THE DEVELOPMENT OF CULTURALLY BASED ANIMATED FILMS TO PROMOTE BEHAVIORAL CHANGE AND PREVENT DENTAL CARIES IN CHILDREN

Oral and dental health constitutes an integral part of overall physical health, as it significantly influences the entire body. Various dental issues, such as dental caries, frequently develop in children later in life, thus emphasizing the importance of maintaining oral health from an early age. Poor oral hygiene in children often results from a lack of understanding and awareness, both from the children themselves and their parents, regarding proper routines for regular tooth brushing. This study aims to develop an educational medium animated films to promote behavioral change and prevent dental caries in children and to evaluate the feasibility of this animated film product. This study employed a mixed-methods design, combining both qualitative and quantitative approaches to comprehensively support the development of the animated film. The qualitative phase involved conducting in-depth interviews to perform a needs assessment related to promote behavioral change and prevent dental caries in children. The findings from this phase were used to guide the cultural and thematic content of the animated film. In the quantitative phase, the film was distributed to 35 fifth-grade students at MI Al-Barkah, Indonesia, selected using accidental sampling. Data collection involved the use of the User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ). Analysis of the students responses indicated an excellent rating across the dimensions of attractiveness, clarity, efficiency, accuracy, stimulation, and novelty. The data indicates that the product provides a highly positive user experience, especially in terms of Dependability and Perspicuity. These results suggest that the product is well-received across pragmatic qualities (efficiency, Perspicuity, and accuracy) and also performs adequately in hedonic aspects (attractiveness, stimulation, and novelty). Future researchers may assess knowledge levels, attitudes, and motivation regarding the educational media of animated films to promote behavioral change and prevent dental caries in children