Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
Department of Medical Entomology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
2
Department of Medical Entomology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares Univesity,Tehran, Iran
3
Department of Education, Faculty of Humanities, Tarbiat Modares university, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Educational and public awareness about the dangers of insects and arthropods can help prevent the problems and diseases transmitted by them, particularly in the rural areas where the illiterate or less educated population is higher. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of novel methods (such as education through social networks) on the level of awareness among rural residents (illiterate and less educated) in dealing with and preventing diseases transmitted by arthropods (ticks, mosquitoes, lice, fleas, sand flies, and ticks) in Bardsir County, Kerman Province. The results of this quasi-experimental study indicated that the use of social networks in education is a useful method, and there is a statistically significant difference (p value < 0.01) between the perspectives of the participants before and after the education.
Moreover, the level of awareness of prevention of diseases transmitted by insects and arthropods, showed a significant difference before and after the training. Additionally, the results of this research indicated that education through social networks had a positive impact on increasing the awareness of rural residents in Bardsir County about the identification of insects, arthropods, and the diseases transmitted by them. According to the participants, the use of social networks in dealing with insects, arthropods, and the diseases they transmit was not only very convenient but also useful, leading to an increase in awareness levels among the participants. These results suggest that the participants welcomed these trainings and were satisfied with their experience.
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