Effects of Virtual Education of Nutrition Programs in the Health System Evolution Plan on the Knowledge and Performance of Primary Health Workers (Behvarzes) in Mashhad, Iran Based on the Kirkpatrick Model in 2020

Background: In recent years, virtual education has emerged as one of the important applications of new information and communication technologies in the world. This study was conducted to determine the effect of the virtual training course of nutrition programs in the Health System Evolution Plan on the knowledge and practice of primary health workers in Mashhad, Iran based on the Kirkpatrick Model.Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 94 primary health workers in Health Center No. 1 in Mashhad. The sample size was calculated at 45 subjects and the samples were selected using a random number table. According to the staff training criteria, the training course with special conditions was held virtually based on the approved lesson plan. During the course, based on the Kirkptrick Model, a researcher-made questionnaire included four levels (reaction, learning, behavior, and results) was completed and scored based on a Likert scale. The data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 21).Results: The mean score of the content quality of the course was 4.61±0.45; it means that the participants were very satisfied with the quality of the course content. The mean score of the presentation of the course was 4.5±0.6 indicatings the presentation of the course was very good. The mean score obtained from the course exam was 85.9±10.3. Besides, the mean score of skills acquired by the subjects was 4.75±0.34 which is considered a very good level. The mean score of the job performance of subjects was 4.55±0.54 which is also a very good level.Conclusion: The in-service training course of nutrition programs in the Health System Evolution Plan was effective on the knowledge and performance of primary health workers in Mashhad.