The Effect of Escape Room Game on Reproductive Health Knowledge and Gender Equality Perception

Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University80 enrolled

Overview

This study aims to evaluate the impact of an "escape room" educational game on university students' knowledge of sexual/reproductive health and their perceptions of gender equality. The research compares a group of students who received traditional theoretical education with a group that participated in an escape room game titled "Hidden Files in the Secret Laboratory" in addition to the same theoretical training. The primary goal is to determine if gamified learning enhances knowledge levels and shapes gender equality perceptions more effectively than standard education alone.

This is a pretest-posttest, parallel-group, randomized controlled experimental study conducted at Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University (2024-2025 Spring Semester). The study population consists of 80 volunteer students enrolled in the Reproductive Health and Family Planning course, divided into two groups: Intervention Group (n=40): Received standard theoretical education plus the "Hidden Files in the Secret Laboratory" themed escape room game. Control Group (n=40): Received only the standard theoretical education. Data collection was performed using a Descriptive Information Form, the Sexual Health and Reproductive Health Knowledge Scale, and the Gender Perception Scale. The study follows the CONSORT 2025 guidelines. Statistical analysis is performed using SPSS 26.0, including Chi-Square, ANOVA, and t-tests to compare pretest and posttest results between the groups.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Sexual Health

Interventions

Escape Room Game on Reproductive Health and Gender EqualityBEHAVIORAL

A gamified educational intervention using an escape room format to teach reproductive health, sexual rights, and gender equality. Participants solve puzzles and complete tasks related to these topics within a set timeframe to improve their knowledge and perceptions.

Standard Theoretical EducationBEHAVIORAL

Standard theoretical education on reproductive health and family planning.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Being 18 years of age or older. * Being proficient in the Turkish language. * Enrolled in the "Reproductive Health and Family Planning" course for the first time. Exclusion Criteria: * Having any impairment that prevents effective communication (e.g., being a foreign national with insufficient Turkish reading/writing skills, or having hearing, speech, or cognitive disorders).

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Gender Perception Scale Score

This scale evaluates the participants' perceptions of gender equality. It consists of multiple items rated on a Likert-type scale. Total scores are calculated, where higher scores reflect a more positive and egalitarian perception of gender roles.

Time frame: Baseline (Pre-test) and 1 week after the intervention (Post-test).

Sexual Health and Reproductive Health Knowledge Scale Score

This scale measures the participants' knowledge levels regarding sexual and reproductive health. The score is calculated based on correct answers to specific questions. Higher scores indicate a higher level of knowledge.