A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Structured Teaching Programme on Knowledge Regarding Hazards and Safe Practice of Earphones and Bluetooth Usage Among College Students of Bharath School of Arts and Science in Chennai

Abstract

Background: The widespread use of earphones and Bluetooth devices among college students has raised concerns about potential hazards and the need for safe practices. Understanding students' knowledge levels and attitudes toward device usage is crucial for promoting responsible behavior. Objective: • To assess the pre-existing knowledge regarding hazards and safe practice of earphone and Bluetooth Usage. • To evaluate the effectiveness of a structured teaching program on knowledge regarding hazards and safe practice of earphone and Bluetooth Usage. • To find the association between the knowledge score regarding hazards and practice score regarding safe practice of earphones and Bluetooth Usage among College Students with selected demographic variables. Methods: A self-structured knowledge questionnaire was administered to students at the Bharath School of Arts and Science in Chennai. The structured teaching program was implemented to educate students on safe device usage. Result: The study revealed a significant improvement in knowledge levels and safe practices concerning earphones and Bluetooth usage post-intervention. Initially, 21% had inadequate knowledge, 70% had moderate knowledge, and 9% had adequate knowledge. Post-intervention, 80% demonstrated sufficient knowledge, 16% had moderate knowledge, and 4% had inadequate knowledge. The mean knowledge score increased significantly from 7.37 to 11.53 (mean difference= 4.16, p=0.023), indicating effective awareness enhancement. In terms of safe practices, there was a notable shift from 46% to 5% non-practice, with 54% to 95% adhering to safe habits post-intervention. The structured teaching program exhibited efficacy, with the pre-test mean score of 20.24 rising to 25.20 post-test (mean difference=4.96, p=0.045), highlighting substantial enhancement in safe practices. Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of educational interventions in promoting responsible device usage among college students. Recommendations were provided to enhance awareness and encourage safe practices related to the use of audio devices among young adults.