Gamified Educational Learning Path on HIV/AIDS Stigma and Discrimination (REDXIR): Design, Development and Pilot...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Public Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination are significant barriers to epidemic control.
• Discriminatory behavior in healthcare settings limits access to quality health services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design, develop, and pilot a web-based application (REDXIR) to eliminate HIV/AIDS-related discriminatory behavior among health professions students.
• To leverage behavioral and gamification principles for effective HIV education.

Main Methods:

• The REDXIR application features a 10-level game-like journey with missions and scores.
• A pilot study was conducted in six medical universities in Tehran, Iran, involving 241 students.
• Feasibility of instructional design, gamification, and program scalability were evaluated.

Main Results:

• Students completed 1952 missions within the REDXIR program.
• The program achieved a mean satisfaction score of 4.16 out of 5.
• Participants found the learning practical and the gamification method appropriate for HIV education.

Conclusions:

• Gamified online medical education can be a functional model for reducing HIV/AIDS stigma and discrimination.
• REDXIR demonstrates potential for equipping health professions students with knowledge and advocacy skills.