Jency Priskilla Johnson, Rishla Kozhithodi Eranthodi, Jabir Muhammed M, Vijayakumar Balakrishnan, Dinesh Raja Jeyapal, Dhanalakshmi Rajendran
Epidemiology and Operational Research, Indian Council of Medical Research-Vector Control Research Centre, Puducherry, IND.
Biostatistics and Vector-Borne Disease Modelling, Indian Council of Medical Research-Vector Control Research Centre, Puducherry, IND.
Cureus. 2024 Jul 23;16(7):e65227. doi: 10.7759/cureus.65227. eCollection 2024 Jul.
Introduction Dengue is a mosquito-borne disease of global health concern, especially in tropical areas. , its vector, thrives in inadequate sanitation conditions. The role of sanitary workers is pivotal in dengue control and prevention efforts; hence, educating them is essential for enhancing their vector control awareness. Methods This study was conducted among 109 municipal sanitary workers in selected areas of Puducherry, India. Their baseline knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding dengue were assessed through a pretested, semi-structured questionnaire, followed by a targeted health education intervention incorporating novel communication methods such as pocket awareness cards. The impact of the intervention was assessed through an increment in KAP scores, qualitative interviews, and surprise visits to the field during their work hours. Results The mean (± SD) scores in terms of knowledge (4.29 ± 1.77 vs. 7.17 ± 1.02; p < 0.01), attitudes (3.58 ± 1.42 vs. 4.69 ± 0.71; p < 0.01), and practices (1.98 ± 0.84 vs. 4.28 ± 1.12; p < 0.01) significantly increased post-intervention. Qualitative interviews revealed the utility of the intervention, with additional insights on implementation barriers and strategies for the future. Conclusion The study's findings imply that the targeted health education intervention for sanitary workers was effective in improving their knowledge and practices on dengue control. These results demonstrate the potential of future educational initiatives to promote vector control measures among sanitary staff and thereby combat dengue transmission in the community.
引言
登革热是一种由蚊子传播的疾病，引起全球健康关注，尤其是在热带地区。其传播媒介在卫生条件差的环境中大量繁殖。卫生工作者在登革热防控工作中起着关键作用；因此，对他们进行教育对于提高其病媒控制意识至关重要。
方法
本研究在印度本地治里选定地区的109名市政卫生工作者中进行。通过预先测试的半结构化问卷评估他们对登革热的基线知识、态度和实践（KAP），随后开展有针对性的健康教育干预，采用诸如口袋式宣传卡片等新颖的传播方法。通过KAP得分的提高、定性访谈以及在他们工作时间对现场进行突击走访来评估干预措施的效果。
结果
干预后，知识（4.29±1.77对7.17±1.02；p<0.01）、态度（3.58±1.42对4.69±0.71；p<0.01）和实践（1.98±0.84对4.28±1.12；p<0.01）方面的平均（±标准差）得分显著提高。定性访谈揭示了干预措施的效用，并对实施障碍和未来策略有了更多见解。
结论
该研究结果表明，针对卫生工作者的有针对性的健康教育干预在提高他们对登革热控制的知识和实践方面是有效的。这些结果证明了未来教育举措在促进卫生工作人员采取病媒控制措施从而抗击社区登革热传播方面的潜力。
