Table 1 Responses of the Kalajatha events performed in December 2001

1

Any new learning

17 children and102 adults responded that they had learnt new information about malaria

None responded correctly

< 0.001^a

2

Signs and symptoms of malaria

6 children and 93 adults could describe the three stages of malaria; chill, fever and sweat

None could tell correctly

< 0.001^a

3

Knowledge of malaria transmission

9 children and 57 adults specified correctly

Only 4 school children

< 0.001^b

4

Name of the malaria vectors

11 children and 61 adults. Children clearly specified female Anopheles mosquito

Only 4 school children

< 0.001^b

5

Breeding grounds of malaria vectors

19 children and 102 adults clearly specified clear water sources

3 children and 10 adults specified clear water

< 0.001^b

6

Larvivorous fish in malaria control

19 children and137 adults clearly specified

Only 13 adults specified

< 0.001^b

7

Names of larvivorous fish

8 children and 18 adults correctly responded

None responded

< 0.001^a

8

Any physical improvement/changes after the events

All responded positively to change in their attitude towards cleanliness and hygiene. However, no change in practice was observed

Negative response