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Virtual Reality as a Dietary Education Adjunct for Pediatric Patients With Obesity: A Pragmatic, Randomised Pilot
Marwa Abu El Haija1, Nicole Barsanti2, Elizabeth Cotter3
1Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Department of Pediatrics; Stanford Children's Health, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA.
Background:
Pediatric obesity is associated with increased morbidity. One common therapy within multicomponent treatment for obesity is nutrition counselling and dietary education led by a Registered Dietitian (RD). Virtual reality (VR) improves engagement when used as an educational adjunct.
Methods:
The primary aim investigated immediate dietary choices when pediatric patients with obesity engaged in traditional RD nutrition counselling compared to VR-supplemented nutrition counselling. Secondary aims explored food likability, knowledge, and satisfaction. Patients, 6-20 years old, presenting for obesity counselling were recruited. The primary aim was measured by after-visit food choice. Secondary aims were measured with the Pediatric Adapted Liking Scale, an assessment of nutritional facts, and a VR satisfaction survey. Statistical analysis included Chi-square, Wilcoxon and t-tests.
Results:
Forty participants were enroled and divided into two groups described above. There were no differences in food choice (p = 0.90). Regarding likability, the VR group liked vegetables more than those in the standard of care group (p = 0.045).
Conclusion:
There were no differences in nutritional knowledge (p = 0.574). Participants in the VR group reported high satisfaction.
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