Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of two teaching strategies, both guided by the concept of dialogicity, on adolescents' knowledge about schistosomiasis and adherence to diagnostic fecal testing.
Methods: Two teaching strategies related to schistosomiasis were developed, an educational video and group conversation, which were tested in two groups of students aged 10-15 years old. Before and after the intervention, a questionnaire was applied to assess participants' knowledge about schistosomiasis and, after the intervention, two fecal samples were requested from each participant. Comparisons were performed by paired t- and McNemar tests.
Results: Both strategies resulted in statistically significant improvements in knowledge between the pre- and post-tests. Students who watched the video had a higher return rate of fecal samples and percentage of correct questionnaire answers, mainly on questions about schistosomiasis infection.
Conclusion: Teaching strategies based on dialogue favored the construction of concepts about schistosomiasis that can influence the adoption of positives attitudes related to health.
Practical implications: Using teaching strategies based on the concept of dialogicity can favor the increase of knowledge of school age children about schistosomiasis and can influence behavioral change related to health.
Keywords: Health education; Schistosomiasis; School age children; Teaching strategies.
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