“GiochiAMO,” a Gaming Intervention to Prevent Smoking and Alcohol Habits Among Children: A Single-Arm Field Trial

Abstract

Objectives:

To evaluate the efficacy of the “GiochiAMO” prevention program on modifying children's knowledge and belief regarding the use and abuse of alcohol and tobacco smoking.

Materials and Methods:

“GiochiAMO” is a multicomponent single-arm field trial based on card and board games to teach and enhance knowledge about risk factors related to smoking and alcohol consumption. A structured questionnaire was administered before and after the intervention to assess any change in knowledge.

Results:

A total of 167 students between 9 and 11 years of age took part in the intervention. Data concerning knowledge about cigarette smoking showed a statistically significant improvement (P = 0.008) with an increase of the mean scores from 5.93 (standard deviation [SD] = 2.05) to 7.90 (SD = 2.03). The scores related to the life skills of the intervention performed in the fourth grade classes demonstrated statistically significant improvements (P = 0.027). The scores related to the knowledge about alcohol consumption highlighted a statistically significant improvement (P < 0.001), with mean scores that rose from 7.44 (SD = 1.99) to 9.41 (SD = 1.94). The scores related to the life skills of the intervention performed in the fifth grade classes demonstrated improvements, although they were not statistically significant (P = 0.770).

Conclusions:

“GiochiAMO” demonstrated significantly improved knowledge about the risk and consequences of cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption on health. Longer follow-up studies, including a larger sample size, will be needed.

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