Effectiveness of Health Education Programs in Improving Health Outcomes among the Residents of Barangay Sta. Barbara, Nabua, Camarines Sur

Abstract

Academically-based health education programs are designed to encourage healthy behavior and enhance the health of communities. There is, however, little empirical evidence about the extent to which they impact on participants' practices, attitudes, and enabling factors. The effectiveness and impact of a health education program done by the graduate school and college of health sciences of Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges to 30 residents of Barangay Sta. Barbara, Nabua, Camarines Sur. A 40 item questionnaire-checklist, validated, was administered which includes aspects of effectiveness, practices, attitude and facilitating factors. The analysis of the data was done on a weighted mean and a percentage approach. The program was viewed as very effective (overall WM = 3.34), with the promotion of health and wellness being the most highly rated. The impacts on knowledge (WM = 3.31; high impact) and on practices (WM = 3.31; high impact) were positive, but first aid and teaching others skills were moderately impacted. Attitudinal impact was the greatest (WM = 3.59, high impact), particularly with regards to improving self-worth and avoiding vices. The family income (WM = 3.62) and health beliefs (WM = 3.60) were most important for program effectiveness. The health education program was effective in improving the attitudes of the participants and their personal health behaviors, but not so much in strengthening the teaching infrastructure within the community and provide solutions for structural barriers like employment conditions. Socioeconomic constraints need to be incorporated in future interventions to ensure sustainable results.