Impact of Educational Intervention on Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Among General Public Regarding Poisoning in Ananthapur District

Abstract

Aim & Objective: To impart knowledge and to create awareness on poisoning and its management to the general public in Batthalapalli town in Ananthapuramu district. Primary Objective is to assess the impact of education on knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of general public about the general poisonous substances.  Secondary Objective is to impart knowledge by providing patient counseling and pamphlets distribution in Batthalapalli town and to compare the knowledge on poison in two different areas in Ananthapuramu district. Methodology: This study was conducted at Ananthapuramu district Government General Hospital & RDT Hospital Batthalapalli and select geographical areas of Ananthapuramu. This study was a retrospective (Jan 2017 – Dec 2020) and prospective study carried out for a period of from Jan 2021 to Dec 2022. During the study, KAP about the poison was also conducted and analyzed. Results: The study conducted on 726 participants aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding poison across different education levels. The data revealed distinct trends in participants' responses based on their educational background. In terms of knowledge about poison, illiterate individuals scored the lowest mean at 2.5217, while postgraduate (PG) participants exhibited the highest level of knowledge with a mean of 5.0000. Attitude towards the situation showed a similar pattern, with illiterate participants scoring the lowest mean at 3.0663, while PG individuals demonstrated the most positive attitude with a mean of 4.9792. When it came to practices related to poison, illiterate participants had the lowest mean at 2.2846, while PG participants exhibited the highest practice mean of 4.9129. Overall, the study highlights a positive correlation between higher education levels and increased knowledge, positive attitudes, and healthier practices concerning poison.