Idris, Nur Aiza
(2020)
The effectiveness of tuberculosis (TB) education intervention programme on knowledge, attitude, practice and stigma about TB among secondary school students in Kelantan.
Masters thesis, Universiti Sains Malaysia.
Abstract
Introduction Tuberculosis (TB) is a major health problem affecting millions of
people every year worldwide. In Malaysia, despite having a comprehensive TB control
program, the number of TB cases is still alarming, including cases among adolescents.
About 8.5% of TB cases in Malaysia were children and adolescent with highest TB
incidence between age group of 10 to 19. The current scenario indicates that innovative
interventions among adolescents have to be taken seriously for its effective disease
control. The need for school intervention programme is crucial as TB can extensively
spread in congregate settings like school environment, thus it creates challenges for TB
control. Health education programme could streamline accurate information and facilitate
health-seeking behaviours among adolescents towards TB, which will help in control and
end the TB.
Objective To determine the effectiveness of TB education programme on
knowledge, attitude, practice and stigma among secondary school student in Kelantan.
Methodology This study was a school-based interventional study (nonrandomized
trial) conducted among secondary school students from two districts in
Kelantan. The students were selected by using cluster sampling among second form (14-
year-olds) and fourth form (16-year-olds) students. The intervention group received TB
education program consisted of a lecture, quiz, small group discussion, posters exhibition
and printed materials on TB while the control group received information on adolescent
health and hygiene. Their knowledge, attitude, practice, and stigma score were assessed
before and one month after the program using validated structured questionnaire.
Repeated measures ANOVA were applied.
Results A total of 236 secondary school students were involved with majority
of them were Malay and female predominant. The mean percentage score (SD) for
baseline knowledge, attitude, practice and stigma score for the respondents were 54.0
(4.48), 65.6 (1.74), 70.0 (1.43) and 66.0 (6.88) respectively. There was a significant
difference (p < 0.001) in the knowledge and stigma score for intervention group compared
to control group, adjusted for gender, ethnicity and smoking status 4 weeks post TB
educational programme. However, with regards to attitude and practice score, there was
no significant difference (p = 0.210 and p = 0.243, respectively) comparing both groups.
Conclusion The baseline adolescents in the present study were found to have
average levels of knowledge and preventive practices with regards to TB. Overall, they
had positive attitudes toward TB disease; however, the level of negative stigma against
TB was high. This TB education intervention progamme has been shown to be effective
in improving the knowledge and stigma regarding TB among secondary school students.
This health education program can be used as one of the strategies for the prevention and
control of TB in Malaysia, especially in schools.
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