The Effect of Leaflet Education and WhatsApp Group Discussion on Patient Knowledge in the Management of Scabies at Lumajang Islamic Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Education is one of the key components in the management of scabies, particularly in improving patients’ knowledge and attitudes toward prevention and treatment. This study aims to determine the difference in the effectiveness of educational methods using leaflets and WhatsApp group discussions on patients’ knowledge regarding scabies management.

Method: This study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest approach, and the sample was selected using accidental sampling. The study sample consisted of 36 scabies patients who visited the dermatology clinic at Lumajang Islamic Hospital.

Result: The results of the study show that before the intervention, the majority of respondents had adequate knowledge (77.8%) and only 11.1% had good knowledge. After the intervention, the proportion of respondents with good knowledge increased to 33.3%, those with adequate knowledge to 66.7%, and none had insufficient knowledge. Meanwhile, education via WhatsApp group discussions showed a more significant improvement. Before the intervention, 77.8% of respondents had adequate knowledge and 11.1% had good knowledge. After the education, the proportion with good knowledge rose to 72.2%, adequate knowledge to 27.8%, and none had insufficient knowledge. Analysis using the Wilcoxon test showed significant results for both methods (flyers: Z = -2.121; p = 0.034 and WhatsApp: Z = -3.606; p = 0.000).

Conclusion: Both methods have distinct characteristics and approaches to conveying information to patients. Leaflets rely on passive information delivery through reading, whereas WhatsApp group discussions are interactive and facilitate direct, two-way communication.