Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Public Health and Surveillance
Date Submitted: Mar 8, 2022
Date Accepted: Apr 9, 2022
Evaluation of Digital Interventions for Physical Activity Promotion: Scoping Review
ABSTRACT
Background:
Digital interventions (DIs) in the context of public health are interventions supported by digital technologies and specifically designed to promote and improve health. Recent reviews show that many DIs target physical activity (PA) promotion. However, it is unclear how the outcomes of such DIs are evaluated.
Objective:
This study aimed to investigate the evaluation strategies in the context of DIs for PA promotion using a scoping review of published reviews. The focus of this scoping review is on target, methods and theoretical frameworks of such evaluation.
Methods:
A protocol for this study was preregistered and published elsewhere. Among 300 reviews published up to 19 March 2021 in Medline, PsycInfo and CINAHL, 40 reviews (1 rapid, 9 scoping and 30 systematic) were included in this scoping review. Two authors independently performed review selection and data coding. Consensus was reached during discussion. Data were synthesized using relative frequencies or narratively by identifying common themes.
Results:
Among the 40 reviews, most were published in 2019 – 2021 and originated from Europe or Australia. Most primary studies in all reviews were cited only once, included adult samples in any clinical or non-clinical settings and focused on mobile apps or wearables for PA promotion. Evaluation target was any user outcome (efficacy, acceptability, usability, feasibility or engagement) in 38/40 reviews or tool performance in 24/40 reviews. Evaluation methods relied on objective (tool) data in 35/40 reviews or other data from self-reports or assessments in 28/40 reviews. Evaluation frameworks based on Behavior Change Theory (BCT), including goal setting, self-monitoring, feedback on behavior, and educational or motivational content were mentioned in 22/40 reviews. BCT was included in development phases of DIs according to 20/22 reviews.
Conclusions:
The evaluation of DIs is of high priority according to 40 reviews included in this scoping review. Evaluation of DIs, including mobile apps or wearables for PA promotion, typically targets any user outcomes and relies on objective (tool) data. BCT may provide useful guidance not only for DIs development but also for evaluation of user outcomes in the context of PA promotion. Investigation of factors that could improve DIs efficacy and standardization of DIs terminology and reporting is required in future research.
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