Text-messaging and The Promotion of Healthy Behaviors in Pediatric and Adolescent Populations: Research Study by Militello, Kelly, and Melnyk

Research Critique

Militello, L.K., Kelly, S.A., & Melnyk, B. M. (2012). Systematic Review of Text-Messaging Interventions to Promote Healthy Behaviors in Pediatric and Adolescent Populations:

The purpose of this research was to review the evidence using text messaging as a tool to deliver healthy lifestyle behavior intervention programs in pediatric and adolescent population. The following question was used a s guide in this systemic review, “In pediatric and adolescent populations, how does the use of text-message- based interventions versus control or comparison interventions affect healthy lifestyle behaviors?’ (Militello, Kelly, & Melnyk, 2012).

A precise quest for important expositive expression might have been led in taking after databases: MEDLINE, PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochraine Library and Psych INFO and towards hand searching bibliographies. Proof might have been aggregated from the test investigations to peer-reviewed diaries distributed from 2004 to May 15 2011. Data were extracted using guidelines set forth by the Centre of Reviews and Dissemination.

Thirty-seven articles were identified from the comprehensive search. Eight articles representing seven (two articles were published describing different aspects of the outcomes from one study) met inclusion for this review. The mean age of participants in the study ranged from 8.7 to 17.9 years of age. Contrasts between groups on healthy lifestyle behaviors were significant in five studies.

Quality criteria were based on modified version the Downs and Black assessment. Criteria assessed included; Study design, allocation concealment. Blinding, retention greater than 80%, similarly between groups at the baseline, missing data, power calculation, validated measures, intention-to-treat analysis and selective reporting. The number of quality indicators met was calculated as a percentage of each study. The study was presented in a narrative synthesis. This was a good method to present the study.

This review supports previous literature suggesting that mobile phones are uniquely positioned to bridge gaps in health disparities and reach across demographics. Intervention using short messaging service may be most effective as a reminder system to support disease management behaviors. Existing recommendations from tailored, interactive and family-centered care are supported with mobile technology recommended to augment clinical practice and health behaviors approach. However, more rigorous, theory-based intervention research using mobile technology is warranted in pediatric and adolescent populations. (PubMed Health, 2013)

The practice did not define the clinical implications, but did try to suggest interventions that used mobile phones may have been a more favorable adjunct to clinical care compared with traditional methods for pediatric and adolescent populations. Also, further research was need for clinical practice and research.

In conclusion, the review suggests that more focus is needed on research designs that highlight and report on both internal and external validity indicators. Specific recommendations are provided to encourage future health interventionists and investigators to report on representativeness, settings, delivery as intended, and maintenance of effects at individual or organizational level.