Changes In Level Of Knowledge Research Articles

The effect of nutrition intervention based on a Knowledge-Attitude-Practice questionnaire in the weight management of overweight and obese persons

Overweight and obesity are increasing worldwide and recently has been proposed to be considered as a disease condition by the World Health Organization. South Asians are prone to deposit higher percentage of body fat in lower BMI and hence towards the development of health issues associated with overweight. For adapting a suitable diet pattern and lifestyle, every person should have a sound knowledge on scientific methods of managing weight. The present study was undertaken with an aim to assess the role of a KAP based intervention in lifestyle modifications of obese and overweight respondents.This intervention was carried out in 66 respondents selected on the basis of criteria age (20-50years), BMI (23Kg/m- 50 Kg/m), regularity in follow up and compliance to the modifications suggested. The respondent’s data regarding demographic parameters (viz age, gender, occupation, education and monthly income), physical activity level, obesity history, anthropometric and biochemical parameters and dietary pattern were collected. Knowledge-Attitude- Practice questionnaire was designed through a pilot study. Nutrition education was carried out through audiovisual aids and information booklet. The respondents were followed up till 3 months, baseline and follow up data were tabulated and anlaysed using SAS software. Larger segment of respondents were elderly married females educated up to pre graduation level. Family obesity score values obtained ranged from 7-21 with a mean score of 16.11±3.84. Regression analysis of KAP scores against demographic variables revealed that family obesity score negatively influenced scores in all the three domains and education level negatively influenced attitude and practice scores. The knowledge, attitude scores, and practice scores demonstrated significant changes between pre intervention score and at all the post intervention scores (p value <0.001 in all domains). The results of the regression analysis showed that there was a strong influence of change in knowledge level in the change in attitude and practice scores in the immediate post intervention period but this influence was not reflected in the post intervention and final intervention phases. The significance of change in anthropometric and biochemical data were analysed using paired t test and concluded that the changes in anthropometric parameters were significant whereas the change in biochemical parameters were not significant. The mean values of change in dietary macronutrients from before to after suggest that there was decrease in intake of fat, carbohydrates and energy, and increase in fibre and protein. Rrespondents’ with good quality diet as indicated by AHEI above 51 had scored positively in knowledge, attitude and practice and the relation was statistically significant. It was concluded from this experiment that dietary quality had a strong influence on the nutritional status of overweight and obese persons and a nutrition intervention based on KAP questionnaire was effective in managing the weight and lifestyle pattern of the respondents.

Increasing Knowledge of HIV/AIDS in Adolescents using Video-Blogging

Video-Blogging (Vlog) is one of the media that is of interest to today's millennial youth because it contains audiovisuals and digital images so that it can attract the attention of teenagers. One of the health promotion strategies using Vlog is to increase adolescent knowledge about HIV / AIDS. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of health promotion using vlog media on the level of adolescent knowledge. This research is a quantitative study with a quasi-experimental, one group pre and post-test design without a control group and a descriptive correlation. The sampling techniques is using a purposive sampling technique as many as 64 students. Statistical test using Wilcoxon and Kendal's tau. The univariate results in this study were 45.3% male and 54.7% female, 43.8% information media from Radio/Tv / Internet. The results of the bivariate analysis were differences before and after health promotion (p-value = 0.000), but there was no significant relationship between vlog media and changes in knowledge levels (p-value = 0.249). The strategy to increase knowledge about HIV / AIDS in adolescents needs to be modified according to several other types of media so that the effectiveness of each media can be seen clearly.

PIN35 Evaluation of Effectiveness of Knowledge Transfer of Antimicrobial Resistance to Hong Kong Elderly: A Quasi-Experiment

Community perception on antimicrobials plays a role in driving the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of knowledge transfer of AMR in Hong Kong elderly aged 65 or above. A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest controlled study was carried out within October, 2018 to March, 2019. 144 participants were targeted to be reached through a university-based summer outreach program. The one-to-one intervention was conducted by final-year pharmacy students in community elderly centers with the aid of video and verbal explanation to educate the elderly about the definition, causes, and consequences of AMR, as well as preventive measures against AMR. Eleven questions on knowledge on antibiotics and AMR were used as a tool to reflect the effectiveness. The questionnaire was completed twice, before and one week after the intervention. Chi-square test, t-tests and regression analysis were used to analyze the data. The study eventually interviewed a total of 93 Chinese elders, with 61 of them in the intervention group and 32 in the control group. The score obtained by the intervention group increased from 40.1% to 83.3% (p<0.001), while that of control group increased from 33.0% to 44.0% (p<0.001). The increase attained in the intervention group was significantly greater than that of the control group (p<0.001). The significant change in knowledge level showed effective knowledge transfer on Hong Kong elderly regarding antibiotics and AMR in the short term. The study could be used as a reference when allocating resources to implement effective community health education in the elderly population.

Evaluating the Impact of a School-Based Youth-Led Health Education Program for Adolescent Females in Mumbai, India.

Background:India’s 120 million adolescent girls often have limited opportunities to receive health education, as health-related content in school curricula can be minimal, and the few existing external interventions for this demographic rarely cover multiple topics.Objectives:This study conducted a program evaluation of Girls Health Champions, a school-based peer education intervention in Mumbai, India that educates girls about leading causes of adolescent morbidity and mortality, including nutrition, mental health, and sexual & reproductive health.Methods:Female participants ages 12 to 16 in the eighth, ninth, and tenth standards were recruited at five participating schools in Mumbai, India to learn a multi-topic health curriculum from their peers, with a subset of ninth standard participants in each school trained as the peer educators. Using a quasi-experimental design, participant survey data was collected three times during the 2016–2017 academic year: at baseline, immediately following the peer-led education sessions, and five months following these sessions. Outcomes of interest included change in knowledge levels and health attitudes following the intervention, as well as retention at mid-year. An additional outcome was the change in self-reported leadership skills of peer educators before and after participating.Findings:Compared to baseline, participants demonstrated statistically significant increases in knowledge levels (+48%, p < 0.001) and positive shifts in health-related attitudes (+42%, p < 0.001). These changes were maintained at mid-year (+29% for knowledge levels, p < 0.001; +37% for attitudes, p < 0.001). Findings were consistent when data was stratified by standard and peer educator status (peer educators versus non-peer educators). Peer educators also demonstrated a statistically significant increase in their interest in health promotion.Conclusions:This study demonstrates the effectiveness of the peer education delivery model and finds school-based, peer-led programs covering a range of adolescent health topics can significantly increase knowledge and shift attitudes of program participants. Such benefits can accrue to both peer educators and non-peer educator program participants.

Assessing trainees’ experience from the skill development programmes on inland fisheries management and its impact on human capital

As the world is moving towards ‘knowledge economy’, training and capacity building has become an integral part of all organizations. The trainers themselves need to undergo training programmes to increase their efficiency. The present study aims to investigate the impact of five trainers’ training programmes in the inland fishery sector of India based on participants’ perceptions and changes in human capital, i.e., knowledge, attitude, and skill. The training effectiveness index was devised for this purpose consisting of six parameters namely, expectation fulfillment, the overall grading of the programme, the extent of satisfaction, change in knowledge, attitude, and skill level of the participants. The statistically significant change in knowledge level in all programmes and in attitude level in two programmes was recorded. The effectiveness scores ranged from 71.76 to 80.66 percent. The motivation for participation, perceived challenges, suggestions for improvement, and future action plans were also noted. Based on the findings a three-stage training cycle has been recommended by the authors for improving the efficiency of training programmes. Some of the recommended measures are conducting Training Need Analysis (TNA), application of simulation method for skill-building, the inclusion of more practical and field-oriented sessions, carrying out microlab in the beginning of the training for building positive effect, post-training follow up with the motherorganizations and analyzing the impact of training on job performance. The findings are expected to aid in designing more efficient training programmes in the inland fishery sector in the future. Key words Trainers’ training; Training effectiveness index; Human capital; Training cycle

Implementation and Evaluation of Tactical Combat Casualty Care for Army Aviators.

