European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Dengue infection is generally considered to be a pediatric disease but is currently a growing problem in adults throughout the tropics. The Peer education intervention is the widely used and is generally a low cost intervention, conveying information in natural settings where target groups are located.
            The statement of the study is to assess the  effectiveness of Peer education interventions on knowledge regarding dengue fever among adults in selected areas, Kanchipuram District, Tamilnadu. The objectives of the study is to assess the existing knowledge on dengue fever among the adults, to evaluate the effectiveness of peer education intervention on knowledge of dengue fever among adults and to associate the post-test knowledge on dengue fever among adults with selected demographic variables.
            An evaluative research approach was adopted for the study. The research design used in this study is Quasi- experimental design (one group pre-test and post-test design). The study was conducted in selected rural areas in Thiruporur. Sample of the study was 60 were selected by using random sampling technique. Data was collected from 27/09/22 to 29/10/22. Semi structured interview schedule was used to assess the knowledge on dengue fever.  Five adult educators were taught about dengue fever and they in turn taught to the other adults under the supervision of the investigator. Post test was conducted on the 7th day of the intervention.The results shows that in the Pre-test all adults had inadequate knowledge about dengue fever.
            Overall post-test mean knowledge score was 23.61 with standard deviation of 2.98, which was more than the pre-test mean score 7.81 with the standard deviation of 2.78. This shows that peer education was effective. There was no significant association between the post test knowledge level and the demographic   variables among adults. This study shows that peer education intervention is an effective intervention among adults to promote knowledge on dengue fever.