A study to assess the effectiveness of a pedagogical program regarding prevention and management of chronic liver disease among the police personnel in mysuru city

Background of the study: Chronic liver disease (CLD) represents a major public health problem worldwide. It is a progressive deterioration of liver functions for more than six months characterized by a process of inflammation, destruction, and regeneration of liver parenchyma, which leads to fibrosis and cirrhosis. The cultural–lifestyle transition that India is passing through currently with progressive adoption of a western diet and sedentary habits, create grounds for a spectrum of liver diseases in India. The expanding size of the population and an increasing life expectancy in the country are important demographic determinants of this change. Literature has documented that strenuous working environment and tight work schedules that the policemen face in their day to day job activities have contributed to an increased incidence of chronic diseases among them. Education is a key tool in the prevention and disease management, contributing to appropriate behavioural modifications. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of pedagogical program regarding prevention and management of chronic liver disease among police personnel. Methods: Study has used anevaluative approachwithPre experimental, one group pre test-post test design. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 100 police personnel for the study. Data was collected using structured knowledge questionnaire. Results: The results of the study revealed that majority of police personnel (53%) were having poor knowledge regarding prevention and management of chronic liver disease. Findings also revealed that pedagogical program on prevention and management of chronic liver disease was effective in enhancing the knowledge of police personnel as indicated by the “t” value which was statistically significant at 0.05 level of significance (‘t’=11.56:p<0.05). Statistically significant association was observed between the personal variables of police personnel viz. age, educational status, duration of working experience and dietary pattern with their level of knowledge regarding prevention and management of chronic liver disease. Conclusion: Pedagogical program was effective in increasing the knowledge of police personnel regarding prevention and management of chronic liver disease.