The effects of a training program on teaching behaviour of community health workers about malaria in Sistan va Baluchistan province, Islamic Republic of Iran

This study aimed to assess the effects of a training program on teaching behaviour of CHWs in malaria education. In 2003, a quasi-experimental study was conducted in rural areas of Sistan va Baluchistan province, Iran. Each of the intervention goup and the control group consisted of 32 CHWs (Beharzes). Their teaching behaviours prior to the intervention were assessed using a designed checklist and the direct observation of actual conduct of a malaria education session. A training program was designed to improve teaching behaviours of CHWs in rural Iran. The intervention group was followed up twice at three and six months after the intervention. The control group was followed up once after three months. There was a statistically significant improvement of teaching behaviours among the intervention group at both follow-ups. There was also a statistically significant difference of teaching behaviour between the intervention group and the control group at three-month follow-up. The teacher-centred learning behaviours showed more improvement than learner-centred teaching behaviour. It is recommended that the education program for CHWs be reinforced with subjects to improve the quality of community education.