Effect of a Self-Designed Educational Material on the Knowledge of Parents on Diarrhea

Abstract

Background: Diarrhea is an easily preventable and treatable disease but it remains one of the leading causes of child mortalities. Common misconceptions on diarrhea are also prevalent which can lead to fatalities. The pharmacist, as one of the most readily accessible healthcare professional in the community, can educate patients through counseling, or through printed materials to empower them to practice rational self-care.

Objective: The objectives of this study were to create a printed material for parents and to determine its effect on their knowledge on diarrhea.

Methods: Multimethod expansion design was utilized in the study and involved both qualitative and
quantitative phase. The qualitative phase was used for the educational material development and involved purposive sampling of healthcare professionals. The quantitative phase which is a pre- and post-test design at one-time point involved convenience sampling (n=252) and included respondents from Indang, Bailen, Alfonso, and Mendez in Cavite, Philippines.

Results: The educational material obtained a suitability assessment of material (SAM) score of greater than 70% indicating that it is superior in terms of SAM parameters. Analyses of pre- and post-test scores were conducted at 90% confidence level, α=0.10 using Wilcoxon signed rank sum test. Results showed that the educational material significantly increased the knowledge of parents on diarrhea with regard to its causes, assessment, management, and prevention (p=0.000; p<0.10).

Conclusion: The educational material has an effect on the knowledge of parents/guardians on diarrhea. Nevertheless, care should be observed in interpreting the results as confounders were not addressed in the study. It is recommended to determine the retention of knowledge at multiple time points.