Abstract

GAZZINELLI, Maria Flávia et al. Learning, cognition and health education: a study in a helminthiasis endemic area. Psic., Saúde & Doenças [online]. 2016, vol.17, n.3, pp.326-337. ISSN 1645-0086.  https://doi.org/10.15309/16psd170302.

This study evaluated the effect of two health education methods on learning and cognitive development of 105 children residents in a helminthic endemic area. The children, between 6 and 10 years of age, were randomly distributed into the following three groups: (1) Non-Directive Pedagogy (NDP) method, (2) Directive Pedagogy (DP) method and (3) Control Group that received only no-relevant recreational activities. All three groups showed progress regarding general concepts (those common to all helminthic infection) with no significant difference between them. Concerning helminthiasis specific concepts (transmission, prevention and symptoms) results point to improvements in both NDP and DP groups. Cognitive testing did not reveal changes in the cognitive level of children studied. This research indicates the efficiency of both health education interventions applied. Results show the necessity of allying traditional education methods to non-directive ones during a health education intervention.

Keywords : Learning; cognition; health education; helminthiasis.

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