A Mobile Serious Game for Nutrition Education in Oman: LaObeseAn AHP-Guided Approach to Childhood Obesity Through Interactive Health and Learning Technologies

Abstract

LaObese is an interdisciplinary serious game designed to address preschool obesity among Omani children by providing engaging gameplay and culturally relevant nutrition education. The title of the game derives from the Arabic words “La” meaning “no”, and “obesity”, signifying a stance against obesity. Healthy and familiar foods for children were prioritised through the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) in collaboration with Omani nutrition specialists. Omani cuisine and culture serve as a basis for the simulation of healthy meal assembly, physical activity, knowledge assessments, and virtual doctor feedback across four interactive levels. Concise instructions and more motivating rewards improved usability and appeal during a pre-launch pilot test involving 6 six-year-olds and parents. The final evaluation utilised Usefulness, Satisfaction, and Ease of Use (USE) and User Motivation Inventory (UMI) questionnaires to assess children's diet, knowledge, usability, and motivation prior to and following the LaObese game. Participation in LaObese showed a statistically significant improvement in children’s healthy food choices (p < 0.001) and enhanced nutrition knowledge, as evidenced by quiz scores. The USE questionnaire indicated significant utility, ease of use, and enjoyment, while the UMI demonstrated a strong inner urge to play. Interviews with nutritionists affirmed the cultural significance and educational value of the game. As the first Arabic game to incorporate AHP-driven modelling for childhood obesity prevention, this work demonstrates how culturally sensitive, gamified interventions can promote healthier lifestyle behaviours among young children. The findings contribute to research in e-health, educational game design, and culturally informed human-computer interaction.