The dietary habits of youths all around the globe are worsening. This is why improving the dietary behavior of these people is a real challenge for the public health sector in most parts of the globe.
Sub-Saharan Africa (abbreviated SSA) is especially vulnerable. Over the last decade, people have been transitioning from a traditional diet to Western diets which are full of foods high in salt, saturated fats and sugar.
This nutrition transition is now affecting the public health sector of SSA countries. Malnutrition was always a concern, and now obesity is also causing chronic disease that affects much of the young population.
The Nutrido Nutrition Game
The main purpose of the Nutrido nutrition game is to encourage young people to eat more vegetables and fruit and to consume less junk food. The game takes advantage of the rapid growth in the popularity of games and social media among young Africans.
Nutrido follows the example set by the FIT game, which managed to help elementary school children in the US increase their intake of vegetables and fruits by 30%.
The game has three parts: a nutrition board game, vouchers that can be redeemed for vegetables and fruits, and student clubs. Nutrido is based on playing cards, play money, playing pieces and dice. There is also a clear set of rules.
The main purpose of the game is to buy healthy food cards to get more points. Players can also land on so-called “action cards” that require them to do something. For example, one may need to do 10 push-ups.
The points can be redeemed using a voucher system. Players can obtain vouchers they can then use at specific tuck shops to buy fruits and vegetables.
The Preliminary Results of Nutrido
Three secondary schools in Abuja were used to test the game (Grade 11 and Grade 12 students). Students played the game once per week for 20 to 30 minutes.
The results are impressive. The game managed to improve eating behavior. Intake of veggies and fruits has been significantly increased. Also, students started to spend their own money to buy veggies and fruits from the tuck shops.
The results of the study have been published in the Nutrition and Health journal and the game has been expanded to cover 10 Abuja secondary schools. The study is still in progress.