Generation of multi-party dialogues among embodied conversational agents to promote active living and healthy diet for subjects suffering from type 2 diabetes

Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic condition that is highly prevalent in the geriatric population. Self-management plays a key role in the management of this condition. Leading an active lifestyle and having a healthy meal are cornerstones in managing this condition. Now with the advancement in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), continuous and proactive care from the affected individual's side is possible. A change in the individual's behaviour would be beneficial in pursuing physical activity and adopting a healthy diet. This paper focuses on providing a dialogue based virtual health coaching through multiple Embodied Conversational Agents (ECAs), using strategies such as Motivational Interviewing (MI), Theories of Behaviour Change and Behaviour Change Techniques (BCTs). The dialogues are constructed to induce a behaviour change and promote motivation in the affected subjects to work on improving their physical activity and diet plan