Design and Process of Implementation Mobile Application Based Modular Training on Early Detection of Cancers (M-OncoEd) for Primary Care Physicians in India.

BACKGROUND: Early detection of curable cancers is a cost-effective way to address the cancer care burden of low- and middle-income countries and active engagement of primary care physicians using mobile technology can have a significant impact on cancer outcomes in a short time. AIMS: To describe the process of mHealth study; Oncology Education and Training for Providers using Mobile Phones which developed a mobile application (M-OncoEd) to educate physicians on approaches to early detection of curable cancers. It also aims to describe how the insight gained through qualitative research by the researchers was used in the design and implementation of the project. METHODOLOGY: Qualitative research methods were used in all the phases of the study. Phenomenology was used in the formative phase with three expert meetings, two Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and five In-depth Interviews (IDI), and during the implementation stage with two FGDs, three IDI, and five informal discussions. OBSERVATIONS: The majority of curable cancers are detected at a late stage and poorly managed in India, and active engagement of primary care physicians can have a significant impact on cancer outcomes. There is a lack of knowledge and skills for early detection of cancers among consultants and physicians and this can be attributed to the training gap. M-OncoEd was a need-based well designed engaging learning platform to educate primary care physicians on Breast, Cervical, and Oral Cancer early detection. It was found to be very useful by the beneficiaries and made them more confident for early detection of cancers from the community. CONCLUSIONS: This research study could design a need-based, cost-effective mobile-based learning tool for primary care physicians using the expertise and experience of the experts in cancer care using qualitative methods.

Public perception and preparedness for the pandemic COVID 19: A Health Belief Model approach.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) pandemic is recognized as a major threat to human health in 2020. As the disease is new and spreading quickly, the scientific community is reporting new information daily to address this issue. The public is well informed and is ready to adopt the protective and preventive measures suggested by the authorities. AIM & OBJECTIVE: This study is aimed at understanding the perception towards the pandemic using the Health Belief Model (HBM) approach, preparedness measures adopted, opinion and confidence towards various Governmental activities and control measures. METHODS AND MATERIAL: A Cross-sectional survey was conducted among adults across the Kerala state using modified WHO Cosmo protocol and questionnaires implemented through google forms in late April during the preparedness phase of the disease. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The results were explained using descriptive and Binary Logistic Regression analysis using SPSS version 22. RESULTS: Among the 680 participants, 675 (99.3%) were aware about COVID-19 and 598 (88%) had good knowledge. Behavioural change was observed in 638 (93.8%) and variables in Health Belief Model showed a significant association with behavioural change. CONCLUSIONS: Most people living across Kerala approached the COVID-19 pandemic in a similar manner, irrespective of age, education, or relation to the healthcare field. Perceptions of the community as explained by Health Belief Model was greatly influenced by the primary health care approach by the government and for the subsequent behavioural change.