Texting and Mobile Phone App Interventions for Improving Adherence to Preventive Behavior in Adolescents: A Systematic Review

Use of Patient-Centered Technology and Digital Interventions in Pediatric and Adult Patients with Hematologic Malignancies

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

As society continues to advance in technology, it is important to address how this advancement can impact and enhance patient care. The purpose of this review is to identify patient-centered technology currently available for adult and pediatric patients with and those having survived hematologic malignancies. Given that patients with hematologic malignancies often have to adhere to strenuous medication regimens, coordinate care with many different providers, manage symptoms associated with treatment, and manage late effects associated with survivorship, they would benefit greatly from patient-centered technology aimed at decreasing these burdens.

RECENT FINDINGS

This review found various available digital interventions for this patient population and focuses on an overview of commercially available smartphone applications, patient portals, and technology for remote monitoring. In summary, many digital interventions exist for use in the medical care of oncology patients. The incorporation of these interventions can allow for more personalized medical care, better organization of treatment plans by caregivers at home, and easy delivery of accurate medical information.

Integration of e-Health Strategies for Post-COVID-19 Pandemic Pediatric Weight Management Programs

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed a renewed urgency to address the obesity pandemic and accelerated the use of technology to treat pediatric obesity. Yet, there are significant incongruities between the existing literature on technology for obesity management and the current health care system that may lead to suboptimal outcomes and increased costs. This study reviewed the types of e-health strategies currently in use, highlighted inconsistencies and overlap in terminology, and identified future research directions in e-health for childhood obesity, including gaps in implementation science. Methods: This narrative literature review synthesized seminal articles from the literature, as well as recent articles, using PubMed and Google Scholar that focused on the use of technology in treating pediatric obesity. This inclusive strategy was intended to elucidate the heterogeneity in how different disciplines are using digital health terminology in pediatric obesity research. Results: Both the prevalence of e-health interventions and its associated terminology are increasing in the peer-reviewed literature, especially since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, their definitions and usage are unstandardized, leading to a lack of cohesion in the research and between disciplines. There is a gap in implementation science outcomes, including reimbursement, that may significantly impact external validity and uptake. Conclusion: A more systematic and precise approach to researching e-health that can assess specific technologies and combinations of technologies, their short-term and long-term effect sizes, and feasibility can produce the necessary data that may lead to reimbursement policies and, ultimately, improved pediatric weight management outcomes.

Interventions for Preventing E-Cigarette Use Among Children and Youth: A Systematic Review

INTRODUCTION

Many nonregulatory interventions targeting children and youth have been implemented at three levels: directed at the individual (e.g., interactive video games), delivered to students at school (e.g., campus bans), and launched in the community (e.g., mass media campaigns). This systematic review aims to synthesize the evidence on the effectiveness of interventions aimed at preventing e-cigarette initiation among children and youth.

METHODS

MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, APA PsycINFO, and Web of Science Core Collection were searched for papers published between January 1, 2004 and September 1, 2022 that reported more than one outcome on vaping prevention among individuals aged less than 21-years-old: vaping prevalence/incidence, initiation intentions, knowledge/attitudes, and other tobacco product use prevalence/initiation intentions. Interventions were at the individual, school, or community level. The risk of bias was assessed using ROBINS-I and RoB 1.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine publications met the eligibility criteria. Fourteen individually-based (4 parental monitoring, 3 video games, 2 text messages, 3 graphic message themes, 2 healthcare), 19 school-based (14 educational and skill interventions, 5 vape-free policies/bans), and 6 community-based (3 social media, 3 mass media campaigns) interventions were reported. E-cigarette initiation prevention was observed with high perceived parental monitoring; however, the cross-sectional study designs precluded causal claims. There was promising but limited evidence that social-emotional skills curricula and peer leader programming prevented vaping initiation.

DISCUSSION

Some individual- and school-based interventions showed promise for preventing e-cigarette initiation among children and youth.

Development and Usability Testing of an mHealth Tool for Trauma-Informed Prevention of Substance Use, HIV Acquisition, and Risky Sexual Behaviors Among Adolescents: Mixed Methods Study

BACKGROUND

Youth who experience traumatic events are at a substantially higher risk of engaging in substance use and sexual risk behaviors and problems (eg, HIV acquisition) than their non-trauma-exposed counterparts. Evidence-based substance use and risky sexual behavior prevention may reduce the risk of these outcomes. Trauma-focused mental health treatment provides a window of opportunity for the implementation of such preventive work with these youth. However, overburdened clinicians face challenges in adding prevention content while implementing evidence-based treatments. Mobile health (mHealth) tools can help reduce this burden in delivering prevention curricula. Trauma-Informed Prevention for Substance Use and Risky Sexual Behavior (TIPS) is an mHealth app that was developed to aid trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) clinicians in the implementation of an evidence-based risk behavior prevention curriculum.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this paper is to describe the rationale for and development of the TIPS app and present the results of a mixed methods approach for the initial evaluation of its usability.

METHODS

Participants included clinicians (n=11), adolescents (n=11), and caregivers (n=10) who completed qualitative interviews and an adapted version of the Website Analysis and Measurement Inventory.

RESULTS

In total, 4 overarching themes emerged from the participants' answers to the qualitative interview questions, demonstrating a generally positive response to the app. The themes were (1) strength of app content, (2) suggestions about app content, (3) esthetics and usability, and (4) benefits to the patient and session implementation. Clinicians, adolescents, and caregivers all agreed that the content was very relevant to adolescents and used examples and language that adolescents could relate to. All 3 groups also discussed that the content was comprehensive and addressed issues often faced by adolescents. All 3 groups of users made suggestions about the esthetics, which mostly comprised suggestions to change the font, color, or pictures within the app. Of all the groups, adolescents were most positive about the esthetics and usability of the app. Results from the Website Analysis and Measurement Inventory further illustrated the users' favorable reaction to the TIPS app, with 100% (11/11) of clinicians, 100% (10/10) of caregivers, and most adolescents (7/11, 64%) selecting strongly agree or somewhat agree to the following statement: "This app has much that is of interest to me." Adolescents generally found the app easier to use than did caregivers and clinicians.

CONCLUSIONS

The TIPS app shows promise as an mHealth tool for TF-CBT clinicians to integrate evidence-based substance use, risky sexual behavior, and HIV prevention during treatment. Future research, including a randomized controlled trial comparing TF-CBT implementation with and without the inclusion of the app, is necessary to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of the app in reducing the risk of substance use and risky sexual behavior among trauma-exposed adolescents.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03710720; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03710720.

The impact of internet health information seeking on COVID-19 vaccination behavior in China

BACKGROUND

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the significance of vaccination has been emphatically underscored. As the foremost and pivotal measure for preventing COVID-19 transmission, the COVID-19 pneumonia vaccine plays an instrumental role in the global response to this infectious respiratory disease. However, COVID-19 vaccination coverage remains challenging in low- and middle-income countries and regions. Studies have found that frequent seeking to health information is also associated with healthier behaviors, but these studies have not yet focused on the impact of Internet health information seeking on individual vaccination and the mechanism of this effect.

METHODS

Data were obtained from the Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS) conducted in 2021, which included 7,218 individual samples. This study used COVID-19 vaccination as indicators for the health of interest, the key independent variable is Internet health information seeking. This study tried to analyze the impact of Internet health information seeking on COVID-19 vaccination using an OLS model and PSM method.

RESULTS

The results show that Internet health information seeking has a significant positive impact on COVID-19 vaccination. This result passed a series of robustness tests. The mechanism analysis indicated that compared to non-Internet health information seeking individuals, Internet health information seeking individuals could know the superior advantages of vaccination and the potential for immunization through this method. And individuals who use Internet to seeking health information are more likely to acknowledge the constructive impact of online information on health behavior. This helps to explain why Internet health information seeking individuals have a higher rate of COVID-19 vaccination.

CONCLUSIONS

This study delves into the influence of Internet health information seeking on individual COVID-19 vaccination within the digital era. The outcomes underscore that Internet-mediated seeking vaccine information holds the potential to bolster individuals' comprehension of vaccination benefits and foster increased acceptance of such information.

A mobile healthy lifestyle intervention to promote mental health in adolescence: a mixed-methods evaluation

BACKGROUND

A healthy lifestyle may improve mental health. It is yet not known whether and how a mobile intervention can be of help in achieving this in adolescents. This study investigated the effectiveness and perceived underlying mechanisms of the mobile health (mHealth) intervention #LIFEGOALS to promote healthy lifestyles and mental health. #LIFEGOALS is an evidence-based app with activity tracker, including self-regulation techniques, gamification elements, a support chatbot, and health narrative videos.

METHODS

A quasi-randomized controlled trial (N = 279) with 12-week intervention period and process evaluation interviews (n = 13) took place during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adolescents (12-15y) from the general population were allocated at school-level to the intervention (n = 184) or to a no-intervention group (n = 95). Health-related quality of life (HRQoL), psychological well-being, mood, self-perception, peer support, resilience, depressed feelings, sleep quality and breakfast frequency were assessed via a web-based survey; physical activity, sedentary time, and sleep routine via Axivity accelerometers. Multilevel generalized linear models were fitted to investigate intervention effects and moderation by pandemic-related measures. Interviews were coded using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Non-usage attrition was high: 18% of the participants in the intervention group never used the app. An additional 30% stopped usage by the second week. Beneficial intervention effects were found for physical activity (χ21 = 4.36, P = .04), sedentary behavior (χ21 = 6.44, P = .01), sleep quality (χ21 = 6.11, P = .01), and mood (χ21 = 2.30, P = .02). However, effects on activity-related behavior were only present for adolescents having normal sports access, and effects on mood only for adolescents with full in-school education. HRQoL (χ22 = 14.72, P < .001), mood (χ21 = 6.03, P = .01), and peer support (χ21 = 13.69, P < .001) worsened in adolescents with pandemic-induced remote-education. Interviewees reported that the reward system, self-regulation guidance, and increased health awareness had contributed to their behavior change. They also pointed to the importance of social factors, quality of technology and autonomy for mHealth effectiveness.

CONCLUSIONS

#LIFEGOALS showed mixed results on health behaviors and mental health. The findings highlight the role of contextual factors for mHealth promotion in adolescence, and provide suggestions to optimize support by a chatbot and narrative episodes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov [NCT04719858], registered on 22/01/2021.

