A study to assess the factors related to selected health problems and determine the effectiveness of audio drama in life style modifications and its related outcomes among visual1y impaired children in selected school at Coimbatore district

Abstract

Background : Healthy childhood is the foundation for a healthy adult life. The maintenance and promotion of health is achieved through the combination of physical, mental, and social well- being. This is essential for the proper growth and development of children‘s mind and body. Children are the vulnerable group for acquiring infections, due to their low resistance power. Child health promotion provides more chances and various resources to promote all children to achieve the full optimum health. The aim of the study was to assess the factors related to selected health problems (respiratory tract infection and dental caries) and determine effectiveness of audio drama regarding knowledge and practice on selected health problems and its outcome among visually impaired children. The conceptual frame work used in the study was Wiedenbach's helping art clinical theory. The study adopted descriptive and experimental approach. Convenient sample of 250 visually impaired children from various schools and colleges were taken. The data on factors related to selected health problems, knowledge and practice regarding respiratory tract infection and dental caries were assessed through structured interview schedule. Audio drama on knowledge and practice regarding respiratory tract infection and dental caries were provided. The findings of the study showed that majority of the samples 226 (90%) took food 3 times a day and most of them 147 (59%) had respiratory tract infection. More than half of the samples 147 (59%) used inhalers, 147 (59%) of samples got respiratory tract infection due to intake of cold food items mostly through ice creams and cool drinks. More than half 129 (52%) of samples got RTI during cold weather. Conclusion: The study concluded that audio drama based education was effective in improving the knowledge and practice of selected health problems (respiratory tract infection and dental caries) to improve the life style changes and its related outcome among visually impaired children.