Contemporary Social Media Interventions for Adolescents With Chronic Health Conditions: A Systematic Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Adolescent Health
• Health Communication

Background:

• Adolescents with chronic health conditions (CHCs) can benefit from social media for health promotion.
• Rapidly evolving digital platforms challenge slow-moving research in this area.
• Understanding current research is crucial for effective digital health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically scope research on social media interventions for adolescents with CHCs.
• To analyze the characteristics, range, and size of contemporary research (2018-2024).
• To identify trends and gaps in social media intervention strategies.

Main Methods:

• Systematic scoping review of six databases and grey literature.
• Inclusion criteria focused on studies investigating social media interventions for adolescents with CHCs.
• Data extraction and screening followed PRISMA-Scoping guidelines using Covidence.

Main Results:

• Twenty-five research projects met the inclusion criteria.
• Commonly used theories included social cognitive theory and social support theories.
• Interventions predominantly focused on education and peer support in text-based communities, underutilizing popular platforms like short-form video.
• Most interventions targeted single diagnoses, such as type 1 diabetes and HIV.

Conclusions:

• While theoretical frameworks and outcomes varied, intervention strategies were limited.
• Future research should explore embedding interventions in platforms youth actively use.
• Integrating public health and implementation science methods may enhance engagement and outcomes.