IMPACT OF AN EDUCATIONAL INTERVENTION ON PERSONAL AND FOOD HYGIENE IN THE PREVENTION OF INTESTINAL PARASITOSIS

Abstract

Intestinal parasitic infections represent a significant public health problem in Brazil, especially among socioeconomically vulnerable children. This experimental pre- and post-intervention study evaluated the impact of an educational action on personal and food hygiene on the knowledge of 42 elementary school students in Muqui, Espírito Santo. The intervention, consisting of a playful lecture and practical handwashing and food hygiene activities, was assessed using questionnaires. A per-question analysis, based on 30 valid questionnaires, revealed that the main prior knowledge gaps were in identifying parasitic diseases (30.0% correct answers) and recognizing pinworm infection (33.3%). Post-intervention, a significant and comprehensive increase in knowledge was observed, with gains reaching up to +50.0 percentage points. Post-intervention correct answer rates ranged from 73.3% to 90.0% across questions. It is concluded that playful and practical educational interventions are highly effective in improving knowledge about the prevention of intestinal parasitic infections among schoolchildren, highlighting the potential of the school as a strategic setting for health promotion.