EFFECTS OF A TRAINING AND EDUCATION PROGRAM ON KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE TOWARDS NOISE-INDUCED HEARING LOSS PREVENTION AMONG VECTOR CONTROL WORKERS

Received 2022-12-27; Accepted 2023-02-09; Published 2023-03-20

Abstract

Background: Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is one of the most prevalent occupational disease globally. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a training and education program in increasing knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) towards NIHL prevention among vector control workers.

Methods: This is a cluster-randomized controlled trial design involving 183 vector control workers from nine district health offices in the state of Perak, Malaysia. Both groups were followed-up for a period of 3 months. Changes in KAP score towards NIHL was measured at intervals of 1 month and 3 months post-intervention. Data was analyzed according to Per-Protocol (PP) principles.

Results: Both intervention and control groups showed increase in mean scores for all three domains (knowledge, attitude and practice) after 1 month but a larger improvement was seen in the intervention group for the attitude and practice domain in comparison to the control group. For the practice domain, the intergroup mean difference was 0.35% with 95% CI of -5.2 to 4.5. The greatest improvement was seen in attitude domain where the intergroup mean difference was 0.9% (95% CI -4.1, 2.3). At 3 months post-intervention, a greater improvement was observed in the intervention group compared to the control group for all 3 domains. The largest improvement was seen in the practice domain where the intergroup mean difference was -4.2 (95% CI -9.1, 0.7).

Conclusion: The training and education program was effective in maintaining the existing knowledge, attitude and practice of vector controls towards noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Continuous training and education is needed to cultivate good safety behaviour at workplace.