Video games have long been dismissed as mindless entertainment. However, our latest study proves they can be used as a powerful fun learning tool to improve adolescent health. With our mobile game ‘Go Nisha Go’ as our study intervention, we researched 1,950 adolescent girls from diverse backgrounds in Indian cities of Patna, Jaipur, and Delhi NCR and the results demonstrate just how effective digital games can be in enhancing girls’ lives through decision-making.
Leveling Up Adolescent Health
After playing ‘Go Nisha Go’, awareness of menstrual hygiene products like menstrual cups soared from 22% to an incredible 87%. Comprehensive Knowledge of oral contraceptive pills increased from 13% to 37%, and emergency contraceptive pills from 5% to 33%. Confidence in negotiating contraception use also rose significantly, from 60% to 85%. One of the most transformative findings was the increase in agency among the players. Confidence in negotiating marriage decisions and the ability to refuse sex when not ready saw substantial improvements. Players were 2.4 times more likely to have confidence to assert their right to refuse sex and negotiate marriage decisions, empowering them to take control of their reproductive health and future.
Real Girls, Real Stories, Real Impact
The stories of these young women are truly inspiring. Priya, a 16-year-old from Jaipur, shared, “I never knew there were so many options for menstrual hygiene products. ‘Go Nisha Go’ opened my eyes and gave me confidence.” Anjali, a 17-year-old from Patna, said, “I used to feel shy and scared to talk about contraception. Now, I can confidently discuss it with my peers and family.”
Designed For Impact
We co-created with adolescent girls throughout the game’s development to ensure it accurately reflected their worldviews and aspirations. We incorporated Prensky’s principles of learner engagement, creating an immersive experience that keeps players hooked while delivering vital information. ‘Go Nisha Go’ was designed to break down complex health topics into an engaging and relatable format through gameplay, creating a comfortable and entertaining space for girls to learn and practice decision-making.
A New Era of Health Education
The success of ‘Go Nisha Go’ is a game-changer for health education. Traditional methods often fall short due to stigma, lack of resources, and limited engagement. Digital games, on the other hand, offer a private, interactive, and personalized learning experience.
It’s time to rethink how we approach learning, particularly for adolescent audiences. By harnessing the power of technology and storytelling, we can create a healthier, more empowered generation.
We’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible with ‘serious’ games. Imagine the impact we could have on mental health, chronic disease prevention, and other critical health issues. The future is filled with endless possibilities.
