Alpha Test of a Videogame to Increase Children's Vegetable Consumption

Abstract

Objective: This is a report of an alpha test with a computer of one episode of a casual videogame smartphone application, called Kiddio Food Fight™ (Archimage Inc., Houston, TX), targeted at training parents to increase their 3-5-year-old child's vegetable consumption.

Subjects and methods: This was a qualitative study using semistructured interviews. Sixteen parents from three ethnic groups living with their 3-5-year-old child were recruited. Parents provided screening information and informed consent and played the videogame. Afterward, semistructured intensive interviews were conducted about their experience.

Results: Parents generally liked the game. Their suggestions included a reduced list of values, rewording of reasons statements, an improved storyline, and feedback during and at the end of the game. The scoring system was ignored or confusing. Problems with the tool bar and game navigation caused problems in performance. A tutorial was requested.

Conclusions: Kiddio Food Fight could have positive acceptance among parents with minor modifications. A videogame play could help parents learn effective vegetable parenting practices.

Figures

FIG. 1.

Kiddio Food Fight home setting: (left) Male and (right) female 3–5-year-old version. Color images available online at www.liebertonline.com/g4h