Effectiveness of Digital Health Interventions for NCD Prevention in LMICs: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This systematic review examined the effectiveness of digital health interventions (DHIs) for promoting physical activity and a healthy diet for the prevention of NCDs in LMICs. The study examined recent evidence to inform engagement, scalability, and sustainability of DHIs. The results demonstrated that mobile apps, text-based coaching, wearables, and websites significantly supported increases in motion and eating behaviours. Higher adherence rates were shown on interventions including personalised feedback, gamification, and social support. There was the potential for digital health interventions (DHIs) to improve health outcomes. Still, they were confronted by challenges such as low digital literacy, limited internet access, and waning long-term engagement. The hybrid model (digital coaching paired with human support systems) seemed to offer a solution to these barriers. The importance of cost-effectiveness assessments was also emphasised so that LMICs could sustainably implement these approaches. Also, the review highlighted the importance of integrated policy frameworks to promote the widespread uptake of high-quality DHIs. Digital health solutions were promoted for integration into national health systems by governments and public health organisations, consistent with existing public health frameworks and/or plans. Also, country-specific and culturally relevant interventions were shown to be more effective. In conclusion, the results implied that DHIs would generate scalable and cost-effective approaches for NCD prevention in LMICs. Overall, though, for long-term impact, future focus needs to be on improving accessibility, engagement, and sustainability.