Systematic Review Examines Electronic Media-Based Behavior Change In Youth

Date: Apr-08-2013JAMA Pediatrics Study Highlights

A systematic review by Kimberly Hieftje, Ph.D., Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, and colleagues examines the type and quality of studies evaluating the effects of electronic media-based interventions that focused on promoting health and safety behavior change in youth. (Online First)

Studies were reviewed from searches in MEDLINE (1950 through September 2010) and PsycINFO (1967 through September 2010). Researchers found 19 studies focused on at least one behavior change outcome related to interventions that used electronic-media and focused on changes in behavior related to health or safety in children ages 18 years or younger. Of the 19 studies, 17 studies reported at least one statistically significant effect on behavior change outcomes, including an increase in fruit, juice, or vegetable consumption; an increase in physical activity; improved asthma self-management; acquisition of street and fire safety skills; and sexual abstinence. Only 5 of the 19 studies were rated as excellent, the study finds.

"Our systematic review suggests that interventions using electronic media can improve health and safety behaviors in young persons, but there is a need for higher-quality, rigorous interventions that promote behavior change," the study concludes.
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