Validação de tecnologia assistiva para deficientes visuais na prevenção de doenças sexualmente transmissíveis

Abstract

The relevance of orientations on the prevention of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) for Visually Impaired People (IPs) lies beyond discussion. If STDs represent a risk for people without disabilities, for IPs, these risks can be enhanced. For this population, Assistive Technology (AT) is available, which comprises materials, methods and processes adapted to their needs. The growing number of computer tools for IPs permits these people’s inclusion in health education and promotion. The aim in this study was to validate an AT on the prevention of STDs with a view to health promotion for visually IPs. An AT validation study was developed in the virtual environment of the Health Communication Laboratory at the Nursing Department of Universidade Federal do Ceará (www.labcomsaude.ufc.br). The AT consists of an audio-recorded rhymed text, which is available on the laboratory website for distance access. Data were collected between May and September 2012, using the subjects’ electronic addresses. Subjects were 14 experts in contents and pedagogical aspects. The study was undertaken in three phases: face and content validity of the content evaluation instrument; content expert validation of the text; and validation by experts in pedagogical aspects experienced in special education . Data analysis was based on the participants’ considerations, through the organization and processing of instrument scores, subject to quantitative analysis. Ethical aspects were respected, incompliance with Resolution 196/96, approved under protocol 37/12. As regards the contents related to the objectives, the following items obtained unsatisfactory scores: (1.6) highlights the types of treatment for Sexually Transmitted Diseases; (1.9) encourages behavior and attitude change and (1.12) clarifies possible doubts on the theme. Regarding the structure and presentation, items (2.4) the text size is appropriate and (2.5) the sequence of the proposed contents is logical obtained inappropriate agreement rates. In the third and final part, related to the relevance of the AT, two items also showed inappropriate agreement rates: (3.2) permits the transfer and generalization of learning to different contexts and (3.5) pictures the aspects needed to inform the family (young people, adults and elderly). As regards pedagogical aspects, one of the instrument items, (2.2) is appropriate to the proposed age range and its operational definitions also reached an inappropriate agreement level. Despite satisfactory results, the contributions were analyzed and most of them were accepted. The developed AT was validated with regard to the STD contents and the aspects related to the education of visually IPs, that is, the pedagogical aspects. Health technology can turn the learning process convenient, accessible and stimulating. The use of the computer and Internet, associated with health education, can be an effective means to promote the health of visually IPs by granting access to information and encouraging their autonomy. The researchers believe that the encouragement of condom use and knowledge granted on the occurrence of an STD can sensitize visually IPs towards the need for prevention and the adoption of safe sexual practices.