Effect of digital game-based nutrition education on adolescents’ breakfast intake in Bogor: A quasi-experimental study

¹ Alumni of the Postgraduate Program, Nutritional Science Study Program, Faculty of Medicine and Nutrition, IPB University, 16680 Bogor, Indonesia
² Nutritional Science Study Program, Faculty of Medicine and Nutrition, IPB University, 16680 Bogor, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

Breakfast plays a crucial role in adolescents’ academic performance and activities, yet breakfast behavioral problems remain common. This study evaluated the effect of the Nutri Quiz digital game-based nutrition education on adolescents’ breakfast intake and contribution. A quasi-experimental with pre-post control group design was conducted among students from four senior high schools in Bogor, Indonesia, from September to December 2024. The intervention group received the Nutri Quiz game (IG; n=38), and the control received leaflets (CG; n=38). The intervention duration lasted 4 weeks, with an endline and follow-up conducted one and four weeks post-intervention. Dietary intake was collected using 2x24-hour dietary recalls. Significant difference was observed in both groups at endline (p<0.05), in breakfast energy (IG: Δ82±183-kcal, CG: Δ99±183-kcal), carbohydrate (IG: Δ13.1±23.5-gram, CG: Δ15.0±23.1-gram), and protein intake (IG: Δ3.7±9.5-gram, CG: Δ1.9±10.2-gram). The intervention group had significantly higher carbohydrate and fiber intake at endline, and energy, carbohydrate and fiber intake at follow-up than the control group (p<0.05). Both groups showed improvements of 15-30% breakfast contribution in energy, carbohydrate, and protein (p<0.05). Overall, the Nutri Quiz digital game-based educational intervention showed promise in improving breakfast intake.