Effectiveness of structured teaching versus child-to-child teaching program on knowledge regarding worm infestation to middle school children in Puducherry

Abstract

Background: Worm infestations are one of the most widely prevalent neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) which are inextricably linked to poor sanitation and hygiene. Aims: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of structured teaching plan and child-to-child teaching in raising awareness about helminthiasis. Methods: Thirty-seven standard children each from two government secondary schools in Puducherry were selected by simple random sampling. Data on knowledge regarding worm infestation and selected demographic variables were collected using a structured questionnaire. Two groups with 30 subjects each were created, where Group 1 was taught according to a structured teaching plan, and a child-to-child teaching approach was adopted for Group 2. The effectiveness of interventions was adjudged using a paired t-test. The association between the level of knowledge and select demographic variables was examined using a Chi-square test. Results: A vast majority of subjects in Group 1 and Group 2 had inadequate and moderately adequate knowledge of helminthiasis, respectively, prior to intervention. However, the mean test scores of Group 1 increased by 20.6 following intervention with a structured teaching plan. An incremental mean difference of 19.16 was witnessed in Group 2. The child-to-child teaching program was found to be equally effective as a structured teaching plan. A statistically significant association was found between the level of knowledge and demographic variables such as age and place of defecation (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Peer learning was found to be a novel and reliable method of expanding the knowledge of middle school children on prevention of hookworm infestation, thereby encouraging healthy behaviors.