The effectiveness of digital educational interventions on glycemic control in children and adolescents living with diabetes: A systematic review protocol

Objective: To explore the evidence-based literature on the effectiveness of digital educational interventions in children with diabetes. In particular, this review will identify what type and forms of online resources were used by earlier studies and synthesis effect sizes of digital interventions on glycemic level (HbA1c) and the outcome measures used to assess their efficacy. Introduction: Earlier studies have shown that digital health interventions can improve diabetes management. However, the effectiveness of digital health interventions in improving the glycemic control in children and adolescents remain uncertain. Inclusion criteria: This review will include children aged 0-18 years with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Studies using experimental, quasi-experimental and case-control study designs that compare digital health interventions to usual care will be considered for inclusion. The primary outcome includes the level of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c). Methods: A constructed Boolean strategy of subject headings and keywords was used to search MEDLINE (EBSCO) at an initial stage. Then a comprehensive search was undertaken to identify published and unpublished studies on the topic. The databases searched included MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and Embase. This is in addition to ClinicalTrials.gov webisite, and the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP); and ProQuest Dissertations. The reference list of systematic reviews on a similar topic was also screened for additional studies. Only studies published in English and published during the last 20 years were included. Systematic review registration number: The registration number of the protocol in PROSPERO is CRD42024599125.