ABSTRACT
The present study was conducted to assess knowledge and attitude of unmarried female students in King Abdul-Aziz University [KAU] towards premarital screening [PMS] program, to determine predictors of high students' knowledge scores and to improve their knowledge about PMS through conduction of an educational campaign. Multi-stage stratified random sample method was used with recruitment of 1563 students from all faculties of KAU, during the educational year 2008-2009. The Pre-test included 30 knowledge items and 14 attitude statements with student's response through a 5-point Likert scale. Health education was conducted using audiovisual aids through pre-designed educational materials. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS version 16. Students' knowledge about the program was generally low before the educational campaign. The predictors of high knowledge scores were being a health science student [aOR = 4.15; 95% CI: 2.97-5.81], age >/= 20 years [aOR = 2.78; 95% CI: 2.01-3.85], family history of hereditary diseases and income >/= 10,000 SR/month. Regarding attitude, almost all students [99.0%] agreed on the importance of PMS. After the educational program, students' knowledge about PMS was markedly improved. The mean students' knowledge score was 9.85 +/- 5.36 in Pre-test and improved to 18.45 +/- 4.96 in Post-test, with a highly statistical significant difference [paired t = 25.40, p < 0.000]. Conclusion and recommendations: The educational program was successful in improving students' knowledge about the PMS. Conduction of similar educational programs and adding PMS in the curriculum of secondary and university education are recommended
ABSTRACT
Dengue is increasingly recognized as one of the world's major infectious diseases. Dengue vectors, human knowledge and human behavior have each been reported to play an important role in the transmission of the disease. A cross-sectional approach was conducted to assess knowledge, attitudes and practice [KAP] of high school female students, teachers and supervisors towards Dengue fever [DF], and to determine scoring predictors of high school students' knowledge and practice scores. A multistage, stratified, random sample method was applied. A total of 2693 students, 356 teachers and 115 supervisors completed confidential self-administered questionnaires. Students obtained the lowest mean knowledge score compared to the other two groups [F = 51.5, P < 0.001]. A positive family history of DF [a OR = 2.05; 95% CI = 1.15_3.64], having literate mothers [>/= secondary education], and students' age ?17 were the predictors of high students' knowledge score. The only predictor of high practice score was obtaining high knowledge score [a OR = 2.06; 95% CI = 1.73_2.44]. KAP towards DF was deficient among target populations, especially among students. School-based educational campaigns and social mobilization for raising knowledge and changing it into sound practice is urgently needed for controlling dengue epidemics in Jeddah