Use of educational material in promoting the functionality of preterm children: feasibility study

Keywords: Premature infant, Child development, Health education, Educational technology, Pilot projects

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a research protocol on the effects of the educational technology "History of Sofia" in the promotion of functional skills of preterm infants. Method: Controlled, randomized and single-blinded feasibility study, carried out in a follow-up service in the Mata Mineira Zone. The intervention group (GI) received printed educational material, and the control group (CG), guidance with the Children’s Book. The child’s functionality was evaluated in three moments with the Pediatric Disability Assessment Inventory (PEDI). Indicators of feasibility, acceptability and preliminary efficacy were analyzed. Results: Of the 120 potential participants, 39 families were contacted, 19 agreed to participate (48.72%) and 6 completed all phases (31.58%). All caregivers understood the material and reported improvements in child care. GI showed a significant increase in functional mobility skills after two months (p=0.02), but the gain was not maintained. There were no significant differences between groups. Barriers, such as outdated medical records and lack of funding, made recruitment difficult. Final thoughts: The educational material had good acceptance, with positive preliminary effects. Active methodologies, extended follow-up and evaluation of emotional and relational impacts in future research are recommended.

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Author Biographies

Clarissa Delgado Fonseca, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora (UFJF)

Physical Therapist. Master’s student in Psychology. Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil. E-mail: cdelgado.fisioterapia@gmail.com;

Welida Aparecida Cordeiro

Physical Therapist. São João Nepomuceno, MG, Brazil. E-mail: welidacordeiro@gmail.com;.

Maria de La Ó Ramallo Veríssimo, Universidade de São Paulo (USP)

Nurse. PhD in Nursing. Professor at the Department of Maternal, Child, and Psychiatric Nursing, School of Nursing, University of São Paulo (USP). São Paulo, SP, Brazil. E-mail: mdlorver@usp.br

Mily Constanza Moreno Ramos, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG).

Nurse. PhD in Sciences. Substitute Professor at the School of Nursing, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG). Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. E-mail: milyconnie02@gmail.com

Diogo Simões Fonseca, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora (UFJF)

Physical Therapist. PhD in Biomedical Engineering. Associate Professor at the Faculty of Physical Therapy, Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF). Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil. E-mail: diogo.simoes@ufjf.br

Rayla Amaral Lemos, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora (UFJF)

Physical Therapist. PhD in Sciences. Associate Professor at the Faculty of Physical Therapy, UFJF. Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil. E-mail: rayla.lemos@ufjf.br

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Published
2025-12-22
How to Cite
Fonseca, C. D., Cordeiro, W. A., Veríssimo, M. de L. Ó R., Ramos, M. C. M., Fonseca, D. S., & Lemos, R. A. (2025). Use of educational material in promoting the functionality of preterm children: feasibility study. Ciência, Cuidado E Saúde, 24(1). https://doi.org/10.4025/ciencuidsaude.v24i1.77657
Section
Original articles