TY - JOUR PY - 2018// TI - Mobile app-based health promotion programs: a systematic review of the literature JO - International journal of environmental research and public health A1 - Lee, Mikyung A1 - Lee, Hyeonkyeong A1 - Kim, Youlim A1 - Kim, Junghee A1 - Cho, Mikyeong A1 - Jang, Jaeun A1 - Jang, Hyoeun SP - e15122838 EP - e15122838 VL - 15 IS - 12 N2 - This study investigated the features and usefulness of mobile app-based health promotion programs for the general population. A comprehensive bibliographic search of studies on health promotion programs using mobile apps in peer-reviewed journals published in English up to November 2017 was performed using the PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL databases. The inclusion criteria were (1) randomized control trial designs; (2) assessed mobile app-based interventions to promote adult health conditions; 12 studies were ultimately included. The most common topics were diet and physical activity (n = 8) and overall healthy lifestyle improvement (n = 4). The purpose of the apps included providing feedback on one's health status (n = 9) and monitoring individual health status or behavior change (n = 9). Across all studies, health outcomes were shown to be better for mobile app users compared to non-users. Mobile app-based health interventions may be an effective strategy for improving health promotion behaviors in the general population without diseases. This study suggests that mobile app use is becoming commonplace for a variety of health-promoting behaviors in addition to physical activity and weight control. Future research should address the feasibility and effectiveness of using mobile apps for health promotion in developing countries.

Language: en

LA - en SN - 1661-7827 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15122838 ID - ref1 ER -