Mobile application interventions to increase physical activity and their effect on kinanthropometrics, body composition and fitness variables in adolescent aged 12-16 years old: An umbrella review

BACKGROUND

The aims of the present umbrella review were (a) to summarize the available evidence on the effectiveness of mobile applications aimed at increasing physical activity; (b) to analyse the effect of an increase in physical activity on kinanthropometric variables, body composition and physical fitness of adolescents aged 12-16 years old; and (c) to determine the strengths and limitations of the interventions carried out with adolescents aged 12-16 years old through the use of mobile applications, to provide recommendations for future research.

METHODS

The most relevant inclusion criteria were (a) adolescents aged 12-16 years old; (b) interventions carried out only with mobile apps; (c) pre-post measurements; (d) participants without illnesses or injuries; and (e) interventions lasting more than 8 weeks. The databases used to identify the systematic reviews were the Web of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed and Scopus. Two reviewers independently used the AMSTAR-2 scale to measure the methodological quality of the included reviews and also carried out an analysis of external validity, with a third reviewer participating in the cases in which consensus was not reached.

RESULTS

A total of 12 systematic reviews were included (these included a total of 273 articles that used electronic devices, of which 22 studies exclusively used mobile applications with adolescents aged 12-16). Regarding physical activity and its effect on body composition, kinanthropometric variables and physical fitness, no significant differences were found for any of the variables analysed, and the results were not sufficiently consistent to determine the influence of these interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

It is important to highlight that the scientific research conducted so far showed that mobile applications were not effective in increasing physical activity and changing the kinanthropometric variables, body composition or physical fitness of adolescents. Thus, future research with stronger methodological rigour and larger samples is needed to provide stronger evidence.

Development and Promotion of an mHealth App for Adolescents Based on the European Code Against Cancer: Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Mobile health technologies, underpinned by scientific evidence and ethical standards, exhibit considerable promise and potential in actively engaging consumers and patients while also assisting health care providers in delivering cancer prevention and care services. The WASABY mobile app was conceived as an innovative, evidence-based mobile health tool aimed at disseminating age-appropriate messages from the European Code Against Cancer (ECAC) to adolescents across Europe.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to assess the outcomes of the design, development, and promotion of the WASABY app through a 3-pronged evaluation framework that encompasses data on social media promotion, app store traffic, and user engagement.

METHODS

The WASABY app's content, cocreated with cancer-focused civil society organizations across 6 European countries, drew upon scientific evidence from the ECAC. The app's 10 modules were designed using the health belief model and a gamification conceptual framework characterized by spaced repetition learning techniques, refined through 2 rounds of testing. To evaluate the effectiveness of the app, we conducted a retrospective cohort study using the WASABY app's user database registered from February 4 to June 30, 2021, using a 3-pronged assessment framework: social media promotion, app store traffic, and user engagement. Descriptive statistics and association analyses explored the relationship between sociodemographic variables and user performance analytics.

RESULTS

After extensive promotion on various social media platforms and subsequent traffic to the Apple App and Google Play stores, a sample of 748 users aged between 14 and 19 years was included in the study cohort. The selected sample exhibited a mean age of 16.08 (SD 1.28) years and was characterized by a predominant representation of female users (499/748, 66.7%). Most app users identified themselves as nonsmokers (689/748, 92.1%), reported either no or infrequent alcohol consumption (432/748, 57.8% and 250/748, 33.4%, respectively), and indicated being physically active for 1 to 5 hours per week (505/748, 67.5%). In aggregate, the app's content garnered substantial interest, as evidenced by 40.8% (305/748) of users visiting each of the 10 individual modules. Notably, sex and smoking habits emerged as predictors of app completion rates; specifically, male and smoking users demonstrated a decreased likelihood of successfully completing the app's content (odds ratio 0.878, 95% CI 0.809-0.954 and odds ratio 0.835, 95% CI 0.735-0.949, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The development and promotion of the WASABY app presents a valuable case study, illustrating the effective dissemination of evidence-based recommendations on cancer prevention within the ECAC through an innovative mobile app aimed at European adolescents. The data derived from this study provide insightful findings for the implementation of Europe's Beating Cancer Plan, particularly the creation of the EU Mobile App for Cancer Prevention.

Influence of Pokémon Go Playing Style on Physical Activity and Its Effect on Kinanthropometry Variables and Body Composition in Adolescents

BACKGROUND

Pokémon Go is a mobile app that offers both continuous and intermittent (gamified) gameplay, but no previous research in adolescents is known to have addressed changes in physical activity and body composition according to playing style. For this reason, the aims of the present investigation were (1) to establish the differences in the level of physical activity, and its influence on the kinanthropometric and body composition, of the adolescent population, considering their Pokémon Go playing style; and (2) to analyze whether the practice of previous physical activity has an influence on the effects of the use of Pokémon Go on the level of physical activity and changes in kinanthropometric and body composition variables.

METHODS

A total of 94 adolescents (50 males and 44 females; mean age: 13.66 [1.17] years-old; mean body mass index: 20.82 [4.03] kg/m2) whose physical activity level and body composition were measured, participated in the investigation. Two groups of adolescents completed a 10-week intervention using Pokémon Go continuously (n = 30) or intermittently (n = 31), while the control group (n = 33) did not use any after-school app. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), a multivariate analysis of variance, and 2 repeated-measures ANOVA were performed to analyze the data.

RESULTS

Inactive adolescents in the continuous use group increased their physical activity between the pretest and posttest (P = .038), but this did not occur in the active group. Regarding body composition variables, the increase in body mass (P < .001) and body mass index (P = .006) in the control group was significantly higher than in the continuous use group of adolescents who were inactive, but not in the active group, while the decrease in fat mass (P < .001-.036) and sum of 3 skinfolds (P < .001-.003) was significantly higher in both Pokémon Go use groups as compared to the control group, regardless of the previous physical activity level.

CONCLUSIONS

The continuous style of play seems to be more effective in increasing physical activity in adolescents, but the changes in body composition and kinanthropometric variables occur similarly with continuous and intermittent gameplay. Therefore, the playful use of Pokémon Go can be used in educational and health fields to produce changes in body composition in this population.

Promoting Healthy Behaviors Among Adolescents and Young Adults With Intellectual Disability: Protocol for Developing a Digital Intervention With Co-Design Workshops

BACKGROUND

Intellectual disability (ID) is a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with a poorer health profile and higher mortality. Young people with ID have more sedentary lifestyles than their typically developing peers. Consequently, this group is at significant risk of developing lifestyle diseases (ie, noncommunicable diseases) later in life. Increasing physical activity and eating a healthier diet have been argued to be effective ways to improve the health of adolescents and young adults with ID. Digital interventions are a viable option for improving health behaviors.

OBJECTIVE

This research protocol describes a co-design approach using workshops to develop a digital intervention that promotes healthy behaviors, including increasing physical activity and eating a healthier diet, among adolescents and young adults with ID.

METHODS

A participatory design using a co-design approach will be applied as a strategy to include potential users of the digital intervention and other stakeholders in the research process, comprising research design, data collection, and data analysis. A total of 7 to 10 workshops will be conducted aimed at developing a digital intervention and will include procedures for assessing needs; facilitators and barriers to health promotion; physical, mental, and social well-being; participation; and relationships. The workshops will include 12 to 18 stakeholders with experience of clinical practice and research related to young people with ID, including relatives, as well as adolescents and young adults (aged 16-25 years) with mild to moderate ID. Participants will perform a mixture of individual and group work using whiteboards, sticky notes, felt-tip pens, cards, balls, stickers, and wireframe templates. Data analysis will take place concurrently with data collection as an iterative process. Transcribed data from the audio and video recordings of the groups' discussions will be analyzed following a qualitative methodological procedure.

RESULTS

This study protocol provides a systematic record of the scientific methodologies used when developing the digital intervention and provides insights into the potential practical solutions and challenges when following a co-design approach in which relatives and professionals, as well as adolescents and young adults with ID, are included as research partners. Recruitment of participants started in April 2023. Data collection, analysis, and reporting will be completed in December 2023.

CONCLUSIONS

This study will explore the effectiveness of workshops at gathering rich, reliable, and valid data in a co-design approach with participants. The results will provide increased knowledge in how to use technology to develop novel, evidence-based, and scalable interventions that adolescents and young adults with ID can and want to use to motivate physical activity and a healthier diet. The project will provide a simple and cognitively accessible digital solution for promoting lifestyle behaviors tailored to the needs of adolescents and young adults with ID.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/47877.

Barriers to medication adherence in sickle cell disease: A comprehensive theory-based evaluation using the COM-B model

BACKGROUND

Sickle cell disease (SCD) affects more than 100,000 Americans, with complications such as pain episodes and acute chest syndrome. Despite the efficacy of hydroxyurea in reducing these complications, adherence remains low. Study objectives were to examine barriers to hydroxyurea adherence, and to evaluate the relationship between barriers and their impact on adherence.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, patients with SCD and their caregivers were enrolled if they were taking hydroxyurea. Study measures included demographics, self-report of adherence using visual analog scale (VAS), and the Disease Management and Barriers Interview (DMI)-SCD. The DMI-SCD was mapped to the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, and Behavior (COM-B) model.

RESULTS

Forty-eight caregivers (females 83%, median age 38 [34-43]) and 19 patients (male 53%, median age 15 [13.5-18]) participated. Using VAS, many patients (63%) reported low hydroxyurea adherence, while most caregivers (75%) reported high adherence. Caregivers endorsed barriers across multiple COM-B components, with physical opportunity (e.g., cost) and reflective motivation (e.g., SCD perceptions) being the most identified categories (48% and 42%), respectively. Patients' most identified barriers included psychological capability (e.g., forgetfulness) and reflective motivation (84% and 68%), respectively. Patients' and caregivers' VAS scores negatively correlated with the number of barriers (rs  = -.53, p = .01; rs  = -.28, p = .05) and COM-B categories (rs  = -.51, p = .02; rs  = -.35, p = .01), respectively, suggesting lower adherence with more endorsed barriers.

CONCLUSIONS

Fewer barriers to hydroxyurea adherence were associated with higher adherence. Understanding barriers to adherence is essential to develop tailored interventions aimed at improving adherence.

