Pinta tu Raya ASI [Set your Limit LIKE THIS]: an educational intervention using immersive reality to prevent Child Sexual Abuse in Mexico

Abstract

Background: Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) is a global social and health problem requiring a comprehensive, multi-level prevention approach. School-based education is recognized as one of the most effective prevention strategies.

Objective: This project aims to test the effectiveness of the preventive intervention, "Pinta tu Raya ASI" (Set your Limit LIKE THIS), to prevent CSA. Methods: This is a two-arm matched cluster-randomized controlled trial of an educational intervention to prevent CSA in Mexican elementary school children using Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR). The study will be administered in clusters of public and private schools in urban and rural areas across two Mexican states. The intervention group will receive a learning session with an IVR animation, while the control group will receive the intervention only after the final knowledge acquisition measurement.

Results: The project is expected to enhance elementary students' knowledge of self-esteem, body safety, and rights to help them prevent child violence in Mexico.

Ethics: The study was approved by the National Institute of Public Health's Commissions of Research, Ethics, and Biosafety. Ethical safeguards include obtaining informed consent from guardians and assent from minors, providing trained staff, continuous monitoring during the IVR session, and having a specialized psychology team for case management and referral.

Trial registration: The study was approved by the Commissions of Research, Ethics and Biosafety at the National Institute of Public Health: code CI: 1713 V47.

Keywords: child sexual abuse; educational intervention; elementary school; prevention; virtual reality.