Short- and long-term impact of health education in improving water supply, sanitation and knowledge about intestinal helminths in rural Bangladesh

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the long-term impact of health education in intestinal helminth infection control in rural Bangladesh.

Study design: Longitudinal study to compare knowledge, awareness and practice for intestinal helminths between four communities: two receiving health education and two not receiving health education.

Methods: Parents of 1497 children aged between 2 and 8 years [781 (52.2%) received health education] were investigated by interview at baseline, endline (18 months) and follow-up (5 years).

Results: Health education had a significant effect on the installment of tubewells and latrines, but only had a temporary effect on health knowledge.

Conclusion: This long-term follow-up study showed the lack of sustainability of knowledge and awareness in the long-term after health education interventions.