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Yin X, Pan J, Xu F. Effects of Wuxi CDC WeChat official account article features on user engagement in health promotion. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:756. [PMID: 38468225 PMCID: PMC10929147 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18277-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the characteristics of subscribers to assess users' needs and analyze the features of articles published on Wuxi CDC WeChat official account (WOA) to evaluate the effectiveness of health education dissemination and guide future communication strategies. METHODS Collect data from the WeChat official account (WOA) of the Wuxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to identify factors affecting the effectiveness of health education dissemination as measured by shares and 100% reading completion rate between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2022. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was utilized to identify influencing features of articles associated with health education dissemination. RESULTS By the end of 2022, our account had accumulated 891,170 subscribers, of which, 523,576 were females (58.75%), 349,856 were males (39.3%), mainly located in third-tier cities (82.59%). Age distribution peaked in the 26-35 and 36-45 age groups (43.63% and 30.6%, respectively). A total of 170 articles were included in the analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that articles with a lower word count (OR = 0.999, 95% CI = 0.998 ~ 1), lower picture count (OR = 0.892, 95% CI = 0.828 ~ 0.962), dominated headlines (OR = 2.454, 95% CI = 1.234 ~ 4.879) and thematically focused on Nutrition and food-borne diseases (OR = 5.728, 95% CI = 1.778 ~ 18.458) demonstrated higher engagement, as measured by shares and 100% completion rates. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that future content should prioritize conciseness, optimize images, and align with subscriber interests, particularly in nutrition and food hygiene. Additionally, maintaining informative yet engaging content formats remains crucial for maximizing reach and impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Yin
- Department of Health Promotion, The Affiliated Wuxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 499 Jincheng Road, 214023, Wuxi, China.
| | - Junxia Pan
- Department of Health Promotion, The Affiliated Wuxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 499 Jincheng Road, 214023, Wuxi, China
| | - Fanfan Xu
- Department of Health Promotion, The Affiliated Wuxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 499 Jincheng Road, 214023, Wuxi, China.
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Seid A, Fufa DD, Bitew ZW. The use of internet-based smartphone apps consistently improved consumers' healthy eating behaviors: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Front Digit Health 2024; 6:1282570. [PMID: 38283582 PMCID: PMC10811159 DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2024.1282570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Digital tools, such as mobile apps and the Internet, are being increasingly used to promote healthy eating habits. However, there has been inconsistent reporting on the effectiveness of smartphones and web-based apps in influencing dietary behaviors. Moreover, previous reviews have been limited in scope, either by focusing on a specific population group or by being outdated. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to investigate the impacts of smartphone- and web-based dietary interventions on promoting healthy eating behaviors worldwide. Methods A systematic literature search of randomized controlled trials was conducted using databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Global Health, Informit, Web of Science, and CINAHL (EBSCO). The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed to prepare the entire document. EndNote (version 20) was used for reference management. The risk of bias in the articles was assessed using the "Revised Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2.0)" by the Cochrane Collaboration. Narrative synthesis, using text and tables, was used to present the results. The study was registered in PROSPERO under protocol number CRD42023464315. Results This review analyzed a total of 39 articles, which consisted of 25 smartphone-based apps and 14 web-based apps. The studies involved a total of 14,966 participants. Out of the 25 studies, 13 (52%) showed that offline-capable smartphone apps are successful in promoting healthier eating habits. The impact of smartphone apps on healthy adults has been inconsistently reported. However, studies have shown their effectiveness in chronically ill patients. Likewise, internet-based mobile apps, such as social media or nutrition-specific apps, have been found to effectively promote healthy eating behaviors. These findings were consistent across 14 studies, which included healthy adults, overweight or obese adults, chronically ill patients, and pregnant mothers. Conclusion Overall, the findings suggest that smartphone apps contribute to improving healthy eating behaviors. Both nutrition-specific and social media-based mobile apps consistently prove effective in promoting long-term healthy eating habits. Therefore, policymakers in the food system should consider harnessing the potential of internet-based mobile apps and social media platforms to foster sustainable healthy eating behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Awole Seid
