Accepted for/Published in: JMIR mHealth and uHealth
Date Submitted: Jul 8, 2019
Date Accepted: Jan 26, 2020
Effectiveness of mHealth interventions on diabetes and obesity treatment and management: A systematic examination of recent evidence
ABSTRACT
Background:
Diabetes and obesity has become a serious epidemic and costly chronic disease. The impact of mHealth interventions for diabetes and obesity management is promising, however, studies showed varied results of mHealth.
Objective:
Evaluate the effectiveness of mobile health (mHealth) interventions on diabetes and obesity treatment and management, based on evidence reported in reviews and meta-analyses, and provide recommendations for future interventions and research.
Methods:
We systematically searched PubMed for systematic reviews published between January 1, 2005 and April 30, 2018. Fourteen reviews met inclusion criteria and were analyzed with a meta-analysis (assessed 49,063 original intervention studies).
Results:
They primarily focused on the use of mobile applications (apps), text messaging, and the self-monitoring/management function of mHealth programs in patients with diabetes and obesity. All reviews examined changes in biomarkers and some assessed treatment adherence (n=6) and health behaviors (n=7). Although the effectiveness of mHealth interventions varied widely by study, all reviews concluded mHealth was a feasible option and had the potential for improving patient health when compared to standard care, especially for glycemic control (-0.4 to -0.5% greater reduction in HbA1c) and weight reduction (-1.0 to -1.1kg body weight). Overall, the existing 6 meta-analysis studies showed pooled favorable effect of these mHealth interventions (-0.39, 95% CI: -0.54, -0.23; I2=69.3%).
Conclusions:
mHealth interventions are feasible and effective for glycemic control and weight reduction. Future research to develop and evaluate evidence-based mHealth strategies should use additional valid measures and rigorous study designs.
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