title: Implementation of Health Behavior Education Concerning Liver Flukes among Village Health Volunteers in an Epidemic Area of Thailand.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Liver fluke infection is associated with cholangiocarcinoma; the bile duct cancer found frequently in the northeast and north of Thailand. Prevention and control particularly requires health education and behavior change.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to improve health behavior among village health volunteers (VHV) regarding liver fluke exposure in an epidemic area.
  
  
  METHODS
  A quasi-experimental study was performed during July 2015 to January 2016 in Sang Kha district of Surin province, Thailand. A total of 67 VHVs underwent a health education program (HEP) and data were collected on knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) before and after participation for HEP 3 months with a pre-designed questionnaire. The Students paired T-test was used for comparisons of mean KAP levels before/after the intervention.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results revealed that knowledge (P-value=0.004), attitude (P-value=0.004), and practice level (P-value=0.000) were significantly improved after participation in the HBP. Attitude was significantly associated with knowledge (r=0.266, <0.05), and practice (r=0.348, <0.01) .
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The implementation of health education among VHVs is feasible and increases their KAP. This improvement should have potential in liver fluke prevention and control in local communities in rural Thailand.
authors.affiliation: Parasitic Disease Research Unit, Suranaree University of Technology Hospital, Nakhon Ratchasima E-mail : soraya.k@sut.ac.th.
authors.forename: Soraya J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Kaewpitoon
authors.forename: Ratana
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rujirakul
authors.forename: Parichart
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Wakkuwattapong
authors.forename: Likit
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Matrakool
authors.forename: Taweesak
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Tongtawee
authors.forename: Jun
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Norkaew
authors.forename: Jirawoot
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kujapun
authors.forename: Wilas
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Kampangsri
authors.forename: Natthawut
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kaewpitoon
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D005210:Fasciola hepatica / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D005211:Fascioliasis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015438:Health Behavior; D006266:Health Education / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006284:Health Plan Implementation; D064368:Healthy Volunteers; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D065228:Non-Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D011379:Prognosis; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013785:Thailand / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult