Using a mobile app to teach children about nutrition in Canada
Efficacy of a Digital School-Based Nutrition Education Intervention to Improve Children's Healthy Eating Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviours
This study is testing if a fun mobile game can teach Grade 4 students in Ontario about nutrition better than regular worksheets.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 672 (estimated) |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Ontario Institute of Technology Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Oshawa, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT05979259 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This trial evaluates the effectiveness of a digital nutrition education intervention using the Foodbot Factory serious game compared to traditional methods like worksheets in Grade 4 and 4/5 classrooms in Ontario, Canada. The study employs a two-arm parallel cluster randomized controlled design, where classrooms are assigned to either the intervention or control group. Participants will receive nutrition education lessons for five consecutive days, with assessments of nutrition knowledge and attitudes conducted immediately after the intervention and at follow-up intervals of 4 weeks and 3 months. The goal is to determine if the serious game enhances student engagement and knowledge retention more effectively than conventional teaching methods.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are Grade 4 and 4/5 classrooms located in participating school boards in Ontario.
Not a fit: Classrooms that have already covered the 'Healthy Eating' component of the Ontario curriculum will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve children's understanding of nutrition and promote healthier eating habits.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that digital serious games can enhance learning and engagement, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Grade 4 or 4/5 classroom * Classroom is located in a participating school board in Ontario Exclusion Criteria: * Classroom has already covered the "Healthy Eating" component of the Ontario Physical Health Education curriculum
Where this trial is running
Oshawa, Ontario
- University of Ontario Institute of Technology — Oshawa, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: JoAnne Arcand, PhD, RD — University of Ontario Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: JoAnne Arcand, PhD, RD
- Email: joanne.arcand@ontariotechu.ca
- Phone: 647-296-8426
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.