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Spectra Discovery

For this study, we want to learn if wearable light sensors (children wear fake glasses and a shirt clip) can accurately measure if children are looking at electronic screens (e.g. tablet, smartphone, tv). Within a 3-week period, parents would bring their child for two in-person visits at our OWL Lab located in Chapel Hill, NC. The lab visits will be approximately 2 hours long. Parents and children will take a nutrition assessment, and children will participate in 8 activities and be provided a snack. Prior to the visit, parents will be asked to fill out a survey online. Parent and child compensation is provided for those who participate.

Age & Gender

  • 3 years ~ 8 years
  • Male, Female, Gender Inclusive

Visit Availability

  • Standard business hours (M-F, 8-5)
  • Weekend hours, if needed

Location

North Carolina (Statewide)

What will be asked of you

For this study, you'll fill out some online surveys and you and your child will come to our OWL Lab in Chapel Hill for two visits. We would like these two visits to be within 3 weeks of each other. Each visit will last about 2 hours. Because the lighting changes naturally throughout the day, we'll ask you to schedule one visit between 8 AM and 12 PM and the other between 1 PM and 6 PM. At each visit you and your child will participate in a noninvasive nutrition assessment to estimate fruit and vegetable intake. This assessment consists of you and your child inserting a finger into a small machine with a sensor in it. This will take you approximately 2 minutes each to complete. We will also measure your child's height and weight and fit your child with two activity counters. One they will wear on their wrist, like a watch, and another around their waist. These will measure their physical activity levels during the visits. Finally, your child will wear study-provided glasses (no lens) and a shirt clip located at their collar/neckline, both will have a light sensor in them. These sensors record the brightness and color of general light and from electronic screens. While wearing the activity counters, glasses, and clip your child will be guided through 4 activities using screens (like an iPad, cell phone, or TV) and 4 activities with no screens (like a board game or reading a book).

Incentives

In-person visits:
2
Total length of participation:
1 month

Looking for Healthy Volunteers

Requirements for healthy volunteers are different than for those with a specific condition. If you are interested in becoming a healthy volunteer for this study, use the below categories to determine if you are able to participate.

Able to participate:

  • Your child likes to use electronic devices or watch tv

Not eligible if:

  • Child wears prescription glasses/lens
  • Inability to speak and read English

Contact the Team

Visit Location

Contact & Visit Location

Primary Contact

Primary Visit Location

UNC Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
1700 MLK Jr Blvd, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA

Additional Study Information

Principal Investigator

Erik Willis
Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

Study Type

Behavioral or Social
Observational

Study Topics

Behavior
Child and Teen Health
Parents of Children
Wellness and Lifestyle

IRB Number

22-1730

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