Does gamification improve fruit and vegetable intake in adolescents? a systematic review. Issue 4 (December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yoshida-Montezuma, Yulika; Ahmed, Mustafa; Ezezika, Obidimma
• Is Part Of: Nutrition and health. Volume 26:Issue 4(2020)
• Page Start: 347
• Page End: 366
• Publication Date: 2020-12
• Subjects: Gamification -- nutrition -- diet -- fruit -- vegetable -- eating behaviour -- intake -- adolescent -- young people -- game; Nutrition -- Periodicals; Diet -- Periodicals; Diet therapy -- Periodicals; 613.205
• DOI: 10.1177/0260106020936143
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0260-1060

Abstract

Background: Nutrition and diet-related non-communicable diseases are a major cause of death worldwide. Food preferences and eating behaviours are likely to be established during adolescence, making it an important period to promote healthy behaviours. Aim: To review the effectiveness of gamification to improve fruit and vegetable intake in adolescents. Methods: A systematic search was conducted using eight databases and grey literature sources for articles published to date on the effectiveness of gamification on fruit and vegetable intake in adolescents. Search criteria included articles that were complete and peer reviewed, conducted empirical research, described gamified elements used, focused on individuals between 10 and 24 years, and were available in English. Results: Out of 402 studies identified by the search, 7 were included in the review. Overall, short-term gamified interventions showed promise in improving fruit and vegetable intake in those aged 10 to 24 years old. Gamification was primarily facilitated through extrinsic motivation (i.e. points, badges, vouchers, leaderboard, narration, avatars, challenges) rather than intrinsic motivation (i.e. team-based competition). Studies were moderate in quality and key methodological issues related to non-randomized study design, lack of comparison group, inadequate control for confounding, and small sample size. Conclusions: Gamification can be an effective tool in changing nutrition-related behaviour in adolescents over the short term. Future research should consider gamified interventions that are of longer duration, incorporate additional intrinsic gamified elements, tailor game elements for population subgroups, and address methodological issues.