The effect of a game-based education program on preschool children’s fruit and vegetable consumption in Turkey

The aim of the present study is to ascertain the effect of a game-based educational programme on the consumption of vegetables and fruits among preschool children in Turkey.The study was conducted in two preschools, employing a pre-post test control group and a randomised controlled design. The study comprised a total of 120 preschool students, with 60 allocated to the intervention group and 60 to the control group. The intervention group was provided with a programme promoting vegetables and fruits, incorporating educational materials such as posters, a 16-page teacher and family guide, colouring activities, puzzles and stories designed for kindergarten students. These were utilised over a period of 12 weeks. The daily portion size of fruit and vegetable consumption was analysed in order to compare the pre-and post-test averages. The relevant data were subjected to a number of statistical procedures, including the chi-square test and analysis of variance test for repeated measurements. The intervention group consumed more fruit and vegetable than the control group (p < .001). Additionally, they also consumed more post-test than pre-test (p < .001). The Game-Based Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Programme was found to be effective in increasing fruit and vegetable consumption among preschool students. It is recommended that large sample and mixed method studies be conducted to encourage children’s consumption of vegetables and fruits in kindergartens and preschool educational institutions.