Effectiveness of an Online Educational Program about Vaginitis ​in Improving Knowledge among College Female Students in Jordan

Abstract

Background: Female reproductive tract infection including vaginitis is considered as one of the most public-health issues and is known as a silent epidemic that might affect adolescents. Educational health programs are very effective in improving adolescent knowledge and practices regarding vaginitis and its preventive measures. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of an online educational program in improving first-year college girls’ knowledge about vaginitis and its preventive measures in Jordan. Methods: A convenience sample consisting of 120 participants of first-year college female students were recruited and randomly assigned into intervention and control groups. A pretest was conducted for both groups and a post-test was conducted 2 weeks after the intervention for both groups. Findings: The results showed a significantly higher mean in the intervention group (M= 26.17; SD= 3.24) compared to the control group (M= 17.49; SD = 5.91) after conducting the educational program (p<0.00), which means that the educational program about vaginitis is effective in improving girls’ knowledge. Conclusions and Recommendations: Using short 2-hour lectures, using effective online and high-tech teaching methods and good follow-up would be very beneficial to improve the knowledge level among adolescents. Keywords: Vaginitis; Effectiveness of educational program; Adolescent girls; Knowledge; Preventive measures; First year college students.