Previously submitted to: JMIR mHealth and uHealth (no longer under consideration since Dec 06, 2021)
Date Submitted: Mar 31, 2021
Open Peer Review Period: Mar 31, 2021 - May 26, 2021
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Effectiveness of mobile health interventions targeting parents to prevent and treat childhood obesity: a systematic review
ABSTRACT
Background:
Childhood obesity is a highly prevalent condition and, together with the behaviors associated with it such as improper diet and physical inactivity, generates a high burden of disease in adulthood. In recent years the use of mobile devices in support of prevention and health promotion strategies is increasing but there is limited evidence on its effectiveness.
Objective:
The present review summarizes the available evidence on the efficacy and effectiveness of mobile applications targeting parents for the prevention and treatment of childhood and adolescent obesity (ages 1-18 years).
Methods:
We updated Quelly and collaborators’ systematic review (2016) by adding articles published from 2014 to 2019 indexed in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, and ERIC.
Results:
A literature search identified 2149 articles, of which 11 studies (10 RCTs and one non-randomized trial) reporting 10 interventions were included. Except for one intervention based solely on the use of a mobile health app, interventions were multicomponent. The apps were mainly used to record food consumption and physical activity, to set goals, to view progress, and to provide information and behavioral support. The six studies that assessed weight status did not show any efficacy. Three studies evaluated the intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) and one found a reduction in their consumption. Six studies showed some positive effects on dietary behaviors. All 11 studies reported high acceptability and feasibility of the interventions.
Conclusions:
Overall, mobile health apps managed by parents showed little, if any, efficacy in controlling childhood and adolescent obesity. The different features of the apps investigated make it impossible to generalize the results. Because mobile technology is rapidly evolving, research in this field must continue.
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