The importance of developing military strategies to decrease preventable death by mitigating hemorrhage and reducing time between the point of injury and surgical intervention on the battlefield is highlighted in previous studies. Successful implementation of Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) throughout elements of the USA and allied militaries begins to address this need. However, TCCC implementation is neither even nor complete in the larger, conventional force. Army Aviators are at risk for preventable death as they do not receive prehospital care training and are challenged to render prehospital care in the austere environment of helicopter operations. Army aviators are at risk for preventable death due to the challenges to render prehospital care in the austere environment of helicopter operations. Helicopters often fly at low altitudes, engage in direct action in support of ground troops, operate at a great distance from medical facilities, typically do not have medical personnel onboard, and can have long wait times for medical evacuation services due to the far forward nature of helicopter operations. This is a quality improvement pre-post-intervention design study evaluating the implementation of a combat casualty care training program for Army aviators using well-established evidence-based guidelines for providing care to casualties on the battlefield. The evaluation consisted of participants' self-perceived confidence in providing care to a casualty and change in knowledge level in combat casualty care in a pre/post-intervention design. Clinical skills of tourniquet application, nasopharyngeal airway placement, and needle chest decompression were assessed on a pass/fail grading standard. A total of 18 participants completed the pre- and post-education surveys. A paired t-test showed a statistically significant increase in total composite scores from pre (M=24.67, SD=5.06) to post-education self-efficacy (M=37.94, SD=2.10), t (17)=-11.29, p<0.001. A paired t-test revealed a significant increase in exam scores from pre (M=70.22, SD=9.43) to post (M=87.78, SD=7.19), t (17)=-7.31, p<0.001. There was no pre-intervention skills assessment, however, all participants (n=18, 100%) passed the tourniquet application, needle chest compression, and insertion of nasopharyngeal airway. TCCC for Army Aviators is easily implemented, demonstrates an increase in knowledge and confidence in providing prehospital care, and provides effective scenario-based training of necessary psychomotor skills needed to reduce preventable death on the battlefield. TCCC for Army Aviators effectively takes the TCCC for All Combatants curriculum and modifies it to address the unique considerations in treating wounded aviators and passengers, both in flight and after crashes. This project demonstrates on a small scale how TCCC can be tailored to specific military jobs in order to successfully meet the intent of the upcoming All Service Member TCCC course mandated in DoD 1322.24. Beyond Army aviation, this program is easily modifiable for aviators throughout the military and civilian sector.

The Effect of Video Education on Cancer Patient Advance Directive Writing

Purpose: This study was conducted to examine the role of video education on cancer patient advance directive writing. Methods: To evaluate the effects of video education on cancer patient advance directive knowledge, attitude, writing intention and writing, this study employed a non-equivalent control group and non-synchronized design as a quasi-experimental study. The target population of this study were adults aged ≥50 years old, diagnosed with cancer in South Korea. The proximity population were also cancer patients who visited a university hospital. The control group (n=31) were educated verbally using a leaflet and the experimental group (n=30) were educated by a video program developed by the National Bioethics Policy Institute for 10 minutes, supplemented with a leaflet. The advance directives video program form provided by the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare was used. Results: The experimental group showed a positive change in knowledge level (F=52.82, p＜.001, effect size=0.96), attitude (F=12.21, p＜.001, effect size=0.46), the intention to write (F=18.22, p＜.001, effect size=0.56) advance directives and a higher proportion of writing (χ²=13.87, p＜.001) than the control group. Conclusion: The results of this research show that providing information through video is a more effective educational medium for retention of knowledge, attitude, writing intention, and writing of cancer patient’s advance directives.

Results from brief educational intervention and health screenings: A community health study of Latinos in Southwest Florida.

