Improving the understanding of schistosomiasis among adolescents in endemic areas in Brazil: A comparison of educational methods.

There was no untreated control group, so the study cannot show that either educational method is better than no education. The final sample was small (71 adolescents), and only two schools in one municipality were studied, so the results may not generalize. The two active interventions were compared, not tested against usual school health education, and the groups were run in the same schools, so participants could have discussed the activities. Outcomes were questionnaire knowledge and stool-sample return within 5 days; the study did not measure infection, disease severity, or long-term behavior. The video was made for this study with local images and language, so its effect may depend on that specific cultural context.

The authors declared no conflicts of interest. The supplied publication types indicate non-U.S. government and NIH extramural support.

Do not conclude that the animated video alone caused better stool-sample return. The video group also had researcher-led discussion, and the study had no untreated control group, so the effect of video alone and of education versus no education cannot be separated.