Formative evaluation of a multimedia self-administered computerized hearing loss prevention program

Abstract

Objective: To determine which features make a computer-based hearing health education intervention effective, easy to use, and enjoyable. The study examined which features of a multimedia self-administered computerized hearing loss prevention program, developed by the National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research (referred to as the NCRAR-HLPP), users liked and disliked, and the reasons why. Design: A formative evaluation was conducted in which participants completed a questionnaire to assess knowledge and attitudes towards hearing and hearing loss prevention, used the NCRAR-HLPP, completed the questionnaire for a second time, and were interviewed to learn their opinions about the NCRAR-HLPP. Study sample: Twenty-five male and four female Veterans recruited from the Portland VA Medical Center who were aged between 25 and 65 years. Results: Participants reported that using the NCRAR-HLPP was a positive experience. Ease of use, multimedia content, personal relevance, and use of emotion were positive features of the program. The questionnaire showed increased knowledge and improved attitude scores following use of the program. Conclusion: This formative evaluation showed changes designed to target user preferences and improve user instructions will be made in future versions of the program.

Key Words::

• Hearing loss
• noise induced
• health behavior
• health education
• health promotion
• attitude to computers

Acknowledgements

This study was funded by VA Rehabilitation Research and Development grants #C4844C and C7214R.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest.

Supplementary material available online

Supplementary Appendix 1 to be found online at http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.3109/14992027.2014.974113.