The Effect of E-learning on Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Regarding COVID-19 in Heart Patients: A Quasi-experimental Study Without a Control Group

Abstract

Background: The recent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic is the worst crisis since World War 2. Because no successful cure for this disease has been reported, efforts to improve knowledge, perspective, and performance in vulnerable groups, such as heart disease patients, are very important for managing this epidemic. Objectives: The present study was conducted to determine the effect of e-learning on COVID-19-related knowledge, attitude, and performance in heart disease patients. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental before and after study without a control group, which was conducted on 80 patients in Lorestan Heart Center (Shahid Madani Hospital, Khorramabad,) selected by random sampling method. The intervention included 10 15-minute educational sessions in 4 weeks, about COVID-19 prevention programs, such as general knowledge about COVID-19, disinfection methods, using facemasks and gloves, the correct way of washing hands, prescribed medication, and nutritional recommendations. Data collection tools were a demographic information questionnaire, a knowledge evaluation questionnaire, and a COVID-19-related performance questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS 26 software by descriptive and statistical methods and paired t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: The patients’ mean age was 55.22 ± 11.05 years. The mean knowledge of patients before the educational intervention was 13.25, and after the intervention was 17.42, and a significant statistical difference was observed (P = 0.00). Also, the patients’ mean attitude and practice before the intervention were 38.32 and 11.79, respectively, and reached 40.90 and 13.51 after the intervention, and a meaningful statistical difference was observed (P = 0.00). Conclusions: E-learning improves COVID-19-related knowledge, perspective, and practice in patients with heart disease. We suggest that some nurses should be educated in this area and, using the right equipment, vastly perform E-learning for groups susceptible to COVID-19.