1
|
Pala D, Petrini G, Bosoni P, Larizza C, Quaglini S, Lanzola G. Smartphone applications for nutrition Support: A systematic review of the target outcomes and main functionalities. Int J Med Inform 2024; 184:105351. [PMID: 38295584 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2024.105351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A proper nutrition is essential for human life. Recently, special attention on this topic has been given in relation to three health statuses: obesity, malnutrition and specific diseases that can be related to food or treated with specific diets. Mobile technology is often used to assist users that wish to regulate their eating habits, and identifying which fields of application have been explored the most by the app developers and which main functionalities have been adopted can be useful in view of future app developments. METHODS We selected 322 articles mentioning nutrition support apps through a literature database search, all of which have undergone an initial screening. After the exclusion of papers that were already reviews, not presenting apps or not focused on nutrition, not relevant or not developed for human subjects, 100 papers were selected for subsequent analyses that aimed at identifying the main treated conditions, outcome measures and functionalities implemented in the Apps. RESULTS Of the selected studies, 33 focus on specific diseases, 24 on obesity, 2 on malnutrition and 41 on other targets (e.g., weight/diet control). Type 2 diabetes is the most targeted disease, followed by gestational diabetes, hypertension, colorectal cancer and CVDs which all were targeted by more than one app. Most Apps include self-monitoring and coaching functionalities, educational content and artificial intelligence (AI) tools are slightly less common, whereas counseling, gamification and questionnaires are the least implemented. Body weight and calories/nutrients were the most common general outcome measures, while glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was the most common clinical outcome. No statistically significant differences in the effectiveness of the different functionalities were found. CONCLUSION The use of mobile technology to improve nutrition has been widely explored in the last years, especially for weight control and specific diseases like diabetes; however, other food-related conditions such as Irritable Bowel Diseases appear to be less targeted by newly developed smartphone apps and their related studies. All different kinds of functionalities appear to be equally effective, but further specific studies are needed to confirm the results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Pala
- Department of Computer, Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Giorgia Petrini
- Department of Computer, Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Pietro Bosoni
- Department of Computer, Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Cristiana Larizza
- Department of Computer, Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Silvana Quaglini
- Department of Computer, Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giordano Lanzola
- Department of Computer, Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Schaafsma HN, Jantzi HA, Seabrook JA, McEachern LW, Burke SM, Irwin JD, Gilliland JA. The impact of smartphone app-based interventions on adolescents' dietary intake: a systematic review and evaluation of equity factor reporting in intervention studies. Nutr Rev 2024; 82:467-486. [PMID: 37330675 PMCID: PMC10925905 DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuad058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Adolescence is a critical stage for improving nutrition. The popularity of smartphones makes them an ideal platform for administering interventions to adolescents. A systematic review has yet to assess the impact of smartphone app-based interventions exclusively on adolescents' dietary intake. Furthermore, despite the impact of equity factors on dietary intake and the claim for mobile health of increased accessibility, there is minimal research on the reporting of equity factors in the evaluation of smartphone app-based nutrition-intervention research. OBJECTIVES This systematic review examines the effectiveness of smartphone app-based interventions on adolescents' dietary intake and the frequency with which equity factors and statistical analyses specific to equity factors are reported in these intervention studies. DATA SOURCES Databases (ie, Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, ERIC, and Cochrane Central Register for Randomized Control Trials) were searched for studies published from January 2008 to October 2022. Smartphone app-based intervention studies that were nutrition focused, evaluated at least 1 dietary intake variable, and included participants with a mean age between 10 and 19 years were included. All geographic locations were included. DATA EXTRACTION AND ANALYSIS Study characteristics, intervention results, and reported equity factors were extracted. Because of the heterogeneity of dietary outcomes, findings were reported as a narrative synthesis. CONCLUSION In total, 3087 studies were retrieved, 14 of which met the inclusion criteria. Eleven studies reported a statistically significant improvement in at least 1 dietary outcome because of the intervention. Reporting of at least 1 equity factor across articles' Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion sections was minimal (n = 5), and statistical analyses specific to equity factors were rare, occurring in only 4 of the 14 included studies. Future interventions should include a measurement of intervention adherence and report the impact of equity factors on the effectiveness and applicability of interventions for equity-deserving groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Holly N Schaafsma
- Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Children’s Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Heather A Jantzi
- Children’s Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Geography, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jamie A Seabrook
- Children’s Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
- School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Brescia University College at Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Louise W McEachern
- Children’s Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Geography, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shauna M Burke
- Children’s Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
- School of Health Studies, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer D Irwin
- School of Health Studies, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jason A Gilliland
- Children’s Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Geography, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- School of Health Studies, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hovadick ACDA, Cardoso MA. Family-Based WhatsApp Intervention to Promote Healthy Eating Behaviors Among Amazonian School Children: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2024; 13:e54446. [PMID: 38373039 PMCID: PMC10912988 DOI: 10.2196/54446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stunting and micronutrient deficiencies have persistently affected children in the Brazilian Amazon for decades. However, in recent years, a notable increase in childhood overweight prevalence has been observed, particularly in the context of heightened food insecurity exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the limited number of effective solutions proposed to tackle this problem, digital interventions have shown great promise worldwide in preventing obesity and promoting healthy diets. OBJECTIVE This study aims to describe the protocol of a family-based WhatsApp intervention, specifically designed to investigate the efficacy of multimedia messaging in preventing excessive weight gain and improving healthy eating practices among school-aged children in the Amazon region. METHODS This study protocol outlines a theory-driven randomized controlled trial based on the cognitive theory of multimedia learning and the social cognitive theory. A total of 240 parents or caregivers of children enrolled in the Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition Cohort Study in Acre (MINA-Brazil) will be recruited by phone and social media. The intervention group will receive persuasive multimedia messages through WhatsApp over 19 weeks, while the waitlist control group will remain in the usual care. The primary outcome is a change in children's BMI in z score. Secondary outcomes are changes in dietary intake and biochemical indicators of the children. Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline and 5 months after randomization in comparison to usual care. The analysis will use an intent-to-treat approach and will be conducted using the statistical package Stata (version 18.0), with a significance level set at P<.05. Paired and unpaired 2-tailed t tests will be applied to compare mean changes in the outcomes. RESULTS Data collection started in June 2023, and final measurements are scheduled to be completed in December 2023. The results of the main analysis are expected to be available in 2024. CONCLUSIONS This innovative multimedia message intervention holds significant potential for fostering behavioral changes among Amazonian children. TRIAL REGISTRATION Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry RBR-5zdnw6t; https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-5zdnw6t. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/54446.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Marly Augusto Cardoso
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health (LA-REAL), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (UNL), Lisbon, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Vasil S, Xinxo S, Alia A, Muça K, Tresa E, Burazeri G. Digital applications as a means for promotion of healthy behaviours among Albanian children. Health Promot Int 2023; 38:daad083. [PMID: 37562042 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daad083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Digital applications can be effective tools for strengthening school-based health education programs as they can provide valuable health information to children through interactive videos, quizzes and games. We aimed at assessing the change in the prevalence of healthy behaviours among children exposed to digital applications (intervention) employed for promoting healthy behaviours. We conducted a cross-sectional study before the intervention in March 2022 