title: Impact of computer-mediated, obesity-related nutrition education interventions for adolescents: a systematic review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate recent research regarding the use of computer-based nutrition education interventions targeting adolescent overweight and obesity.
  
  
  METHODS
  Online databases were systematically searched using key words, and bibliographies of related articles were manually searched. Inclusion/exclusion criteria were applied and included studies evaluated for their ability to achieve their objectives and for quality using the Nutrition Evidence Library appraisal guidelines for research design and implementation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 15 studies included, 10 were randomized controlled trials. Two studies targeted weight loss, 2 targeted weight maintenance, and 11 targeted dietary improvement with or without physical activity. At least half of in-school (60%) and nonschool interventions (80%) exhibited significantly positive effects on nutrition- or obesity-related variables. Small changes in diet, physical activity, knowledge, and self-efficacy were shown; however, few results were sustained long term.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Recommendations included application of health behavior theory and computer tailoring for feedback messages. Future research should include thorough description of intervention content (messages, theory, multimedia, etc.), application of rigorous methodology, as well as consideration of covariates such as parental involvement and gender. With further research and evidentiary support, this approach to obesity-related nutrition education has the potential to be successful.
authors.affiliation: Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois. Electronic address: whitney.ajie@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Whitney N
authors.initials: WN
authors.lastname: Ajie
authors.affiliation: Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois.
authors.forename: Karen M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Chapman-Novakofski
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000379:methods*; D004032:Diet / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D009765:Obesity / Q000628:therapy*; D020377:Self Efficacy
keywords: Adolescent; Computer based; Computer mediated; Internet; Intervention studies; Nutrition education; Obesity; Overweight; Systematic review