The Effect of Health Education in the Prevention and Control of Gastrointestinal Infection in Internally Displaced Persons (IDPS) Camp in Gwoza Local Government Area, Borno State

Abstract

Background: Gastrointestinal infections remain a significant global health challenge, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and other individuals in particular the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). As of in 2024 study had shown that. Globally, there are approximately 48 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) who have fled conflict and violence.

Methods: The study investigated the effect of health education on the prevention and control of gastrointestinal infections among internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Gwoza Local Government Area, Borno State, Nigeria using quasi-experiment and 150 participants were selected by systematic sampling technique.

Results: The results revealed a significant increase in the number of IDPs who recognized diarrhea as a life-threatening disease, with 73% of respondents agreeing after the health education intervention, compared to 61% before the intervention. Similarly, the number of IDPs who understood the preventability of diarrhea increased from 75% to 87% after the health education intervention. Furthermore, the study found that health education increased IDPs' knowledge about the strategies health educators can use to prevent and control gastrointestinal infections, with 87% of respondents agreeing that raising awareness and expanding knowledge about gastrointestinal infections is essential.

Conclusions: The study concluded that health education is a vital component in reducing the incidence of gastrointestinal infections among IDPs and recommends that health education programs should be integrated into all programs to improve health outcomes in IDP camps.

Keywords:

Health Education, Gastrointestinal Infection, Internally Displaced Persons, Diarrhoea, Prevention

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