| dc.description.abstract | This study is pointer to the increasing interest in health education as a new
research area by anthropologists. This research:-
i) examines the role of primary schools' health education in the provision
of health education to pupils and whether this type of education
influences the pupils' health knowledge, attitudes and behavioural
patterns;
ii) attempts to find out whether health messages acquired by pupils through
the primary health education trickle down to the community around the
schools.
To achieve these aims, a sample of 177 pupils from standards three and eight
was randomly selected from six schools in Bondo Division. The data were collected
using Interviews, participatory approach and focus group discussions. Because of the
nature of the data, qualitative techniques were applied in the analysis.
The findings indicate that primary schools play an instrumental role in
socializing children in many aspects related to health. Thus, schools are more
important in provision of health education to pupils, unlike parents and the Ministry
of Health.
The findings also indicate that pupils benefit from the health education
programme. This is shown by the fact that most of the respondents could display
great knowledge of all the issues raised. A similar trend was observed in their
attitude and behaviour.
In addition, pupils do not keep the health messages acquired via the schools
to themselves. Other people in the community, especially parents, also benefit from
the messages. The study recommends the strengthening of health education in pnmary
schools since they form the most important source of health knowledge not only to
the pupils but also the community they live in. Further, it recommends that since the
exchange of ideas on health issues between parents and pupils is devoid of hostilities,
pupils could be successfully used in health campaigns in those areas hard hit by some
preventable diseases associated with poor hygienic and sanitary conditions and
practices. | en |
