Effectiveness of health education-based conventional intervention method to reduce noncommunicable diseases risk factors among rural population.

backgroundNoncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the major public health challenges that can be averted through prevention and control of behavioral risk factors. The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of health education-based conventional intervention method to reduce NCD risk factors among a selected rural population of Bangladesh.

methodsA quasi-experimental study was conducted among 80 adults of Basulia village. Cluster sampling technique was used to grasp the participants. A baseline pre-test was done, followed by health education intervention in terms of awareness creating and warning messages containing leaflets on NCD risk factors. A weekly leaflet was provided to the participants throughout 3 months followed by post-test. World Health Organization STEPS instrument was used for data collection. Paired t-test was done to see the significance of the intervention.

resultsMen were dominator (60%), and the mean age of the participants was 37.1±13.8 years. Significant pre- and post-test differences were found for decreasing the number of smoking tobacco sticks daily (11.1±5.9 and 7.4±2.9; P=0.016) along with the frequency of smokeless tobacco use daily (6.7±3.6 and 4.3±1.7; P=0.005), increasing the servings of fruit and vegetables intake daily (3.3±0.8 and 4.9±1.1; P=0.046), decreasing the amount of added salt intake daily (1.2±0.5 and 0.8±0.5 teaspoon; P<0.001), and also increasing the total weekly metabolic equivalent (MET) of physical activity (3,756±4,094 and 4,002±4,249; P=0.046). In terms of percentage of the risk factors, all were reduced except tobacco use.

conclusionsA fair positive interventional effect of health education messages using conventional method has been evinced for all NCD risk factors.