Using mobile health programs that promote healthy behaviors can improve health outcomes for pediatric patients, according to an analysis of prior studies published Monday in JAMA Pediatrics.
Researchers from the University of Florida and the University of Kansas conducted a meta-analysis of 37 studies on mobile health interventions used with pediatric patients. The studies covered a variety of topics, including diabetes, immunizations, asthma, obesity and physical activity. The mHealth apps covered by the studies did a variety of things, such as provide personalized reminders and information or record disease symptoms and offer feedback.
The researchers found mobile apps to be a "viable health behavior change intervention modality for youth."
"Given the ubiquity of mobile phones and the willingness of youth to use their mobile devices for health-related activities, mHealth interventions appear poised to be a viable health behavior change modality," David Fedele, PhD, the study's lead author, said in a statement. "I think we're just scratching the surface with what mobile health interventions can really do."