Desenvolvimento e teste de uma metodologia de educação alimentar e nutricional utilizando um jogo virtual móvel para idosos

Abstract

Increasing in life expectancy and consequently in elderly bring direct consequences to people health. Chronicle diseases are the most worried due to the great impact in life and in family of elderly, and also to the public system. By having an affected dietary patterns, ensure means of nutrition education, clear and objective is a great challenge to healthcare professionals. Among the methods used as a pedagogical tool, capable of democratize and expand the educational opportunities and provide an open a continuous education in health, it can be highlighted The Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). Its benefits contribute to the reduction of isolation, mental stimulation and well-being of the elderly, promoting greater communication with family and friends, strengthening interpersonal relationships.Thus, this study was aimed to develop and test a methodology of Food and Nutrition Education (FNE) by using a mobile virtual game. This was a quanti-qualitative research based on a descriptive and exploratory study. FNE methodology was implemented in a mobile device and then tested in a elderly group, focusing in four aspects of nutritional interest: sodium daily consumption, cholesterol, fibers and water. The sample of subjects was based on the “Snow Ball” technique and it was performed in elderly living in Palmeira das Missões, RS. Data collection was made through a interview, direct observation of the interviewer and evaluation of the FNE methodology and the use of the game. Quantitative questions were assessed from the data of the dichotomous responses. It was performed an analysis qualitatively of the narrative speech, doubts and interjections of the elderly after used the app. In total, 11 elderly have taken part of the research, 91% female in the age range between 70 to 74 years old and schooling ≥ 4 years of study and monthly income of 4,6 minimum wages. Regarding the game, it was developed an Android version available to any Smartphone, and it supported the functionalities of filling in of the user profile, nutritional status evaluation by a body mass index calculator, daily consumption of water, cholesterol, fibers and sodium. It could be inferred that the game that was developed had an adequate design obeying the rules of format with medium and large letters, high contrast between text, simple structure of text and easy recognition of icons and pictures. Concerning the FNE methodology, it counted with some rules and alerts that defined the user feeding as adequate or inadequate according to the filling of the 24 hours feeding recall. About the understanding of feeding and nutrition it could be concluded that the app has positively contributed to the increase of the conceptual notion of nutrition and nutritional status in this population.