Objective

Digital health interventions are a promising alternative to face-to-face psychosocial interventions that may improve psychological outcomes in youth with diabetes. Several reviews have explored the efficacy of digital health interventions for adults and youth with some chronic health conditions; however, their efficacy among youth with type 1 diabetes is not known. This systematic review aims to assess digital health interventions targeting both psychological and physical health outcomes in youth with type 1 diabetes as well as to evaluate study quality and efficacy, and provide directions for future research in this area.

Methods

Relevant studies were identified through searches conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, APA PsycInfo, Scopus, Cochrane Central and CINAHL Plus up until February 2021. Studies were included if they were randomised; reported at least one psychological outcome that was assessed at ≥ 2 time points; included a digital health intervention; and were conducted in youth aged 5 to 25 years with type 1 diabetes. The revised Cochrane risk-of-bias (RoB 2) tool was used to assess risk of bias.

Results

Of the 5,159 articles found, 15 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Self-efficacy improved in 2 of the 3 studies which assessed self-efficacy; however, no consistent improvements were found for other psychological, behavioural or physical outcomes. All studies showed some risk of bias concerns.

Conclusions

More research is needed to make firm conclusions on the efficacy of digital health interventions for youth with diabetes. More specifically, interventions based on psychological theories are needed and studies of higher quality methodologies.

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