ROLES OF HEALTH EDUCATION IN IDENTIFYING, PREVENTING, AND TREATING MEASLES AMONG SELECTED PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS IN IWO COMMUNITY, IWO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OSUN STATE.

This project work was carried out to access the the role of health education in identifying, preventing, and treatment of measles among selected primary school pupils in iwo community, IWO local government area, Osun State. The purpose of the study are to: To examine the knowledge and awareness of prevention and treatment of measles by primary school pupils in Iwo community LGA, Osun state. To evaluate the impact of health education on measles prevention and treatment among primary school pupils in Iwo Community, LGA, Osun State. To determine the challenges faced by primary school pupils in Iwo LGA, Osun State for identifying, preventing and treatment of Measles. To suggest various ways of overcoming the challenges faced by primary school pupils in Iwo LGA, Osun State for identifying, preventing and treatment of Measles. A descriptive survey research design was used in the methodology. A sample size of 300 respondents was used the study, stratified technique of respondents was used for the study in the institution selected, 300 were administered in which 250 copies was collected using structured questionnaires and analysis using Spss version 20. The findings revealed that 62% of respondents agreed that lack of awareness and knowledge among parents and caregivers is a challenge. It was also gathered that 63.2% agreed that limited access to healthcare services and inadequate access to measles vaccination is a challenge. It was also discovered that 60% agreed that poor health infrastructure and lack of resources is a challenge. It was also found that 61.2% agreed that cultural and religious beliefs are a challenge. It was also discovered that 66.4% agreed that lack of effective communication and collaboration between healthcare providers and community leaders is a challenge. It was also discovered that 64.4% agreed that poor data collection and surveillance systems is a challenge. Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that primary school pupils in Iwo LGA, Osun State have a relatively good level of knowledge about measles, its prevention, and treatment. However, challenges such as limited access to healthcare services, lack of awareness among parents and caregivers, and poor health infrastructure hinder effective measles prevention and control. Health education programs have been shown to have a positive impact on pupils' knowledge and attitudes towards measles. To overcome the challenges, strategies such as improving access to measles vaccination, conducting regular health education programs, strengthening health infrastructure, and increasing funding and resources are recommended. By implementing these strategies, stakeholders can work towards reducing the incidence of measles and improving health outcomes for primary school pupils in the study area.