Construção e validação de tecnologia educativa para usuários da atenção primária à saúde sobre prevenção e diagnóstico precoce do câncer bucal

Abstract

The diagnosis of oral cancer generally occurs in the advanced stages of the disease, which increases its morbidity and mortality profile. Health education materials, such as educational booklets, especially in Primary Health Care (PHC), promote access to information and serve as mechanisms for health promotion for the population of the territory. Objective: This dissertation aimed to develop and validate a technical-educational material in the form of a booklet focused on the prevention and early diagnosis of oral cancer, targeted at PHC users. Methods: The first phase of the research began with defining the target audience, followed by conducting a narrative review on oral cancer. Subsequently, a detailed outline with relevant topics was developed, and from this, the booklet was created, including illustrations, layout, and graphic design. Finally, the material was validated by experts in stomatology and/or oral pathology using the Health Educational Content Validation Instrument (IVCES), the Content Validity Index (CVI), and the Flesch Reading Ease Index, ensuring the quality, clarity, and appropriateness of the content for the target audience. Results: The overall Content Validity Index (CVI) was 0.91, exceeding the minimum standard of 0.78. Items related to objectives received high agreement (0.92), highlighting the educational effectiveness of the booklet. The structure and presentation were well evaluated, although language and text length had lower scores (0.84). The relevance of the topic achieved the maximum score (1.00). Significant critiques were raised regarding the recommendation of oral self-examination, leading to its exclusion in the final version of the booklet. Additional suggestions included simplifying the texts and replacing images to improve the clarity and accuracy of the information.Conclusions: The contributions of the specialists, combined with scientific literature, resulted in significant refinements, ensuring that the booklet is understandable and relevant for different audiences. The validated booklet is an effective tool for promoting oral health and preventing oral cancer, potentially increasing awareness and self-care among the population. This Master's Completion Work is the result of the strictu sensu Postgraduate Program Professional Master's in Family Health (PROFSAÚDE).