Document Type : Original Article
Authors
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Heart attack and stroke account for >80% of deaths due to cardio‑vascular
diseases (CVDs) in India. Adolescents are the most susceptible group to adopt risky behaviors
causing CVDs such as use of tobacco and alcohol, sedentary lifestyle, and unhealthy diet. This
study was conducted to assess the health literacy of CVDs such as heart attack and stroke among
school‑going adolescents and change in health literacy after different information, education, and
communication (IEC) activities.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a school‑based interventional study conducted in two schools
among students of classes 6, 7, and 8. The educational interventions were done in the form of
pamphlets, posters, and lectures on heart attack and stroke. The postintervention data were collected
2 weeks after the first intervention and 3 months after the last intervention.
RESULTS: There were a higher proportion of students with satisfactory level of knowledge of heart
attack and stroke both at 2 weeks and 3 months after the interventions in both the schools, and the
results were statistically significant (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION: The health literacy regarding CVDs has improved when compared to baseline after
IEC activities among school‑going adolescents.
Keywords
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