BACKGROUND:Latinos in the U.S., one of the fastest growing minority population, have low health-related knowledge and higher rates of diabetes and obesity.AIM:The study aims (1) to assess health-related knowledge levels and change in knowledge levels after brief educational intervention and (2) to assess undiagnosed diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia in adult Latinos residing in Immokalee, Florida. A total of 164 participants completed pre–posttests while 161 participants took part in health screenings comprising blood pressure (BP), total cholesterol (TC), blood glucose (BG), and body mass index (BMI).METHODS:Health-related knowledge levels were assessed using 10 questions before and after the educational intervention via face-to face interviews. BP was measured using automated sphygmomanometer, BG and TC were measured using lipid and glucose analyzer, waist circumference using inch tape and BMI using digital scale. T test and Chi square were used to examine the differences in knowledge levels and distribution of screening results across demographic characteristics and self-reports respectively.RESULTS:Mean age was 40.1 ± 13.3 years; there were 77 males and 87 females. The knowledge levels based on 10 questions increased by 1.43 (0.42) after educational sessions (P < 0.001). Participants with college degree had statistically significantly higher pre–posttest scores than those with no formal or less than high school education (P = 0.041). More males than females had high BP in the age groups of 18–44 and ≥45 years (P < 0.001). More males in the age group of 18–44 years had high TC (P = 0.024). Differences between screening results and self-reports for diabetes and BP were statistically significant (P < 0.001 and P = 0.01, respectively). Mean BMI was 28.5 ± 5.1 and waist circumference was 38.6 ± 4.8 inch. Mean random and fasting BG levels and TC were higher in females than in males (P = 0.003, P = 0.022, and P = 0.004, respectively).CONCLUSIONS:The study highlights undiagnosed diabetes and hypertension in Latinos and more Latino males than females to have hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. Latinos' vulnerability to chronic diseases and associated complications is further confounded by limited health knowledge. However, the results of the brief educational program were encouraging and have implications in setting up structured educational interventions in health clinics and migrant education programs.

The Effectiveness of Audio Media in Enhancing Farmers’ Knowledge: The Case of Smallholder Banana Farmers in Western Uganda

&lt;p class="0BodyText"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;Although audio media has been presented by previous research as a suitable medium for conveying agricultural information, there is limited research in assessing its effectiveness in assisting farmers’ gain agricultural knowledge. This study thus undertook to carry out that investigation by involving 1000 smallholder banana farmers in the study which involved a baseline survey, an intervention, and an end line survey. The preliminary survey results showed that 456 farmers had relevant knowledge of farming practices and were removed from the study. However, 541 farmers were lacking the required knowledge regarding proper banana farming practices. This group was assigned to an intervention of radio broadcasts for one month. All broadcasted content was recorded on CDs and circulated to the participants for continued revision. This was followed by the end line survey and the two datasets were compared to establish the change in knowledge levels of the farmers. The tests of variances before the intervention and after the intervention indicated that the two groups being compared are assumed to be approximately equal (p &amp;gt;0.05). Results showed a significant difference in the mean knowledge scores before and after the intervention. Furthermore, independent t-test results reveal a statistically significant difference in the pre- and post-knowledge tests of farmers. In addition, results from Pearson Correlations show that farmers’ characteristics such as age, gender, and level of education do not influence the uptake of knowledge on farming practices by farmers. However, results reveal a statistically significant association between the source of information (Radio Broadcast &amp;amp; audio CDs) and knowledge gain regarding most banana farming practices by farmers. This study provides further evidence that audio media in the form of radio broadcasts and audio CDs is a vital source for agricultural information to the rural farmers. Moreover, it can be concluded that farmers’ characteristics do not influence knowledge gain for banana farming practices when audio media is used as a medium of information dissemination. And thus, audio media remains a vital source of information for resource-poor farmers and can greatly enhance their agricultural knowledge when audio media is used as an intervention.&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Effectiveness of KVK organized training program on knowledge level of Bee keeping

Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Pratapgarh conducted a training program on Bee Keeping. 50 participants from different blocks attended the program. The present study was conducted to assess the change in knowledge level of the trainees regarding various bee keeping technologies after attending the training. The study revealed that there was significant change in knowledge level regarding various aspects of bee keeping technologies. The study revealed that maximum change in knowledge among the trainees was regarding the use of queen cage (70.00%) and lowest change in knowledge level was observed about fertilized and unfertilized eggs within bee hive (12.00%). Moreover, it was also found that 58.00 per cent, 56.00 per cent and 54.00 per cent change in knowledge level regarding ‘Gharchuut’, ‘growth period of honey bee’ and ‘regarding various species of honey bee’. The training helped in overall improvement of knowledge level of trainees regarding various aspects of bee keeping technology.

