Abstract
Introduction/Objectives: The conscious application of prevention methods is crucial for the prevention of Covid-19 and similar epidemics. To this end, some restrictions and bans have been introduced in our country and in the world during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, it is believed that such restrictions and bans are not effective in preventing the spread of epidemic diseases if one is not aware of why they are applied. For this reason, this study aims to improve the protective behaviors of high school students, who are an important group for controlling the disease in the community during the Covid-19 pandemic, during Covid-19 and similar biological/chemical disasters by using the technique of peer education and a web-based educational program.
Methods: The study was a quasi-experimental one-group pretest-posttest model. The study sample consisted of 140 students who were enrolled in the schools where the study was conducted and who met the study criteria. Before the training, students were given the "Personal Information Form" and the "Biological and Chemical Disaster Protective Behavior Assessment Form". After the training, the questionnaire "Covid-19 and similar biological/chemical disasters - protective behavior" was completed again. The study data was analyzed using the SPSS 24.0 statistical program. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data obtained.
Results: It was found that more than half of the students participating in the study were female, almost half of them attended 10th grade, and almost half of them had a family income that matched their expenses. After the training, it was found that students' knowledge of social distancing and isolation rules increased and hygiene practices and mask wearing changed positively compared to before the training.
Conclusion: Individuals need to know how to protect themselves from epidemic diseases and know the right practices to minimize the damage caused by epidemic diseases. In this regard, it is recommended that nurses collaborate with different professional groups to increase the awareness and knowledge level of individuals and provide training on epidemic diseases to students. It is also recommended to identify the current situation by repeating the trainings conducted and ensuring that individuals update their knowledge.