title: Development of a Coding Instrument to Assess the Quality and Content of Anti-Tobacco Video Games.
abstract: Previous research has shown the use of electronic video games as an effective method for increasing content knowledge about the risks of drugs and alcohol use for adolescents. Although best practice suggests that theory, health communication strategies, and game appeal are important characteristics for developing games, no instruments are currently available to examine the quality and content of tobacco prevention and cessation electronic games. This study presents the systematic development of a coding instrument to measure the quality, use of theory, and health communication strategies of tobacco cessation and prevention electronic games. Using previous research and expert review, a content analysis coding instrument measuring 67 characteristics was developed with three overarching categories: type and quality of games, theory and approach, and type and format of messages. Two trained coders applied the instrument to 88 games on four platforms (personal computer, Nintendo DS, iPhone, and Android phone) to field test the instrument. Cohen's kappa for each item ranged from 0.66 to 1.00, with an average kappa value of 0.97. Future research can adapt this coding instrument to games addressing other health issues. In addition, the instrument questions can serve as a useful guide for evidence-based game development.
authors.affiliation: 1 Center for Health Behavior Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
authors.forename: Julia M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Alber
authors.affiliation: 2 College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida.
authors.forename: Anna M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Watson
authors.affiliation: 2 College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida , Gainesville, Florida.
authors.forename: Tracey E
authors.initials: TE
authors.lastname: Barnett
authors.affiliation: 1 Center for Health Behavior Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
authors.forename: Rebeccah
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mercado
authors.affiliation: 3 Center for Health Communication, Moody College of Communication, University of Texas at Austin , Austin, Texas.
authors.forename: Jay M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Bernhardt
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D058015:Health Communication; D006801:Humans; D000074606:Smoking Prevention; D013673:Technology Assessment, Biomedical / Q000379:methods*; D020340:Tobacco Use Cessation / Q000523:psychology*; D018910:Video Games / Q000592:standards*