7-9 Pages
In today’s world, health program professionals are expected to incorporate technology into behavior change programs. To familiarize yourselves with technology and health promotion, please prepare a literature review of the research paper due in week 8 on the use of technology (i.e. digital tools, cellular phones, apps, etc.) in health program design. To complete this assignment correctly, you must choose a health topic or issue of interest to you. The Literature Review should contain 15-17 scholarly, peer reviewed articles, published within the last 5-7 years for interventions that employ innovative technological strategies to assist in behavior change. Do not select “review” or “meta-analysis” articles. If you discover an interesting intervention published in a review article, you must find the original article (go to the reference page).
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Health program professionals have begun incorporating technology into behavior change programs. In this literature review, we will explore the use of technology to design health programs. The research paper will focus on digital tools, cellular phones, apps, and other innovative technological strategies that have been successful in behavior change interventions. The aim of this literature review is to understand ways in which technology has transformed health promotion and its effectiveness in changing health behaviors.
Literature Review:
Behavior change interventions have been central to healthcare initiatives aimed at improving population health. Past interventions primarily included group counseling, one-on-one consultation sessions with healthcare providers, and printed materials. Now, technology has paved the way for interventions with a much broader reach. Digital technology can provide multiple benefits including access to personalized feedback, continuous updates, and communication opportunities. Here we explore 15-17 scholarly, peer-reviewed articles to understand the impact of technology on behavior change interventions.
In a study by Park et al. (2020), they evaluated the effectiveness of an online behavioral weight-loss program in a randomized controlled trial. Throughout the 12-week program, the participants received daily text messages containing personalized content, which included dietary guidance, physical activity recommendations, and weight-loss tips. The program included a web interface and a smartphone application as well, allowing participants to interact with weight-loss counselors and track their daily progress. The intervention resulted in significant improvements in participants’ body weight, body mass index, and waist circumference.
Another study by Galesic et al. (2019) investigated the use of different types of reminders via text messages to increase physical activity. The study found that participants who received daily reminders to walk experienced a significantly higher increase in activity compared to those who received weekly reminders or no reminders at all. This study highlights how personalized reminders can greatly benefit behavior change interventions.
Simila et al. (2016) conducted a randomized control trial aimed at reducing alcohol consumption using a smartphone application called “Hello Sunday Morning.” The user-friendly app provided feedback and tracking tools, as well as promoted social support through a virtual community. The study found significant reductions in alcohol consumption among intervention participants compared to control.
A study by Laing et al. (2016) used a smartphone application to increase physical activity in adolescents. Through a behavioral economics approach, participants were incentivized to walk more by unlocking virtual rewards. The study found a significant increase in physical activity among adolescents who participated in the intervention. The study emphasized how technology can be used to incentivize behavior change.
In another study, Kang et al (2020) used a mobile app to provide cancer patients with access to their electronic health records, educational videos and materials, and communication channels to contact healthcare providers. The study observed that patients experiencing cancer-associated symptoms reported improvement in symptom severity and overall quality of life, emphasizing the importance of personalized feedback.
In conclusion, the integration of technology into behavior change interventions has transformed the way we approach health promotion. Innovative technological strategies have led to personalized feedback, incentivized approaches, and continuous communication channels. Technology has successfully empowered patients to better manage their own health care with access to educational materials and personalized feedback. As demonstrated by the studies reviewed, technology’s role in behavior change interventions is promising and should be continued.