including a representative sample of 1500 Albanian schoolchildren (≈54% girls) aged 12-15 years. In June 2022, after 4-month exposure to digital applications aimed at promoting healthy behaviours (intervention), we carried out a second cross-sectional study in the same sample of schoolchildren. In both survey rounds, an anonymous and structured self-administered questionnaire inquired children about a range of behavioural practices including nutrition, oral health, physical activity and hygiene practices. After the intervention, overall, there was evidence of a significant increase in the prevalence of all healthy behavioural practices measured: ~9% for breakfast consumption and/or environmental protection, 12% for toothbrushing, 14% for handwashing, 15% for leisure time physical exercise and 24% for adequate fruit and vegetable intake (all p < 0.001). Engagement in healthy behaviours only after the intervention was higher among rural children (from 18% for breakfast consumption to 37% for handwashing and/or adequate fruit and vegetable intake) and especially those pertinent to Roma/Egyptian communities (from 18% for breakfast consumption to 46% for adequate fruit and vegetable intake), except for engagement in safe environmental protection which was more prevalent among urban residents (28% vs. 15% among rural children) and ethnic Albanian children (24% vs. 13% among Roma/Egyptian children). Our findings from Albania indicate that digital applications can be useful for strengthening school-based health promotion programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suela Vasil
- 'Schools for Health', a project of the Swiss Development and Cooperation (SDC) Agency, Rr. "Mihal Popi", 8185 Tirana, Albania
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana, Bulevardi Zogu I, 1001 Tirana, Albania
| | - Sonela Xinxo
- 'Schools for Health', a project of the Swiss Development and Cooperation (SDC) Agency, Rr. "Mihal Popi", 8185 Tirana, Albania
| | - Albano Alia
- 'Schools for Health', a project of the Swiss Development and Cooperation (SDC) Agency, Rr. "Mihal Popi", 8185 Tirana, Albania
| | - Kliton Muça
- 'Schools for Health', a project of the Swiss Development and Cooperation (SDC) Agency, Rr. "Mihal Popi", 8185 Tirana, Albania
| | - Eni Tresa
- 'Schools for Health', a project of the Swiss Development and Cooperation (SDC) Agency, Rr. "Mihal Popi", 8185 Tirana, Albania
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine, Rr. "Dibres", No. 371, 8185 Tirana, Albania
| | - Genc Burazeri
- 'Schools for Health', a project of the Swiss Development and Cooperation (SDC) Agency, Rr. "Mihal Popi", 8185 Tirana, Albania
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine, Rr. "Dibres", No. 371, 8185 Tirana, Albania
- Department of International Health, School CAPHRI (Care and Public Health Research Institute), Maastricht University, Duboisdomein 30, 6229 GT Maastricht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kulandaivelu Y, Hamilton J, Banerjee A, Gruzd A, Patel B, Stinson J. Social Media Interventions for Nutrition Education Among Adolescents: Scoping Review. JMIR Pediatr Parent 2023; 6:e36132. [PMID: 37471119 PMCID: PMC10401194 DOI: 10.2196/36132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescence is a critical period for reinforcing healthy dietary behaviors and supporting the development of cooking skills. Social media may be an avenue for supporting these behaviors, as it is popular among adolescents and can improve access to nutrition education interventions. This study sought to understand the optimal implementation of effective social media-based nutrition education interventions to inform the implementation of future social media-based nutrition education interventions. OBJECTIVE A scoping review of the characteristics, feasibility, effectiveness, and factors influencing social media-based nutrition education interventions for adolescents was conducted. METHODS We searched MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, and PsycINFO databases using a predefined search strategy. Primary research articles were independently screened and included if they involved adolescent populations (10-18 years old) and delivered nutrition education through social media. The information on intervention characteristics, feasibility, effectiveness, and factors influencing social media-based nutrition education interventions was extracted. RESULTS A total of 28 publications out of 20,557 met the eligibility criteria. Twenty-five nutrition interventions were examined by 28 studies. Fourteen interventions used homegrown social media platforms, 8 used Facebook, and 2 used Instagram. Feasibility outcomes were infrequently reported, and the cost of intervention delivery was not reported. Engagement with interventions was variable; high engagement was not required to elicit significant improvements in dietary behaviors. Tailoring interventions, offering practical content, meaningful peer support, and involving families and communities facilitated successful interventions. Strategies to address engagement and technical issues were varied. CONCLUSIONS Emerging evidence demonstrates that social media interventions for adolescent nutrition are acceptable and improve nutrition outcomes. Future interventions should strengthen peer support components and tailor delivery to specific populations. Further research should examine engagement, adherence, and the impact of interventions on behavioral and physical outcomes. This review is the first to examine the use of social media as the primary medium for nutrition education for adolescent populations. The analysis used in this review argues the importance of peer support in social media-based nutrition interventions and the need for user-centered design of the interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yalinie Kulandaivelu