Using the app "Injurymap" to provide exercise rehabilitation for people with acute lateral ankle sprains seen at the Hospital Emergency Department-A mixed-method pilot study

BACKGROUND

Acute lateral ankle sprains (LAS) account for 4-5% of all Emergency Department (ED) visits. Few patients receive the recommended care of exercise rehabilitation. A simple solution is an exercise app for mobile devices, which can deliver tailored and real-time adaptive exercise programs.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the use and preliminary effect of an app-based exercise program in patients with LAS seen in the Emergency Department at a public hospital.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used an app that delivers evidence-based exercise rehabilitation for LAS using algorithm-controlled progression. Participants were recruited from the ED and followed for four months. Data on app-use and preliminary effect were collected continuously through the exercise app and weekly text-messages. Baseline and follow-up data were collected though an online questionnaire. Semi-structured interviews were performed after participants stopped using the app. Results: Health care professionals provided 485 patients with study information and exercise equipment. Of those, 60 participants chose to enroll in the study and 43 became active users. The active users completed a median of 7 exercise sessions. Most of the active users were very satisfied or satisfied (79%-93%) with the app and 95.7% would recommend it to others. The interviews showed that ankle sprains were considered an innocuous injury that would recover by itself. Several app users expressed they felt insufficiently informed from the ED health care professionals. Only 39% felt recovered when they stopped exercising, and 33% experienced a recurrent sprain in the study period. Conclusion: In this study, only few patients with LAS became active app users after receiving information in the ED about a free app-based rehabilitation program. We speculate the reason for this could be the perception that LAS is an innocuous injury. Most of the patients starting training were satisfied with the app, although few completed enough exercise sessions to realistically impact clinical recovery. Interestingly more than half of the participants did not feel fully recovered when they stopped exercising and one third experienced a recurrent sprain.

TRIAL-IDENTIFIERS

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03550274, preprint (open access): https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.01.31.22269313v1.

Communication strategies to improve human papillomavirus (HPV) immunisation uptake among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Developing countries face the greatest cervical cancer disease burden and mortality with suboptimal immunisation uptake. This review explores the communication strategies adopted, successes, challenges and lessons learnt in sub-Saharan countries to enhance human papillomavirus (HPV) immunisation.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, Hinari, Cochrane Library, Trip database, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus and seven grey resources were searched through May 2022.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

We included observational studies addressing communication strategies for HPV immunisation uptake.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Two independent reviewers used standardised methods to search, screen and code included studies. Data extraction and assessment of risk of bias were done in duplicate to enhance validity of the results. Meta-analysis was conducted using the random-effects model. Findings were summarised and synthesised qualitatively.

RESULTS

Communication intervention to facilitate decision-making achieved uptake rate of 100% (95% CI 0.99% to 1.00%), followed by intervention to enable communication, which achieved 92% (95% CI 0.92% to 0.92%). Communication intervention to inform and educate achieved 90% (95% CI 0.90% to 0.90%).Targeting both healthcare workers and community leaders with the communication intervention achieved 95% (95% CI 0.91% to 0.98%), while teachers and school boards achieved 92% (95% CI 0.84% to 1.01%). Targeting policymakers achieved 86% (95% CI 0.78% to 0.93%).Based on the method of communication intervention delivery, use of training achieved an uptake rate of 85% (95% CI 0.84% to 0.87%); similarly, drama and dance achieved 85% (95% CI 0.84% to 0.86%). However, use of information, education and communication materials achieved 82% (95% CI 0.78% to 0.87%).

CONCLUSION

HPV vaccine communication is critical in ensuring that the community understands the importance of vaccination. The most effective communication strategies included those which educate the population about the HPV vaccine, facilitate decision-making on vaccine uptake and community ownership of the vaccination process immunisation.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42021243683.

Mandatory after-school use of step tracker apps improves physical activity, body composition and fitness of adolescents

Previous scientific research on the use of mobile applications to increase physical activity level and improve health among adolescents does not provide conclusive results, one of the main reasons being the lack of adherence to the intervention after the first weeks. For this reason, the main objectives of the research were to determine the changes produced by a compulsory ten-week period of after-school intervention with mobile step-tracking applications on adolescents' health; and the final objective to compare the benefits obtained by each of the mobile applications. To meet the objectives, a longitudinal study with non-probability convenience sampling was proposed. The sample consisted of 400 adolescents from two public compulsory secondary schools in the Region of Murcia, Spain, whose body composition, level of physical activity, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and physical fitness were measured. The SPSS statistical software was used for statistical analysis. The results showed that adolescents in the experimental group showed a higher level of physical activity and better body composition and physical fitness variables after the intervention compared to the control group, with differences between the different applications used. In conclusion, this research shows the usefulness of mobile applications if they are used in a compulsory way after school hours. The relevance of these results for policymakers lies in the fact that they provide statistical data on the usefulness of mobile applications as an educational resource, being an option to make up for the lack of sufficient physical education teaching hours to meet global physical activity recommendations.

Optimizing Internet Use during Adolescence: eHealth Solutions

Internet offers an immense opportunity as a resource for education, training, and health promotion. This narrative review summarizes the opportunities for health promotion among adolescents through use of the Internet and technology (defined as eHealth). The details of technology and use of Internet for adolescent-health related topics such as nutrition, fitness, sexual health, adventure, and violence were searched through PubMed. The review reports few digital solutions to address key challenges during adolescence like promotion of nutrition and sexual reproductive health, prevention of noncommunicable diseases, substance abuse, and mental health issues. eHealth was concluded as a potential solution for preventive and promotional health practices during adolescence. However, concerns of Internet addiction, safety, privacy, mental health disorders, and misinformation need to be addressed and monitored during adolescence.

Can mHealth campaigns improve CCT outcomes? Experimental evidence from sms-nudges in Indonesia

Employing a clustered RCT this paper examines the short-term impact of a 12-month mHealth BCC campaign on health practices & outcomes among CCT beneficiaries in Indonesia. Our analysis reveals that the intervention led to substantial improvements in maternal health behavior (postnatal care, child vaccinations, hygiene practices) & outcomes (anemia rates). Adopting a heterogeneous treatment effect framework, we further show that improvements in maternal hygiene practices and anemia rates are closely linked to health knowledge gained by mothers through the sms campaign. In contrast, we provide suggestive evidence that improvements in other health indicators are more likely to be related to the reminder and nudge components of the intervention.

Applying technology to promote sexual and reproductive health and prevent gender based violence for adolescents in low and middle-income countries: digital health strategies synthesis from an umbrella review

AIM

Adolescents in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) are facing numerous developmental, sexual and reproductive health (SRH) challenges including exposure to multidimensional violence. Gender-based violence (GBV) specifically intimate partner violence (IPV) are both highly prevalent in LMICs and are strongly linked with poor SRH outcomes. However, GBV and IPV interventions have not yet been adequately integrated in SRH due to individual, social, cultural, service, and resource barriers. To promote long-term SRH, a more holistic approach that integrates GBV and IPV, and adolescent development needs is imperative. Digital health has the potential to address multiple service setup, provision, and addressing access barriers through designing and providing integrated SRH care. However, there are no guidelines for an integrated digital SRH and development promotion for adolescents in LMICs.

METHODS

An umbrella review was conducted to synthesize evidence in three inter-related areas of digital health intervention literature: (i) SRH, (ii) GBV specifically IPV as a subset, and (iii) adolescent development and health promotion. We first synthesize findings for each area of research, then further analyze the implications and opportunities to inform approaches to develop an integrated intervention that can holistically address multiple SRH needs of adolescents in LMICs. Articles published in English, between 2010 and 2020, and from PubMed were included.

RESULTS

Seventeen review articles met our review inclusion criterion. Our primary finding is that application of digital health strategies for adolescent SRH promotion is highly feasible and acceptable. Although effectiveness evidence is insufficient to make strong recommendations for interventions and best practices suggestions, some user-centered design guidelines have been proposed for web-based health information and health application design for adolescent use. Additionally, several digital health strategies have also been identified that can be used to further develop integrated GBV-IPV-SRH-informed services to improve adolescent health outcomes. We generated several recommendations and strategies to guide future digital based SRH promotion research from our review.

CONCLUSIONS

Rigorous research that focuses on intervention effectiveness testing using a combination of digital health strategies and standardized albeit contextualized outcome measures would be important. Methodological improvement such as adoption of longitudinal experimental design will be crucial in generating evidence-based intervention and practice guidelines for adolescents in LMICs.

Adolescents' and professionals' experiences of metabolic and bariatric surgery and requirements for preoperative and postoperative support through mHealth: a qualitative study

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to explore adolescents' and professionals' incentives and experiences of metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) and to explore perceived needs and requirements for preoperative and postoperative support through an mHealth intervention to improve long-term healthy lifestyle behaviour and health outcomes.

DESIGN

An inductive qualitative study using in-depth semistructured interviews.

SETTING

Three hospital-based specialist paediatric obesity treatment units in Sweden.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 18 participants (14 women and 4 men). Nine adolescents aged between 17 and 22 years who had undergone or were about to undergo surgery, and nine professionals, including researchers and clinicians working in various professional roles such as physiotherapist, dietician, nurse, psychologist, physician and pedagogue.

RESULTS

Both informant groups of participants highlighted that undergoing MBS is a complex process, and hence actions are required on several levels to optimise the positive, long-term effects of surgery. Efficient communication between the healthcare professionals and adolescents was considered crucial and a key success factor. Informants acknowledged the need for additional support that relates to psychosocial well-being and mental health in order to understand, form and accept new behaviours and identity. An mHealth intervention should be seen as complementary to physical appointments, and informants acknowledged that an app could be a way of improving access to healthcare, and a useful tool to allow for individually tailored and easily available support.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings address the importance of a personal encounter and a need for additional support that relates to psychosocial well-being, mental health and healthy lifestyle behaviour. These findings should be incorporated into future research concerning mHealth interventions in MBS during adolescence.

Randomized pilot trial of praise text messages to improve medication adherence among adolescents and young adults with liver transplants

BACKGROUND

AYA who have undergone liver transplantations often struggle to adhere to their post-transplant immunosuppressant medications, which can lead to serious health complications. The objective of this pilot study is to examine the acceptability and feasibility of a brief mobile health (mHealth) intervention and its impact on medication adherence among AYA liver transplant recipients.

