scholarly journals Effectiveness of Information and Communication Technology on Obesity in Childhood and Adolescence: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

10.2196/29003 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (11) ◽  
pp. e29003
Author(s):  
Jihyun Park ◽  
Mi-Jeong Park ◽  
Young-Gyun Seo

Background Internet or mobile device use as a form of information and communication technology (ICT) can be more effective in weight loss and weight maintenance than traditional obesity interventions. Objective The study aims to assess the effectiveness of child-centered ICT interventions on obesity-related outcomes. Methods Articles were retrieved from the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, and PubMed web-based databases. We selected randomized controlled trials in which the participants were aged <18 years. The primary outcomes were BMI, body weight, BMI z-score, waist circumference, and percentage body fat. Results In total, 10 of the initial 14,867 studies identified in the databases were selected according to the inclusion criteria. A total of 640 participants were included in the intervention group and 619 in the comparator group. Meta-analyses were conducted considering various subgroups (intervention type, comparator type, target participants, mean age, sex, BMI status, and follow-up period). Overall, ICT interventions demonstrated no significant effect on BMI, body weight, BMI z-score, waist circumference, and percentage body fat. Subgroup analyses revealed that the effect of the intervention was statistically significant for the following: web intervention (weighted mean difference [WMD]=−1.26 kg/m2, 95% CI −2.24 to −0.28), lifestyle modification comparator (WMD=−1.75, 95% CI −2.76 to −0.74), intervention involving both boys and girls (WMD=−1.30, 95% CI −2.14 to −0.46), and intervention involving obesity only (WMD=−1.92, 95% CI −3.75 to −0.09). Conclusions The meta-analysis results for children with obesity who used the web intervention program confirmed significant effects on BMI reduction compared with lifestyle modification. Evidence from the meta-analysis identified internet technology as a useful tool for weight loss in children with obesity.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jihyun Park ◽  
Mi-Jeong Park ◽  
Young-Gyun Seo

BACKGROUND Internet or mobile device use as a form of information and communication technology (ICT) can be more effective in weight loss and weight maintenance than traditional obesity interventions. OBJECTIVE The study aims to assess the effectiveness of child-centered ICT interventions on obesity-related outcomes. METHODS Articles were retrieved from the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, and PubMed web-based databases. We selected randomized controlled trials in which the participants were aged &lt;18 years. The primary outcomes were BMI, body weight, BMI <i>z</i>-score, waist circumference, and percentage body fat. RESULTS In total, 10 of the initial 14,867 studies identified in the databases were selected according to the inclusion criteria. A total of 640 participants were included in the intervention group and 619 in the comparator group. Meta-analyses were conducted considering various subgroups (intervention type, comparator type, target participants, mean age, sex, BMI status, and follow-up period). Overall, ICT interventions demonstrated no significant effect on BMI, body weight, BMI <i>z</i>-score, waist circumference, and percentage body fat. Subgroup analyses revealed that the effect of the intervention was statistically significant for the following: <i>web</i> intervention (weighted mean difference [WMD]=−1.26 kg/m<sup>2</sup>, 95% CI −2.24 to −0.28), <i>lifestyle modification</i> comparator (WMD=−1.75, 95% CI −2.76 to −0.74), intervention involving both <i>boys and girls</i> (WMD=−1.30, 95% CI −2.14 to −0.46), and intervention involving <i>obesity only</i> (WMD=−1.92, 95% CI −3.75 to −0.09). CONCLUSIONS The meta-analysis results for children with obesity who used the <i>web</i> intervention program confirmed significant effects on BMI reduction compared with <i>lifestyle modification</i>. Evidence from the meta-analysis identified internet technology as a useful tool for weight loss in children with obesity.


