Effectiveness of Structured Teaching Programme on Knowledge and Practices Regarding Prevention on Leptospirosis Among Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Workers

Abstract

Leptospirosis is a major public health problem in tropical countries, particularly affecting rural and occupationally exposed populations such as Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) workers. Due to frequent exposure to contaminated water, poor sanitation, and inadequate preventive practices, these workers are at increased risk of infection. Enhancing their knowledge and preventive practices is essential to reduce disease incidence.

The present study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a structured teaching programme on knowledge and practices regarding prevention of leptospirosis among Mahatma Gandhi rural employment workers in Perumkadavila Panchayat, Trivandrum district. A quantitative research approach with a pre-experimental one-group pre-test and post-test design was adopted. A total of 50 rural employment workers were selected using simple random sampling techniques.

Data was collected using a structured questionnaire to assess knowledge and a checklist to assess preventive practices related to leptospirosis. A structured teaching programme was administered after the pre-test, followed by a post-test to evaluate its effectiveness. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis, including paired t-test and chi-square test.

Following the organized training program, the results showed a considerable improvement in both knowledge and practice scores. The mean post-test knowledge score was significantly higher than the pre-test score (t = 32.6, p < 0.05). Significant associations were found between selected demographic variables such as age, lifestyle habits, years of experience, and source of information with knowledge and practice levels.

The study comes to the conclusion that an organized educational program is a practical and successful way to enhance rural employment workers' understanding of leptospirosis and their preventative measures, which will help to avoid illness and promote health.