The effect of digital health intervention in promoting healthy behavior: A systematic scoping review on strategies to prevent non-communicable diseases

Abstract

Background: Digital health interventions are increasingly used to prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by promoting healthy behaviors, yet evidence on which digital features are most effective remains fragmented. This systematic scoping review aimed to (1) identify the most commonly used types of digital interventions and their target populations for NCD prevention, (2) examine the primary objectives associated with each digital feature, and (3) assess their effectiveness in improving knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across seven databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, JSTOR, Medline, CINAHL, and ProQuest). Following PRISMA guidelines, 20 peer-reviewed studies published between 2018 and 2024 met the inclusion criteria. Data were extracted on digital features, intervention objectives, and outcomes related to knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Results: = 7), followed by gamification, mobile applications, and wearables. Most interventions aimed to promote behavior change, especially those using mobile apps, messaging, and wearable tools. Similar digital features served different objectives depending on content design. Across studies, knowledge outcomes improved by 10-95 %, attitudinal outcomes by 2-40 %, and behavioral outcomes by 4-95 %. Messaging platforms showed the largest improvements in both knowledge and behavior, while gamification yielded moderate gains. Aligning digital tools with target users and intended outcomes enhanced overall impact. Conclusions: Messaging platforms and mobile applications emerged as the most frequently used and effective digital features for NCD prevention. Multi-feature interventions and platform-outcome alignment appear crucial to maximize effectiveness in digital health programs promoting healthy behavior.

Topics & Concepts