2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maritta Välimäki ◽  
Katriina Anttila ◽  
Minna Anttila ◽  
Mari Lahti

BACKGROUND Although previous studies on information and communication technology (ICT)–based intervention on mental health among adolescents with depressive symptoms have already been combined in a number of systematic reviews, coherent information is still missing about interventions used, participants’ engagement of these interventions, and how these interventions work. OBJECTIVE We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of trials to describe the effectiveness of Web-based interventions to support adolescents with depression or depressive symptoms, anxiety, and stress. We also explored the content of the interventions, as there has previously been a lack of coherent understanding of the detailed content of the Web-based interventions for these purposes. METHODS We included parallel randomized controlled trials targeted at adolescents, or young people in the age range of 10 and 24 years, with symptoms or diagnoses of depression and anxiety. The interventions were from original studies aimed to support mental health among adolescents, and they were delivered via Web-based information and communication technology. RESULTS Out of 2087 records identified, 27 papers (22 studies) met the inclusion criteria. On the basis of a narrative analysis of 22 studies, a variety of Web-based interventions were found; the most commonly used intervention was based on cognitive behavioral therapy. Meta-analysis was further conducted with 15 studies (4979 participants). At the end of the intervention, a statistically significant improvement was found in the intervention group (10 studies) regarding depressive symptoms (P=.02, median 1.68, 95% CI 3.11-0.25) and after 6 months (3 studies; P=.01, median 1.78, 95% CI 3.20-0.37). Anxiety symptoms (8 studies; P<.001, median 1.47, 95% CI 2.36-0.59) and moods and feelings (2 studies; P=.04, median 5.55, 95% CI 10.88-0.22) improved as well in the Web-based intervention group, but there was no difference in stress scores. However, adolescents in the intervention group left the study early more often, both in short-term studies (11 studies; P=.007, median 1.31, 95% CI 1.08-1.58) and mid-term studies (3 studies; P=.02, median 1.65, 95% CI 1.09-2.49). We did not find any studies that had assessed the costs of the Web-based interventions. CONCLUSIONS Despite widely reported promises that information technology use is beneficial to adolescents with depression, the results of our review show only short-term effects on adolescents’ mental well-being, whereas long-term effects remain questionable because of the limited number of studies reviewed. Information about the economic benefits of Web-based interventions is still lacking. The quality of the studies, especially biases related to attrition rates and selective reporting, still needs serious attention.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 81
Author(s):  
Wahab Ali

The proliferation of new forms of information and communication technology (ICT) has inundated the learning patterns of students at all levels and particularly at higher education level. The efficacy of teaching the digital generation of learners without a firm grasp of how they learn is like embarking upon a perpetual journey. Invariably, today&rsquo;s students have been mesmerized by digital gadgets from a very small age and this experience calls for a technology integrated paradigm. Hence, the current study focuses on the influence of evolving technology in conceptualizing pedagogy and practice in higher education. It explores staff members&rsquo; technological know-how and how they are able to influence learning at a University in Fiji. An exploratory research design was selected and a survey consisting of Likert scale items was administered. Subsequently, SPSS Statistical software was used for data analytical and reporting purpose. Findings are discussed in collaboration with a robust meta-analysis of literature and they reveal that apart from resources, staff readiness, confidence and motivation play important function in ICT integrated learning. This paper proposes that staff members should use technology and technological gadgets to enhance digital literacy and numeracy that in turn, would create a digitally vibrant society.


Author(s):  
Ae-Ri Jung ◽  
Dasom Kim ◽  
Eun-A Park

Background: Outside activities have decreased due to the spread of the COVID-19 since 2019; therefore, the need for education using information and communication technology (ICT) for older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) has increased. This study systematically evaluated the effects of cognitive enhancement interventions using ICT on older adults with MCI. Methods: Six electronic databases (CINAHL, Cochrane CENTRAL, EMBASE, PubMed, RISS, and KISS) were searched for relevant articles published from 25 January to 10 February, 2021. Results: As a result of the systematic literature review, 12 research papers were finally selected as the literature for quality evaluation, and 11 final papers were selected, excluding one in the quality evaluation. From the synthesis in this study, it was found that cognitive intervention using ICT showed a statistically significant positive effect on cognitive function when compared with various control groups (SMD = 0.4547; p < 0.001; 95% CI: 0.1980–0.7113). Conclusions: Through this study, cognitive intervention using ICT showed a small effect size for older adults with mild cognitive impairment, and statistically significant results were found.


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