Space adventures: A serious game for childhood obesity prevention

Abstract

Prevention of childhood obesity is a global public health priority. Obesity is associated with dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes and long-term vascular complications. Therefore, obesity prevalence remains high making it imperative to continue surveillance and alternatives or plans to pre-vent it. We developed an innovative population strategy to support initiatives that work towards reducing the obesity epidemic in Brazil. The educational game developed -Space Adventures -is aimed to promote the consumption of healthier food by children. The theme resembles a galaxy and different idealized planets corresponding to the daily meals. To evaluate the educational game developed, test were conducted with children from the ages of 5 to 10; the food choices of each volunteer were analyzed during the execution of the game. Two institutions tested the educational game developed and it was observed that children of a primary school (Group 1) showed significantly better learning-acquisition scores than children of a children’s hospital (Group 2). Group 1 performed better in the educational game than Group 2, based in healthy eating choices. The results of this study provide evidence to support the importance of innovative strategies in health.