[ role of information and communication technology on health knowledge of high school students]

ABSTRACT

Emergence of information technology [IT] has influenced human life deeply. Presumably the strongest and deepest influence has been on education field so that anyone could get access to required data any time, at any place. Development of IT is so remarkable that its influence on health education could not be neglected. Thus, a great number of countries have implemented basic website set-up for health information purposes. This study paves the way for future research on both e-health and e-education in the society and their effects on the overall health knowledge of the high school students. The present study was performed on the basis of information obtained from questionnaires on personal, mental, nutritional, maternal and marital issues and family planning, common infections, AIDS and environmental health information of 649 students in 3 high schools. Information was collected in two steps [pre and post tests]. T-test and Leven's tests were used in the statistical analysis of the data. The results of t-test showed that training the students through health information website increased their health knowledge in the above-mentioned fields with a minimum of 14.5% for environmental health and a maximum of 48.9% for nutritional health which showed a significant difference in all fields [P=0.000]. Efficacy of the model in the improvement of knowledge was statistically significant in all health fields. Implementation of IT is a predictable and flexible procedure. Moreover, it enhances accessibility and provides active question-response methods: