Training by Multimedia Messaging Service Method, a Solution to Improve Knowledge, Attitude, and Performance of Health Workers: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Background: Since health workers are the leading providers of health services, increasing their knowledge and performance can play an essential role in preventing diseases, especially Coronavirus Disease ۲۰۱۹ (COVID-۱۹).Objectives: The current research was conducted to compare the effects of lecture training and Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) training on health workers’ knowledge, attitude, and performance in preventing COVID-۱۹.Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in two groups with a pretest-posttest design. The study population included ۶۰ health workers in Nikshahr selected by random sampling. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire, including demographic questions and items on health workers’ knowledge, attitude, and performance in preventing COVID-۱۹, completed in two training groups by lecture and MMS methods online before and after the intervention.Results: The participants’ mean score of knowledge increased significantly after training in both lecture and MMS methods (P < ۰.۰۵۰), but no significant difference was observed between the two methods (P > ۰.۰۵۰). The mean attitude score in the two groups before and after the intervention showed no significant difference (P < ۰.۰۵۰). In the performance dimension, a significant difference was observed between the two groups post-intervention, and this score significantly increased in the MMS group (P < ۰.۰۵۰).Conclusion:  Considering the effect of the MMS method on health workers’ knowledge and performance, this method can be considered a suitable solution to meet the growing demand for training.