Impact of an Educational Program on Behavioral Changes toward Environmental Health among Laotian Students

Abstract

This study evaluates the effect of an integrated health care educational program on several behavioral changes related to environmental health among Laotian students. Students in the experimental group received education concerning environmental health-related issues, including air pollution and chemical exposure. Analyses of covariance (ANCOVA) and pairedt-tests were conducted for the statistical analysis of the pre- and post-survey scores. The post-test scores of the experimental group regarding their risk perception and information-seeking behaviors towards air pollution and chemical exposure were higher than those of the control group after controlling for the pre-test scores. Moreover, in the experimental group, the girls' risk perception scores significantly increased after receiving the education, which was not observed in the control group. The risk perception score among non-drinking students also significantly increased after the program. These results indicate that the education program effectively enhanced the students' risk perception, especially that of girls and nondelinquent students.