A modified cancer education program. Effect on cancer knowledge and beliefs of the elderly

This pilot study examines the effect of a cancer education program on the knowledge and beliefs of elderly adults. The program, developed for this age group, was based on principles of adult education and on an understanding of changes related to aging. It focused on cancer risks and early diagnosis of cancer for older adults. The sample included 21 elderly adults from three retirement centers. The questionnaire used to determine knowledge and beliefs about cancer included seven scales based on the Health Beliefs Model: knowledge, severity, susceptibility, utility, barriers, behavioral intentions, and cues to action. A week following administration of the questionnaire, a program was presented: the modified cancer education program, a conventional cancer education program, or a program not related to cancer. The questionnaire was then readministered as a posttest. Findings were insignificant except that the group receiving the modified cancer program had increased scores on the knowledge scale from pretest to posttest; and the level of education accounted for 25% of the variability of posttest utility scores. The pilot study was useful for identifying problems with the questionnaire, the testing procedure, and the educational program that need to be corrected before a larger study can be undertaken.