Impact of KVK Training Programme on Knowledge Level of Moong Bean Growers

Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) being an educational institution of the farmers, organized two institutional training programmes on integrated crop management in moong bean and provided information to 48 farmers of 6 adopted villages of 3 blocks of district Sikar. It was found that after receiving training on moong bean cultivation, the knowledge level of trainees were significantly increased from 8.33 to18.92 per cent in different practices. The maximum change in knowledge level was recorded in use of high yielding varieties (14.24%) and 13.54 per cent in seed treatment which show positive impact of trainings. While after imparting the training there was a large knowledge gap was recorded among trainees in practice like plant protection measures (48.40%), seed treatment (40.97%), fertilizer management (40.77%), weed management (40.28%) and 36.98 per cent gap about use of high yielding varieties were remained stable. This large knowledge gap may due to high cost, complexity and some other constraints responsible for non-adoption of new practices. Thus, it was finally concluded that the imparting of trainings is an important tool for enhancing the awareness, knowledge level and motivate the farmers for adoption of new package of practices of different crops.

Understanding the relationship between volunteers’ motivations and learning outcomes of Citizen Science in rice ecosystems in the Northern Philippines

This study relies on the Flying Beauties Citizen Science project conducted in the Philippines to assess personal motivations and learning outcomes of volunteers who were involved in documenting butterflies and dragonflies in rice ecosystems. While evaluation of motivations of volunteers in Citizen Science is not new, at least in affluent western countries, little is done in investigating volunteers’ motivations and learning outcomes of Citizen Science projects in low-income countries. Using surveys, we collected data from volunteers that were analysed qualitatively and quantitatively. We adopted a two stages evaluation format—before and after volunteers finished the project exercise. We compared pre-motivations to motivations attained and changes in level of knowledge before and after the project ended. We use Spearman’s Rho, Kendall’s Tau—nonparametric tests to draw correlations between variables. The results showed that key determinants that drove people to volunteer in the project were (a) learning about species and (b) being part of scientific research and the principal learning outcome was improved awareness about ecosystem functions of the species.

Comparison of computer-assisted learning and lecture-based learning in teaching pharmacology for undergraduate medical students

Background: Due to the complexity of pharmacology as a discipline, it is important to develop innovative methods to improve student performance. Computer-assisted learning (CAL) may play an important role in any instructional situation, whether practical or theoretical. CAL deals with a range of computer-based packages, which are focused on to provide interactive instruction usually in a specific subject area. CAL projects are designed in such a way that it helps to provide students with an alternative to traditional lectures. Aims and Objectives: The objectives of the study were (i) to assess the change in knowledge level with CAL and lecture-based learning (LBL) and (ii) to assess students’ perception about CAL and LBL. Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental study was carried out among undergraduate medical students in pharmacology. The study was carried out using Ex-Pharm T 1.0 Software, Animation Software, and Questionnaire cum Feedback form. Results: The mean score for test followed by lecture was 5.93 ± 0.82 while for the mean score for test followed by CAL was 8.89 ± 0.98. The test mean score was significantly higher (P < 0.05) for test followed by CAL as compared with lecture. The students’ perception total score as well as mean score was higher for CAL as compared with the lecture, but the difference in score was not statistically significant (P = 0.094). Conclusion: There is a significant improvement in the knowledge level of students with CAL. The students’ perception score for all the item analysed is greater for CAL than LBL.

