Speaker
Description
Authors: Samuel Tomczyk (University of Greifswald), Signe Gottschalk (University of Greifswald)
Background: In prevention and health promotion with children and adolescents, extended reality technologies (XR; including virtual reality, augmented reality, augmented virtuality, and mixed reality) are of high interest. However, unlike in clinical research, there is no clear overview of its use for preventive purposes yet. Therefore, we conducted a scoping review of the literature.
Methods: For this purpose, ten scientific databases were systematically searched for relevant entries, combined with outreach to professional societies and associations, and experts in the field. The review followed JBI recommendations and the PRISMA ScR guideline was preregistered.
Results: As a result, 27 reports were included that describe the use of XR technologies (mostly VR) in different areas of prevention (e.g., substance use, violence, emotion regulation, nutrition, road/fire/water safety). Studies were of mixed quality and mostly described universal prevention (e.g., in classrooms). The studies examined various target groups (children and adolescents with/without disabilities). Overall, most applications were co-created through participatory research, and acceptance and feasibility was very good in most cases. Initial evidence suggests that most XR interventions might achieve study objectives (e.g., building self-efficacy, increasing knowledge). However, actual behavior was rarely addressed in most studies and the evidence for effectiveness was limited (except for a few studies on road safety and bullying), particularly regarding risk behaviors like alcohol use. Furthermore, many dimensions of health equity were not considered.
Conclusions: In conclusion, XR may be promising for behavioral prevention with children and adolescents, as they show high acceptance and promising evidence. Yet, more rigorous efficacy studies using larger, representative samples, and longitudinal observations are urgently needed and more attention should be given to health equity in prevention research. The findings also indicate that many XR technologies were standalone interventions and not integrated into strategic complex interventions.
| Conflict of interest | None. |
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