Application of Health Belief Model and Participatory Learning Process on Behavior Modification for Liver Fluke Prevention

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the application of the Health Belief Model and participatory learning process on behavior modification for the prevention of liver fluke among risk people aged 15-65 years old in Khwao yai Sub-district, Kantharawichai District, Mahasarakham Province. It was conducted as a quasi-experimental research in which 74 at-risk people aged 15-65 years old were randomly selected and assigned in the experimental and the control groups, 37 each. The Health Belief Model and participatory process were applied in the experimental group. Activities included knowledge about liver fluke, group meeting, discussion, liver fluke prevention self assessment, commitment, cooking demonstration, hand washing practice, followed-up by health personnel community leaders, and giving certificates and flag for household that did not eat raw fish. The study was carried out for 12 weeks. Data were collected from April to June 2012. Percentage, Mean, standard deviation, Paired t- test, Independent t- test were used for data analysis. It was found that after the experiment, the knowledge mean score on liver fluke in the experimental group was at high level and was significantly higher than that of the control group of which the score was at average level (p<0.05). In the experimental group, the mean scores of perceived risk, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and liver fluke preventive behavior were all at high Level at the end of the experiment; and the scores were significantly higher than the baselines. In conclusion, the participatory learning process for behavior modification in preventing liver fluke in risk people could lead to the desirable and sustainable participation, awareness and practices towards liver fluke prevention. This approach should be applied in other endemic areas.