Evaluation Of Educational Programs In An Integrated Pest Management Approach For Cockroach Infestation In Housing

Abstract:
This study was conducted to evaluate effectiveness of educational programs on individual knowledge of occupants and sanitation rate. The study’s locations comprised three buildings in the South West of Iran. The educational program was initiated by putting up posters, handing out pamphlets, face to face interaction and gave informative lectures to all students in the intervention section. To evaluate the effectiveness of the educational program, 53 residential units were divided randomly into intervention (education) and control groups. Sanitation before and after educational programs in study locations, was evaluated using sanitation rates. Before education, a set of questionnaires in two sections were distributed among all occupants in order to collect information on occupants’ attitudes towards sanitation in the study’s locations and knowledge of residents about cockroach infestation, prevention and integrated pest management (IPM) system. After being exposed to the educational program the respondents’ knowledge about IPM improved by 46%. Evaluation of the obtained scores after educational programs showed a significant difference between scores for pre- and post-educational programs (Mean= 6.93 Vs 8.63). Data was further substantiated by control group (Mean=7.55 Vs 7.4). Therefore the educational program improved scores and subsequent knowledge of students on IPM and cockroach management. The sanitation rates for the intervention units at the girls’ dormitory had significantly improved (from median 4 to 1) after several educational programs were conducted. This finding was further substantiated by the control group, which did not show significant change after a similar duration. In conclusion, the sanitation and the educational programs were important strategies contributing to the success of IPM method.