A Study on Knowledge and Attitude on Vector-Borne Diseases among Secondary School Students in Rural Setup

Abstract

Background: In India, Vector-Borne Diseases (VBD) account for the majority of communicable illnesses. They account for 17% of the projected worldwide burden of all infectious illnesses, posing serious public health issues and impeding the country's socio-economic growth. To make a significant change in society, it is vital to increase the knowledge and attitudes of school students who serve as effective whistle-blowers between community and health educators. Hence the present study was undertaken. Methodology: Descriptive cross-sectional study including 194 secondary school students of rural Mandya. Students who were present and willing to participate were included. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to obtain their knowledge and attitude towards VBD. The data obtained before and after the health education was analysed using the McNemar X2 test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: In the pre-test, 6.2% and 93.8% of the participants have obtained average and poor knowledge scores respectively. A statistically significant improvement in the knowledge score was seen after the health education (Z=-11.91, p<0.001). About attitude, 89.2% had a very good attitude, 9.8% had good and 1.0% had a poor attitude towards vector-borne diseases. However, after health education, it was observed that betterment in the attitude of the students. (Z= -2.63, p=0.009). Conclusion: A significant improvement in the knowledge and attitude towards VBD among the study population was observed after the health education. Keywords: Vector-Borne diseases, School students, Health education, Knowledge, Attitude