Abstract:
Background: Snakebite is a neglected tropical illness that primarily affects the rural areas of
tropical countries followed by thousands of deaths and associated costs.
Objective: To assess the impact of an educational video on knowledge and attitudes about
snakebite among the community in Viharagama Grama Niladhari division, Kandy district in Sri
Lanka
Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted in 134 households (HHs) in Viharagama
Grama Niladhari division in Sri Lanka using systematic random sampling method. A content and
face validated, pretested self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. A voice doubed
video on first aid treatment, antivenom therapy for snakebites, and snake identification was used
as an educational intervention. In the first part of the questionnaire, a correct answer was given
with one score and an incorrect answer was given with a zero score. For the 24 questions; we
considered respondents as “good” if they scored >18, “fair” if they scored 13-18, and “poor” if
they scored <12. In the second part, one score was given for each reported positive attitude in the
10 questions. Pre intervention and post intervention data on knowledge and attitudes were
analysed using SPSS version 25.0.
Results: A total of 369 participants from 134 HHs were included in the study. The majority of
participants were females (59.1%, n=218) and age ranged from 18-30 years (43.4%, n=160). The
study sample showed a statistically significant improvement (p<0.001) in the knowledge at the
post intervention (98.9%) compared to the pre-intervention (28.2 %). Participants in the study
showed a statistically significant improvement in their attitudes (p<0.001), with a mean score of
7.7 at pre-intervention and a mean score of 9.4 at post-intervention.
Conclusions: An educational video can be used to improve knowledge and attitude on first aid
treatment, antivenom therapy for snakebites, and snake identification among the community.
