Evaluation of a virtual reality E-cigarette prevention game for adolescents. (November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Weser, Veronica U.; Duncan, Lindsay R.; Sands, Brandon E.; Schartmann, Andrew; Jacobo, Sandra; François, Bernard; Hieftje, Kimberly D.
• Is Part Of: Addictive behaviors. Volume 122(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-11
• Subjects: Serious games -- Intervention -- Adolescents -- E-cigarettes -- Virtual reality -- Nicotine addiction; Substance abuse -- Periodicals; Alcoholism -- Periodicals; Drug addiction -- Periodicals; Nicotine addiction -- Periodicals; Smoking -- Periodicals; Gambling -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 362.29
• DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2021.107027
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-4603

Abstract

Highlights: Invite Only VR is a virtual reality e-cigarette prevention game for adolescents. Relative to control, some behavior change indicators improved over 6 months. Behavior change indicators include e-cigarette knowledge and perceptions of harm. Adolescents reported high satisfaction with gameplay and VR experience. The game presents e-cigarette prevention material in an engaging format. Abstract: Objective: To test preliminary efficacy and acceptability of Invite Only VR: A Vaping Prevention Game ( Invite Only VR ), an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) prevention game that uses virtual reality (VR) hardware. Methods: 285 adolescents (146 boys; ages 11–14; M = 12.45 years; SD = 0.57) were enrolled in this non-equivalent control groups design through their middle school. Participants who played Invite Only VR for 1.5 h were compared to treatment as usual at 4 timepoints: baseline, post gameplay, 3 and 6 months. Evidence of the efficacy of the game to influence e-cigarette use, e-cigarette knowledge, nicotine addiction knowledge, perceived addictiveness of e-cigarettes, perceived likelihood of using e-cigarettes, perceptions of harm, self-efficacy to refuse, social approval of e-cigarettes, and e-cigarette social perceptions was assessed using mixed between-within subjects ANOVAS. Intervention acceptability was indicated by measures of gameplay experience/satisfaction, VR experience, and perceived responsibility for game-based decisions. Results: From baseline to 6 months, Invite Only VR players improved in e-cigarette knowledge, nicotine addiction knowledge, perceived addictiveness of e-cigarettes, perceptions of harm, and social perceptions about e-cigarette use compared to the control group. No significant changes were observed for the other dependent variables, including e-cigarette use. Ratings of gameplay experience and satisfaction, VR experience, and game-based decisions were high. Conclusions: Invite Only VR may help players develop knowledge about e-cigarettes and nicotine addiction, as well as encourage the development of healthy harm and social perceptions regarding e-cigarette use that persist 6 months beyond gameplay. Adolescents' satisfaction with the VR gameplay indicates preliminary intervention acceptability.