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

Abstract

Background: Both deaf and blindness are devastating physical conditions 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. Purposive sample of Sixty three students Deaf and Blind from El-Amal School for Deaf and Hard for Hearing, and El-Nour School for Blind respectively at Zagazig City. 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 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: The educational session's significantly brought out improvements in the knowledge and practice of Blind and Deaf students regarding reproductive health. So, it is recommended that a health education 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.