Effect of self- and buddy-aid education by lecture and multimedia software package methods on the knowledge level of personnel

Regarding to the necessity of self-aid and buddy-aid training, passing this training course has been obligatory for the whole army personnel for about 10 years. This study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of self-aid and buddy-aid training by two methods of lecture and multimedia software packages on the knowledge level of selected combat battalion officers of Tehran. In a semi-experimental study conducted in year 2010, 60 eligible officers of two selected combat battalions of Tehran were selected from the total number of 300 and were divided into two 30-person groups and they were thought by two methods of lecture and multimedia software packages. They were tested by a written test with standard questions for determining the amount of knowledge. Results were collected and analyzed and compared by descriptive and analytic statistical methods including paired t-test, independent t-test and exact Fisher test using SPSS 15 software. The mean knowledge level score was not statistically different between the two groups before intervention. The mean score showed more increase in multimedia software group after intervention. The mean knowledge level score increased in both groups after intervention, which was statistically different (p<0/001). Teaching with multimedia software packages is more effective than lecture method in increasing military officers’ knowledge level in proper time and place with presence of educational assistance tools.