The communication of global cardiovascular risk by avatars

Jorge G. Ruiz, Allen D. Andrade, Chandana Karanam, Dhurga Krishnamurthy, Lorena Niño, Ramankumar Anam, Joseph Sharit

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Communicating numerical estimates of cardiovascular risk (CVR) to patients encourage risk reduction actions. Avatars may enhance the risk messages ability to improve persuasion to adhere to healthy behaviors. We compared the efficacy of a computer-based aid communicating CVR with and without animated avatars for improving intention to adhere to lifestyle changes. Males with intermediate to high CVR received their risk message in 2 versions: an avatar using voice; voice only. Forty-one participants completed the study. Intent to change lifestyle showed a significant effect favoring the avatar (moderate effect size). Intent to follow medical treatments also showed a significant effect favoring the avatar (moderate effect size). An avatar-based computer aid significantly increased participants' intention to adhere to positive behavioral changes.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMedicine Meets Virtual Reality 22, NextMed/MMVR 22
EditorsLi Fellander-Tsai, Kirby G. Vosburgh, James D. Westwood, Steven Senger, Susan W. Westwood, Cali M. Fidopiastis, Alan Liu
PublisherIOS Press
Pages341-344
Number of pages4
ISBN (Electronic)9781614996248
DOIs
StatePublished - 2016
EventMedicine Meets Virtual Reality 22, NextMed/MMVR 2016 - Los Angeles, United States
Duration: 7 Apr 20169 Apr 2016

Publication series

NameStudies in Health Technology and Informatics
Volume220
ISSN (Print)0926-9630
ISSN (Electronic)1879-8365

Conference

ConferenceMedicine Meets Virtual Reality 22, NextMed/MMVR 2016
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityLos Angeles
Period7/04/169/04/16

Keywords

  • Avatars
  • Cardiovascular risk
  • Computer-based AIDS
  • Decision-making

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