Journal
JOURNAL OF ADOLESCENT HEALTH
Volume 54, Issue 6, Pages 631-645Publisher
ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC
DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2013.12.019
Keywords
Adolescent; Systematic review; Internet; Computer based; Computer mediated; Intervention studies; Nutrition education; Overweight; Obesity
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Purpose: The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate recent research regarding the use of computer-based nutrition education interventions targeting adolescent overweight and obesity. Methods: Online databases were systematically searched using key words, and bibliographies of related articles were manually searched. Inclusion/exclusion criteria were applied and included studies evaluated for their ability to achieve their objectives and for quality using the Nutrition Evidence Library appraisal guidelines for research design and implementation. Results: Of the 15 studies included, 10 were randomized controlled trials. Two studies targeted weight loss, 2 targeted weight maintenance, and 11 targeted dietary improvement with or without physical activity. At least half of in-school (60%) and nonschool interventions (80%) exhibited significantly positive effects on nutrition-or obesity-related variables. Small changes in diet, physical activity, knowledge, and self-efficacy were shown; however, few results were sustained long term. Conclusions: Recommendations included application of health behavior theory and computer tailoring for feedback messages. Future research should include thorough description of intervention content (messages, theory, multimedia, etc.), application of rigorous methodology, as well as consideration of covariates such as parental involvement and gender. With further research and evidentiary support, this approach to obesity-related nutrition education has the potential to be successful. (C) 2014 Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine. All rights reserved.
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