EDUCATIONAL BOARD GAME: A PLAYFUL STRATEGY FOR THE PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF SCHISTOSOMIASIS

Abstract

Schistosomiasis, caused by Schistosoma mansoni, remains a major public health problem in Brazil, particularly in regions characterized by poor sanitation and social vulnerability. This study aimed to develop and validate an educational board/card game on schistosomiasis for children and adolescents, assessing its psychometric properties. This methodological study adopted a qualitative and quantitative approach to develop and validate an educational health technology. Seven expert judges participated in the evaluation of a set of cards organized into categories covering the parasite's life cycle, signs and symptoms, prevention, transmission, diagnosis, and treatment. The assessment considered the criteria of clarity, accuracy, and content relevance. Data were analyzed using the Content Validity Index (CVI), Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), and Cohen’s Kappa coefficient. The instrument demonstrated excellent reliability (ICC = 0.93) and content validity (CVI = 0.93), with substantial to almost perfect agreement among the evaluators. After incorporating the experts’ suggestions, the game was refined and proved to be a valid and reliable educational technology with the potential to promote health education and strengthen schistosomiasis prevention and control strategies.