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Open Access 01-12-2018 | Research

Effect of health education on severe thalassemia prevention and control in communities in Cambodia

Authors: Kimhaung Cheng, Supan Fucharoen, Kanokwan Sanchaisuriya, Goonnapa Fucharoen, Pattara Sanchaisuriya, Arunee Jetsrisuparb

Published in: Archives of Public Health | Issue 1/2018

Abstract

Background

Severe thalassemia diseases are a major health problem in Southeast Asia. In Cambodia, there has never been a significant program for prevention or control of severe thalassemia. We, therefore, studied the effect of a health education program on severe thalassemia prevention and control in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Methods

A quasi-experimental study in several communities around Phnom Penh was done. The respective intervention and control group comprised 124 and 117 people, between 18 and 40 years of age, male and female. Pre- and post-tests using a validated and reliable questionnaire were performed in the intervention group and one test was done in the control group. A health education program was organized to give important information to the intervention group and, at the end of the process, to the control group. The outcomes were evaluations of their knowledge and attitude vis-à-vis severe thalassemia prevention and control, and participating in thalassemia screening.

Results

Among participants in the intervention group, 105 (84.7%) considered undergoing blood screening vs. 65 (55.6%) in the control group (p-value < 0.001). In the intervention group, the respective mean scores for knowledge and attitude to a prevention and control program for severe thalassemia before and after health education were 2.6 VS 6.5 (p-value < 0.001) and 4.6 VS 6.5 (p-value < 0.001).

Conclusions

The intention to undergo screening was significantly higher in the intervention group than the control group. Knowledge and attitude towards prevention and control of severe thalassemia was significantly improved in the intervention group. Health education clearly heightens awareness and improves consideration of screening for prevention and control of severe thalassemia.

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Title: Effect of health education on severe thalassemia prevention and control in communities in Cambodia
Authors: Kimhaung Cheng
Supan Fucharoen
Kanokwan Sanchaisuriya
Goonnapa Fucharoen
Pattara Sanchaisuriya
Arunee Jetsrisuparb
Publication date: 01-12-2018
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Archives of Public Health / Issue 1/2018
Electronic ISSN: 2049-3258
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13690-018-0259-3

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Effect of health education on severe thalassemia prevention and control in communities in Cambodia

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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