The effectiveness of communication intervention - health education increases knowledge about hepatitis B virus infection among the Southern Khmer people in Tra Vinh province

Abstract

The effectiveness of health communication and education activities aimed at enhancing knowledge and improving risky behaviors has been demonstrated in the context of infectious diseases. However, the application of specific intervention models, particularly the Health Belief Model, has not been robustly implemented, especially concerning Hepatitis B virus infection. A community intervention study with a control group was conducted to assess the efficacy of communication activities among 978 individuals of the Khmer Krom in 2 districts of Tra Vinh province. The study noted an improvement in knowledge. Despite not significantly improving knowledge, the intervention led to a 0.95-point increase in general knowledge, a 0.46-point increase in knowledge about Hepatitis B, and a 0.30-point increase in knowledge about the risk of Hepatitis B infection. Educational level was also identified as a factor that contributed to the effectiveness of the intervention, resulting in an average 0.19-point increase in knowledge
about the prevention of Hepatitis B infection. These findings provide a foundation for community health care activities. It is crucial to sustain and implement health communication and education activities throughout the entirety of Tra Vinh province.