Effectiveness of E-learning on “Sexual Health” among students of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences based on the Kirkpatrick model

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Implementing educational programs such as E-learning is highly low-cost and highly effective. The aim was to design and implement a sexual health education program to enhance female students’ knowledge based on the Kirkpatrick model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was a quasi-experimental intervention study conducted on 60 female students of the Medical Ethics course at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences based on the Kirkpatrick model. After needs assessment and determining the course syllabus, the teaching content was produced electronically and made available to the research population after scientific (Women’s Group) and technical (E-Learning Group) approval. Data analysis was performed based on Mann–Whitney U test and independent t-test through SPSS version 26. RESULTS: The mean (standard deviation) scores of the Kirkpatrick level 2 measurement (learning) of the participants increased from 15.34 (4.89) before the intervention to 16.88 (5.20) after intervention (P < 0.001), which was statistically significant. The participants’ satisfaction rate with the educational content was 86%, with the course duration was 94.4%, with the educational facilities and equipment was 85.4%, and with the presentation method and attractiveness of the materials was 86.3%. In total, the participants’ satisfaction rate with the electronic course was 88%. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicated a positive impact of the course on students’ knowledge regarding sexual issues, and the students overall expressed satisfaction with this electronic course. Therefore, it is recommended to implement this course extensiver in other universities considering the advantages of E-learning.