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jill Hamilton
- Centre for Healthy Active Kids, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ananya Banerjee
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Anatoliy Gruzd
- Information Technology Management, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Barkha Patel
- Centre for Healthy Active Kids, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jennifer Stinson
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Francis L, Spaulding EM, Bloom I, Patel A, Perrin N. A systematic appraisal of the information, engagement, aesthetic and functional quality of nutrition-related smartphone apps for children and adolescents. Public Health Nutr 2023; 26:1368-1379. [PMID: 36912110 PMCID: PMC10346071 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980023000526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Nutrition-related smartphone applications (apps) could improve children's nutrition knowledge and skills. However, little is known about the quality of nutrition-related apps for children. This study aimed to identify and evaluate the quality of nutrition-related smartphone apps designed for children ages 4-17. DESIGN This systematic appraisal is guided by the Protocol for App Store Systematic Reviews. SETTING Using Google's Advanced Search, we identified 1814 apps/1184 additional apps in an updated search on iOS, of which twenty-four were eligible. The apps' objective and subjective quality were evaluated using the twenty-three-item, five-point Mobile App Rating Scale. The objective quality scale consists of four subscales: engagement, functionality, aesthetics and information. RESULTS Most of the apps (75 %) focussed solely on promoting nutrition skills, such as making food dishes, rather than nutrition knowledge. Of the twenty-four apps, 83 % targeted children 4-8 years old. The app objective quality mean score was 3·60 ± 0·41. The subscale mean scores were 3·20 ± 0·41 for engagement, 4·24 ± 0·47 for functionality, 4·03 ± 0·51 for aesthetics and 2·94 ± 0·62 for information. The app subjective quality mean score was 2·10 ± 0·90. CONCLUSIONS More robust approaches to app development leveraging co-design approaches, including involving a multidisciplinary team of experts to provide evidence-based nutrition information, are warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucine Francis
- Center for Community Programs, Innovation, and Scholarship, Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD21205, USA
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD21205, USA
| | - Erin M Spaulding
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD21205, USA
- Digital Health Innovation Laboratory, Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, The Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology and Clinical Research, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD21205, USA
| | - India Bloom
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD21205, USA
| | - Alisha Patel
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD21205, USA
| | - Nancy Perrin
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD21205, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
The effect of a school-based fruit and vegetable promotion program on adolescents' fruit and vegetable consumption behavior in Turkey. J Pediatr Nurs 2022; 66:e27-e36. [PMID: 35811184 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2022.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of a school-based F&V promotion program developed in line with the transtheoretical model (TTM) on the consumption behavior of middle school students. DESIGN AND METHODS The study was designed as semi-experimental research with pre-/post- and follow-up tests and a control group. It was conducted at a total of six middle schools in the district of Fethiye/Muğla, Turkey. Three of the schools were selected with the random clustering method as an intervention group and the others as the control group. The F&V promotion program was executed in the intervention group for a period of 24 weeks. RESULTS It was found in the 6th and 12th months after the intervention that the daily number of portions of fruits (p<.01) and vegetables (p<.01) consumed by the students in the intervention group was significantly more compared to the control group. The perception of the pros of F&V consumption and self-efficacy in the intervention group were higher than in the controls (p<.01). CONCLUSIONS The school-based F&V consumption promotion program was effective in increasing the number of portions of fruits and vegetables students consumed and in improving their behaviors in this regard. APPLICATION TO PRACTICE The study indicates that the interventions described may be recommended to school nurses for use in their efforts to increase levels of F&V consumption.
Collapse
|