Impact of a digital game-based intervention on dengue knowledge and prevention in students from an endemic region of Peru

Objectives Dengue is a public health problem that requires a comprehensive approach to reduce its incidence in endemic areas. Playful learning, particularly through low-cost educational video games, could be an effective tool for adoption of knowledge and preventive practices in resource-limited settings. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact of an educational video game on the level of knowledge and preventive practices against dengue in schoolchildren in Ucayali, Peru. Methods A quasi-experimental, prospective, and longitudinal study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational video game on the level of knowledge and preventive practices against dengue. Participants played the video game for four sessions, one per week. Subsequently, a post-test was performed to compare the results. Results Overall, 51% of the population was female, and 43% had a history of previous dengue infection—a statistically significant increase in knowledge and preventive practices after the intervention was found. Conclusions Educational video games are effective tools for improving knowledge and preventive practices in public health, specifically in the prevention of dengue.