A comparison of the effects of traditional and flipped education models on rational drug use among high school students

Aim: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of rational drug use education delivered by a school health nurse using the traditional education model and the flipped classroom model on high school students. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted between October 24, 2024, and February 24, 2025, at an Anatolian High School in the Sarıkamış district of Kars, Türkiye. Although the study population consisted of 276 students aged 13–18 years, the study was completed with 174 students due to exclusion criteria. Using systematic sampling, students were assigned to two groups: the traditional education group (n = 87) and the flipped classroom group (n = 87). Data were collected through pre-test and post- test applications. The "Personal Information Form" and the "Rational Drug Use Scale" were used as data collection tools. Descriptive statistics as well as parametric and nonparametric statistical tests were used to analyze the data. Results: According to the pre-test findings, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of having previously received rational drug use education (p > 0.05). Post-test results showed a statistically significant difference between the groups regarding willingness to receive rational drug use education again (p < 0.05), with a higher proportion of students in the traditional education group reporting unwillingness to receive further training. In both groups, the difference between pre-test and post-test mean values of non-prescription drug use was statistically significant. Comparisons of post-test Rational Drug Use Scale mean scores revealed a statistically significant difference between the groups (p < 0.05). Additionally, post-test differences in rational drug use knowledge levels between the groups were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The majority of students were found to have insufficient knowledge regarding rational drug use. While both the traditional education model and the flipped classroom model were effective in improving students' knowledge and awareness, the traditional education model appeared to be more effective. Rational drug use education provided by school health nurses plays a significant role in enhancing students' knowledge and awareness levels. Keywords: Flipped classroom, Health education, High school students, Rational drug use, School health nurse.