Author/Authors :
Turkestani, A. Mecca Regional Health Directorate - Department of Public Health, Saudi Arabia , Balahmar, M. Jeddah Health Directorate - Department of Preventive Medicine, Saudi Arabia , Ibrahem, A. Jeddah Health Directorate - Department of Preventive Medicine, Saudi Arabia , Moqbel, E. Jeddah Health Directorate - Department of Preventive Medicine, Saudi Arabia , Memish, Z.A. Ministry of Health - Department of Public Health, Saudi Arabia
Abstract :
The main objective of this study was to assess the short-term effect on health knowledge among pilgrims after being provided specific health education messages.A random sample of 6 entry-point buses was selected. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess knowledge before and after intervention; 278 pilgrims completed the questionnaire.There was a significant increase in the proportion of participants who answered all questions correctly after the educational intervention (P 0.05). Almost all respondents stated that they benefited from the health education and that the health educator was successful in delivering the messages. Only 19 (7.2%) reported that they had already received relevant health education messages prior to their arrival in Saudi Arabia. Before the intervention just 50% of the respondents knew that safe shaving prevents dissemination of bloodborne diseases; this rose to 84.7% after the intervention. Direct health education to pilgrims is effective in improving short-term health knowledge.
