Web based and conventional classroom based anti-tobacco awareness programs: A comparative study

Introduction and Aim: The technology enhanced education programs are efficient than traditional passive learning methodologies with respect to learning gains and knowledge retention, thereby reinforcing positive habits in students of all ages. The present study was designed to develop a computer assisted digital educational program on ill effects of tobacco and to assess the impactof this methodology over traditional classroom based anti-tobacco awareness program.   Materials and Methods:Two types of anti-tobacco awareness programs namely, computer assisted and conventional teaching, were administered to school childrenof teen age and successivelyknowledge retention, the attitude and behaviour towards tobacco were assessed through a structured questionnaire. Assessment was done on two occasions: subsequent to the training program (Phase I), six months after the program (Phase II). The results were compared usingindependent ‘t’ test and paired ‘t’ test. P < 0.05 was consideredstatistically significant.   Results:The students who received the computer-assistedtraining had a significantly higher cognitive learning outcome, both short term and long term and presented a significantly more positive attitude towards tobacco prevention (p 0.05). A very strong positive correlation between knowledge and attitude was noted among participants of computer-assisted program.   Conclusion:Computer assisted anti-tobacco awareness program is better in terms of short term and long term knowledge retention in comparison to conventional classroom based learning program. Also long-term knowledge retention seems to have increased the concern about tobacco, which would have modified their behaviour towards engaging in protective practices.