EFFECT OF HEALTH-EDUCATION INTERVENTION ON KNOWLEDGE AND ADHERENCE TO COVID-19 PROTOCOLS AMONG KWARA STATE SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

Abstract

This research examined whether or not secondary school pupils in Kwara State understood and followed COVID-19 recommendations after receiving a health education intervention. A quasi-experimental approach was taken for this study. Participants' entering behaviours or prior knowledge were assessed, and participants' knowledge gains following the intervention were measured using a non-randomized pre- and posttest control group design. All high school senior students in Ilorin, Kwara State, were included in the study, but only 116 students from the Ilorin East and South LGAs were surveyed for the study. Students in senior secondary school from two distinct local governments were randomly selected using a multistage selection procedure. The results showed, for example, that students who were exposed to the COVID-19 protocol (treatment intervention) scored higher on the post-test regarding their knowledge of COVID-19 compared to those who were exposed to the personal hygiene protocol (placebo), who scored higher on the post-test regarding their knowledge of COVID-19 but scored lower on their adherence to the COVID-19 protocol. The study revealed that the health education intervention significantly improved students' knowledge of and compliance with COVID-19 protocols in Kwara State's secondary schools. Consequently, it has been proposed that professional associations spanning several fields collaborate to provide health education interventions aimed at fostering compliance with COVID-19 standards, with a particular focus on the male demographic.