A community-based health education programme for bio-environmental control of malaria through folk theatre (Kalajatha) in rural India
2006

Using Folk Theatre to Educate Rural Communities About Malaria Control

Sample size: 87 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Ghosh Susanta K, Patil Rajan R, Tiwari Satyanarayan, Dash Aditya P

Primary Institution: National Institute of Malaria Research (ICMR)

Hypothesis

Can folk theatre effectively educate rural communities about malaria control?

Conclusion

The Kalajatha folk theatre program significantly increased knowledge about malaria and its control among the rural community.

Supporting Evidence

  • The exposed respondents showed a significant increase in knowledge about malaria and its control strategies.
  • Community participation was crucial for the success of the program.
  • Folk theatre was an effective medium for health education in rural areas.

Takeaway

This study used a traditional folk theatre to teach people in rural India about malaria, and it worked really well to help them understand how to prevent it.

Methodology

The program involved performances of folk theatre in malaria-affected villages, followed by assessments of knowledge and attitudes two months later.

Limitations

Immediate behavioral changes in hygiene were not as significant as expected.

Participant Demographics

The study involved 87 households from two different health centers, with a mix of children and adults.

Statistical Information

P-Value

< 0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1475-2875-5-123

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