A comparison of different contraceptive curriculums and their impact on knowledge retention and learning skills of medical students

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to assess the long-term knowledge retention and learning skills among third year medical students who had been taught about contraception 1 year previously.Study DesignIn 2002–2003, 150 third-year medical students were taught contraception in either an interactive or a standard format. Students completed exams at 2–4 weeks and 1 year after sessions. Scores were compared to determine long-term knowledge retention (paired t test). At 1 year, students assessed the long-term impact of the contraceptive lecture (visual analogue scales).ResultsThis study had a 40% response rate (60/150, interactive 34/77, standard 26/73). Overall, test scores decreased three points (8.6%), with an average test score of 22/35 (p<.01) at 1 year. Follow-up test scores were equivalent between lecture groups (p=.64). Use of a contraceptive resource tended to be higher in the interactive group (50% vs. 27%, p=.08). Students requested that more time be devoted to teaching contraception (78%).ConclusionBoth teaching formats are equivalent in their impact on long-term knowledge retention.