Information and communication technologies vs. traditional approaches targeting parents to improve healthy diet or body mass index in preschoolers: a systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: Preschool age is a critical period for learning healthy habits and, in the face of technological advances, innovative ways to improve health have emerged. This study aims to compare interventions that use Information and Communication Technologies tools in comparison with traditional approaches, targeted to parents, to improve healthy diet and weight in preschoolers. Specifically, to know its effectiveness, which tools have been used and the main success factors in the interventions. Methods: Following the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, SpringerLink and Cochrane Library databases. The protocol was registered (PROSPERO ID. CRD42021251037). Intervention studies to promote healthy diet and weight in preschoolers and one or both parents were included. The authors assessed risk of bias separately assigning scores with specific tools such as PRISMA or CONSORT. The results were synthesized in Excel tables according to the results sought such as the use of technology, characteristics of the intervention, weight results, and healthy eating. Results: A total of eight studies were included. Two studies showed positive effects, for both: healthy diet and Body Mass Index. Most of them used mixed tools, with predominant use of traditional approaches. The most frequent technological tool was telephony and, as a traditional approach, direct contact. The success factors seemed to be fictional characters to inspire healthy behaviors, home settings and daily dose of intervention. Conclusions: Mixing both types of tools was effective in the studies, although the low use of Information and Communication Technologies in the interventions was reflected. In addition, the results increase the evidence that they may be more effective in reducing the consumption of non-recommended food groups and in overweight or obese children.