Development and validation of a prototype multimedia application to enhance health education on the pelvic floor muscles among pregnant and puerperal women in Brazil

BACKGROUND: Women are interested in and need to receive more information about pelvic floor muscles (PFMs), its functions, and dysfunctions. The aim of this study is to develop and validate a multimedia application (app) aimed to enhance health education on PFM among pregnant and postpartum women in Brazil. METHODS: This is a descriptive, transversal study in the modality of technological production, consisting of three stages, namely, bibliographic review, development of the multimedia app prototype, and validation of the multimedia app by specialists in the fields of health and technology as well as pregnant and postpartum women. The validation specialists answered an instrument that evaluated several skills including functioning, content, language, illustrations, general aspects, innovation and design, and level of satisfaction. The data obtained were tabulated and analyzed using Microsoft Excel for Windows(®) 2010. Analysis of the validation of the app prototype and its content was performed using the Content Validity Index (CVI) and by calculating the percentage of absolute agreement. RESULTS: The app presented a CVI of 0.89 by experts and 0.93 by the participating pregnant and postpartum women, with a global CVI of 0.91. The level of agreement between professionals and the participating pregnant and postpartum women was 93.7% and 95.8%, respectively, resulting in an overall level of agreement of 94.8%. CONCLUSIONS: The educational material in the app format was evaluated based on its functionality, content, language, illustrations, design, and innovation. Furthermore, the content has been validated for pregnant and postpartum women. Thus, this content will contribute to the promotion of health education and dissemination of information regarding PFM, its functions, and dysfunctions.