METHODS

Thirty-five AYAs (13-21 years old) were randomized to either (1) receive praise text messages whenever laboratory results indicated immunosuppressant medications within the expected range or (2) usual care. Motivation for adherence and adherence were assessed via self-report, and a MLVI was calculated based on values abstracted from the electronic health record.

RESULTS

Multilevel, multivariate models showed significant associations between group assignment and some self-reported motivation and adherence outcomes but not MLVI. Specifically, AYA receiving the praise text messages were significantly more likely to report taking their prescribed doses (OR = 2.49, p = .03), taking their medicine according to the directions (OR = 2.39, p = .04), and being highly confident in taking their medication (OR = 2.46, p = .04), compared with the usual services group. Qualitative responses indicated praise texts were mostly helpful but could be improved.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest texting patients about positive health indicators was acceptable and, with refinement, might promote AYA illness self-management.

The Mediation Effect of Attitudes for the Association between Thoughts and the Use of Condoms in a Mobile-App Environment: From Thought to Intention

The ubiquity of mobile devices and access to the internet has changed our daily life and, in some cases, promoted and facilitated social and sexual interrelationships. There are many applications of technology and campaigns promoting healthy behaviors and prevention of sexually transmitted infections. Can we develop a strategy for the same purpose using mobile devices, based on the theory of attitude change? We developed an app and tested it with 105 undergraduate students, where they had to actively think in favor of condom use with a high amount of elaboration, leading to attitudes and behavioral intention (BI) in concordance with contemporary theories about attitudes and behavioral change. PROCESS macro models were used to analyze potential mediations. Results show a significant correlation between thoughts and attitudes, and attitudes partially mediated the association between thoughts and condom use. Individuals with positive thoughts tended to positively correlate their thoughts with their attitudes, and, consequently, these attitudes with their BI. In this study, we showed that (1) it was possible to develop and test an app based on the elaboration likelihood model (ELM); (2) consistent with previous studies, attitudes partially mediated the association between thoughts and condom use (BI) in a mobile environment; and (3) applications of this strategy can be used to build new approaches for prevention in health care.

Promoting Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health in North America Using Free Mobile Apps: Environmental Scan

BACKGROUND

Neglecting adolescents' sexual and reproductive health (SRH) can affect multiple domains of development. Promoting healthy adolescent SRH is increasingly done using mobile phone apps. Providing SRH information via mobile phones can positively influence SRH outcomes including improving knowledge, reducing sexual risk behavior, and increasing the use of health services. A systematic approach to establishing and evaluating the quality of adolescent SRH mobile apps is urgently needed to rigorously evaluate whether they are a viable and effective strategy for reaching adolescents and improving adolescent SRH knowledge and behaviors in particular.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to conduct an environmental scan to produce an inventory of adolescent SRH-specific mobile apps with descriptions of their purpose, structure, operations, and quality of evidence.

METHODS

We used a literature review to develop 15 search terms for adolescent SRH-related apps in the Canadian and US Apple and Google app stores. After generating the search results, inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. Using the remaining apps, we built an evidence table of app information, and app reviewers assessed each included app using the Mobile App Rating Scale. App assessments were then used to highlight trends between apps and identify gaps in app quality.

RESULTS

In total, 2761 apps were identified by our searches, of which 1515 were duplicates. Of the 1246 remaining apps, 15 met the criteria for further assessment. Across all subdomains, on a scale of 1-5, the mean app score was 3.4/5. The Functionality subdomain had the highest mean score of 4.1/5, whereas the Engagement subdomain had the lowest score of 2.9/5. The top 4 apps were Tia: Female Health Advisor (4.7/5), Under the Stethoscope (4.2/5), Condom Credit Card (4.1/5), and Shnet (3.7/5).

CONCLUSIONS

This environmental scan aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the mobile apps developed to promote adolescent SRH knowledge and outcomes. Of the 15 mobile apps available to provide information related to adolescent SRH, few provided comprehensive, reliable, and evidence-based SRH information. Areas of strength included the apps' gestural design, performance, ease of use, and navigation. Areas of weakness included app goals, evidence base, and app customization options. These results can be used to conduct future studies evaluating the use and efficacy of mobile apps on health knowledge and behaviors and promote adolescent SRH.

Motivational brief interventions for adolescents and young adults with Internet use disorders: A randomized-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Adolescents and young adults (AYA) have an increased risk for Internet use disorders (IUD) compared to older individuals that may lead to functional impairments in daily life. To date, evidence-based brief interventions are lacking. This study aimed to test the efficacy of a low-threshold counseling approach based on Motivational Interviewing (MI) in a vocational school setting.

METHODS

Of 8.230 vocational students (age M=20.56, SD=4.68; 51.85% female) being proactively screened for IUD, 937 with positive screenings took part in telephone-based diagnostic interviews. IUD were assessed in line with the criteria of the Internet Gaming Disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5). Readiness to change, self-efficacy, and impairments in daily life were additionally assessed with standardized screening instruments. Participants fulfilling at least two IUD criteria were randomized to the intervention group (n=240, up to three MI-based counseling sessions via telephone) or the control group (n=257, information brochure on responsible Internet use). Follow-up interviews were conducted after five and ten months. The primary outcome was the reduction of IUD criteria. Secondary outcomes were improvements of readiness/ self-efficacy to change and the reduction of daily impairments. Data were analyzed with Intention-to-Treat (ITT) and complier average causal effect (CACE) analyses.

RESULTS

Overall, 153 (63.75%) individuals assigned to the intervention group participated at least in one counseling session (=compliers). Both groups reduced the number of IUD criteria over time. In ITT analyses, however, we did not find intervention effects for primary and secondary outcomes. Bayes statistics were inconclusive. Based on low participation rates in the intervention group, explorative CACE analyses were conducted to compare compliers in the intervention group to potential compliers in the control group. Again, we did not find intervention effects apart from improvements in self-efficacy after five months.

DISCUSSION

Telephone-based counseling seems not appropriate to address AYA at risk for IUD. Low participation rates in the intervention group caused underpowered analyses. Besides, dealing with the own Internet use during intensive assessments and receiving an information brochure led to behavioral changes also in the control group. Since the efficacy of brief interventions under the condition of higher participation rates cannot be fully ruled out, further research is required by taking the implications of this study into account.

Adherence to Iron Chelation Therapy among Adults with Thalassemia: A Systematic Review

Iron chelation therapy (ICT) is essential to prevent complications of iron overload in patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia. However, the role that adherence to ICT plays in health-related outcomes is less well known. Our objectives were to identify adherence rates of ICT, and to assess methods of measurement, predictors of adherence, and adherence-related health outcomes in the literature published between 1980 and 2020. Of 543 articles, 43 met the inclusion criteria. Studies measured ICT adherence, predictors, and/or outcomes associated with adherence. Most studies were across multiple countries in Europe and North America (n = 8/43, 18.6%), recruited in clinics (n = 39/43, 90.7%), and focused on β-thalassemia (β-thal) (n = 25/43, 58.1%). Common methods of assessing ICT adherence included patient self-report (n = 24/43, 55.8%), pill count (n = 9/43, 20.9%), prescription refill history (n = 3/43, 7.0%), provider scoring (n = 3/43, 7.0%), and combinations of methods (n = 4/43, 9.3%). Studies reported adherence either in 'categories' with different levels of adherence (n = 24) or 'quantitatively' as a percentage of doses of medication taken out of those prescribed (n = 17). Adherence levels varied (median 91.7%, range 42.0-99.97%). Studies varied in sample size and methods of adherence assessment and reporting, which prohibited meta-analysis. Due to a lack of consensus on how adherence is defined, it is difficult to compare ICT adherence reporting. Further research is needed to establish guidelines for assessing adherence and identifying suboptimal adherence. Behavioral digital interventions have the potential to optimize ICT adherence and health outcomes.

The Aim2Be mHealth Intervention for Children With Overweight or Obesity and Their Parents: Person-Centered Analyses to Uncover Digital Phenotypes

Background

Despite the growing number of mobile health (mHealth) interventions targeting childhood obesity, few studies have characterized user typologies derived from individuals’ patterns of interactions with specific app features (digital phenotypes).

Objective

This study aims to identify digital phenotypes among 214 parent-child dyads who used the Aim2Be mHealth app as part of a randomized controlled trial conducted between 2019 and 2020, and explores whether participants’ characteristics and health outcomes differed across phenotypes.

Methods

Latent class analysis was used to identify distinct parent and child phenotypes based on their use of the app’s behavioral, gamified, and social features over 3 months. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to assess whether the phenotypes differed by demographic characteristics. Covariate-adjusted mixed-effect models evaluated changes in BMI z scores (zBMI), diet, physical activity, and screen time across phenotypes.

Results

Among parents, 5 digital phenotypes were identified: socially engaged (35/214, 16.3%), independently engaged (18/214, 8.4%) (socially and independently engaged parents are those who used mainly the social or the behavioral features of the app, respectively), fully engaged (26/214, 12.1%), partially engaged (32/214, 15%), and unengaged (103/214, 48.1%) users. Married parents were more likely to be fully engaged than independently engaged (P=.02) or unengaged (P=.01) users. Socially engaged parents were older than fully engaged (P=.02) and unengaged (P=.01) parents. The latent class analysis revealed 4 phenotypes among children: fully engaged (32/214, 15%), partially engaged (61/214, 28.5%), dabblers (42/214, 19.6%), and unengaged (79/214, 36.9%) users. Fully engaged children were younger than dabblers (P=.04) and unengaged (P=.003) children. Dabblers lived in higher-income households than fully and partially engaged children (P=.03 and P=.047, respectively). Fully engaged children were more likely to have fully engaged (P<.001) and partially engaged (P<.001) parents than unengaged children. Compared with unengaged children, fully and partially engaged children had decreased total sugar (P=.006 and P=.004, respectively) and energy intake (P=.03 and P=.04, respectively) after 3 months of app use. Partially engaged children also had decreased sugary beverage intake compared with unengaged children (P=.03). Similarly, children with fully engaged parents had decreased zBMI, whereas children with unengaged parents had increased zBMI over time (P=.005). Finally, children with independently engaged parents had decreased caloric intake, whereas children with unengaged parents had increased caloric intake over time (P=.02).

