Effectiveness of blended learning program for cyber sexual harassment prevention among female high school students in Bangkok, Thailand

Abstract

Cyber sexual harassment is increasing to be one of public health problem among youths. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of blended learning program on knowledge, attitudes, intention to cope with cyber sexual harassment, behavioral coping strategies, and cyber sexual harassment among female high school students in Bangkok, Thailand. A quasi-experimental study design was conducted between May 2021 to October 2021. Total 112 students (56 in intervention and 56 in control group) were selected. The intervention group participated in blended learning program for 12 weeks, while the control group did not receive any program. Blended learning program based on theory of planned behavior and theory of empowerment comprises classroom activities, i.e., brainstorming, group discussion, games, and quizzes and online activities in Facebook group. Students were evaluated for three times at baseline, after the intervention (3 months), and the follow-up period (2 months) using self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, paired samples t-test, independent sample t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and repeated-measure ANOVA were used for data analysis. The results showed that sociodemographic characteristics and internet usage of female high school students in both groups at baseline were not different. The mean score of the intervention group on knowledge, attitude, intention, and behavioral coping strategies after intervention, and follow-up were higher than baseline and the control group with statistically significant difference (p-value < 0.05). Whereas the mean score of cyber sexual harassment after the program and follow up were lower than baseline and the control group with statistically significant difference (p-value < 0.05). These findings demonstrated the effectiveness of blended learning program among female high school students. Moreover, the mean score also sustained to week 20 follow-up. This program can be beneficial to survivors, increasing in personal empowerment and a decrease in the frequency of cyber sexual harassment experiences.