- Department of Adult Health Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
- Center for Food Science and Nutrition, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Desta Dugassa Fufa
- Center for Food Science and Nutrition, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Haramaya Institute of Technology, Haramaya University, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia
| | - Zebenay Workneh Bitew
- Center for Food Science and Nutrition, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Milne-Ives M, Homer SR, Andrade J, Meinert E. Potential associations between behavior change techniques and engagement with mobile health apps: a systematic review. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1227443. [PMID: 37794916 PMCID: PMC10545861 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1227443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Lack of engagement is a common challenge for digital health interventions. To achieve their potential, it is necessary to understand how best to support users' engagement with interventions and target health behaviors. The aim of this systematic review was to identify the behavioral theories and behavior change techniques being incorporated into mobile health apps and how they are associated with the different components of engagement. Methods The review was structured using the PRISMA and PICOS frameworks and searched six databases in July 2022: PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, APA PsycArticles, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science. Risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias 2 and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tools. Analysis A descriptive analysis provided an overview of study and app characteristics and evidence for potential associations between Behavior Change Techniques (BCTs) and engagement was examined. Results The final analysis included 28 studies. Six BCTs were repeatedly associated with user engagement: goal setting, self-monitoring of behavior, feedback on behavior, prompts/cues, rewards, and social support. There was insufficient data reported to examine associations with specific components of engagement, but the analysis indicated that the different components were being captured by various measures. Conclusion This review provides further evidence supporting the use of common BCTs in mobile health apps. To enable developers to leverage BCTs and other app features to optimize engagement in specific contexts and individual characteristics, we need a better understanding of how BCTs are associated with different components of engagement. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42022312596.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison Milne-Ives
- Centre for Health Technology, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie R. Homer
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom
| | - Jackie Andrade
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom
| | - Edward Meinert
- Centre for Health Technology, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Arana-Álvarez C, Gómez-Asencio D, Gago-Valiente FJ, Cabrera-Arana Y, Merino-Godoy MDLÁ, Moreno-Sánchez E. Virtual Pedagogy and Care: Systematic Review on Educational Innovation with Mobile Applications for the Development of Healthy Habits in the Adolescent Population. Nutrients 2023; 15:3966. [PMID: 37764750 PMCID: PMC10538045 DOI: 10.3390/nu15183966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The scientific literature was reviewed to determine the state of the art regarding innovative educational practices that employ mobile health applications with the aim of establishing healthy habits in the adolescent population, following a strategy based on spiral curriculum. METHODS The search was conducted in the WOS, Scopus and PubMed databases, discarding any articles that were not published in English, Spanish or French. The search was limited to studies performed in the last 6 years, that is, from 1 January 2017 to 18 March 2023. RESULTS From the initial sample of 132 articles selected, the final sample included 9 articles that met the eligibility criteria after a more exhaustive analysis. This systematic review identified one application (11.11%) with topics about sex and reproductive health, two applications (22.22%) that tackled mental health, six applications (66.66%) with topics about nutrition, three applications (33.33%) that contemplate physical activity, and two applications (22.22%) with aspects related to the prevention of harmful habits. The results show a positive relationship between the use of mobile health applications used as innovative didactic resources and the establishment of healthy habits in the adolescent population. CONCLUSIONS Digital devices have been incorporated to the lives of humans as fundamental tools for their daily living. Specifically, adolescents are especially attracted to mobile phones. If this resource is used in this population to improve health, it is possible to attain very satisfactory objectives. The results of this review indicate that these devices can be used as a didactic resource in the promotion of health by implementing healthy habits at early ages, thereby contributing to the prevention of chronic diseases in future adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Arana-Álvarez
- Department of Pedagogy, Faculty of Education, Psychology and Sport Sciences, University of Huelva, 21007 Huelva, Spain; (C.A.-Á.); (D.G.-A.); (Y.C.-A.); (E.M.-S.)
