Effects of Health Education Program on Preventive Behavior against Opisthorchiasis among People Aged 15 and Above in Wiang Subdistrict, Chiang Khong District, Chiang Rai Province

Abstract

This study was quasi-experimental research using a one-group pretest-posttest design. The objective was to examine the effectiveness of a health education program in modifying preventive behaviors against Opisthorchis viverrini infection among individuals aged 15 years and older in Wiang Subdistrict, Chiang Khong District, Chiang Rai Province. The sample consisted of 45 at-risk participants selected through purposive sampling. The program comprised three main activities: (1) lectures and group discussions to provide knowledge about disease prevention, (2) the use of health education media such as posters and videos to enhance understanding and motivation, and (3) participatory learning and group reflection to promote behavioral changes. Research instruments included a questionnaire assessing health literacy and health behavior, and stool examination conducted before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics with the paired t-test, performed through STATA software. The results showed that after participating in the program, the participants had significantly higher mean scores of health literacy and health behavior compared to before the intervention (p < 0.001). The post-program mean score was 149.42 ± 0.92, higher than the pre-program score of 113.37 ± 12.15. The prevalence of Opisthorchis viverrini eggs decreased from 4.44% to zero after the program. In conclusion, the health education program was effective in improving health literacy and modifying preventive health behaviors related to Opisthorchis viverrini infection prevention, and it is recommended for implementation in other high-risk areas.