Exploring Nutrition and Energy Balance-Related Behavior: A Game for Youth

DESCRIPTION provided by applicant The goal of this project is to develop a unique and engaging educational game that promotes behavioral modification regarding energy balance related behaviors EBRB The game targets high school aged students attending Alternative Learning AL programs through the platform of a serious game While serious games promoting positive behaviors regarding general nutrition have been developed and successfully implemented for younger students no examples have been found specifically targeting older teens in AL settings Few if any evidence based strategies or curricula exist to address EBRB for this population Because EBRB established in adolescence have a likelihood of continuing into adulthood and impacting weight and health adolescence provides an important window during which to positively address and modify these kinds of behaviors The unique formative youth voice approach to development of this game increases the likelihood of game play that makes learning highly engaging and relevant to the context social environmental cultural in which the participants live play learn and work Further participation in and incentives for the development and piloting of this game provides AL youth with an important leadership opportunity which may spark interest in careers related to research serious gaming or health promotion Finally this game has great potential for use by and integration with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education SNAP Ed programming in AL settings through which multilevel approaches system environmental policy can be implemented to support and reinforce positive behavioral goals During adolescence a high quality diet ensuring adequate intake of energy and nutrients is critical to optimize physical growth and development and prevent diet related chronic diseases that manifest in adulthood including heart disease cancer and osteoporosis Lifestyle changes and the drive for greater autonomy in food choice during adolescence can negatively impact eating behaviors and patterns High school students attending an AL programs are more likely to engage in poor eating and sedentary living practices than students attending a regular high school PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE During adolescence a high quality diet ensuring adequate intake of energy and nutrients is critical to optimize physical growth and development and prevent diet related chronic diseases that manifest in adulthood including heart disease cancer and osteoporosis Lifestyle changes and the drive for greater autonomy in food choice during adolescence can negatively impact eating behaviors and patterns Since poor food choices in adolescence tend to continue into adulthood adolescence is an important time to intervene to promote healthy habits