Bairu Zhao
Graduate Student, Medical Sciences Program-Health Outcomes and Implementation Science Concentration
Tobacco use remains a major cancer risk behavior that is often initiated during adolescence. Game-based interventions have emerged as a promising approach to make prevention education more engaging and relatable for youth. This presentation shares findings from a study of Storm Heroes, a game-based tobacco prevention intervention designed for adolescents. The study explored how adolescents responded to different game-based learning experiences and how gaming preferences may influence engagement with prevention content. Findings highlight the importance of considering individual differences when designing health education strategies that encourage cancer preventing lifestyle choices among adolescents.
Bairu Zhao is a PhD candidate in Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics at the University of Florida. Her research focuses on implementation science, the sustainability of tobacco treatment programs, and the use of gamification and digital health interventions to promote health behavior change.
Core Standards
SC.912.N.1.3
Recognize that the strength or usefulness of a scientific claim is evaluated through scientific argumentation, which depends on critical and logical thinking, and the active consideration of alternative scientific explanations to explain the data presented.
SC.912.L.16.10
Evaluate the impact of biotechnology on the individual, society and the environment, including medical and ethical issues.
SC.912.N.1.7
Recognize the role of creativity in constructing scientific questions, methods and explanations.
PE.912.L.4.4
Use available technology to assess, design and evaluate a personal fitness program.
PE.912.L.3.2
Participate in a variety of activities that promote the health-related components of fitness.
HE.912.P.7.2
Evaluate healthy practices and behaviors that will maintain or improve health and reduce health risks.
