.