The Assessment of Teaching Programme Regarding Prevention and Management of Helminthic Infections among School Children in Selected Schools of Alappuzha District

Abstract

Background: Intestinal worm infestation is a global health problem. Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections form the most important group of intestinal worms affecting two billion people worldwide, causing considerable morbidity and suffering, though entirely preventable. Worm infestation is the common but neglected problem especially among school children especially between the age group of 5to 14 years. The poor standard of living includes improper disposal of faecal and other wastes, overcrowding, unhygienic health practices and poor environmental sanitation are the reasons for the worm infestation among the children. Objectives: To evaluate the impact of teaching programme regarding prevention and management of worm infestation among school children in selected schools of Alappuzha District. Materials and Methods: The research method adopted for this study was a quantitative research approach with an experimental research design. The sample consists of 75 school children of age 10 to 12 years. Systematic random sample and convenient sampling technique were adapted to choose the students. The knowledge about worm infestation was assessed through pre-test and after providing the health education the Post-test was done using the same questionnaire for the same participants convenient sampling technique. Results: The study revealed that majority of the children, 35 (46%) had average knowledge, 10 (14%) had good knowledge and 30(40%) had below average knowledge scores in pre-test, whereas in the post test 42samples (56%) had good knowledge, 30(40%) had average knowledge scores and only 3(4%) had below average knowledge. The t-value was computed to find the significant difference in the mean pre-test and Post-test knowledge scores was found to be significant (t= 10.44, P<0.05). Conclusion: The findings showed that school children had significantly gained the knowledge in the post test which implies that the structured teaching programme was effective in improving the knowledge of the subjects.