Child to parent education in prevention of acute respiratory in-fections in rural school under rural health training center

Introduction: Acute Respiratory illness in developing countries is one of the major cause of mortality and mor-bidity among under five children with more than 7 million deaths every year worldwide. Most prevalent ill-nesses of childhood include acute respiratory tract infections, malnutrition and diarrhoeal diseases in the middle and low-income countries. Aim: Aim of the study is to find out the change in level of knowledge, attitude and practice of parents after receiving health education from their school going children. Methods: A government aided higher secondary school from rural health training center of KIMS Karad was selected with the permis-sion of headmaster of school for the study. From the school 9th standard and their mothers were study popula-tions which were selected by applying above exclusion criteria. A pre-structured and pretested questionnaire was used to get the information regarding definition, causes, signs, symptoms, treatment, prevention respiratory infections etc. Intervention is carried to with posttest of both students and mothers. Results: Poor and average KAP regarding Acute Respiratory Infections among children had significantly increased to Good after giving Health Education and demonstration to study group children compared to control group to whom these sessions were not conducted. Even KAP of mothers of children for whom sessions were conducted had increased significantly, from poor to good, in comparison with mothers of children for whom sessions were not conducted. Conclusion: A appropriate and holistic health education on the causation, symptoms, signs, its prevention can help in early identification of the ante respiratory diseases and hence health seeking behavior. Hence children especially the school going children can be used as an effective tool to transmit health education among the families and communities.

Outcomes of a co-facilitation skills training programme for mental health service users, family members, and clinicians: the EOLAS project.

Health policy is increasingly advocating for involvement of service users and family members in service development. In the present study, we evaluated the impact of a 4-day education programme in co-facilitation skills on clinician and peer (service users and family members) knowledge, confidence, and subsequent experience as co-facilitators. The programme was designed to train peers and clinicians as co-facilitators on a clinician and peer-led information programme for people experiencing mental health problems. The study employed a mixed-methods design involving a pre-post survey with 128 participants, and follow-up qualitative interviews with a sample of 17 participants. To examine changes in levels of knowledge and confidence in facilitating from time 1 (T1) to time 2 (T2), paired sample t-tests were conducted, and thematic analysis was conducted on the interviews. The programme had a statistically-significant positive impact on participants' knowledge, confidence, and skills, with no significant difference between the facilitator groups (i.e. service user, family member, and clinician) in terms of their improvement at the end of the training, indicating that all groups benefited equally from the training. A majority of participants reported a high level of preparedness as co-facilitators and an open and respectful approach towards each other's expertise, and many continued to gain skills and develop their confidence as they co-facilitated the 8-week EOLAS programme ('eolas' is the Irish word for knowledge). The findings also provide evidence of the acceptability and feasibility of the programme, and appears to be the first detailed study reported on a programme of this nature.

Student pharmacists' perceptions of immunizations

PurposeThe primary aim of this study was to explore changes in knowledge level, perceived importance and apprehension of immunizations by first year pharmacy students pre- vs. post-immunization education and training. Educational ActivityFirst year pharmacy students at the University of California San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (UC San Diego SSPPS) completed a pre- and post-immunization training course questionnaire. Knowledge base and perceived importance level of immunizations including hepatitis B, influenza, measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), varicella, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap), meningococcal and human papilloma virus (HPV) were assessed. In addition, apprehension of needle administration and fears regarding safety and efficacy were evaluated. FindingsOf 120 students, 85 (71%) completed pre- and post-course questionnaires for this study. Mean knowledge test scores increased from 56% pre-course to 83% post-course. Pre-course, 73% of participants considered immunizations as very important in preventing future disease outbreaks. Post-course, this percentage climbed to 94%. Prior to taking the course, 52% of students were apprehensive about administering injections; however, after completing the course this percentage declined to 33%. The majority of students who had been fearful prior to the course retained their fears of receiving needle injections. The proportion of students believing immunizations should be a personal choice, not mandatory, did not significantly change from pre-course (49%) to post-course (44%). SummaryThe UC San Diego SSPPS immunization course increased student knowledge of immunization facts and the perceived importance of immunizations. However, a substantial portion of students retained apprehension about administering and receiving needle injections and the proportion believing immunizations should be a personal choice, almost half, did not change appreciably.

