The effectiveness of a media documentary on Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections for upper elementary school students

Abstract

            The prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) remains high along the Thailand-Myanmar border due to persistent poverty, inadequate utilities, and limited education on sanitation and hygiene among the local population. This study aimed to evaluate the improvement in students’ knowledge after watching a media documentary on STHs. Additionally, the study assessed participants' satisfaction with the media using questionnaires. A total of 274 elementary school students in grades 4 to 6, residing in the border region, participated in the study. Informed consent was obtained from both the students and their legal guardians. The participants completed pre- and post-test assessments to measure their knowledge of STHs before and after watching the media. Media satisfaction was evaluated using a questionnaire. Demographic data and satisfaction responses were analyzed descriptively, while changes in pre- and post-test scores were compared using a paired t-test.

            Of the participants, 53.28% were male and 46.72% female, with ages ranging from 9 to 16 years (mean age = 11). Most of the students’ parents were employed in general labor and had non-formal education backgrounds. The findings revealed a significant improvement in students' knowledge, with a 30.04% increase in post-test scores compared to pre-test scores (p < 0.001). Media satisfaction was rated at a good level, with an average score of 2.39 ± 0.76 out of a possible 3 points, reported by 79.66% of the participants. The study demonstrated that the media effectively enhanced participants' understanding of STHs due to its simplicity and practical relevance to daily life.

            These results support the development of similar media resources for educating Thai and international students, medical professionals, and the general public in the future.