In:
Nutrition & Dietetics, Wiley, Vol. 72, No. 4 ( 2015-12), p. 363-367
Abstract:
There is increasing interest in the use of smartphone applications (apps) for delivering child obesity management interventions and supporting lifestyle behaviour change; however, there has been very little academic research on their development. Our aim is to review nutrition‐related apps designed for children currently available in A ustralia for their usefulness in education or support behavioural interventions for child obesity. Methods Apps available for download in iTunes A ustralia between 2 A pril and 3 J une 2013 which were suitable for children 〉 12 years were identified. Key words were chosen to identify apps applicable to children, focusing on nutrition. Results A total of 27 apps were included. Most apps (24/27) were not based on evidence‐informed recommendations. A third of apps were developed in the USA (n = 10; 37%) and were free (67%), nine apps required upfront payment, with a mean cost of $A2.80 (range $A0.99–$A7.49). The most common nutrition features were the promotion of energy balance (n = 12 apps) and guidance on appropriate portion size (n = 15). The most common behaviour change feature was goal setting (n = 15). The five apps that scored most highly against the characteristics reviewed were: C alorie C ounter P ro by M y N et Diary, W eight W atchers, S wap It D on't S top It, C ontrol My Weight by C alorie K ing and R ate What I Ate—Photo Diet Tracker. Conclusions Very few apps were identified that could be used in education or support behavioural interventions for child obesity. There is a need to harness this technology and evaluate the applicability and use within childhood obesity research interventions.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1446-6368
,
1747-0080
DOI:
10.1111/ndi.2015.72.issue-4
DOI:
10.1111/1747-0080.12184
Language:
English
Publisher:
Wiley
Publication Date:
2015
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2117208-0
SSG:
21
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