effect of selected health education methods on the knowledge and attitude of primary school teachers in a rural area

ABSTRACT

Health education is an integral component of the primary school curriculum. The teacher plays an effective and influencial role in changing knowledge, attitude and practices of students. This study aimed at assessing primary school teachers knowledge and attitude towards selected common health problems [Bilharziasis and Anemia] and to study the different effects of different health education methods on their knowledge and attitudes. The study was conducted in eight primary schools randomly chosen. All teachers [73] in six schools were exposed to the health education programmes. In the other two no programme was implemented [26 teachers]. Only one of the methods [Lecture, group discussion or community organization] was used in each two of the six schools to cover the aspects related to the health problem and its prevention A pre and post-test was conducted and answers and responses were summed up. Accordinlgly, knowledge and attitude were scored .It was found that teachers knowledge improved significantly by health education using the three methods. Yet community organization was the most effective. Significant improvement in attitude was revealed by the use of community organization and groups discussion while, the lecture had a limited effect in this respect. It is recommended that lecture be used to impart health knowledge to large group of students as regards common health problems. For change of attitudes and consequent practices related to health, community organization and group discussion methods are to be used