Performance-art is a preferred model for malaria education among high school students in western Kenya

The data set describes the results of a cross-sectional study designed to determine the level of malaria awareness and the preferred malaria education model(s) among high school students from selected schools in Western Kenya. The study was conducted in three schools and a self-administered questionnaire was used to collect relevant information. Students also participated in art and science malaria-based projects/activities. The study findings show majority of the students (90%) to possess correct knowledge of malaria symptoms and prevention interventions. Performance art was identified as the most preferred malaria education model (51%), followed by open group discussion (16%), science-based demonstration (13%), essay writing (12%) and creative drawing (8%). There was a significant association between sex and preferred model of malaria education with female participation rate in performance arts being significantly higher than that of males (χ=38, p<0.001). Overall, we show that performance art is the preferred model for malaria education among high school students in western Kenya. Identification of preferred engagement model may enable successful implementation of community-based malaria prevention and control activities.

本数据集呈现一项横断面研究的结果，该研究旨在厘清肯尼亚西部选定中学高中生的疟疾认知水平及疟疾宣教的偏好模式。本研究在3所中学开展，采用自填式问卷收集相关信息，同时组织学生参与疟疾主题的艺术与科学项目/活动。研究结果显示，绝大多数学生（90%）能够正确掌握疟疾症状及预防干预措施相关知识。表演艺术是最受青睐的疟疾宣教模式（占比51%），其次依次为开放式小组讨论（16%）、科学演示（13%）、征文写作（12%）与创意绘画（8%）。性别与疟疾宣教偏好模式之间存在显著关联：女性参与表演艺术宣教活动的比例显著高于男性（χ²=38，p<0.001）。综上，本研究证实，表演艺术是肯尼亚西部高中生疟疾宣教的首选模式。明确受众偏好的宣教参与模式，可为社区疟疾防控活动的顺利开展提供支撑。