Health education on diabetes and other non-communicable diseases imparted to teachers shows a cascading effect. A study from Southern India. (March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Selvam, Sundaram; Murugesan, Narayanasamy; Snehalatha, Chamukuttan; Nanditha, Arun; Raghavan, Arun; Simon, Mary; Susairaj, Priscilla; Ramachandran, Ambady
• Is Part Of: Diabetes research and clinical practice. Volume 125(2017)
• Page Start: 20
• Page End: 28
• Publication Date: 2017-03
• Subjects: Awareness creation -- Diabetes training for teachers -- Diabetes education -- Non-communicable diseases -- Training of students; Diabetes -- Periodicals; Diabetes Mellitus -- Periodicals; 616.462
• DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2017.01.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0168-8227

Abstract

Highlights: Short training programme of teachers is efficient in disseminating health information on lifestyle diseases especially diabetes among school children. ​ Teachers get motivated to follow healthy lifestyle and influence their students to practice it.​ Positive change in attitude and behavior were seen among teachers and students who underwent the training.​ This demonstrates the amplifying effect of health education through school teachers. This approach may help to reduce the future prevalence of diabetes. ​ Abstract: Aims: The aims were to assess effect of a short training programme on non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly diabetes on school teachers and also on students who were in turn educated by them. Lifestyle changes made by both groups were assessed 6 months later. Methods: Graduate teachers ( n = 1017) from 2 districts in Tamilnadu, India were trained using audio visual aids in batches of 100, on healthy lifestyle practices, prevention and management of diabetes. Pre and post training knowledge scores were assessed using questionnaires. Each teacher was requested to impart similar education to 100 high school students within 3 months. Impact of the training on teachers and students was assessed using questionnaires 6 months later. Feedback from the students' parents was also collected. Results: A total of 1017 teachers (men: 33.8%, women: 66.2%, urban: 68.8%, rural: 31.1%) were trained. Among them, 651 (men: 31.3%, women: 68.7%) responded for impact evaluation. Changes in knowledge and attitude were reported by 93.7% of teachers. Improvement in lifestyle of the students was assessed by 587 teachers, 60.4% of the students avoided junk foods, 57.5% advised their family members on diabetes. Outdoor games were played by 50.8% of the students. Improvement in knowledge, changes in lifestyle and a positive attitude towards health care delivery were achieved among teachers and students through this training programme. Conclusions: Significant improvement in health perception among the teachers and students occurred even with a short training. It has demonstrated that non-medical personnel like teachers are efficient in disseminating health information on lifestyle diseases especially diabetes.