Effect of educational intervention on knowledge, attitude and practice about deworming and its association with anaemia among medical undergraduates in a medical college in dakshina Kannada

Abstract

The WHO considered soil-transmitted helminthiasis and schistosomiasis among neglected tropical diseases. It has affected more than a third of the world’s population. National Deworming Day (NDD) will be conducted yearly on February 10, followed by a mop-up day on February 15 in the country.According to WHO, across the world, about 24% of the population is infected with soil-transmitted helminthic infections.We used a validated questionnaire, and it included questions to evaluate the participant’sknowledge, attitude, and practice of deworming and anemia. Data was collected by giving 20 minutes to students to answer the questions. After that, a 30-minute lecture was given on anaemia and deworming using PPT. Students were again told to fill in the questionnaire immediately after the lecture. Pre-test and post-test scores were compared, and a chi-square test was used to test the association of knowledge, attitude, and practice. It was observed that knowledge, attitude, and practice among medical students increasedsignificantly after educational intervention.From the above study, we conclude that there is a significant impact on knowledge, attitude, andpractice. As a result, medical student training and healthcare professionals can effectively prevent worm infestation and thus anaemia in the population, which is a major burden in a developing country like India.