JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Given that today’s adolescents are digital frontrunners, technology-based obesity prevention strategies are age-appropriate for this population. The use of remote and wireless technologies may be suitable for extending the reach and engagement of obesity prevention efforts among high-risk Hispanic youth, as this subgroup is disproportionately affected by barriers that limit participation in traditional, in-person interventions.

Objective:

The purpose of this scoping review was to examine intervention and sample characteristics of technology-based obesity prevention interventions among Hispanic adolescents. We also examined feasibility criteria to assess the acceptability and appropriateness of technology-based strategies among Hispanic youth.

Methods:

A comprehensive search of Embase and PubMed identified eight studies that met inclusionary criteria. Data were extracted by two independent reviewers.

Results:

Half of studies used a randomized control trial design with equal implementation in school (50%) and clinic (50%) settings. Studies commonly targeted improvements in diet (63%) and physical activity (50%), with only one study focused on sedentary behaviors. Just two studies reported the use of behavioral theories or models. Studies focused primarily on youth in early (N=6, 75%) or middle adolescence (n=7, 88%) and there was limited information reported on socioeconomic status. Few studies conducted formative work (n=4, 50%) or reported on acceptability (n=3, 38%). Only two studies specified that materials were available in Spanish or Spanish and English, and no study used culturally tailored content. Three (38%) studies used strategies that considered social determinants of health.

Conclusions:

To increase our understanding of the feasibility and effectiveness of technology-based obesity prevention strategies among Hispanic adolescents, there is need for more feasibility studies that are theoretically grounded and comprehensively report on feasibility-related outcomes. Future studies should also leverage technology to simultaneously address multiple health behaviors beyond diet and physical activity. The result of this review can be used to guide the development of future technology-based obesity prevention strategies among Hispanic adolescents. Clinical Trial: Not applicable.