Creating A Poster For Schools

15 April 2024 - 27 May 2024 (week 6 - 12)

Ayubowan!

This is the last blog of the Project SERPENT series. In this final post I will give an explanation about the intervention, and share the results of the post tests!

The prototype

Our goals were to develop an intervention that is both empowering and highly contextualised. Based on the results of both rounds of pre-testing we decided to focus on the fundamentals of prevention and first aid pertaining to snakebite envenoming.

The results of the focus groups determined that a poster would be the most befitting in the context of rural schools in Sri Lanka. A poster does not only offer permanence but also has a visual aspect which makes it easier for both teachers and children to learn from.

The prototype of the poster contains information from literature studies, specifically, from the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) guideline on snakebites. We wanted to highlight prevention and the do’s and don’ts of first aid. Considering there is a lot of misinformation and outdated information regarding snakebite treatment, it was important to stress what not to do.

Final round of testing

The post-test contained the same categories as the pre-test with four additional questions about symptoms of snakebites. Based on the results of a qualitative analysis of the pre-test, we also had improved on the formulation of some of the questions (e.g. negative questions to positive questions).

Before the participants conducted the post-tests we showed them the prototype. We gave them 10 minutes to observe the poster and discuss the contents amongst each other. As to not influence their understanding of the poster, I did not give any additional explanations. Afterwards the participants did the final round of testing.

The final results …

After analysing the results of the post test we can announce that the poster has been successful in increasing the knowledge of the participants regarding snakebite prevention and first aid. The participants scored much higher on the categories of prevention and first aid in the post test than they did in the pre test. Showing that the information on the poster and the presentation of the contents were sufficient. A minor note would be to add the ‘golden time’ for when a snakebite affected person should seek medical attention for (in 1 hour).

Thank you! Bohoma istuti! Nanri!

I cannot believe that these three months will soon come to an end. Project SERPENT has offered me an experience that I will always remember with fondness! I want to thank Floortje Tamerus for being a dedicated research partner, who helped me stay grounded. I want to thank Dr. Ruwan Wijayamuni for his excellent guidance. Thank you Hindhujian, our Tamil translator. Thank you Ashwini Karunathilaka, our Sinhala translator. A special thanks to all the teachers from Little Trees Nurtury Preschool and Panagamuwa Amarasinghe Primary School, for your infatuating motivation to participate in this project. Thank you Margriet Lambregtse, Dilanga Manuweera and Huib Cornielje for passing on your knowledge and preparing me to go on this life altering experience.

This experience has taught me to develop and manage a public health project in a low income country. I have learned how to navigate cultural sensitivity, and practiced my skills with intercultural communication. Moreover, being abroad for the Minor International Health and Development has taught me so much more than the basics of public health. This journey has taught me all about myself too, and has made me grow as a person.

“Being Dutch Indonesian, also known as ‘Indo’, I never knew where I belonged in this world. In a way, going abroad excited me because I could try out living in a culture that was new to me. As I have always been looking for a place where I could truly be at home. Ironically, the most valuable lesson I have been able to draw from this experience is that home is not a place; home is I.” 

Thank you for taking your time to read about my experiences in Sri Lanka. Getting to share my experience with others makes it even more special!

For further inquiries you can contact me at kintan@littleleadersfoundation.org