Developing an Obesity Prevention Intervention in Virtual Worlds: The International Health Challenge in Second Life

Authors

  • Sameer Siddiqi Texas Obesity Research Center, Health and Human Performance, University of Houston
  • Scherezade K. Mama Texas Obesity Research Center, Health and Human Performance, University of Houston
  • Rebecca E. Lee Texas Obesity Research Center, Health and Human Performance, University of Houston

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4101/jvwr.v3i3.809

Keywords:

methodology, health intervention, virtual worlds, obesity

Abstract

Virtual worlds (VW) present an exciting range of possibilities for health researchers and practitioners. The value of this technology lies its ability to tap into non-traditional participant pools, to use innovative and effective forms of social interaction, and to facilitate cost-effective solutions to common challenges. The International Health Challenge (IHC) was a health intervention study done entirely in the VW of Second Life (SL) aimed at determining the feasibility and effect of obesity prevention interventions in VWs. The IHC initially started as a strategy to develop a multicultural obesity prevention project in SL as evidenced by a full service build, activities, and participating resident avatars. Using existing resources and extensive social networks, together with volunteer assistance, the IHC flourished into a full scale health intervention with the goals of improving health knowledge, attitudes and behavior among resident avatars. In the absence of clear technological and methodological precedence, our multidisciplinary team developed a novel system of in-world and Web-based interactive measurement tools, data management solutions, and participant recruitment and retention strategies.

Author Biographies

Sameer Siddiqi, Texas Obesity Research Center, Health and Human Performance, University of Houston

Degree: BS

Texas Obesity Research Center, Health and Human Performance, University of Houston

Scherezade K. Mama, Texas Obesity Research Center, Health and Human Performance, University of Houston

Degree: MPH

Texas Obesity Research Center, Health and Human Performance, University of Houston

Rebecca E. Lee, Texas Obesity Research Center, Health and Human Performance, University of Houston

Degree: PhD

Director, Texas Obesity Research Center

Associate Professor, Health and Human Performance, University of Houston

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Published

2010-04-29

Issue

Section

Peer Reviewed Research Papers