Embedding research capacity strengthening in multicountry sexual health research

Background: Quality human resources constitute an essential pillar of an effective health system. This paper

analyzes the outcomes of blended learning for post-Ebola capacity strengthening of health professionals in Guinea.

Methods: Two courses lasting 3 months each (7–8 modules) were developed and implemented: one in Primary

Health Care (eSSP) and the other in Sexual and Reproductive Health Services Management (eSSR). Both eSSP and

eSSR courses were offered online on the Moodle platform, followed by a face-to-face capacity-building workshop. A

cross-sectional study using a mixed-methods approach was conducted in 2018–19. As outcomes, we described

learners’ sociodemographic characteristics, course completion and success, and perceptions of the courses and

support from the instructors, analyzed the factors associated with learners’ successful completion and reported on

learners’ feedback on their blended learning experience. Quantitative data were analyzed using the STATA 15

software, and qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis.

Results: Overall, 282 health professionals were enrolled for both eSSP and eSSR courses. The completion rate was

69.5% (196/282). The success rate for learners who completed the courses was 80% (156/196), and the overall

success rate for enrollees was 55% (156/282). The dropout and abstention rates were 22 and 9%, respectively. On

both eSSP and eSSR courses, the success rate of women enrolled was higher than or equal to men’s. The success

rate of medical doctors enrolled (53% for eSSP and 67% for eSSR) was higher than for other health professionals, in

particular nurses (9% for eSSP) and midwives (40% for eSSR). Course type was associated with success (AOR = 1.93;

95% CI = 1.15–3.24). Most learners strongly agreed that the courses are relevant for targeted health professionals

(81 to 150/150), pdf course materials are well-structured and useful (105/150), the content of the modules is

relevant, comprehensible, and clear (90/150), self-assessment quizzes are helpful (105/150), summative assessment

assignments are relevant (90/150), the course administrators and IT manager were responsive to learners’ concerns

(90/150), they will recommend the courses to colleagues and friends (120/150).

Conclusion: Two blended courses for capacity strengthening of health professionals were successfully developed

and implemented in Guinea.