Using mHealth to Provide Mobile App Users With Visualization of Health Checkup Data and Educational Videos on Lifestyle-Related Diseases: Methodological Framework for Content Development

mhealth-based interventions to improving liver cancer screening among high-risk populations: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Liver cancer (LC) screening, such as AFP test and abdominal ultrasound, is an effective way to prevent LC, one of the most common cancers worldwide. Despite the proven screening benefits, screening participation among high-risk populations for LC remains low. This suggests that targeted, systematic, and effective interventions should be provided to improve knowledge and awareness related to LC screening, enhance screening intentions, and thereby promote screening behaviors. Telephone is people's main medium of daily communication and mHealth-based programs offer a potential and effective solution for promoting health behaviors. The purpose of this study is to develop and implement a mHealth (WeChat app) based intervention guided by Fogg's Behavior Model (FBM) to augment the knowledge of LC prevention among people at risk of LC and enhance their motivation for screening, and to validate its effectiveness in improving LC screening.

METHODS

We propose a two-arm, single-blind randomized controlled trial with 82 at-risk individuals of LC, delivering a 6-month mHealth-based intervention program with optional health counseling. Recruitment will be through tertiary hospitals and community organizations in 4 districts in Heng Yang. In total, 82 individuals at high risk for HCC will be randomized 1:1 to intervention or control (usual care) groups. The intervention group will receive intervention, whose contents are based on the FBM model, via multiple forms of media including PowerPoint presentation, multimedia video, health information booklet and screening message, which is delivered in the WeChat Applet. Control dyads will be provided with usual health education. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and post-intervention.

DISCUSSION

The findings of this study will provide evidence of the benefits of utilizing mHealth-based approaches in intervention development to enhance the effectiveness of screening adherence for high-risk people of LC. Further, the findings would provide reference to the potential incorporation of the targeted intervention in local community organizations.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2400080530) Date registered: 31/1/2024.

Smartphone-Assisted Medical Care for Vestibular Dysfunction as a Telehealth Strategy for Digital Therapy Beyond COVID-19: Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

Dizziness and vertigo can be caused by various factors, such as peripheral vestibular and central disorders. Although consultations with specialists are advisable when necessary, patients with severe vertigo symptoms may have limited mobility, which may interfere with hospital visits. The spread of COVID-19 has further limited the number of hospital visits for patients with dizziness; therefore, a method of medical care that enables more accurate treatment under time and geographical constraints is needed. Telemedicine has become widespread, owing to the popularity of smartphone and tablet devices in recent years, and the use of devices and systems has made it possible to provide efficient medical care. However, no previous scoping review has mapped existing studies on telemedicine for vertigo and dizziness, and no recommendations have been made regarding which devices and systems should be used for specific diseases.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this review was to map and assess previous studies on the use of information communications technology, smartphones, and apps for treating patients with vertigo and discuss the added value of introducing telemedicine to improve the quality of medical care and create an environment that builds security and trust among patients.

METHODS

A scoping review was conducted with the methodological framework of Arksey and O'Malley and in accordance with the of the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines. The PubMed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched to retrieve previous reports on smartphone-assisted telemedicine treatment for vertigo published between January 2000 and May 2023. Two authors independently assessed eligibility and extracted data.

RESULTS

This review included 20 papers that reported devices or systems for telemedicine for vestibular dysfunction. Among studies that reported the use of a device or app, 2 were related to anamnesis and subjective symptoms, 12 were related to objective examination, 7 were related to remote diagnosis, and 7 were related to treatment and rehabilitation.

CONCLUSIONS

With the advancement of technology, the use of telemedicine in patients with dizziness may be feasible. In the future, it will be necessary to consider how telemedicine can be used in dizziness treatment and develop an effective treatment system combining in-person medical care and the effective use of devices for the management of severe vertigo and related diseases. The smooth introduction of telemedicine in vertigo treatment is expected to improve the quality of treatment, increase opportunities for patients to receive medical care, and reduce time and travel costs, leading to a sense of security and trust among patients.

A Technology-Mediated Interventional Approach to the Prevention of Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Technology-mediated interventions help overcome barriers to program delivery and spread metabolic syndrome prevention programs on a large scale. A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the impact of these technology-mediated interventions on metabolic syndrome prevention.

METHODS

In this meta-analysis, from 30 January 2018, three databases were searched to evaluate interventions using techniques to propagate diet and exercise lifestyle programs for adult patients with metabolic syndrome or metabolic risk.

RESULTS

Search results found 535 citations. Of these, 18 studies met the inclusion criteria analyzed in this article. The median duration of intervention was 4 months and the follow-up period ranged from 1.5 to 30 months. The standardized mean difference (SMD) between the two groups was waist circumference -0.35 (95% CI -0.54, -0.15), triglyceride -0.14 (95% CI -0.26, -0.03), fasting blood glucose -0.31 (95% CI -0.42, -0.19), body weight -1.34 (95% CI -2.04, -0.64), and body mass index -1.36 (95% CI -2.21, -0.51). There was no publication bias in this study.

CONCLUSION

Technology-mediated intervention improved clinically important metabolic syndrome related indicators such as excess body fat around the waist, fasting glucose, and body mass index. These interventions will play an important role in the dissemination of metabolic syndrome prevention programs.