Tactile Learning in Cancer Awareness: Evaluating Prosthetic Models Versus Posters in Male Reproductive Health...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Medical Education
• Public Health

Background:

• Prostate and testicular cancers are significant health concerns for men.
• Public awareness, self-examination knowledge, and comfort discussing male reproductive health are often inadequate.
• Stigma surrounding male reproductive health hinders early detection and prevention efforts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of poster-based versus prosthetic model-based instruction on male reproductive cancer awareness.
• To assess knowledge gains, retention, and comfort discussing male cancers among adult participants.
• To identify differences in educational effectiveness across various education levels and age groups.

Main Methods:

• A pre-, post-, and two-week follow-up survey design was employed.
• Participants received either poster-based or prosthetic model-based instruction.
• Knowledge, retention, and comfort levels were measured using surveys.

Main Results:

• Prosthetic model-based instruction yielded greater immediate knowledge gains than posters.
• Stronger knowledge retention at two weeks was observed with prosthetic models.
• Prosthetic models significantly improved confidence, especially in participants with lower educational attainment.

Conclusions:

• Prosthetic model-based instruction is more effective than poster-based instruction for male reproductive cancer education.
• Multisensory and experiential learning with prosthetic models can reduce educational disparities.
• This method holds potential for improving early detection and reducing mortality from male reproductive cancers.