[Effect of first aid educational program in health volunteers, rescue method during disasters in Arak]

ABSTRACT

Providing health not only is responsibility of governmental organizations but also is responsibility of community health volunteers help to health centers and try to promote people's knowledge and practice about their health. This study is conducted to determine knowledge and practice of the volunteers before and immediately after education and evaluated long-term education effects. This interventional [semi-experimental] study was carried out on 78 health communicators Arak with census method. In Arak axis education were included; check of vital signs and rescue method during disasters. Methods of education were lecture, smallgroup, problem solving, and practical training in Skin lab. Data were gathered with questionnaire and check list and were analyzed with Paired T-test and Pearson correlation coefficient. Data was analyzed using paired t-test and Pearson correlation coefficient. There was a significant difference between mean of knowledge and practice scores before and immediately after training [p<0.001]. But the relationship between scores immediately after training and one year later, was not significant. It seems updated knowledge and practice of health volunteers change health behavior, promote knowledge and practice and decrease health care expenses