1.A web-based educational intervention module to improve knowledge and attitudes towards thalassaemia prevention in Malaysian young adults
Chin Fang Ngim ; Hishamshah Ibrahim ; Nisah Abdullah ; Nai Ming Lai ; Ronnie Kian Meng Tan ; Chen Siew Ng ; Amutha Ramadas
The Medical Journal of Malaysia 2019;74(3):219-225
Background: Thalassaemia is a public health burden in
Malaysia and its prevention faces many challenges. In this
study, we aimed to assess the effectiveness of a web-based
educational module in improving knowledge and attitudes
about thalassaemia prevention amongst Malaysian young
adults.
Methods: We designed an interactive web-based
educational module in the Malay language wherein videos
were combined with text and pictorial visual cues.
Malaysians aged 18-40 years old who underwent the module
had their knowledge and attitudes assessed at baseline,
post-intervention and at 6-month follow-up using a selfadministered validated questionnaire.
Results: Sixty-five participants: 47 Malays (72.3%), 15
Chinese (23.1%), three Indians (4.6%) underwent the module.
Questionnaires were completed at baseline (n=65), postintervention (n=65) and at 6-month follow-up (n=60). Out of a
total knowledge score of 21, significant changes were
recorded across three time-points- median scores were 12 at
pre-intervention, 19 at post-intervention and 16 at 6-month
follow-up (p<0.001). Post-hoc testing comparing preintervention and 6-month follow-up scores showed
significant retention of knowledge (p<0.001). Compared to
baseline, attitudes at 6-month follow-up showed an
increased acceptance for “marriage avoidance between
carriers” (pre-intervention 20%, 6-month follow-up 48.3%,
p<0.001) and “prenatal diagnosis” (pre-intervention 73.8%,
6-month follow-up 86.2%, p=0.008). Acceptance for selective
termination however, remained low without significant
change (pre-intervention 6.2%, 6-month follow-up 16.7%,
p=0.109).
Conclusion: A web-based educational module appears
effective in improving knowledge and attitudes towards
thalassaemia prevention and its incorporation in
thalassaemia prevention programs is potentially useful in
Malaysia and countries with a high internet penetration rate.