The influence of health education on the prevalence of schist some infected learners in aschistosome endemic area in the Limpopo Province

Abstract

During this study selected direct and indirect educational methods were evaluated as a means of decreasing the prevalence of schist some infections in school children living in a schistosomeendemic area. Two direct (puppet show and flip chart) and three indirect (notice board, poster and education via parents or guardians) educational methods were evaluated. Schist some infected learners were identified by means of parasitological methods, their knowledge concerningschistosomiasis was tested in a questionnaire and information regarding water and sanitation facilities at their disposal was collected. Local health authorities facilitated treatment for this disease, while local teachers were involved in conveying the various educational programmes. Anoticeable increase in the learner’s knowledge regarding schistosomiasis was evident after only two educational opportunities, while a significant decrease in the cumulative prevalence of infection was recorded during the investigation among all the groups receiving education. Statistical analyses revealed that the puppet show, flipchart and poster were the most effective methods used to lower the prevalence of infection, while involving parents or guardians in the process proved to be the least effective method employed during the study.