A Woman in Transition: can drama deliver a cancer awareness message?

BACKGROUND

Entertainment education is a field of health communication that utilizes a variety of entertainment to change health behaviors.

METHOD: In this article, we describe a pilot project in which we measured the effectiveness of drama as a health communication tool. Attendees completed a pretest and posttest measuring knowledge, attitudes, and behavior related to breast cancer screening.

RESULTS

At posttest, more women indicated breast self-exam rather than mammogram to be the "best method of early detection."

CONCLUSION

Researchers who use drama as a communication tool cannot be assured of the final health message delivered. Careful evaluation to monitor the effectiveness of drama as a cancer awareness tool is vital.