RESUMO
Objective: Serious games can serve as easily accessible interventions to support siblings of children with disabilities, who are at risk of developing mental health problems. The Dutch serious game 'Broodles' was developed for siblings aged 6-9 years. The current study aims to assess the cultural applicability, desirability, feasibility, and acceptability of 'Broodles' in Norway. Methods: Norwegian siblings (N = 16) aged 6-13 years and parents (N = 12) of children with intellectual disabilities assessed the game. Their feedback data from interviews and questionnaires were sorted using a model of engagement factors in serious games. Results: At pre-use, participants showed interest in the game, and after initial use the participants were overall positive about the format, content and objectives, including validation of emotions and recognition. The participants had suggestions for improved engagement and feasibility. Conclusion: The game was found to be culturally applicable, desirable and acceptable, although Norwegian translation is necessary for further evaluation. Recommendations to enhance engagement were provided, including suggestions to play the game with parents or in a group. Innovation: This initial assessment of the serious game Broodles in a non-Dutch setting shows promise for an innovative way of supporting siblings of children with disabilities.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Siblings of children with disabilities also need support. However, there are only a few evidence-based interventions for these siblings. The current study aims to assess the effectiveness of a newly developed serious game for young siblings of children with intellectual disability (ID) and/or visual impairment (VI). This serious game is hypothesized to improve sibling's quality of life, adjustment to their brother's or sister's disability, and multiple aspects of psychosocial well-being. METHODS: The intervention consists of a serious game called "Broodles" (in Dutch: "Broedels") that helps children to recognize and deal with thoughts, feelings, and difficult situations. The game consists of eight 20-minute levels that all have the same structure with eight game elements. Each level addresses a domain of sibling quality of life and combines animations, mini-documentaries, fun mini-games, and multiple-choice questions. In addition to the game, siblings make a worksheet after playing each level. In order to support the child, the parents or caregivers receive a short brochure with information and tips. The effectiveness of the intervention will be investigated among a sample of 154 children aged 6-9 years and their parents or caregivers, using a two-arm parallel RCT design. The experimental group will play the serious game "Broodles" over a period of 4 weeks, whereas the control group will be placed on a waiting list. Assessments will take place at three time points: pre-test (week 1), post-test (week 5), and follow-up (weeks 12-14). At each timepoint, children and parents will complete several questionnaires on quality of life and different aspects of psychosocial well-being. In addition, children will make drawings to assess the sibling relationship. Next to that, parents and children will answer closed and open-ended questions about the sibling adjustment to their brother or sister's disability. Finally, parents and children will evaluate the serious game through closed and open-ended questions. DISCUSSION: This study contributes to the knowledge about sibling interventions and serious games. Additionally, if the serious game is proven to be effective, it will be a readily available, easily accessible, and free of charge intervention for siblings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05376007, registered prospectively on April 21, 2022.
