Adi Lukas Kurniawan, Theresia Theresia, Amelia Faradina, Rathi Paramastri, Nila Reswari Haryana, Riska Mayang Saputri Ginting, Bira Arumndari Nurrahma, Larasati Sekar Kinasih, Achmed Forest Khan, Arif Sabta Aji, Zakia Umami, Olivinia Qonita Putri, Noor Rohmah Mayasari
Background: The adoption of digital technologies to enhance health behaviours is on the rise due to their high accessibility. This scoping review summarized evidence on digital interventions designed to improve nutritional status and physical activity (PA) among healthy individuals in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Methods: A comprehensive search of five electronic databases, including MEDLINE via PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, and CENTRAL through the Cochrane Library from January 2000 to September 2024 was conducted. The search strategy was guided by the Participants, Concept, and Context model. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental designs that implemented digital nutrition interventions among healthy individuals in LMICs. Results: The review included 53 studies, predominantly from Asia, that employed various digital platforms, including social media, text messages, mobile apps, video games, and websites. The interventions primarily targeted children or adolescents and youth, focusing on PA and nutrition-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices. The majority of studies reported significant improvements in PA levels, nutrition knowledge, and healthy food consumption. However, the impact on anthropometric and body composition outcomes was inconsistent might be due to the heterogeneity of intervention, varying duration, diverse target populations, and methodological approaches. Conclusion: Digital interventions were generally effective in improving PA levels, nutrition knowledge, and healthy food consumption. However, our review identified several gaps, including the limited application of theoretical frameworks and needs assessments in the development of interventions, as well as a narrow focus on specific outcomes. Future studies should expand to diverse regions, incorporate theory-based, context-specific approaches, and adopt double-duty action strategies to enhance the effectiveness and reach of digital nutrition interventions in LMICs. © The Author(s) 2025.
Transdisciplinary Research Area “Technology and Innovation for Sustainable Futures” and Center for Development Research (ZEF), Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms University of Bonn, Beringstr. 1, Bonn, 53115, Germany; Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH), Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; Bachelor of Nursing Study Program, Faculty of Medicine, Ganesha University of Education, Buleleng, Indonesia; School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, College of Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Study Program of Nutrition, Faculty of Engineering, State University of Medan, Medan, Indonesia; Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Public Health, Mulawarman University, Samarinda, Indonesia; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia; Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, State Islamic University of Maulana Malik Ibrahim, Malang, Indonesia; Department of Nutrition, Sebelas Maret University, Surakarta, Indonesia; Research Center for Biomedical, National Research and Innovation Agency, Bogor, Indonesia; Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Al Azhar Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia; Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, State University of Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia
