Comparison of the effectiveness of face-to-face, virtual, and integrated first aid training in the knowledge, attitude, and skills of mountaineers

Abstract

Introduction: The possible accidents for mountaineers and the importance of safety highlight the necessity of first aid training in the mountains. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the impact of face-to-face, virtual, and integrated first aid training on the knowledge, attitude, and skills of mountaineers. Material & Methods: The present quasi-experimental study was conducted on 93 mountaineers using the available sampling method and random allocation using permutation blocks of six in three groups of virtual, face-to-face, and integrated training. The intervention was carried out for four weeks. Face-to-face and integrated training groups attended in-person classes, while the virtual training group received the content through WhatsApp messenger during the same period. Participants completed the demographic characteristic form, as well as knowledge, attitude, and skill questionnaires before the intervention and three weeks after its completion, and the data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 22) using descriptive and inferential statistical tests (P<0.05). Results: The mean scores of knowledge, attitude, and skills in the three groups before and after the intervention had a significant difference and increased after the intervention (P<0.001). In the inter-group comparison, the face-to-face training group obtained higher scores in attitude (69.58±4.19) and skill (44.06±12.99) compared to the virtual and integrated education (P<0.000214). Discussion & Conclusion: There was a significant difference between the attitude, knowledge, and skill scores of mountaineers in all three groups of face-to-face, virtual, and integrated training before and after the intervention, and the mean scores increased. Nonetheless, the mean score of face-to-face training was higher than that of virtual and integrated training methods. It is suggested that face-to-face training be used to teach first aid to mountaineers.

Keywords

• face-to-face training
• first aid
• integrated training
• mountaineer
• virtual training