Technology-Based Peer Support Interventions for Adolescents with Chronic Illness: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Adolescent Medicine
• Chronic Illness Management

Background:

• Peer support is crucial for adolescents with chronic illnesses, improving quality of life and health outcomes.
• Technology can bridge gaps in accessing vital peer support networks for this population.
• Existing research highlights the need for systematic reviews on technology-based interventions.

Approach:

• A systematic review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was conducted.
• 3781 articles were screened, with 32 meeting the inclusion criteria for analysis.
• Interventions utilizing websites, chat messaging, and video conferencing were examined.

Key Points:

• Websites with forums, chat messaging, and video conferencing were the most common technologies employed.
• The majority of studies (69%) focused on feasibility, often with small sample sizes.
• Interventions demonstrated feasibility and acceptability, with positive impacts on social support.

Conclusions:

• While social support benefits were noted, results regarding isolation, quality of life, and disease self-management were mixed.
• Current evidence from adequately powered randomized controlled trials is insufficient to establish efficacy.
• Future research should employ rigorous methodologies to evaluate efficacy and adapt to evolving adolescent communication technologies.