Features of an Appropriate Method of Health Education During Commutes: A Qualitative Study

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Background: Commuting refers to regular travel between home and place of work or study. Nowadays, despite scientific advances, many people spend longer times travelling between home and work due to economic and demographic reasons. The purpose of this study was to identify the characteristics of an appropriate method of education during commutes for staff of factories in Ardakan, Iran. Materials and methods: This qualitative study was carried out via Conventional Content Analysis in 2014. The population included staff of Steel mills in Ardakan. The study sample was selected using purposive sampling method. Participants included experts in health education & promotion, medical education, educational technology, philosophy of education and pedagogy as well as factory managers, workers and drivers. Inclusion criteria included having at least one year of experience in the factory for employees and managers; having at least one year of experience as a driver for a factory car for drivers; and having carried out at least three research projects on different topics in the field of education and methods of education for related experts. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews each lasting 20 to 40 minutes. Data were recorded through sound recordings and notes and were analyzed using content analysis. Results: In this study, 10 features were identified for choosing a method of education during commutes, including applicability in the vehicle, applicability while moving, applicability in a short time (brevity), cost effectiveness, exposure to message (accessibility), visual presentation of content, involvement of various senses (being multi-sensory), attractiveness (appeal), safety for the audience (consideration of health) and possibility of two-way communication (question and answer). Conclusion: Taking account of characteristics of an appropriate educational method for various situations, especially in educational interventions during commutes, is very important and can significantly increase the effectiveness of such education programs.