Effectiveness of Educational Sessions on Reproductive Health among Blind and Deaf Students at Zagazig City

Abstract

Both deaf and blindness are devastating physical condition with deep emotional and economic implications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of educational sessions on reproductive health among blind and deaf students at Zagazig city. Subjects and methods; A quasi-experimental design was used in the setting at El-Amal School for Deaf and Hard for Hearing, and El-Nour School for Blind at Zagazig City of 63 students. Two tools were used; I. A questionnaire consisting of two parts: Part A: Socio-demographic characteristics of the student. Part B: Student's knowledge about reproductive health. II. An observational checklist to assess the student's practice to breast self-examination. Results showed that the total score value of total knowledge among blind and deaf student’s improved from 9.15% and 8.28% respectively in preprogram, to 90.23% and 91.38% respectively immediately post program, and decreased slightly to 88.08%, and 88.5% respectively at follow up 3 months’ post program. Conclusion: This study results provided evidence that after implementation of educational program students' knowledge and practice regarding reproductive health improved. Therefore, it is recommended that a health education and training program about reproductive health to be provided to all students in the special schools, and continuing training programs to be provide to all students to update their knowledge and practices.