Does evidence support the use of mobile phone apps as a driver for promoting healthy lifestyles from a public health perspective? A systematic review of Randomized Control Trials

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this systematic review was to find a scientific evidence on the efficacy of apps in promoting healthy lifestyles.

Methods: The research was carried out according to PRISMA Statement. Pubmed, Embase and Google Scholar searches were carried out up to September 2016 focusing on randomized control trials (RCTs).

Results: Forty RCTs were selected. Most of the studies targeted weight management, PA and healthy eating (N=35). A few RCTs focused on apps designed to sun protection, smoking cessation and alcohol consumption (N=5). Only 10 RCTs (25%) found statistical difference between intervention and control groups for all the outcomes measured. Most of the studies had a short follow-up (65%, less than 6 months) and half of them a very small sample size (fewer than 100 subjects).

Conclusion: Overall, the evidence so far showed a modest efficacy of apps in health promotion.

Practice implications: There is a need to improve the overall quality of intervention studies focused on mobile apps in order to understand if they could became a valuable tool in support of health professionals and their efforts to promote education and health.

Keywords: Efficay; Healthy lifestyles; Mobile phone applications; Public health; Systematic review.