Squire's Quest: intervention changes occurred at lunch and snack meals

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Behavioral Science
• Pediatric Health

Background:

• Childhood obesity is a significant public health concern.
• Dietary habits established in childhood often persist into adulthood.
• Effective interventions are needed to promote healthy eating among school-aged children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of the Squire's Quest! psychoeducational multimedia game on fruit, 100% juice, and vegetable (FJV) consumption in fourth-grade students.
• To identify specific meals and eating occasions where FJV consumption changed.
• To inform future interventions for improving children's dietary intake.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial was conducted across 26 elementary schools.
• Participants were assigned to either a treatment or control group.
• Dietary intake of FJV was assessed over four days before and after the 10-session intervention using the Squire's Quest! game.

Main Results:

• Students in the intervention group consumed an average of 1.0 more FJV serving per day compared to the control group.
• Significant increases were observed in fruit and 100% juice intake at snacks.
• Significant increases were observed in vegetable intake at lunch for the intervention group.

Conclusions:

• The Squire's Quest! intervention effectively increased FJV consumption in fourth graders, particularly at snacks and lunch.
• Behavioral change techniques targeting specific eating occasions can positively influence children's diets.
• Future interventions should address breakfast and dinner to promote comprehensive dietary improvements.