Roberts AL, et al. – Experts here illustrated digital health behaviour change interventions targeting physical activity and diet in cancer survivors. Based on the results obtained, digital behaviour change interventions (DBCIs) appeared to improve physical activity (PA) and body mass index (BMI) among cancer survivors. This study reported mixed evidence for diet. It was observed that the number of included studies was small, and risk of bias and heterogeneity was high.

Methods

• A systematic review and meta-analyses of relevant studies identified by a search of Medline, EMBASE, PubMed and CINAHL, had been performed.
• They incorporated studies which assessed a DBCI with measures of PA, diet and/or sedentary behaviour.

Results

• They ascertained fifteen studies.
• Significant improvements in moderate-vigorous PA (seven studies; mean difference (MD) = 41 min per week; 95% CI 12, 71) and body mass index (BMI)/weight (standardised mean difference (SMD) = -0.23; 95% CI -0.41, -0.05), were highlighted.
• Data demonstrated a trend towards significance for reduced fatigue and no significant change in cancer-specific measures of quality of life (QoL).
• In addition, narrative synthesis revealed mixed evidence for effects on diet, generic QoL measures and self-efficacy and no evidence of an effect on mental health.
• Improved sleep quality was indicated by two studies.