Work

OP–204 The effect of health education implemented in vocational training on communicable disease risk awareness and protective behaviors

Year: 2026

Type: conference-paper

Abstract: Aim This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a health education intervention on communicable disease risk awareness and protective behaviors among students enrolled in beauty and hair care services programs at vocational education centers.Material and Method A quasi-experimental pretest–posttest study with a control group was conducted among vocational education students from two different centers. A total of 86 students participated in the study. The intervention group received a presentation-supported health education program focusing on communicable diseases, hand hygiene, preventive measures, and personal protection, accompanied by soap distribution as a supportive hygiene material. The control group received only an educational brochure. Data were collected using a Descriptive Information Form and the Communicable Diseases Risk Awareness and Protection Scale before the intervention and one month after the education. This study is supported by the TÜBİTAK 2209-A University Students Research Projects Support Program (2025/1 Term, Project No: 1919B012500734).Results A total of 86 vocational training center students, including 48 in the control group and 38 in the intervention group, participated in the study. The mean age of the participants was 17.60±1.83 years, and 66.3% were male. It was determined that 75.6% of the students had received tetanus vaccination, 36% had previously received education on communicable diseases, and 97.7% considered hand hygiene important in preventing communicable diseases. No statistically significant difference was found between the groups in terms of communicable disease risk awareness and protective behaviors in the pre-test (p > 0.05). In the post-test, a significant increase was found in the intervention group compared to the control group in common living risk awareness (p=0.03), personal protection awareness (p=0.02), handwashing behaviors (p=0.02), personal contact awareness (p < 0.001), and total scores (p < 0.001).Conclusion Structured health education improved communicable disease awareness, hygiene behaviors, and preventive practices among students.

Source: BMJ Paediatrics Open

DOI: 10.1136/bmjpo-2026-epa-unepsa.201