Effect of web-based hearing loss prevention program on the use of hearing protection device among thai navy officers: a quasi-experimental study

Abstract

Navy officers working on coastal guard vessels are at risk of hearing loss because they are exposed to a loud environment from the ship’s engines at all times. Therefore, proper use of hearing protection devices is important. In this study, the researcher developed a web-based hearing loss prevention program to promote behavior of using hearing protection devices among Thai navy officers working on coastal guard vessels. A total of 152 navy personnel were recruited based on selection criteria and randomly assigned to an experimental or a control group in equal numbers. After program completion, there were 140 participants in the sample group who participated in all sessions: 71 in the experimental group and 69 in the control group. The participants in the experimental group received the hearing loss prevention program via website over 4 weeks. Afterwards, the use of hearing protection devices was evaluated by a self-report questionnaire immediately after completing the program and eight weeks after the program's completion. The results showed that the scores for the use of hearing protection devices in the experimental group increased significantly, immediately after completing the program (p < 0.001), and at eight weeks after the program's completion (p < 0.05). However, comparison of the scores for the use of hearing protection devices between the experimental group and the control group after completing this program showed no statistically significant differences, although, scores for the use of hearing protection devices in the experimental group were higher than those in the control group. However, during the period of research implementation, there were factors emerging as restrictions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic followed by an oil spill incident at sea. In addition, there were obstacles related to the internet signal which could affect the continuous monitoring of participation in the program in accordance with the research plan. Therefore, designing program activities to suit working conditions and understanding the context of working on a ship, as well as involving the participants in the designed activities are challenges for future study.