Syeda Nateela Tirmizi1,2, Shariq Khoja1,3, Scott Patten3, Abdul Wahab Yousafzai4,5, Richard E Scott3, Hammad Durrani6,7, Wafa Khoja1,8, Nida Husyin1,9. 1. Tech4Life Enterprises, Milton, ON, Canada. 2. Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan. 3. University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. 4. Department of Psychiatry, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan. 5. Shifa International Hospital Ltd., Islamabad, Pakistan. 6. French Medical Institute for Children, Kabul, Afghanistan. 7. Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. 8. McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada. 9. Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi, Pakistan.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Mobile-based blended learning initiative was launched in November 2014 in Badakshan province of Afghanistan by Tech4Life Enterprises, Aga Khan Health Service, Afghanistan (AKHS, A), and the University of Calgary, Canada. The goal of this initiative was to improve knowledge of health providers related to four major mental health problems, namely depression, psychosis, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and drug abuse. METHODS: This paper presents the results of quasi-experimental study conducted in 4 intervention districts in Badakshan for improvement in the knowledge among health providers about depression. The results were compared with three control districts for the change in knowledge scores. RESULTS: Sixty-two health providers completed pre and post module questionnaires from case district, while 31 health providers did so from the control sites. Significant change was noticed in the case districts, where overall knowledge scores changed from 45% in pre-intervention test to 63% in post-intervention test. Overall background knowledge of pre to post module test scores changed from 30% to 40%, knowledge of symptoms showed correct responses raised from 25% to 44%, knowledge related to causes of depression from overall districts showed change from 22% to 51%, and treatment knowledge of depression improved from 29% to 35%. Average gain in scores among cases was 16.06, compared to 6.8 in controls. CONCLUSIONS: The study confirms that a blended Learning approach with multiple learning techniques for health providers in Badakshan, Afghanistan, enhanced their knowledge and offers an effective solution to overcome challenges in continuing education. Further research is needed to confirm that the gains in knowledge reported here translate into better practice and improved mental health.
BACKGROUND: Mobile-based blended learning initiative was launched in November 2014 in Badakshan province of Afghanistan by Tech4Life Enterprises, Aga Khan Health Service, Afghanistan (AKHS, A), and the University of Calgary, Canada. The goal of this initiative was to improve knowledge of health providers related to four major mental health problems, namely depression, psychosis, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and drug abuse. METHODS: This paper presents the results of quasi-experimental study conducted in 4 intervention districts in Badakshan for improvement in the knowledge among health providers about depression. The results were compared with three control districts for the change in knowledge scores. RESULTS: Sixty-two health providers completed pre and post module questionnaires from case district, while 31 health providers did so from the control sites. Significant change was noticed in the case districts, where overall knowledge scores changed from 45% in pre-intervention test to 63% in post-intervention test. Overall background knowledge of pre to post module test scores changed from 30% to 40%, knowledge of symptoms showed correct responses raised from 25% to 44%, knowledge related to causes of depression from overall districts showed change from 22% to 51%, and treatment knowledge of depression improved from 29% to 35%. Average gain in scores among cases was 16.06, compared to 6.8 in controls. CONCLUSIONS: The study confirms that a blended Learning approach with multiple learning techniques for health providers in Badakshan, Afghanistan, enhanced their knowledge and offers an effective solution to overcome challenges in continuing education. Further research is needed to confirm that the gains in knowledge reported here translate into better practice and improved mental health.
Authors: Farooq Naeem; Khalid A Mufti; Mohammad Ayub; Asad Haroon; Farida Saifi; Saima Mahmood Qureshi; Ali Ihsan; Haroon Rasheed Chaudry; Saif ur Rehman Dagarwal; David Kingdon Journal: J Ayub Med Coll Abbottabad Date: 2005 Apr-Jun