The cost-effectiveness of health education in improving knowledge and awareness about intestinal parasites in rural Bangladesh

The impact of regular health education in improving knowledge, attitude and practices in the control of intestinal parasites was examined in four rural areas of Bangladesh; two areas received health education and the other two areas were controls. By the end of the 18-month study households receiving health education showed highly significant improvements in knowledge, water and sanitation facilities and personal hygiene compared with households in the control areas. Improving knowledge by 1% cost between US$ 0.75 and 0.82 per household, while a 1% improvement in personal hygiene cost between US$ 1.10 and 1.32 per household and water and sanitation between US$ 1.39 and 1.52 per household. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.