Conclusions

Full parent-child engagement is critical for the success of mHealth interventions. Further research is needed to understand program design elements that can affect participants’ engagement in supporting behavior change.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03651284; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03651284

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

RR2-10.1186/s13063-020-4080-2

A Systematic Review of Adherence to Immunosuppression among Pediatric Heart Transplant Patients

After pediatric heart transplant, commitment to lifelong immunosuppression is crucial to maintaining graft health. However, a review of the current literature surrounding adherence to immunosuppression in pediatric heart transplant patients is lacking. This systematic review aims to summarize the current landscape of adherence to immunosuppression in pediatric heart transplant patients. We conducted searches in PubMed MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL register of Controlled Trials (Wiley), and Scopus, from inception to March 2020. Studies were eligible if they outlined an aspect of adherence to immunosuppression and the measurement of adherence was performed with an objective or otherwise validated measure of adherence (e.g., drug levels, adherence questionnaires). The titles/abstracts of 880 articles were reviewed. After initial screening, 106 articles underwent full text review. As such, 14 articles were included in the final review. Baseline adherence estimates varied greatly, with most values between 40% and 70%. Nonadherence to immunosuppression is associated with worse outcomes (rejection, hospitalization, mortality), impaired quality of life, and mental health concerns in pediatric heart transplant patients. As nonadherence to immunosuppression is common and associated with worse outcomes, there is a need for further development and evaluation of interventions in this space.

Does Digital Literacy Empower Adolescent Girls in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review

Background: The vast majority (90%) of the world's adolescents aged 10–19 live in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs); and in those resource-limited settings, girls face distinct challenges across multiple health, social, and economic domains. Gender equality and girls' empowerment are key goals in their own right and are central to all other development goals. Digital literacy is a great enabler for the empowerment of young girls. This systematic review aims to assess the range and nature of digital literacy interventions implemented to empower adolescent girls in LMICs and identify evidence about adolescent girls' access and use of digital technologies in LMICs.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review of studies following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) standards for systematic reviews. Two reviewers selected studies, conducted quality assessments, and extracted data by using standard forms. The collected data include the design of the study, type of digital literacy intervention, target audience, intervention received, intervention reach, data analysis, and study outcomes. The review is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020216756).

Results: Thirty-five studies met the eligibility for inclusion and of those, 11 were experimental studies (randomized controlled trial = 6; quasi-experimental = 2; before-after with no control = 3), 11 were cross-sectional/descriptive studies, seven studies used a mixed-method approach, and six were qualitative studies on digital literacy interventions to empower young girls in LMICs. The majority of digital literacy interventions were designed and implemented to improve sexual and reproductive health rights and decision-making of adolescent girls in LMICs (n = 33). Only three papers reported the use of digital media for health-related information and decision making, while only one reported on educational and social empowerment.

Discussion: Our findings suggest that digital literacy interventions such as mobile phones, mobile health tools, media exposure, access to the internet, internet-based educational strategies, social media exposure are effective to empower adolescent girls to access health services and information and also enhance the access to educational resources. However, we found inconclusive evidence on the effectiveness of digital literacy to enhance girls' access to financial services and economic empowerment. More rigorous studies with long-term follow-ups to assess the effectiveness of such interventions to empower adolescent girls in LMICs are urgently needed.

User-Centered Development and Testing of the Online Patient-Reported Outcomes, Burdens, and Experiences (PROBE) Survey and the myPROBE App and Integration With the Canadian Bleeding Disorder Registry: Mixed Methods Study

Background

The Patient-Reported Outcomes, Burdens, and Experiences (PROBE) questionnaire is a tool for assessing the quality of life and disease burden in people living with hemophilia.

Objective

The objectives of our study were (1) to assess the needs of relevant stakeholders involved in the use of PROBE, (2) to develop the software infrastructure needed to meet these needs, and (3) to test the usability of the final product.

Methods

We conducted a series of semistructured interviews of relevant stakeholders, including PROBE investigators, people with hemophilia, and representatives of the sponsor. Based on these, we developed an online survey and a mobile app for iOS and Android. A user group evaluated the final product using the System Usability Scale (SUS) and an open feedback framework.

Results

The online survey was updated, and the myPROBE app for mobile devices and a new application programming interface were developed. The app was tested and modified according to user feedback over multiple cycles. The final version of the app was released in July 2019. Seventeen users aged 23 to 67 years evaluated the final version of the app using the SUS. The median (first, third quartile) SUS score for the app was 85 (68, 88) out of 100. The newly introduced functionalities were as follows: (1) capability to longitudinally track repeated fillings of the questionnaire at different time points by the same participant (as opposed to anonymous completion); (2) linking of the questionnaire with hemophilia registries, starting with the Canadian Bleeding Disorders Registry as a proof of concept; (3) removing or adding questions as needed; and (4) sending notifications to the users (eg, reminders). A new secure database was built for securely storing personal information separately from the questionnaire data. The PROBE online survey is currently available in 96 countries and 34 languages.

Conclusions

The online survey was updated successfully, and the myPROBE app was developed, with a SUS score of 85 (out of 100). The app has been released in 81 countries and 34 languages. This will facilitate data collection for research and advocacy purposes, and the use of this tool in everyday clinical practice.

Acceptability of the Brushing RemInder 4 Good oral HealTh (BRIGHT) trial intervention: a qualitative study of perspectives of young people and school staff

Background

The Brushing RemInder 4 Good oral HealTh (BRIGHT) trial is investigating the clinical and cost-effectiveness of a multi-component behaviour change intervention to reduce the prevalence of dental caries in young people from deprived areas aged 11–13 years. Mobile health has gained popularity in delivering behaviour change interventions for improving oral health. The intervention, based on behaviour change theory, consists of two components; a single classroom-based session embedded in the school curriculum and a series of follow-up text messages (SMS) delivered twice daily to participants. This element of the process evaluation aimed to explore the acceptability of the BRIGHT intervention for pupils and school staff.

Methods

Qualitative study, based on the concept of acceptability. Focus groups were conducted with 50 pupils, from six secondary schools across the UK, who had received the intervention. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 members of staff. Purposive maximum variation sampling was used. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using a framework approach.

Results

In line with the theoretical framework of acceptability, affective attitude, perceived effectiveness, ethicality, burden and self-efficacy were identified as factors that affect the acceptability of the BRIGHT intervention. Pupil participants appreciated learning about the consequences of inadequate brushing particularly the photographs of carious teeth during the classroom-based session. More detailed information on brushing techniques and follow-up lessons on oral health were recommended by pupils. In terms of the SMS, the data suggest that pupil participants found them to be helpful reminders for brushing their teeth. To further improve acceptability, more choice over the timing of the messages and greater interactivity to reduce tedium were suggested. Staff participants recognised the value of the lesson and reported that in general the content was suitable for their pupils. Having the lesson material prepared for them, having the necessary support and whether it was included in the curriculum, were factors that improved acceptability.

Conclusion

Overall, pupils and staff found the BRIGHT intervention acceptable and made some suggestions which could be adopted in any subsequent implementation of the intervention.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12903-022-02073-w.

A multiple technology-based physical activity intervention for Latina adolescents in the USA: randomized controlled trial study protocol for Chicas Fuertes

Background

Latina adolescents in the USA report some of the lowest rates of physical activity of any demographic subgroup; this is paralleled by a markedly higher lifetime risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other conditions related to inactivity. Despite this, to date, no fully powered clinical trials have tested physical activity interventions specifically for this population. High use of mobile technologies (including text messages, smartphone apps, and social media) suggests this could be an appropriate intervention channel, while also having potential for broad reach. This paper describes the protocol for Chicas Fuertes, a fully powered randomized trial of a mobile technology-based physical activity intervention for Latina adolescents.

Methods

We plan to recruit 200 Latina teens (age 13–18) in San Diego, CA, currently engaging in ≤ 150 min/week of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) to be assigned 1:1 to the intervention or control groups. Those randomly assigned to the intervention group receive a one-on-one goal setting session followed by 6 months of mobile technology-based intervention, including a personalized website, Fitbit activity tracker and app, individually tailored text messages based on Fitbit data, and daily intervention content on Instagram. Those randomized to the control group receive only a Fitbit activity tracker. The main outcome is change in weekly minutes of MVPA from baseline to 6 months, measured both objectively (ActiGraph accelerometers and Fitbit Inspire HR) and subjectively (7-Day Physical Activity Recall Interview). Additional outcomes are maintenance of activity change at 12 months and changes in psychosocial constructs, including social support and self-efficacy, engagement with mobile technology channels, and costs of intervention delivery. We are also examining the potential mediators and moderators of the intervention. The efficacy of the intervention is analyzed using a mixed effects regression model, adjusting for any potential confounders not balanced by randomization. All analyses of accelerometer measured MVPA are also adjusted for wear time.

Discussion

The Chicas Fuertes trial uses widely available mobile technologies to target critical health behavior, physical activity, in Latina teens, a population with a high lifetime risk of lifestyle-related diseases. The results will speak to the efficacy and acceptability of the intervention, which has the potential for broad dissemination.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.govNCT04190225. Registered on November 20, 2019

Designing an App for Immunosuppression Adherence and Communication: A Qualitative Approach

Background:

Immunosuppression nonadherence may be the most important factor limiting long-term allograft survival.

Objective:

Following user-centered design, we explored the essential priorities and preferences of kidney transplant recipients and healthcare providers (HCP) to inform development of a smartphone app to improve immunosuppression adherence and communication.

Design:

A qualitative descriptive research design was used.

Setting:

The University of Alberta Hospital adult kidney transplant program in Edmonton, Canada.

Participants:

Participants were recruited by convenience sampling and included 32 kidney transplant recipients and 11 HCPs.

Methods:

Seven focus groups (5 with recipients and 2 with HCPs) were conducted to inform app development. Sessions were recorded, and transcripts were coded to elucidate themes.

Results:

App development to improve adherence was not a priority for HCP. Recipients prioritized choice: that all features be optional. Recipients preferred support while traveling; access to laboratory results; and use by younger or newly transplanted recipients. Both recipients and HCP preferred linkage to pharmacy; and self-management and accountability. For the app to improve communication, HCPs believed the priorities to be addressed included: clarity on scope of app; legal, ethical, and professional obligations; and charting. Both recipients and HCP prioritized HCP workload, and broader medication and health concerns. Healthcare providers preferred tech support; both recipients and HCPs preferred app access for nontransplant HCP.

Limitations:

Limitations include underrepresentation of physicians, recipients with racial/ethnic diversity, and potential selection bias of transplant recipients who perceived themselves to be adhering to immunosuppression medications.

