An Innovative Pedagogical Project to study the Genital System and Learn about Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) in Brazilian Public High School
Authors: MASUKO TELMA SUMIE , da Paz Fragassi Luisa , Conceição Dhaisa Thaina Souza , de Souza Santos Luisa Danielle Alves , Magalhães Tayanne Andrade , Maron e Silva Matheus Menezes , Moraes Laise Monteiro Campos 
Published: November 2023

INTRODUCTION

Technological evolution allowed countless benefits for modern society, despite its mischiefs to health. The Itinerant Museum of Anatomy (IMA) is an innovative way to disseminate anatomical knowledge. It is a mobile facility that allows for anatomists to introduce high school students, teachers and visual impaired persons to anatomical models and plastinated anatomical specimens. It is also a way to raise awareness about habits and behaviors that may be harmful to organism and jeopardize health. Our goal was to cover different contents in order better understand the human body organization and functions, discussing Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), early pregnancy and contraception.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this project the IMA has visited two public schools in Salvador, Bahia State, Brazil, Carneiro Ribeiro Filho State High School (CRFS) and Anísio Teixeira Institute (ATI). The IMA visits consisted of a lecture followed by a monitored exhibition of anatomical models. Students over 18 yeas old were pre‐tested by answering to 10 questions after signing an informed consent; Following the lecture students were submitted to a post‐test containing the first 10 and 5 new questions. To perform the pre and pot‐test the visually impaired students were aided by teaching assistants who read the questions and allowed time for them to answer. The anatomical models exhibition comprised plastinated anatomical specimens and anatomical teaching aids pertaining to the IMA's topic.

RESULTS

The project achieved its initial purpose of spreading scientific knowledge, through inclusive education and by presenting the students a new way to learn about STDs. In 2015 the IMA attended the CRFS: 17 students took the pre‐test and obtained 62.00% correct answers. 16 students answered the post‐test and obtained 70.00% correct answers. This year, the activity happened in two schools: CRFS and ATI. In ATI, 31 students without visual impairment were pre‐tested and obtained 61.94% correct answers. In the post‐tests, 30 students answered and obtained 71.11% of correct answers. In CRFS, 17 students without visual impairment and 3 visually impaired students answered the pre‐tests during the IMA's edition, obtaining respectively a mean of 64.70% and 60.00%. 11 students without visual impairment and 2 visually impaired students answered the post‐tests during the IMA's edition, achieving respectively a mean of 73.93% and 73.33%.

CONCLUSION

The tests revealed that entertaining, didactic teaching methods, when adequate to age range, are effective in enriching anatomical knowledge and suggesting positive behavioral changes. Perceiving anatomy through plastinated anatomical specimens and resin anatomical models made it easier for students to realize how risky behaviors can impact health and quality of life. IMA's positive results are part due to the proximity in age between facilitators and students but also due to the curiosity generated by the novel anatomical models exhibition.

Support or Funding Information

1) PROEXT MEC 2015 ‐ ProEXT Número: 4336.2.554.22042014; 2) FAPESB Edital 28/2012 ‐ Pedido 70/2013