Effectivenes of Awareness Programme on Prevention of Vector Borne Diseases among School Age Children

Vector-borne disease” is the term commonly used to describe an illness caused by an infectious microbe that is transmitted to people by blood-sucking arthropods¹. Vector-borne infections (VBI) are very common around the globe and they account for many devastating diseases².

Vectors typically become infected by a disease agent while feeding on infected vertebrates (e.g., birds, rodents, other larger animals, or humans), and then pass on the microbe to a susceptible person or other animal³. Every year over 1 million people all around the world die due to vector borne diseases. Focusing mainly on the increasing threat of viral and parasitic infections caused by insects, this year's World Health Day (April 7, 2014) highlights ‘Prevention of vector borne diseases^4.

A pre-experimental research approach with one group pre-test post-test design was for the study. 60 school aged children was considered as a sample after fulfilment of inclusive criteria. Convenient sampling technique was used. Tool made reliable with r=0.76 pilot testing done with 10% of overall population. Pre-test done followed by intervention was given and after seven day post-test was given. The data was analysed by using both descriptive and inferential statistics on the basis of the objectives and hypothesis of the study.

Mean posttest knowledge score was 17.24 & Mean of pretest knowledge score 25.48 the obtained’ value was statically significant at p<0.05 level. Hence the score predict the significant difference between the mean of pretest and posttest. Therefore there was no evidence to accept the null hypothesis. Hence the researcher rejects the null hypothesis and alternative hypothesis was accepted indicating the gaining knowledge was not by chance but because of the intervention.

The intervention was effective in improving knowledge of school age children regarding prevention of selected vector borne diseases