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The impact of social media interventions on eating behaviours and diet in adolescents and young adults: a mixed methods systematic review protocol

Hao Tang, Marie Spreckley, Esther M. F. van Sluijs, Amy L. Ahern, Andrea Dominica Smith

BMJ Open, 2024

19 citations

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Adolescents and young adults are susceptible population when it comes to healthy eating and dietary behaviours. The increasing use of social media by this age group presents a unique opportunity to promote healthy eating habits. Social media has become a popular platform for promoting health interventions, particularly among young people. However, there is a lack of consensus on the effectiveness of social media interventions in this population. This mixed-method systematic review aims to synthesise the available evidence on the impact of social media interventions on healthy eating behaviours among young people, their qualitative views and user experiences, and the intervention characteristics, behaviour change theories and techniques used to promote healthy eating. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will conduct a comprehensive search of seven electronic databases, including ASSIA, Cochrane Library, Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus and Web of Science. The search strategy will use a combination of Medical Subject Headings terms and keywords covering three domains: social media, eating behaviours and young people. The search will be limited to peer-reviewed published papers in any language, published from 2000. Three independent reviewers will screen studies based on predetermined eligibility criteria. Data will be extracted and analysed using a convergent segregated mixed-method approach. We will use random-effect meta-analysis or Synthesis Without Meta-analysis for…

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