Design, implementation and evaluation of a game-based intervention targeting Latino children for improving obesity outcomes

Abstract

This paper presents the design, implementation and evaluation of a hybrid clinic plus home based intervention targeting Latino children to improve obesity outcomes. The intervention applies motivational game based learning and behavior change theories during design. Latino American children are the main target group for this study as they have significantly high obesity rates due to socioeconomic conditions and lack of awareness. There have been several interventions that have targeted game based strategies in the clinic to promote health outcomes and some have even targeted obesity problems, however to our knowledge this is the first effort that adds an inhome component to the clinical intervention. We discuss in detail the challenges faced while designing and implementing this hybrid clinical trial. Finally, we present the evaluation results from a randomized clinical trial that recruited 101 children.

Serious games as an educational strategy to control childhood obesity: a systematic literature review

“…The first study analyzed 25 ) addressed a sample of 101 children, who were randomly assigned: 51 to the control group and 50 to the intervention group. The study focused on the use of serious games to improve knowledge concerning healthy nutrition and the benefits of adhering to good eating habits and daily exercise to prevent obesity.…”

“…Most participants responded to a satisfaction survey stating they liked the game and would like to play it again in the future. The authors believe that using the game in clinical care with proper professional monitoring can motivate families to be more involved with the program designed to cope with obesity 25 .…”

“…Only one of the studies reports more controversial results 25 , mainly because some of the children did not complete the intervention as expected; in some cases, the game was interrupted. The authors did not clarify the reasons, though both the children and the parents assessed the game positively.…”

“…In regard to the serious game used as intervention, most authors developed their own game, validated it and later applied it to the target-population 25 - 28 , 30 ; only one author used commercial games related to the theme that had been previously developed 29 .…”

“…New studies are needed to include family members and the children’s responsible adults, something only one study addressed in this review did 25 . The parents are important for the adherence of children to interventions and the results they achieve, considering that parents are the role models for good eating habits, nutrition, and exercise, as well as controlling the environment and experiences of children 37 .…”