Potential of Mobile Applications in Prevention and Management of Cardio-Metabolic Diseases

Abstract

Citation, with limitation to 'reviews', English publications and the last 5 years. Databases searched include OVID MEDLINE, PUBMED, COCHRANE, CINAHL, SCOPUS and PROQUEST. The shortlisted reviews including meta-analysis, narrative and systematic reviews were qualitatively evaluated and findings were compared. Results: Twenty-six articles (n=26) comprised of apps inventory, narrative and systematic reviews were included in the following areas: nutrition (n=3), physical activity (n=4), tobacco smoking (n=1) and cardiovascular (n=1), type 2 diabetes (n=8) and obesity/weight loss (n=9). Conclusion: Although there is limited evidence, we can now see a shift towards development and investigation of existing and new apps in prevention and management of cardio-metabolic diseases. Future studies could explore the feasibility and long-term effectiveness of theorysupported apps that were developed with newest evidence.