Accepted for/Published in: Journal of Medical Internet Research
Date Submitted: Feb 24, 2022
Date Accepted: Oct 20, 2022
Assessing the Content and Quality of Digital Tools for Managing Gestational Weight Gain: A Systematic Search and Evaluation
ABSTRACT
Background:
Digital health resources have the potential to assist women in optimising gestational weight gain (GWG) during pregnancy to improve maternal health outcomes.
Objective:
This study aims to evaluate the quality, credibility, safety and potential for health-related behaviour change of publicly available digital health tools that promote GWG management.
Methods:
Digital tools were identified using key search terms across website search engines and application stores and evaluated using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS), the App Behaviour Change Scale (ABACUS) as well as criteria to evaluate the rigor and safety of GWG information.
Results:
Overall, 1,085 tools were screened for inclusion (n=162 websites and n=923 apps) and 19 were deemed eligible. The mean MARS quality score was 3.31 (0.53) out of 5, ranging from 2.26 to 4.39 and the mean ABACUS score was 6 (3.4) out of 21 ranging from 19 to 0. Of 19 items to evaluate rigour of GWG advice, the majority of tools (n=11, 57.9%) contained three items or less overall.
Conclusions:
This review emphasises significant limitations in current digital resources promoting monitoring and optimisation for GWG. The majority of tools were of low quality, had minimal behaviour change potential and were potentially unsafe, with minimal linkage to evidence-based information or partnership with healthcare.
Citation
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