Work

Factors Associated with Pre-Service Teachers' Willingness to Teach Opisthorchis viverrini Prevention Education in Lao PDR: A Cross-Sectional Study

Year: 2026

Type: preprint

Abstract: Background This study examined factors associated with willingness to teach Opisthorchis viverrini (OV) prevention education among pre-service teachers at teacher training colleges (TTCs) in Lao PDR using a framework informed by the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among pre-service teachers at Pakse and Savannakhet TTCs in Lao PDR. Of 808 registered students, 550 completed an online questionnaire between 18 February and 12 March 2026. The present analysis included 372 students who had previously heard of OV. The questionnaire was developed from a literature review and a TPB-informed conceptual framework and refined through expert review. In the main analytical sample of 372 participants, the 12-item knowledge scale demonstrated acceptable internal consistency (KR-20 = 0.77). Willingness to teach OV prevention education was measured on a five-point Likert scale and dichotomized into lower and high willingness. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. Results Among the 372 participants, 271 (72.8%) reported high willingness to teach OV prevention education. In the multivariable model adjusted for TTC, female students had higher odds of high willingness than male students (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.79, 95% CI 1.43–5.45). Students who agreed or strongly agreed that teaching OV prevention education would benefit schoolchildren had higher odds of high willingness than those who disagreed or strongly disagreed (AOR 3.03, 95% CI 1.05–8.76). Perceived expectations from teachers were also associated with high willingness (AOR 4.87, 95% CI 1.60–14.80). Compared with students who were not at all or only slightly confident, moderately confident students had higher odds of high willingness (AOR 2.56, 95% CI 1.30–5.05), while confident or very confident students had substantially higher odds (AOR 12.90, 95% CI 4.64–35.90). Conclusions Attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control were independently associated with willingness to teach OV prevention education; the largest adjusted odds ratio was observed for perceived behavioral control. Female pre-service teachers were more likely than male pre-service teachers to report high willingness. Strengthening practical teaching experience, confidence, supportive professional norms, and positive attitudes may help TTCs prepare future teachers to deliver OV prevention education in endemic areas.

Source: Research Square

DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-11189484/v1