Effectiveness of Awareness Programme on Knowledge of Thalassemia among Adolescent Students and their Motivation to Screen the Status as Thalassemic Carrier in a Selected School, Howrah, West Bengal

Abstract

Thalassemia, the burden of inherited disorders of hemoglobin, the commonest group of single gene disorders in India is huge. A recent survey by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) 10 reveals 9 of every 100 people in Kolkata are affected by thalassemia, a figure alarmingly high as compared to other major metros. According to ICMR, lack of awareness is the main reason for the high figure in Kolkata. Only education can reduce this barrier. So, this research was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness the awareness programme on knowledge and their motivation to screen the status regarding thalassemia among adolescent students. A pre-experimental study was conducted and the design used one group pre-test post-test. Non probability convenient sampling technique was used to select class IX & X students. Two hundred students were selected by total enumeration technique. A valid and reliable structured knowledge questionnaire and HPLC Test was used to collect data. The findings of the study revealed that majority of the subjects are within 14–15 years, 55% were male and rest 45% were female. 71% students were unknown to the term Thalassemia. Only 1% (2) had affected family member & relatives. There is a significant difference between mean pre-test and post-test knowledge score [t=47 “t” df(199)= 1.97; p<0.05]. The majority of the students (95%) agreed for thalassemia screening. Report of thalassemia screening showed 11% were thalassemia carrier. There was deficiency in knowledge regarding thalassemia among adolescent students. The awareness programme was effective in improving knowledge of adolescent students regarding thalssemia and to motivate them for screening.