Efficacy of an e-Learning Module on Endocrine Disruptors for Family Medicine Residents: Matched Before-And-After Cohort Study

<strong>Background:</strong> Environmental factors account for 23% of global deaths and 25% of chronic diseases. In France, the Fourth National Environmental Health Plan prioritizes training health professionals in environmental health. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are chemical substances that interfere with hormonal systems, contributing to a range of health effects. In 2024, the Primary Care and Environmental Health (PCEH) program at the University of Montpellier–Nîmes introduced an innovative e-learning module on EDCs for first-year family medicine residents. <strong>Objective:</strong> This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the PCEH e-learning module on participants’ satisfaction, knowledge, and self-reported behaviors regarding EDCs in household environments. <strong>Methods:</strong> This monocentric, matched before-and-after cohort study included all first-year family medicine residents at the University of Montpellier–Nîmes. The module, developed collaboratively by clinicians and educators, integrated interactive images, artificial intelligence–generated virtual rooms, short educational videos, games, and flash cards. Participants were assessed using pretraining and posttraining questionnaires administered immediately before and after the module. These questionnaires evaluated satisfaction (using a 5-point Likert scale), knowledge (using binary “yes” or “no” questions), and behaviors (using a 5-point Likert scale). Statistical analyses included the McNemar test for paired categorical variables and paired 2-tailed <i>t</i> tests for continuous variables, with a significance threshold set at a <i>P</i> value of less than .05. <strong>Results:</strong> This study aimed to evaluate the impact of an e-learning module on knowledge and behaviors related to endocrine disruptors. Our findings show significant improvements across all measured domains. Of 148 eligible residents, 78 (52.7%) completed both assessments over a 17-day period. Overall satisfaction was high (mean 4.0/5, SD 0.9), with positive ratings for the e-learning format (mean 4.1/5, SD 1.0) and module duration (mean 4.2/5, SD 1.0). Knowledge improved significantly, with a mean 55.56 (SD 13.54) increase in correct identification of EDCs across all substances (<i>P</i>&lt;.001). Self-reported behaviors improved by an average of 2.13 points (95% CI 1.71-2.56) on the 5-point scale (<i>P</i>&lt;.001), exceeding those reported in previous PCEH modules. Secondary outcomes showed high posttraining identification of at-risk populations and exposure locations, although recognition of some substances (eg, alkylphenols and phenoxyethanol) remained low. <strong>Conclusions:</strong> This innovative e-learning module significantly improved residents’ knowledge and preventive behaviors related to EDCs. These findings support the integration of environmental health training into medical curricula and highlight the potential of scalable e-learning interventions to strengthen preventive competencies in primary care.