Conclusion:

Future research is needed for the app to become a comprehensive, secure platform for broader communication between recipients and HCP, pharmacies, and nontransplant clinicians while streamlining HCP workload.

Validating Accuracy of a Mobile Application against Food Frequency Questionnaire on Key Nutrients with Modern Diets for mHealth Era

In preparation for personalized nutrition, an accurate assessment of dietary intakes on key essential nutrients using smartphones can help promote health and reduce health risks across vulnerable populations. We, therefore, validated the accuracy of a mobile application (app) against Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) using artificial intelligence (AI) machine-learning-based analytics, assessing key macro- and micro-nutrients across various modern diets. We first used Bland and Altman analysis to identify and visualize the differences between the two measures. We then applied AI-based analytics to enhance prediction accuracy, including generalized regression to identify factors that contributed to the differences between the two measures. The mobile app underestimated most macro- and micro-nutrients compared to FFQ (ranges: -5% for total calories, -19% for cobalamin, -33% for vitamin E). The average correlations between the two measures were 0.87 for macro-nutrients and 0.84 for micro-nutrients. Factors that contributed to the differences between the two measures using total calories as an example, included caloric range (1000-2000 versus others), carbohydrate, and protein; for cobalamin, included caloric range, protein, and Chinese diet. Future studies are needed to validate actual intakes and reporting of various diets, and to examine the accuracy of mobile App. Thus, a mobile app can be used to support personalized nutrition in the mHealth era, considering adjustments with sources that could contribute to the inaccurate estimates of nutrients.

Digital interventions in mental health: evidence syntheses and economic modelling

BACKGROUND

Economic evaluations provide evidence on whether or not digital interventions offer value for money, based on their costs and outcomes relative to the costs and outcomes of alternatives.

OBJECTIVES

(1) Evaluate and summarise published economic studies about digital interventions across different technologies, therapies, comparators and mental health conditions; (2) synthesise clinical evidence about digital interventions for an exemplar mental health condition; (3) construct an economic model for the same exemplar mental health condition using the previously synthesised clinical evidence; and (4) consult with stakeholders about how they understand and assess the value of digital interventions.

METHODS

We completed four work packages: (1) a systematic review and quality assessment of economic studies about digital interventions; (2) a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials on digital interventions for generalised anxiety disorder; (3) an economic model and value-of-information analysis on digital interventions for generalised anxiety disorder; and (4) a series of knowledge exchange face-to-face and digital seminars with stakeholders.

RESULTS

In work package 1, we reviewed 76 economic evaluations: 11 economic models and 65 within-trial analyses. Although the results of the studies are not directly comparable because they used different methods, the overall picture suggests that digital interventions are likely to be cost-effective, compared with no intervention and non-therapeutic controls, whereas the value of digital interventions compared with face-to-face therapy or printed manuals is unclear. In work package 2, we carried out two network meta-analyses of 20 randomised controlled trials of digital interventions for generalised anxiety disorder with a total of 2350 participants. The results were used to inform our economic model, but when considered on their own they were inconclusive because of the very wide confidence intervals. In work package 3, our decision-analytic model found that digital interventions for generalised anxiety disorder were associated with lower net monetary benefit than medication and face-to-face therapy, but greater net monetary benefit than non-therapeutic controls and no intervention. Value for money was driven by clinical outcomes rather than by intervention costs, and a value-of-information analysis suggested that uncertainty in the treatment effect had the greatest value (£12.9B). In work package 4, stakeholders identified several areas of benefits and costs of digital interventions that are important to them, including safety, sustainability and reducing waiting times. Four factors may influence their decisions to use digital interventions, other than costs and outcomes: increasing patient choice, reaching underserved populations, enabling continuous care and accepting the 'inevitability of going digital'.

LIMITATIONS

There was substantial uncertainty around effect estimates of digital interventions compared with alternatives. This uncertainty was driven by the small number of studies informing most comparisons, the small samples in some of these studies and the studies' high risk of bias.

CONCLUSIONS

Digital interventions may offer good value for money as an alternative to 'doing nothing' or 'doing something non-therapeutic' (e.g. monitoring or having a general discussion), but their added value compared with medication, face-to-face therapy and printed manuals is uncertain. Clinical outcomes rather than intervention costs drive 'value for money'.

FUTURE WORK

There is a need to develop digital interventions that are more effective, rather than just cheaper, than their alternatives.

STUDY REGISTRATION

This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42018105837.

FUNDING

This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 26, No. 1. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

Educators' Perspectives on Integrating Technology Into Sexual Health Education: Implementation Study

Background

In the last decade, the use of technology-based sexual health education has increased. Multiple studies have shown the feasibility of technology-based interventions, while a subset has also shown efficacy in improving youths’ sexual health outcomes such as increased condom use and knowledge. However, little is known about health educators’ experiences in integrating technology to augment sexual health curricula.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to assess the perceptions and experiences of health educators regarding the incorporation of technology into a sexual health education program designed for underserved youth in Fresno County, California, and to identify facilitators and challenges to incorporating technology into the in-person curriculum.

Methods

This implementation study used data collected as part of a cluster randomized controlled trial to evaluate In the Know (ITK), an in-person sexual health education curriculum that includes technology-based content, such as a resource locator, videos, and games, which can be accessed through a mobile app or website. Data from implementation logs from each cohort (n=51) and annual interviews (n=8) with health educators were analyzed to assess the health educators’ experiences using the technology and adaptations made during the implementation.

Results

The health educators reported that technological issues affected implementation to some degree: 87% of the time in the first year, which decreased to 47% in the third year as health educators’ familiarity with the app increased and functionality improved. Technology issues were also more common in non–school settings. Successes and challenges in 3 domains emerged: managing technology, usability of the ITK app, and youth engagement. The health educators generally had positive comments about the app and youth engagement with the technology-based content and activities; however, they also noted certain barriers to adolescents’ use of the mobile app including limited data storage and battery life on mobile phones.

Conclusions

Health educators require training and support to optimize technology as a resource for engaging with youth and providing sensitive information. Although technology is often presented as a solution to reach underserved populations, educational programs should consider the technological needs and limitations of the participants, educators, and settings.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

RR2-10.2196/18060

Mental Health Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Children and Adolescents: What Do We Know so Far?

The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented time in global history and has many emerging challenges and consequences. While much of the world was focused on the physiological effects and medical interventions or preventions, this article highlights the effects on pediatric mental health. While research is still ongoing, preliminary data suggest a significant impact on the psychosocial wellbeing of the pediatric population. This article hopes to highlight the underlying etiology for this effect and possible mitigations including emphasis on mHealth as well as the future of telemedicine.

Qualidade de aplicativos móveis sobre prevenção e controle da sífilis

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a qualidade dos aplicativos móveis sobre prevenção e controle da sífilis. Métodos Estudo descritivo e avaliativo dos aplicativos para dispositivos móveis em ambientes virtuais. A busca foi operacionalizada no período de janeiro a fevereiro de 2020, nas plataformas Android e IOS. Foi definida a questão norteadora: “Qual a qualidade dos aplicativos móveis sobre prevenção e controle da sífilis disponíveis em lojas virtuais?”. As palavras-chaves “Sífilis”, “Syphilis” e “prevenção da sífilis” foram utilizadas como estratégia de pesquisa nas lojas. Os aplicativos foram avaliados por três autores, por meio da Mobile App Rating Scale, voltada para avaliação da qualidade de aplicativos móveis em saúde. Os dados foram apresentados em quadros sinópticos e tabelas. Resultados Dez aplicativos foram incluídos, todos disponíveis gratuitamente somente para o sistema operacional Android. A média geral dos aplicativos foi de 2,8, não atingindo a pontuação mínima de aceitabilidade de 3,0. O engajamento dos aplicativos foi avaliado com média 2,2, funcionalidade com 3,7, estética com 2,8 e as informações contidas nos aplicativos com média 2,6. Conclusão e implicações para a prática Evidenciou-se que a qualidade dos aplicativos sobre sífilis deve ser melhorada. Urge a necessidade de avaliação da eficácia dessas intervenções para prevenção e controle da sífilis.

'It provides practical tips, practical solutions!': acceptability, usability, and satisfaction of a digital parenting intervention across African countries

The parenting evidence base is well established, and the question is how best to transfer the evidence to an app. App-based interventions could expand access to evidence-based parenting support; however, current provision lacks rigorous evidence, shows low user engagement, and is primarily for commercial gain. This study aimed at testing the feasibility and acceptability of ParentApp for Teens, an open-source, mobile parenting intervention application based on the Parenting for Lifelong Health Teens programme targeting parents of teens. The objective was to gather feedback from users on the relevance, acceptability, satisfaction, and usability of ParentApp for Teens across contexts in Africa, and subsequently, use the feedback to improve the app experience for target users. Caregivers and their adolescents aged 10-17 years, from nine different countries, were purposefully selected for user testing. The study involved 18 caregivers participating in the programme by using the app for 13 weeks and providing feedback on it through remote, semi-structured interviews that explored the app's acceptability and usability. Adolescents of six caregivers were also interviewed. Data were analysed thematically. Participants expressed a high level of satisfaction with the app's content and described it as easy to use and useful. However, views on the app's animated characters varied. Although effectiveness was not a primary aim of the user testing, several caregivers commented that they perceived their participation in the study had helped to enforce positive parenting skills in themselves. Adolescents' data supported the caregivers' reports of less harsh parenting and improved relationships between caregivers and their children due to the caregivers' participation in the study. Findings indicate the app could be relevant and acceptable in participants' communities, but possible barriers to its uptake may be lack of android smartphones, lack of data for app download, and inability of non-literate caregivers to read the content.

Are caregivers ready for digital? Caregiver preferences for health technology tools to monitor medication adherence among patients with serious mental illness

Background

Adherence to antipsychotic medication is critical for bipolar disorder (BPD), major depression (MDD) and schizophrenia (SCZ) patients. Digital tools have emerged to monitor medication adherence along with tracking general health. Evidence on physician or patient preferences for such tools exists but is limited among caregivers. The study objective was to assess preferences and willingness-to-pay (WTP) for medication adherence monitoring tools among caregivers of SMI patients.

