Evaluation of Computer Assisted Instruction in Basic Knowledge and Pharmacotherapy for Smoking Cessation

Abstract

This experimental study was aimed to determine the basic knowledge and pharmacotherapy in smoking
cessation of pharmacy students before and after using computer assisted instruction (CAI) program compared with traditional lecture class. The sample were 93 theid year pharmacy students at Faculty of Pharmacy, Ubon Ratchathani University. Fouty six students were randomly assigned into control group attending lecture class and 47 subjects into study group attending the program in computer class. This was conducted during July 2009. The results revealed that mean scores of pre-test between 2 groups were not different while mean scores of post-test of students attending lecture class were significantly higher than those of students used CAI program (18.0 + 2.3 vs 16.6 + 2.7; p = 0.007). Likewise, mean scores of knowledge after 2 weeks period in control group were higher than those in study group (18.2 + 3.0 vs 15.9 + 3.5; p = 0.003). However, mean scores between post-test and pre-test in students using CAI were significantly different (16.6 + 2.7 vs 13.2 + 3.2; p < 0.001). Moreover, mean scores between post-test and 2 weeks after post-test within the control and study groups were not different. In terms of satisfaction, the results showed that students who used CAI were highly satisfied with this program with the mean score of 4.07 (total score of 5). They also agreed that their knowledge in smoking cessation was increased in most aspects prior to using the program.