| | - David Gómez-Asencio
- Department of Pedagogy, Faculty of Education, Psychology and Sport Sciences, University of Huelva, 21007 Huelva, Spain; (C.A.-Á.); (D.G.-A.); (Y.C.-A.); (E.M.-S.)
| | - Francisco-Javier Gago-Valiente
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, University of Huelva, 21007 Huelva, Spain;
- Center for Research in Contemporary Thought and Innovation for Social Development (COIDESO), University of Huelva, 21007 Huelva, Spain
| | - Yeray Cabrera-Arana
- Department of Pedagogy, Faculty of Education, Psychology and Sport Sciences, University of Huelva, 21007 Huelva, Spain; (C.A.-Á.); (D.G.-A.); (Y.C.-A.); (E.M.-S.)
| | | | - Emilia Moreno-Sánchez
- Department of Pedagogy, Faculty of Education, Psychology and Sport Sciences, University of Huelva, 21007 Huelva, Spain; (C.A.-Á.); (D.G.-A.); (Y.C.-A.); (E.M.-S.)
- Center for Research in Contemporary Thought and Innovation for Social Development (COIDESO), University of Huelva, 21007 Huelva, Spain
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Behr H, Earl S, Ho AS, Lee J, Mitchell ES, McCallum M, May CN, Michaelides A. Changes in Health-Promoting Behaviors and Their Association with Weight Loss, Retention, and Engagement on a Digital Program: Prospective Study. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14224812. [PMID: 36432498 PMCID: PMC9699210 DOI: 10.3390/nu14224812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Health-promoting lifestyle behaviors (e.g., as measured by the HPLP-II) are associated with reductions in lifestyle disease mortality, as well as improved well-being, mental health, and quality of life. However, it is unclear how a weight-management program relates to a broad range of these behaviors (i.e., health responsibility, physical activity, nutrition, spiritual growth, interpersonal relations, and stress management), especially a fully digital program on which individuals have to self-manage their own behaviors in their daily lives (with assistance from a virtual human coach). In the context of a digital setting, this study examined the changes in health-promoting behaviors over 12 months, as well as the associations between health-promoting behaviors and weight loss, retention, and engagement, among participants who self-enrolled in a mobile CBT-based nutritionally focused behavior change weight management program (n = 242). Participants lost a statistically significant amount of weight (M = 6.7 kg; SD = 12.7 kg; t(80) = 9.26, p < 0.001) and reported significantly improved overall health-promoting lifestyle behaviors (i.e., HPLP-II summary scores), as well as, specifically, health responsibility, physical activity, nutrition, spiritual growth, stress management, and interpersonal relations behaviors from baseline to 6 months and from 6 months to 12 months (all ps < 0.008). Health-promoting behaviors at 6 months (i.e., learned health-promoting behaviors) compared to baseline were better predictors of retention and program engagement. A fully digital, mobile weight management intervention can improve HPLP-II scores, which, in turn, has implications for improved retention, program engagement, and better understanding the comprehensive effects of weight management programs, particularly in a digital setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Behr
- Department of Integrative Health, Saybrook University, 55 W Eureka St., Pasadena, CA 91103, USA
| | - Sydney Earl
- Department of Psychology, North Carolina State University, Poe Hall, 2310 Stinson Dr., Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Annabell Suh Ho
- Academic Research, Noom, 450 W 33rd St., New York, NY 10001, USA
| | - Jihye Lee
- Moody College of Communication, The University of Texas at Austin, 300 W Dean Keeton St., Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | | | - Meaghan McCallum
- Academic Research, Noom, 450 W 33rd St., New York, NY 10001, USA
| | - Christine N. May
- Academic Research, Noom, 450 W 33rd St., New York, NY 10001, USA
- Correspondence:
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