Methods

A web-based survey was administered to caregivers of adult SMI patients. Twelve discrete choice questions comparing adherence monitoring tools that varied across two attribute bundles: (1) tool attributes including source of medication adherence information, frequency of information updates, access to adherence information, and physical activity, mood, and rest tracking, and (2) caregiver monthly out-of-pocket cost attribute were administered to caregiver respondents. Attributes were parameterized for both digital and non-digital tools. Random utility models were used to estimate caregivers’ preferences and WTP.

Results

Among 184 study-eligible caregivers, 57, 61 and 66 participants cared for BPD, MDD, and SCZ patients, respectively. Caregivers highly preferred (odds ratio (OR): 7.34, 95% confidence interval (CI): 5.00–10.79) a tool that tracked medication ingestion using a pill embedded with an ingestible event market (IEM) sensor and tracked patients’ physical activity, mood, and rest than a non-digital pill organizer. Additionally, caregivers were willing to pay $255 per month (95% CI: $123–$387) more for this tool compared to a pill organizer.

Conclusion

Caregivers of SMI patients highly preferred and were willing to pay more for digital tools that not only measures medication ingestion but also tracks general health.

Usability and effectiveness of adherence monitoring of a mobile app designed to monitor and improve adherence to event-driven and daily HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis among men who have sex with men in Taiwan

Objective

The UPrEPU mobile app is a self-monitoring system to enable men who have sex with men to optimize their pre-exposure prophylaxis adherence for HIV prevention. The app was designed to accommodate a rather complicated event-driven dosing schedule. We aim to evaluate the usability of the UPrEPU app and its effectiveness in improving adherence monitoring.

Methods

From May to October 2020, 35 participants were enrolled for the usability study and followed up for 4 months. Blood samples for the drug concentration in the dried blood spots were obtained once during the second to fourth follow-up visits. The effectiveness of adherence monitoring was analyzed using Cohen's kappa statistic to calculate the concordance between the average number of pills taken and drug concentration in the dried blood spots.

Results

Overall retention was 91.4% (32 participants) at the end of the study. Participants used the app for a mean of 29 days and made 2565 data entries in total, with an average of 76 data entries. The average systematic usability scale score for the app was 71.5, indicating acceptable usability. Slight agreement was reached between the dried blood spots measurement and the number of pills taken and recorded in the app (weighted kappa: 0.21).

Conclusions

Our user-centered UPrEPU app demonstrated that it could accommodate both daily and event-driven dosing schedules for men who have sex with men clients with acceptable usability scores. We confirmed that complex behaviors such as different drug-dosing regimens that are contingent on sexual behaviors could be incorporated into the design of a mobile app.

Effectiveness and Usability of Digital Tools to Support Dietary Self-Management of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review

Advice on dietary intake is an essential first line intervention for the management of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Digital tools such as web-based and smartphone apps have been suggested to provide a novel way of providing information on diet for optimal glucose regulation in women with GDM. This systematic review explores the effectiveness and usability of digital tools designed to support dietary self-management of GDM. A systematic search of Medline, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Cochrane Library, and Scopus using key search terms identified 1476 papers reporting research studies, of which 16 met the specified inclusion criteria. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the ErasmusAGE Quality Score or the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) version 2018. The findings show that the adoption of digital tools may be an effective approach to support self-management relating to healthy diet, health behaviour, and adherence to therapy in women with GDM as a usable intervention. However, there is a lack of evidence concerning the effectiveness of tools to support the dietary management of GDM. Consideration for ethnic specific dietary advice and evidence-based frameworks in the development of effective digital tools for dietary management of GDM should be considered as these aspects have been limited in the studies reviewed.

Behavioral Theories and Motivational Features Underlying eHealth Interventions for Adolescent Antiretroviral Adherence: Systematic Review

Background

eHealth systems provide new opportunities for the delivery of antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence interventions for adolescents. They may be more effective if grounded in health behavior theories and behavior change techniques (BCTs). Prior reviews have examined the effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of these eHealth systems. However, studies have not systematically explored the use of health behavior theories and BCTs in the design of these applications.

Objective

The purpose of this review was to explore whether health behavior theories and BCTs were considered to ground designs of eHealth systems supporting adolescents’ (10-24 years) ART adherence. More specifically, we examined which specific theories and BCTs were applied, and how these BCTs were implemented as design features. Additionally, we investigated the quality and effect of eHealth systems.

Methods

A systematic search was performed on IEEE Xplore, ACM, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases from 2000 to 2020. Theory use and BCTs were coded using the Theory Coding Scheme and the Behavior Change Technique Taxonomy version 1 (BCTTv1), respectively. Design features were identified using the lenses of motivational design for mobile health (mHealth). The number of BCTs and design features for each eHealth system and their prevalence across all systems were assessed.

Results

This review identified 16 eHealth systems aiming to support ART adherence among adolescents. System types include SMS text message reminders (n=6), phone call reminders (n=3), combined SMS text message and phone call reminders (n=1), electronic adherence monitoring devices (n=3), smartphone apps (n=1), smartphone serious games (n=1), gamified smartphone apps (n=1), leveraging existing social media (n=2), web-based applications (n=1), videoconferencing (n=1), and desktop applications (n=1). Nine were grounded in theory, of which 3 used theories extensively. The impact of adolescent developmental changes on ART adherence was not made explicit. A total of 42 different BCTs and 24 motivational design features were used across systems. Ten systems reported positive effects on 1 or more outcomes; however, of these ten systems, only 3 reported exclusively positive effects on all the outcomes they measured. As much as 6 out of 16 reported purely no effect in all the outcomes measured.

Conclusions

Basic applications (SMS text messaging and phone calls) were most frequent, although more advanced systems such as mobile apps and games are also emerging. This review indicated gaps in the use of theory and BCTs, and particularly the impact of developmental changes on ART adherence was not adequately considered. Together with adopting a developmental orientation, future eHealth systems should effectively leverage health theories and consider developing more advanced systems that open the door to using BCTs more comprehensively. Overall, the impact of eHealth systems on adolescent ART adherence and its mediators is promising, but conclusive evidence on effect still needs to be provided.

Effectiveness of mobile health-based self-management application for posttransplant cares: A systematic review

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Patients after transplantation need medical management for the rest of their lives, and self-management seems to lead to greater adherence to medical standards, improve early physical changes, and increase patient empowerment. The main objective of this article is to systematic review of the consideration to mobile health applications (m-Health apps) used in transplantation.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted MEDLINE (through PubMed), Web of Science, Scopus, and Science Direct from inception to November 2020. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement was used in this study. Comprehensive research was carried out using a combination of keywords and MeSH terms associated with m-Health, empowerment, self-management, and transplantation. Two independent reviewers screened titles and abstracts, assessed full-text articles, and extracted data from articles that met inclusion criteria. Eligible studies were original research articles that included posttransplant care and mobile phone-based applications to support self-management and self-care. Also, thesis, book chapters, letters to editors, short briefs, reports, technical reports, book reviews, systematic reviews, or meta-analysis were excluded.

RESULTS

We divided all the reviewed articles into four categories, self-management (medication adherence, adherence to medical regimen, and remote monitoring), evaluation, interaction, and interface; 37.5% of the studies were focused on lung transplantation. In 56.25% of the studies, medication adherence was considered because one of the main reasons for the rejection and graft loss is stated medication nonadherence. Also, 62.5% of the studies demonstrated that the use of m-health improved medication adherence and self-management in transplantation.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of m-Health apps interventions to self-management after transplantation has shown promising feasibility and acceptability, and there is modest evidence to support the efficacy of these interventions. We found that m-Health solutions can help the patient in self-management in many ways after transplantation.

Adaptation of a Theory-Based Social Networking and Gamified App-Based Intervention to Improve Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Adherence Among Young Men Who Have Sex With Men in Bangkok, Thailand: Qualitative Study

BACKGROUND

HIV disproportionately affects young Thai men who have sex with men (YMSM). Recent studies report a high incidence and prevalence of HIV among Thai YMSM. The Thai national guidelines have recommended pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) since 2014 for key populations; free PrEP has been piloted since 2019. Smartphone-based mobile health (mHealth) interventions provide an optimal platform for innovative PrEP adherence interventions for Thai YMSM.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to adapt the P3 (Prepared, Protected, emPowered) app, developed with YMSM and transwomen in the United States to improve PrEP adherence and persistence for YMSM in Thailand. The app aims to provide daily adherence support and addresses gaps in staff available for large-scale PrEP rollout needed to see population-level effects of HIV prevention.

METHODS

We conducted focus group discussions (FGDs) with YMSM and key informant interviews (KIIs) with PrEP care providers in Bangkok, Thailand, to investigate PrEP adherence facilitators and barriers, preferences for functions and features in mHealth apps among YMSM, and how to best adapt the P3 app to the Thai context. We conducted four FGDs with 4-8 participants per group and 15 KIIs.

RESULTS

For FGDs, 23 YMSM participated with a mean age of 20 years (range 18-21), 96% (22/23) enrolled in full-time education, and all owned smartphones. The mean age of KII participants was 40 (range 26-60) years; most were state health service providers, with the majority being counselors (6/15, 40%) and physicians (6/15, 40%). Overall, the facilitators and barriers for PrEP adherence identified were similar to those of MSM and YMSM globally including the United States. Key themes included general recommendations for improving mHealth apps in Thailand, such as presenting reliable information in an appealing format, minimizing privacy risks, and addressing connectivity challenges. Additional themes focused on P3 Thailand adaptations and were related to cultural and stylistic preferences, engagement strategies, and recommendations for new functions. To develop the adapted app, P3 Thailand, these findings were balanced with resource limitations resulting in the prioritization of minor modifications: changes in app esthetics (color scheme, iconography, and imagery) and changes in the presentation of information in two of the app's features. FGDs identified similar PrEP adherence facilitators and barriers to those already addressed within the app.

CONCLUSIONS

The core elements of the P3 app address major PrEP facilitators and barriers for Thai YMSM; however, changes to the app features, including stylistic presentation, were needed to appropriately customize the app to the Thai context. Given the similarities of facilitators and barriers for PrEP adherence globally, adapting existing PrEP mHealth solutions based on input from end users and key informants provides a promising approach. However, partnerships with local app designers and developers can improve the adaptation process and final product.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04413708; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04413708.

