In order to evaluate the effects of regular health education by a school nurse on a child`s health-related knowledge and health-related behavior, a questionnaire survey was conducted with primary school students (4th, 5th, 6th grade) from December 5 to December 15, 1998. Subjects of the study were composed of two groups; one group who had regular health education by a school nurse and the other group who had no regular health education by a school nurse.
The results obtained from the data analysis were as follows:
1. There was no significant difference in general characteristics between both groups, but significant difference in parent-related characteristics and health-related characteristics were detected.
2. The health-related knowledge score was 21.98 in the regular health education group and 21.04 in the control group. There was significant differences between both groups (p<0.05).
3. Significant differences in the practice of health-related behaviors were detected between both groups (p<0.05).
4. The variables associated with the practice of health-related ~behaviors were regular health education, health-related knowledge, the education level of the mother, ignorance of health and parent`s concern about the child`s health (p<0.06).
5. The practice of regular health education was significantly related to the prevention of communicable disease, concern about health and total health behavior (p<0.05).
From the above results, it can be concluded that there is a positive relationship between regular health education and the practice of health-related behavior after controlling other variables.
According to the results, suggestions are as follows;
1. Evaluation of health-related knowledge and behaviors be conducted by the school nurse on pre and post-education.
2. The primary school student can be educated about health by the school nurse.
|