Evaluating reach, adoption, implementation and maintenance of Internet-based interventions to prevent eating disorders in adolescents: a systematic review

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Michael Zeiler - , Medical University of Vienna (First author)
  • Stefanie Kuso - , University of Applied Sciences Wiener Neustadt (Author)
  • Barbara Nacke - , Chair of Clinical Psychology and E-Mental-Health (Author)
  • Lisa M. Klesges - , University of Memphis (Author)
  • Karin Waldherr - , University of Applied Sciences Wiener Neustadt (Last author)

Abstract

Background: Past research has yielded promising results on the effectiveness of Internet-based interventions to prevent eating disorders (EDs) in adolescents, but further information is needed to evaluate the public health impact of their large-scale dissemination. This article used an established framework to systematically review the extent to which indicators of the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation and maintenance [cf. Reach-Effectiveness-Adoption-Implementation-Maintenance (RE-AIM)-framework] of universal and targeted online ED prevention programmes are reported in the literature, in order to estimate their future dissemination potential. Methods: The literature search was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science and PsycINFO, and complemented by searching existing reviews and the reference lists of the studies included. Twenty-two studies published between 2000 and April 2019 met the inclusion criteria. We extracted data on a total of 43 indicators, within RE-AIM dimensions for each article, including qualitative coding of fostering and hindering factors. Results: Reach (55.0%) and implementation (54.0%) were the dimensions reported on most frequently, followed by effectiveness (46.8%), adoption (34.7%) and maintenance (18.2%). While internal validity indicators were frequently reported (e.g. sample size, effects and intervention intensity), most studies failed to report on elements of external validity, such as representativeness of participants and settings, adoption rates, implementation costs and programme sustainability. Conclusions: Evidence indicates that Internet-based ED prevention programmes can reach a large number of adolescents and can be feasibly implemented in school settings. However, given the paucity of large-scale dissemination studies available for review, the degree to which schools are willing to adopt preventive interventions, as well as the transferability of programmes to different settings and geographical regions remains unclear.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)179-188
Number of pages10
JournalEuropean Journal of Public Health
Volume31
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - 7 Jul 2021
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

ORCID /0000-0002-8976-8440/work/142238081
PubMed 31410447
Mendeley 4f6a5f43-20d8-33a2-a50f-ddcd3d668ce5
Scopus 85084519137

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals