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Publications

Journal Article Review Epublish

PubMed: 40241867 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnss.2025.02.014

Digital components and interaction types in counseling interventions for childhood and adolescent obesity: A systematic review.

Int J Nurs Sci 12(2):123-129

Authors: Mari Virtanen, Heli Kerimaa, Niko Männikkö, Merja Männistö, Karoliina Paalimäki-Paakki, Minna Lahtinen, Miia Jansson, Kirsi Kivelä, Anne Oikarinen, Mira Rajala, Minna Vanhanen, Maria Kääriäinen, Pirjo Kaakinen

Affiliations

  • Helsinki Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, Helsinki, Finland.
  • Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.
  • Research Unit of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Oulu, Finland.
  • The Finnish Centre for Evidence-Based Health Care: A Joanna Briggs Institute, Centre of Excellence, Helsinki, Finland.
  • Oulu University of Applied Sciences, Oulu, Finland.
  • Research Unit of Medical Imaging, Physics and Technology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.
  • Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland.

Abstract

Objectives

Childhood and adolescent obesity are an increasing global health concern. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of digital components and interaction types in counseling interventions for prevention and treatment.

Methods

All studies were searched in online databases and grey literature, including PubMed (Medline), Web of Science, CINAHL, Scopus, IEEE Xplore Digital Library, Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR), MedNar, EBSCO Open Dissertations. The search period is from inception to June 2023, and the languages are Finnish, English and Swedish. The research quality was evaluated using the web-based data management system Covidence for prevalence studies. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42021247595).

Results

In this review, 4,407 studies were screened, and 22 were included. These involved 3,433 participants and 264 child-parent pairs. The digital approaches included multicomponent elements like internet platforms, text messaging, video conferencing, online communities, wearable technology, and mobile apps, allowing one-way, two-way, and face-to-face interactions. Two studies showed statistically significant effects of treatment on BMI and waist-to-hip ratio. Most interventions reported positive outcomes, with no significant differences between groups, and none showed null effects during follow-up.

Conclusions

Digital multicomponents like mobile apps and wearables can help obese children and adolescents adopt healthier lifestyles. While these interventions show promise for obesity management, further research is needed to assess their effectiveness, particularly regarding nurses' perspectives.

MeSH

Pediatric Obesity, Adolescent, Obesity, Mobile Applications, Research, Therapeutics, Counseling, Child