Evaluate the Effectiveness of Clinical Simulation and Instructional Video Training on the Nursing Students' Knowledge about Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation: Comparative Study

Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness of instructional video training method of teaching about CPR in comparison with conventional format. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was conducted with 210 students. Students were randomly assigned to receive instructional video training (n = 111) or conventional format of teaching (n = 90). The primary outcome measure was the baseline to endpoint change in knowledge level. Results: A significantly higher overall post-test score was observed for instructional video training group as compared to lecture. Conclusions: instructional video training is as effective as conventional format of teaching in teaching and learning basic emergency skills.

The Effectiveness of an Educational Game for Teaching Optometry Students Basic and Applied Science.

PurposeTo compare the effectiveness of an educational board game with interactive didactic instruction for teaching optometry students elements of the core optometric curriculum.MethodsForty-two optometry students were divided into two GPA-matched groups and assigned to either 12 hours of game play (game group) or 12 hours of interactive didactic instruction (lecture group). The same material from the core optometric curriculum was delivered to both groups. Game play was accomplished via an original board game. Written examinations assessed change in knowledge level. A post-intervention opinion survey assessed student attitudes.ResultsThere was no significant difference in pre- or post-intervention test scores between the lecture and game groups (Pre-test: p = 0.9; Post-test: p = 0.5). Post-intervention test scores increased significantly from baseline (Game group: 29.3% gain, Didactic group: 31.5% gain; p<0.001 for each). The score increase difference between groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.6). The post-intervention attitude survey did not reveal any significant between group differences (p = 0.5).ConclusionsOur results indicate that an educational game and interactive didactic instruction can be equally effective in teaching optometry students basic and applied science. Furthermore, both modes of instruction have the potential to be equally engaging and enjoyable experiences.

Evaluation of impact of educational intervention on knowledge and practice regarding breast self-examination among paramedical workers in a teaching hospital Maharashtra, India

Background: Breast self-examination (BSE) is an appropriate strategy for early case detection and improve survival of breast cancer and is probably the most feasible approach to wide population coverage in many developing countries. Health workers play a key role in disseminating the knowledge in community however several studies conducted in different countries documented poor knowledge among them. Hence present study was conducted to evaluate the change in knowledge level after educational intervention about BSE among paramedical workers. Methods: An interventional study was conducted among 80 paramedical workers (nurses, lab technicians and social workers) of a teaching hospital and changes in knowledge were assessed with the help of pre designed questionnaire. Data was analyzed using appropriate statistical techniques. Results: The mean score of knowledge changed from 8.55 to 12.48 after the training. Majority of the paramedical workers (73%) had poor or average knowledge about BSE and significant improvement occurred in the knowledge level after the intervention. Conclusions: The knowledge regarding BSE was poor or average among the paramedical workers and educational intervention positively changed the knowledge level among them and almost all paramedical workers desired to impart this knowledge to the community.

Evaluating Environmental Knowledge Dimension Convergence to Assess Educational Programme Effectiveness

One aim of environmental education is fostering sustainable environmental action. Some environmental behaviour models suggest that this can be accomplished in part by improving people's knowledge. Recent studies have identified a distinct, psychometrically supported environmental knowledge structure consisting of system, action-related and effectiveness knowledge. Besides system knowledge, which is most often the focus of such studies, incorporating the other knowledge dimensions into these dimensions was suggested to enhance effectiveness. Our study is among the first to implement these dimensions together in an educational campaign and to use these dimensions to evaluate the effectiveness of a programme on water issues. We designed a four-day environmental education programme on water issues for students at an educational field centre. We applied a newly developed multiple-choice instrument using a pre-, post-, retention test design. The knowledge scales were calibrated with the Rasch model. In addition to the commonly assessed individual change in knowledge level, we also measured the change in knowledge convergence, the extent to which the knowledge dimensions merge as a person's environmental knowledge increases, as an innovative indicator of educational success. Following programme participation, students significantly improved in terms of amount learned in each knowledge dimension and in terms of integration of the knowledge dimensions. The effectiveness knowledge shows the least gain, persistence and convergence, which we explain by considering the dependence of the knowledge dimensions on each other. Finally, we discuss emerging challenges for educational researchers and practical implications for environmental educators.