Evaluation of a Web-based malaria risk reduction game for study abroad students.

OBJECTIVE: Compare feedback strategies in 3 versions of an educational game. PARTICIPANTS: Study abroad students (N = 482) participated by playing the game and completing pregame/postgame surveys January-March 2010. METHODS: This study employed an experimental design. Primary outcome measures were knowledge gain, player satisfaction, and risk perception. RESULTS: One-third had previously traveled to a malaria-risk region, and two thirds planned to do so. Baseline malaria knowledge was low. Postgame knowledge and risk perception were significantly higher than pregame, irrespective of past travel status. The group that automatically received explanatory feedback following game decisions scored higher for mean knowledge gain, without differences in player satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: The challenges of designing a feedback strategy to support Web-based learning make these results highly relevant to health educators developing interactive multimedia interventions. The increasing number of students traveling to higher-risk destinations demands attention. Both malaria-naive and malaria-experienced students would benefit from this approach to travel health education.