Developing an Online Tool to Promote Safe Sun Behaviors With Young Teenagers as Co-researchers

Despite education about the risks of excessive sun exposure, teenagers in Australia are sun-seeking, with sunburn common in summer. Conversely, some regular (time-limited) exposure to sunlight (that avoids sunburn) is necessary for vitamin D and healthy bones and other molecules important for immune and metabolic health. New interventions are thus required to better support teenagers to make healthy and balanced decisions about their sun behaviors. This paper describes the development of a prototype online tool—a smartphone app—that aimed to foster safe sun practices in teenagers. We recruited young adolescents (aged 12–13 years, n = 24) as “co-researchers” to provide ongoing input into the nature and design of the online tool. This age group was selected, as it is a critical time when young people transition from primary education, where “SunSmart” behaviors are entrenched in Australian schools, to high school, where risky behaviors emerge. Through a series of interviews and workshops, we codesigned an Apple iOS smartphone app with the co-researchers, leading health promotion professionals, researchers, and app designers. The developed app, Sun Safe, contains educational content relevant to teenagers about safe sun behaviors, complemented by other features requested by co-researchers and stakeholders to help engage young people, including gamified quizzes to test their sun health knowledge, real-time weather data on the UV Index and temperature, a sunscreen application timer, and reminders to check the UV Index. The developed prototype app was rated well by co-researchers, suggesting it is suitable for further feasibility and efficacy testing as an intervention tool to improve knowledge and promote safe sun behaviors by young adolescents.

Six-Month Outcomes from the NEXit Junior Trial of a Text Messaging Smoking Cessation Intervention for High School Students: Randomized Controlled Trial With Bayesian Analysis

Background

The prevalence of daily or occasional smoking among high school students in Sweden was approximately 20% in 2019, which is problematic since lifestyle behaviors are established in adolescence and track into adulthood. The Nicotine Exit (NEXit) Junior trial was conducted in response to a lack of evidence for the effects of text message smoking cessation interventions among high school students in Sweden.

Objective

The aim of this study was to estimate the 3- and 6-month effects of a text messaging intervention among high school students in Sweden on smoking cessation outcomes.

Methods

A 2-arm, single-blind randomized controlled trial was employed to estimate the effects of the intervention on smoking cessation in comparison to treatment as usual. Participants were recruited from high schools in Sweden using advertising and promotion by school staff from January 10, 2018, to January 10, 2019. Weekly or daily smokers who were willing to make a quit attempt were eligible for inclusion. Prolonged abstinence and point prevalence of smoking cessation were measured at 3 and 6 months after randomization.

Results

Complete case analysis was possible on 57.9% (310/535) of the participants at 6 months, with no observed statistically significant effect on 5-month prolonged abstinence (odds ratio [OR] 1.27, 95% CI 0.73-2.20; P=.39) or 4-week smoking cessation (OR 1.42; 95% CI 0.83-2.46; P=.20). Sensitivity analyses using imputation yielded similar findings. Unplanned Bayesian analyses showed that the effects of the intervention were in the anticipated direction. The findings were limited by the risk of bias induced by high attrition (42.1%). The trial recruited high school students in a pragmatic setting and included both weekly and daily smokers; thus, generalization to the target population is more direct compared with findings obtained under more strict study procedures.

Conclusions

Higher than expected attrition rates to follow-up 6 months after randomization led to null hypothesis tests being underpowered; however, unplanned Bayesian analyses found that the effects of the intervention were in the anticipated direction. Future trials of smoking cessation interventions targeting high school students should aim to prepare strategies for increasing retention to mid- and long-term follow-up.

Trial Registration

IRCTN Registry ISRCTN15396225; https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN15396225

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

RR2-10.1186/s13063-018-3028-2

Real-life isoniazid and rifampicin plasma concentrations in children: a tool for therapeutic drug monitoring of tuberculosis

Background

Low plasma levels of first-line antitubercular drugs can be counted among the main causes of poor response to antitubercular therapy, and therapeutic drug monitoring has been proposed as a method to promote tailored treatments for both child and adult patients. The main aim of the study was to evaluate serum concentrations of isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RIF) and to investigate reasons for sub-therapeutic plasma concentrations in order to fix dosages.

Methods

Children with TB were prospectively enrolled from January to August 2019. Two venous blood samples were collected (the first at least 15 days after the beginning of antitubercular treatment, and the second between 1 and 8 weeks later). Plasma concentrations were determined by a validated high-performance liquid chromatography method.

Results

In all, 45 children were included. Seventy blood samples for INH plasma concentration were collected between 120 and 240 min after drug intake. Adjusting for dose (mg/kg/day) and time of INH administration, when considering three different age groups (≤ 2 years, 2–12 years, > 12 years), a statistically significant lower INH plasma concentration was observed in younger children compared to the older age groups in the multivariate analysis (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001). A total of 68 blood samples were evaluated for RIF concentrations. Both for INH and RIF a statistically significant lower plasma concentration was also observed in adolescents (p < 0.001). Fifteen children (15/45, 33%) presented drug concentrations under the referral therapeutic range.

Conclusions

Based on our findings, monitoring patients’ drug plasma concentrations in children under 2 years of age and in adolescents can make treatment more patient-tailored.

Smart devices/mobile phone in patients with epilepsy? A systematic review

We systematically reviewed the existing literature on the safety of the use of smartphone, mobile phone/Internet, and Wi-Fi by people with epilepsy (PWE), according to the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Scopus, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar from the inception to April 9, 2021 were searched. These key words were used "epilepsy" OR "seizure" AND "Mobile Phone" OR "Cell Phone" OR "Smartphone" OR "Wi-Fi" OR "Electromagnetic" OR "Radiation." The primary search yielded 7766 studies; 33 studies were related. In total, 19 manuscripts were based on animal/computational studies and 14 articles reported human investigations. Among animal studies, 10 articles suggested detrimental effects by electromagnetic fields (EMFs) on brain function/seizure activity, while nine studies negated this hypothesis. Among human studies, seven studies suggested detrimental effects by EMFs on brain function/seizure activity, while seven studies negated this hypothesis. None of the studies provided a good level of evidence. In one human study, all seven patients with epilepsy and abnormal EEG during the sham exposure, had an increase in the number of epileptic events with exposure to mobile phone radiation. In another study of the detrimental effects of smart technology device overuse among school students, an association was found between reporting seizures and the hours of smart technology device use. While high-quality evidence on the safety of the use of smartphone, mobile phone/Internet, and Wi-Fi in PWE is lacking, prudent use of these technologies, including using wired hand-free sets or other exposure-reducing measures is recommended.

mHealth intervention for multiple lifestyle behaviour change among high school students in Sweden (LIFE4YOUth): protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Background

National surveys in Sweden demonstrate that the majority of young people do not engage in health promoting behaviours at levels recommended by the Public Health Agency of Sweden. The objective of this study is to estimate the effectiveness of a novel mHealth intervention named LIFE4YOUth, which targets multiple lifestyle behaviours (alcohol, diet, physical activity, and smoking) among high school students in Sweden.

Methods

A 2-arm parallel groups single blind randomised controlled trial (1:1) will be employed to estimate the effectiveness of the novel mHealth intervention. Students will be recruited at high schools throughout Sweden, and will be included if they fulfil one of six criteria relating to unhealthy behaviours with respect to alcohol, diet, physical activity and smoking. Eligible participants will be randomised to either receive the novel intervention immediately, or to be placed on a waiting list for 4 months. The intervention consists of a combination of recurring screening, text messages, and an interactive platform which is adaptable to individual preferences. Outcome measures with respect to alcohol, diet, physical activity and smoking will be assessed through questionnaires at 2 and 4 months post randomisation.

Discussion

The findings of this trial could be generalised to a diverse high-school student population as our recruitment encompass a large proportion of schools throughout Sweden with various educational profiles. Furthermore, if effective, the mHealth intervention has good potential to be able to be scaled up and disseminated at high schools nationally.

Trial registration

Registered prospectively on 2020-05-20 in ISRCTN (ISRCTN34468623).

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-11446-9.

Telemedicine in Malignant and Nonmalignant Hematology: Systematic Review of Pediatric and Adult Studies

BACKGROUND

Telemedicine, including video-, web-, and telephone-based interventions, is used in adult and pediatric populations to deliver health care and communicate with patients. In the realm of hematology, telemedicine has recently been used to safely and efficiently monitor treatment side-effects, perform consultations, and broaden the reach of subspecialty care.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to synthesize and analyze information regarding the feasibility, acceptability, and potential benefits of telemedicine interventions in malignant and nonmalignant hematology, as well as assess the recognized limitations of these interventions.

METHODS

Studies were identified through a comprehensive Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) search on the PubMed MEDLINE, Controlled Register of Clinical Trials (Cochrane CENTRAL from Wiley), Embase, and CINAHL (EBSCO) databases on February 7, 2018. A second search, utilizing the same search strategy, was performed on October 1, 2020. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines in the reporting of included evidence. Included studies were original articles researching the feasibility, acceptability, and clinical outcomes of telemedicine or telehealth interventions in pediatric or adult populations with malignant or nonmalignant hematological conditions. Data items in the extraction form included first author name, publication year, country, malignant or nonmalignant hematological condition or disease focus of the study, participant age, participant age subgroup (pediatric or adult), study design and setting, telemedicine intervention type and description, study purpose, and main study outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 32 articles met the preset criteria and were included in this study. Most (25/32) studies were conducted in adults, and the remaining (7/32) were conducted in the pediatric population. Of the 32 studies, 12 studied malignant hematological conditions, 18 studied nonmalignant conditions, and two studied both malignant and nonmalignant conditions. Study types included pilot study (11/32), retrospective study (9/32), randomized controlled trial (6/32), cross-sectional study (2/32), case study (1/32), pre-post study (1/32), noncomparative prospective study (1/32), and prospective cohort study (1/32). The three main types of telemedicine interventions utilized across all studies were video-based (9/32), telephone-based (9/32), and web-based interventions (14/32). Study results showed comparable outcomes between telemedicine and traditional patient encounter groups across both pediatric and adult populations for malignant and nonmalignant hematological conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence from this review suggests that telemedicine use in nonmalignant and malignant hematology provides similar or improved health care compared to face-to-face encounters in both pediatric and adult populations. Telemedicine interventions utilized in the included studies were well received in both pediatric and adult settings. However, more research is needed to determine the efficacy of implementing more widespread use of telemedicine for hematological conditions.