Randomized Trial of a Peer Resistance Skill-Building Game for Hispanic Early Adolescent Girls

    Authors

    A. E. Norris; C. Hughes; M. Hecht; N. Peragallo;D. Nickerson

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Nurs. Res.

    Keywords

    adolescence; Hispanic Americans; peer group; STRATEGIES PROJECT; HIV-PREVENTION; INTERVENTIONS; BEHAVIOR; PROGRAM; YOUTH; Nursing

    Abstract

    Background: Adolescents can use peer resistance skills to avoid being pressured into risky behavior, such as early sexual behavior. Avatar-based virtual reality technology offers a novel way to help build these skills. Objectives: The aims of this study were to evaluate the feasibility of an avatar-based virtual reality peer resistance skill building game (DRAMA-RAMA), to explore the impact of game play on peer resistance self-efficacy, and to assess how positively the game was perceived. Methods: Forty-four low-income early adolescent Hispanic girls were assigned randomly to either the intervention (DRAMA-RAMA) or attention control game (Wii Dancing With the Stars) condition. All participants were offered a five-session curriculum that included peer resistance skill content before playing their respective game for 15 minutes, once a week, for 2 weeks. Participants completed electronic surveys at baseline, after game play, and at 2 months to assess demographics, peer resistance self-efficacy, and sexual behavior. They also completed a paper-pencil game experience questionnaire immediately after game play. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t test, chi-square, and analyses of covariance. Results: Separate analyses of covariance showed a significant game effect at posttest for the peer resistance self-efficacy measure (F = 4.21, p < .05), but not at follow-up (F = 0.01, p = .92). DRAMA-RAMA was rated as positively as the Wii Dancing With the Stars (p > .26). Discussion: This randomized control trial provides preliminary support for the hypothesis that playing an avatar-based virtual reality technology game can strengthen peer resistance skills, and early adolescent Hispanic girls will have a positive response to this game.

    Journal Title

    Nursing Research

    Volume

    62

    Issue/Number

    1

    Publication Date

    1-1-2013

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    25

    Last Page

    35

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000311968800005

    ISSN

    0029-6562

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