Gamification of nutrition: A preliminary study on the impact of gamification on nutrition knowledge, attitude, and behaviour of adolescents in Nigeria:

Background:In Nigeria and many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, the availability of foods that are high in salt, sugar, and saturated fat is steadily increasing. This has led to an increase in the consumption of such foods among Nigerians, particularly among adolescents.Aim:This pilot study was undertaken to understand whether, and how, gamification of nutrition can have an impact on addressing the problem of unhealthy eating among Nigerian adolescents.Methods:Gamification of nutrition through board games, clubs and vouchers was introduced in three secondary schools in Abuja, Nigeria over a span of three to four months. Semi-structured focus groups were conducted with grade 11 and 12 students in the three secondary schools. Participants were asked about their perceptions of the intervention and how it influenced their eating behaviour, attitudes and knowledge about nutrition.Results:A total of 31 students participated in four focus groups. Participants reported that the intervention shifted their perceptions ...