Liver cancer, specifically cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), is very common in different areas in Thailand. Many factors make this cancer more common, such as liver fluke infection, older age, eating raw fish, family history of cancer, alcohol intake, taking certain medicines (praziquantel), low intake of fresh vegetable, and low education. In 2015, researchers from Khon Kaen University developed the Community-based Health Education and Communication (CHEC) program to prevent liver cancer caused by liver flukes in communities of the Khon Kaen province, Thailand. The main aim of this 5-year research study is to enhance the CHEC program to prevent liver cancer, and test if it is effective in improving the knowledge and behaviours of community residents regarding how to prevent liver cancer. This study will take place in Khon Kaen, Thailand. Other aims are to: 1. Increase understanding in the community that make it difficult to prevent liver cancer, as well as community characteristics that can help prevent liver cancer; 2. Incorporate the program we develop in healthcare to prevent liver cancer in Thailand.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
480
The eCHEC program is the enhanced Community-based Health Education and Communication (CHEC) model to prevent O. viverrini in an effort to decrease cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) in Khon Kaen, Thailand
Khon Kaen University
Phu Wiang, Changwat Khon Kaen, Thailand
RECRUITINGIntake of raw fish
Mean difference in the self-reported frequency of intake of raw fish in the intervention group compared to the control group. Self reported, pre- and post- intervention.
Time frame: 12 months
Intake of fruits and vegetables
Mean difference in the self-reported frequency of intake of fruits and vegetables in the intervention group compared to the control group. Self reported, pre- and post- intervention.
Time frame: 12 months
Smoking
Difference in the proportion of smoking habits in the intervention group compared to the control group. Self reported, pre- and post- intervention.
Time frame: 12 months
Alcoholic beverage intake
Mean difference in the intake of alcoholic beverages in the intervention group compared to the control group. Self reported, pre- and post- intervention.
Time frame: 12 months
Praziquantel use
Difference in the proportion of use of the medication praziquantel (prescribed or self-medicated) in the intervention group compared to the control group. Self reported, pre- and post- intervention.
Time frame: 12 months
Stool test (proportion of stool test concentration)
Difference in the proportion of positive stool test of concentration of O. viverrini, pre- and post-intervention.
Time frame: 12 months
Stool test (mean concentration)
Difference in the mean concentration of O. viverrini in the stool test, pre- and post-intervention.
Time frame: 12 months
Stages of change for risk behaviours affecting the development of CCA.
Mean difference in the stages of change for risk behaviours in the intervention group compared to the control group. Self reported, pre- and post- intervention.
Time frame: 12 months
Knowledge of preventative measures against CCA
Mean difference in knowledge score about in knowledge of preventative measures against CCA in the intervention group compared to the control group. Measured in questions included in the community survey.
Time frame: 12 months
BMI
Cardiobolic measure linked to developing cancer. Change in the mean body mass index calculated from height and weight (self-reported).
Time frame: 12 months
Waist circumference
Cardiobolic measure linked to developing cancer. Change in the mean waist circumference (measured with measuring tape)
Time frame: 12 months
Blood pressure
Cardiobolic measure linked to developing cancer. Change in the mean measured blood pressure (automated, validated device)
Time frame: 12 months
Health literacy
Mean difference in health literacy knowledge score in the intervention group compared to the control group. Self reported, pre- and post- intervention
Time frame: 12 months
Quality of life
Mean difference in quality of life in the intervention group compared to the control group. Self reported, pre- and post- intervention. Using the EuroQol-5 dimension-5 level (EQ-5D-5L) tool
Time frame: 12 months
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