Augmented Reality Game for Alcohol Abuse Prevention in Teens

Overseen By Veronica Weser

Age: < 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Yale University

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 6

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests an augmented reality game called "No Time Wasted" to help prevent alcohol abuse among teens. The game aims to reduce risky behaviors linked to alcohol use and increase knowledge about blood alcohol content (BAC) and signs of alcohol poisoning. It also encourages players to intervene when they see someone in trouble from excessive drinking. Teens aged 16-18 who speak English and can use an AR headset for game sessions are suitable candidates for this study. As an unphased trial, this study offers teens a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could positively impact their peers.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that this augmented reality game is safe for teens?

Research has shown that augmented reality (AR) games, such as "No Time Wasted," are generally safe for users. These games serve as educational tools and do not involve drugs or medical procedures, resulting in fewer safety concerns.

Similar studies on virtual reality (VR) and AR for teaching about alcohol have reported no major harmful effects. Participants have mostly experienced positive outcomes, such as improved awareness and understanding of alcohol-related risks. It is important to note that these tools are still in development, so ongoing research will continue to assess their safety and effectiveness.

Overall, "No Time Wasted" aims to offer a safe and enjoyable way for teens to learn about alcohol use and prevention. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the "No Time Wasted" augmented reality game because it offers a fresh and engaging approach to preventing alcohol abuse in teens. Unlike traditional educational programs that rely on lectures or pamphlets, this game immerses teens in a virtual, interactive environment, making learning about the risks of alcohol abuse more relatable and memorable. By using augmented reality, the game taps into the widespread popularity of gaming among teens, potentially increasing its impact and appeal. This innovative method aims to educate and influence behavior in a way that resonates with the digital generation.

What evidence suggests that this augmented reality game is effective for alcohol abuse prevention in teens?

Research shows that augmented reality (AR) games like "No Time Wasted," studied in this trial, can help prevent alcohol abuse in teens. Studies on similar virtual reality programs have successfully taught young people about alcohol risks and promoted safer behaviors. For example, VR FestLab, a simulation, educates teens about the dangers of drinking and how to assist others in risky situations. Early results suggest these interactive methods can increase understanding of blood alcohol content (BAC), standard drink sizes, and signs of alcohol poisoning. By making learning enjoyable and relatable, AR games aim to reduce risky behaviors linked to alcohol use. ^{1 2 3 5 6}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Kimberly Hieftje, PhD

Principal Investigator

Yale University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for English-speaking high school students aged 16-18 who are willing to use an AR headset for about half an hour per session. The research team will decide if they're a good fit. It's not open to those outside this age group or not in high school.

Inclusion Criteria

I can use an AR headset for up to 45 minutes to play a game.

Eligibility will be determined by the research team.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Development

Development of the AR videogame prototype using input from focus groups and literature

Not specified

4 focus group sessions

Pilot Evaluation

Conduct a pre-post pilot study to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of the AR videogame prototype

1 week

2 sessions (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in knowledge, intentions, attitudes, and self-efficacy related to alcohol use after gameplay

End of gameplay - 2 hours

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Augmented Reality ("No Time Wasted")

Trial Overview The study tests 'No Time Wasted', an augmented reality game designed to prevent alcohol abuse and reduce harm among teens by teaching them about blood alcohol content, standard drink sizes, signs of poisoning, and how to help others who've drunk too much.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Augmented Reality ("No Time Wasted") Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Yale University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,963

Recruited

3,046,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

The Internet quiz game intervention significantly reduced underage drinking among adolescents, with a 21% decrease at 1-month follow-up and a 14% decrease at 3-month follow-up compared to conventional health education.

In the intervention group, fewer students reported drinking alcohol, and those who did consumed less, indicating that engaging educational methods can be more effective in changing drinking behaviors among adolescents.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An Internet Quiz Game Intervention for Adolescent Alcohol Drinking: A Clustered RCT. Ho, FK., Tung, KTS., Wong, RS., et al.[2021]

Citations

1. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04351958

An Augmented Reality Videogame for Alcohol Use ... The goal of this research study is to develop the AR-based alcohol use prevention and harm reduction intervention, "No Time Wasted", with the further aim of ...

2. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-alcohol-drinking-8-2021-04fbc

Augmented Reality Game for Alcohol Abuse Prevention in ... Is the Augmented Reality Game for Alcohol Abuse Prevention in Teens safe for use? The studies on VR FestLab, a similar virtual reality simulation for alcohol ...

3. xrpeds.org xrpeds.org/projects/no-time-wasted-an-augmented-reality-based-game-focused-on-alcohol-harm-reduction-in-adolescents/

No Time Wasted: An Augmented Reality-based Game ... No Time Wasted: An Augmented Reality-based Game Focused on Alcohol Harm ... A safe space: Medical researchers use virtual reality to reach youth · – ...

4. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1054139X25003234

Virtual Reality in Adolescent Alcohol and Other Drugs ... Most school-based AOD education programs aim to prevent or delay the occurrence of AOD use, considering this as preferable to intervening after ...

5. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10557052/

A Systematic Review of Virtual Reality Therapies for ... Studies were included if they utilized immersive VR, were conducted with individuals with substance use disorder/dependence/misuse, and included measures of ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12374077/

Virtual Reality in Prevention and Treatment of Substance ... ABSTRACT. Background. Substance abuse (SA) imposes a significant global health burden, demanding innovative and accessible interventions.