An interactive, computer-based program to educate patients about genital herpes.
OBJECTIVE
Education and counseling constitute a substantial portion of management of patients with genital herpes. Innovative methods for education about genital herpes are needed.


OBJECTIVE
To test the ability of an interactive, computer-based program to educate patients about genital herpes.


METHODS
Persons seeking care at five urban offices were asked to participate. A knowledge test about genital herpes was administered before and after participation. Participants' satisfaction was assessed with a questionnaire.


RESULTS
Four hundred thirty-five participants enrolled, and 428 completed the herpes knowledge test. Of six questions evaluated, a statistically significant increase in the proportion of correct answers was noted on five of six questions. Fifty-one percent of participants answered all the questions correctly after the program, compared with 39% before the program. Satisfaction with the program was very high.


CONCLUSIONS
Innovative, computer-based programs can provide education and assist in the management of chronic sexually transmitted infections.
Bensen
C
C
School of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
Stern
J
J
Skinner
E
E
Beutner
K
K
Conant
M
M
Tyring
S
S
Reitano
M
M
Davis
G
G
Wald
A
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D019468:Disease Management; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006558:Herpes Genitalis / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires