title: Formative evaluation of a multimedia self-administered computerized hearing loss prevention program.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine which features make a computer-based hearing health education intervention effective, easy to use, and enjoyable. The study examined which features of a multimedia self-administered computerized hearing loss prevention program, developed by the National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research (referred to as the NCRAR-HLPP), users liked and disliked, and the reasons why.
  
  
  METHODS
  A formative evaluation was conducted in which participants completed a questionnaire to assess knowledge and attitudes towards hearing and hearing loss prevention, used the NCRAR-HLPP, completed the questionnaire for a second time, and were interviewed to learn their opinions about the NCRAR-HLPP.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-five male and four female Veterans recruited from the Portland VA Medical Center who were aged between 25 and 65 years.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants reported that using the NCRAR-HLPP was a positive experience. Ease of use, multimedia content, personal relevance, and use of emotion were positive features of the program. The questionnaire showed increased knowledge and improved attitude scores following use of the program.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This formative evaluation showed changes designed to target user preferences and improve user instructions will be made in future versions of the program.
authors.affiliation: * National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research, VA Portland Health Care System , Portland , USA.
authors.forename: Gabrielle H
authors.initials: GH
authors.lastname: Saunders
authors.forename: Jay J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Vachhani
authors.forename: Gino
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Galvez
authors.forename: Susan E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Griest
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000379:methods; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019212:Multimedia; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014728:Veterans
keywords: Hearing loss; attitude to computers; health behavior; health education; health promotion; noise induced