An experimental study: the effectiveness of structured teaching programme (stp) on knowledge and attitude regarding prevention and control of swine flu (h1n1) among school students

Introduction: Swine Flu is a respiratory tract infection from the hogs. This infection is a worldwide virus outbreak which can kill the human race. It has affected nearly 42,592 people and claimed over 2,990 lives in India. Methodology: An experimental study with Pre-test, Post-test Control group design was conducted to evaluate effectiveness of structured teaching programme (STP) on knowledge and attitude regarding prevention and control of swine flu (H1N1) among school students at selected school of Rajasthan. Simple Random Sampling technique was used to select 60samples through lottery method to receive STP. Structured knowledge questionnaire and Attitude Scale were the tools. Result: Study found a statistically significant (P 0.00003) increase in Post-test knowledge score 18.46,±2.04 of the experimental group from pre-test knowledge scores of 10.2, ±2.21.The mean post-test knowledge score of experimental group (18.46, ±2.04) was statistically significantly (P 0.0145) higher than the mean post-test knowledge scores of control group (18.46, ±2.04). In experimental group, mean post-test attitude score (57.16, ±6.69) increased statistically significant (P 0.0068) from mean pre-test attitude scores (46.36, ±5.69). Similarly the mean difference (10.1) between mean post-test attitude scores (57.16, ±6.69) of experimental group and control group (47.06, ±5.63) was statistically significant (P 0.0186). Correlation (r = 0.67) between post-test Knowledge and attitude scores of school students in experimental group were statistically significant (P 0.000051). Post test knowledge and attitude score was independent of demographic variables. Conclusion: The structured teaching programme was found effective to improve the knowledge and attitude of school students regarding prevention and control of swine flu. This suggests the importance of adopting health education strategies through various mass media regarding swine flu.