Virtual Reality and Powerpoint Grocery Store Tours: Equally Effective in Improving Self-efficacy in Randomised Control Trial

Abstract

Purpose

Compare computer-based virtual reality (CBVR) and voice-over PowerPoint (PP) grocery store tours (GST) on adult nutrition literacy (NL) and healthful food purchasing self-efficacy (HFPSE).

Design

Participants (n = 68) recruited from University worksite wellness program and randomly assigned to CBVR or PP (CBVR = 35; PP = 33).

Intervention

Four-week culinary/nutrition education program. Initial three weeks provided identical education for both groups. Week four implemented GST intervention using CBVR or PP.

Measures

NL and HFPSE surveys before, after, and three-months post from the start of program.

Analysis

Intent-to-treat (ITT) analysis with RMANOVA (95% confidence intervals [CI] and effect sizes) to examine change in NL and HFPSE between CBVR and PP groups over 4-week intervention and 3-month retention period.

Results

43 of 68 participants [CBVR (n = 19) and PP (n = 24)] were included in analyses. Both groups significantly improved HFPSE over time (P<.001, CBVR = 46.23% PP = 33.34%), but there were no differences between groups (P = .21) or group by time interaction (P = .31). NL did not change for either group (P = .83, CBVR = 1.11%; PP = .12%) nor were there differences between groups (P = .07).

Conclusions

CBVR and PP GST significantly improved and maintained higher HFPSE scores.