The Effect Of Health Education On Mothers’ Knowledge Level In Preventing Typhoid Fever Among Preschool Children At The Pediatric Outpatient Clinic Of Bhayangkara Hospital, Bengkulu City, 2026

Abstract

Typhoid fever remains a public health problem, particularly among preschool-aged children who are vulnerable to infection due to inadequate hygiene and sanitation practices. In Indonesia, the incidence of typhoid fever ranges from 350–810 cases per 100,000 population annually. In Bengkulu City, 456 cases were reported in 2025, while Bhayangkara Hospital of Bengkulu City recorded an increase in cases among preschool-aged children from 109 cases in 2024 to 112 cases in 2025, and 39 cases during January–February 2026. Interviews with 10 mothers revealed that 7 mothers did not have adequate knowledge regarding proper typhoid fever prevention. Therefore, health education is needed to improve mothers’ knowledge. To determine the effect of health education on mothers’ knowledge regarding the prevention of typhoid fever among preschool-aged children at the Pediatric Clinic of Bhayangkara Hospital, Bengkulu City, in 2026. This study employed a pre-experimental design using a one-group pretest-posttest design approach. The sample consisted of 28 respondents selected through an accidental sampling technique. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test with a significance level of α = 0.05. Before the intervention, most respondents had poor knowledge, accounting for 16 respondents (57.1%). After receiving health education, the majority had sufficient knowledge, with 15 respondents (53.6%), while 13 respondents (46.4%) had good knowledge. The Wilcoxon test results showed Z = -4.613 and a p-value = 0.000 (p < 0.05), indicating a significant effect of health education on improving mothers’ knowledge in preventing typhoid fever among preschool-aged children. Mothers or parents are encouraged to enhance their knowledge and implement Clean and Healthy Living Behaviors (PHBS) to prevent typhoid fever. Health service facilities are expected to provide regular health education as part of promotive and preventive efforts.