Knowledge of educational methodology for adults training of primary health care personnel, Peru 2005

Objective. Assess the level of knowledge that the staff of the first health care level of the Peruvian Ministry of Health on educational methodology for adults training. Material and methods. Cross-sectional study conducted with a probability sample of 650 health workers from health centers of the 34 regional health directorates in the country. We used a structured questionnaire addressed the themes of planning, development and evaluation of educational activities aimed at adults. Results. The median knowledge was 12 on a possible maximum score of 20 (12/20). In the area of planning was a median of 6 / 9, developed in a median of 4 / 8 and assessment 2 / 3. Both overall and by each topic, the Tacna region had the highest score, median 16. The Lima region received a median of 10. There weren't evident differences among medical professionals and non-physicians (mean = 13.9), but if there were differences with the technical staff which had a low average score (mean = 9.4). 32% of respondents received training in the field and they obtained higher scores than those who did not receive. People with more than 10 years of service and appointed staff have lower scores on a global level. Conclusions. Level of knowledge of educational methodology for adults training in the study population is below the target. Political regions, employment status, length of service, having received training in the area are associated with scores of knowledge on adult educational methodology in the study population.