Abstract P334: Effectiveness of a Questionnaire-based Survey in Improving Awareness of Rheumatic Heart Disease Among School-aged Children in India

Background: Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is prevalent in low income countries, with a regional prevalence in South Asia of 2.2 per 1,000 children aged 10-16 years. Awareness among school children is very important for seeking effective secondary prophylaxis. We studied the current level of awareness in school-aged children and evaluated the effect of a 7-item questionnaire-based survey in improving awareness of RHD. The study was conducted in a rural district of India in August, 2017. The objectives were to assess the level of awareness of RHD and to evaluate the effect of a questionnaire-based survey in improving awareness. Methods: The study involved 8,646 students in the age group 10-16 years from 20 schools in Midnapore, India. We carried out a pre-test questionnaire survey, a multimedia presentation on RHD, and a post-test survey that assessed students’ knowledge and awareness of its incidence and prevalence, symptoms and signs, morbidity and mortality, ways to prevent and/or reduce the disease burden, and when to seek medical attention. The data were analyzed to evaluate improvement in the level of awareness by this intervention using a 29-point scoring system in 7 domains. Regression analysis was performed to identify the factors that may enhance awareness. Results: Awareness among the school children (mean age 13, 45% boys) was modest. There was a significant improvement in their knowledge after the intervention with the survey questionnaire and the presentation by the study team (Table). Regression analysis showed female sex and higher grade in school were major determinants for improvement of the knowledge level by this intervention (p < 0.05 without any significant interaction noted between sex and grades in school). Conclusions: Current awareness among children about RHD is modest. A school-based intervention by administration of a survey questionnaire and presentation can help in improving the awareness about RHD and hopefully promote secondary prophylaxis to reduce the morbidity and mortality from the disease.