Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Pediatrics and Parenting
Date Submitted: Nov 20, 2021
Date Accepted: Feb 21, 2022
A systematic review of interventions utilising mobile applications to promote healthy behavior changes and prevent obesity in children
ABSTRACT
Background:
Mobile apps have increasingly been incorporated into healthy behavior promotion interventions targeting childhood obesity. However, their effectiveness remains unclear.
Objective:
To conduct a systematic review examining the effectiveness of mobile apps that promote healthy behavior changes in diet, physical activity, or sedentary behavior in children aged 8-12 years.
Methods:
MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and ERIC were systematically searched for peer-reviewed primary studies from January 2008 to July 2021 that included children aged 8-12, involved mobile app use, and targeted at least one outcome including: diet, physical activity, or sedentary behavior. Data extraction and risk of bias assessment were conducted by two authors.
Results:
Of the 13 studies identified, the majority utilized a quasi-experimental design (n=8). Significant improvements in physical activity (4/8 studies), dietary outcomes (5/6 studies) and body mass index (2/6 studies) were reported. All six multicomponent interventions and 4/7 standalone interventions reported significant outcome(s) in one or more behavioral change outcomes measured (anthropometric, physical activity, dietary, and screen time outcomes). Gamification, behavioral monitoring, and goal setting were common features of mobile apps used in the studies.
Conclusions:
Apps have the potential to increase the effectiveness of healthy behavior promotion interventions among children ages 8-12. Further investigation of studies that utilise more rigorous study designs, as well as mobile apps as a standalone intervention are needed.
Citation
Per the author's request the PDF is not available.
Copyright
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