Engaging African American Youth in the Development of a Serious Mobile Game for Sexual Health Education: Mixed Methods Study

• DOI: 10.2196/16254
• Publication Date: 2019-12-16T00:24:20Z
• Authors: Loral Patchen; Lindsey Ellis; Tony Xuyen Ma; Corilyn Ott; Katie HK Chang; Brook Araya; Sravanthi Atreyap...; Amal Alyusuf; Robin Gaines Lanzi
• Keywords: Social Cognitive Theory

Background Although teen pregnancy rates decreased dramatically in the United States over past decade, of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among adolescents and young adults increased. STI disproportionately affect African American youth adults. Innovative, accessible, culturally relevant sexual health interventions are urgently needed. Objective This study aimed to identify optimal modality for a game-based intervention; develop educational, entertainment, technological aspects serious game; demonstrate its usability acceptance by target population. Methods project was grounded formative data collection with community-based participatory research principles practices combined user-centered design development approach. Sexually Active Adolescent–Focused Education (SAAFE) developed using input feedback from youths aged 15 21 years who participated advisory board focus group discussions inform co-design cocreation game. The process highly iterative multiple sessions user following changes. It proceeded 3 stages. Social cognitive theory problem-solving were leveraged provide evidence-based, trauma-informed education through Usability testing assessed quality experience prototype. Results Across all stages, total 86 self-identified males females District Columbia Birmingham, Alabama, participated. Participants requested dating simulation They wanted SAAFE be customizable, realistic, entertaining, modern, experiential, linking consequences their gameplay decisions. resulted an initial System Survey score 77.7, placing game 82nd percentile above average usability. Conclusions Initial results suggest that prototype is promising intervention engage role-playing If proven efficacious, has potential meet need sex education, counterbalance unhealthy portrayals popular media, respond disparities epidemic.