Abstract

Computers and the internet have been utilized as viable avenues for public health education delivery. Yet the effectiveness, e.g., behavior change, from use of these tools has been limited. Previous reviews have focused on single health topics such as smoking cessation and weight loss. This review broadens the scope to consider computer-assisted learning across the field of health. Of the 99 publication, 58 were selected for analysis. First, the literature was qualitatively summarized. The studies could not be compared directly due to the specifics of each study. However, a commonality emerged to allow the meta-analysis of the quantitatively pooled results of randomized control trials (RCTs). The meta-analysis indicated that, in the literature analyzed, the use of computers provided a positive effect (general improvement) through changes in knowledge, attitudes, and/or behavior. This critical review will be constructive for the development of more comparable theory-driven, evidence-based educational programs via the internet in the future. (Contains 2 tables and 1 figure.)

Citation

Corda, K.W. & Polacek, G.N.L.J. (2009). A Critical Review of Computer-Assisted Learning in Public Health via the Internet, 1999-2008. International Electronic Journal of Health Education, 12, 72-85. Retrieved August 15, 2024 from https://www.learntechlib.org/p/73313/.

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Keywords

• Behavior Change
• Behavior Modification
• Comparative Analysis
• Computer Assisted Instruction
• content analysis
• Health Education
• Health Promotion
• internet
• Meta Analysis
• Public Health
• Smoking