| dc.description.abstract | In this study health education was implemented as a means of control of urinary schistosomiasis. This was done through two direct (puppet show and flip chart) and three indirect (posters, notice board and education of guardians) educational methods. The success of these educational programmes, was measured by the possible increase in knowledge attained with regard to the control of schistosomiasis, as well as in the possible decrease in the prevalence and intensity of infection. These results were compared with those obtained from control groups who did not receive any health education. Microscopic analysis of urine samples, collected between 10:00 and 14:00 from male and female individuals, were conducted at specific time intervals over a period of two years. The health educational programmes were administered and evaluated by means of questionnaires during the same period. The following conclusions were drawn from the results of the questionnaire and the parasitological analyses: • The implementation of all the educational methods, except the notice board which carried limited information, and could therefore not be evaluated, resulted in an increase in knowledge regarding schistosomiasis. • From the results regarding the prevalence studies it was evident that the notice board (Nwajaheni Higher Primary School) was the most effective in keeping the prevalence low and the education of guardians (Fofoza Primary School) the least. • Results from the intensity studies, indicated that the notice board (Nwajaheni Higher Primary School) was the most effective, and the posters (Thapane Primary School) the least effective in keeping the intensity low. • Concerning the cost-effectiveness of all the educational methods applied, the notice board was the most effective in decreasing the prevalence of infection while all these methods can be regarded as cost effective as far as lowering the intensity of infection is concerned. • The prevalence and intensity of infection declined to such an extent after the implementation of all the health educational programmes, that education, regarding the control of schistosomiasis, can be recommended at school level. | |
