International Journal of Education and Development using ICT

International Journal of Education and Development using ICT > Vol. 13, No. 1 (2017)

Malaria prevention and treatment using educational animations: A case study in Kakamega County, Kenya

Julia Bello, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA
Anne N Lutomia, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA
Bheki M. Mbhekiseni, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA
Barry R. Pittendrigh, Michigan State University, USA

Abstract
Despite worldwide efforts to prevent malaria, the disease continues to take its strongest toll in sub-Saharan Africa. Kenya is no exception with millions of cases and thousands of deaths reported annually. This study looks at knowledge on malaria prevention and treatment among peri-urban communities in Western Kenya. Through a study on the use of animated videos as an informal educational tool, we examine baseline knowledge, sources of knowledge, and learning gains on a range of knowledge points on malaria prevention and treatment. The study has two significant findings: 1) participants in this study had relatively high levels of knowledge on malaria before the video intervention and therefore pre versus post intervention surveys found very minimal learning gains, and 2) a significant correlation between Internet usage and baseline knowledge on malaria among the mostly literate sample population. Findings from this study can guide future malaria prevention and education efforts in Kenya and other developing nations.

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