Digital communication tools used to promote healthy lifestyles: an overview of reviews from the BRIDGE project.

INTRODUCTION: The widespread use of digital communication tools can contribute to promoting healthy behaviors within the population. The main aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive analysis of digital communication tools used to promote healthy lifestyles and to explore the specific techniques through which they facilitate behavior change. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An overview of reviews was conducted by consulting PubMed, ScienceDirect and Cochrane and using the search syntax specific to each database. The selection criteria for included manuscripts focused on studies describing or evaluating digital health tools designed to promote healthy eating habits, physical activity, and sleep quality, and tools created to reduce sedentary behavior, whether implemented within research or intervention programs. RESULTS: 36 reviews were included in the final overview. Digital interventions to promote healthy lifestyles are most effective when they combine several behavior change techniques, including goal setting, self-monitoring, feedback, incentives, and social support. Among the most effective tools are mobile applications, wearable devices, web platforms, social networks, chatbots, and gamification systems. While gamification and social competition appear particularly effective with young people, personalized feedback, self-regulation, coaching, and problem-solving strategies are more beneficial for adults and older adults. Interventions offering a high level of personalization and interactivity generally yield the best results in terms of adopting healthy behaviors. CONCLUSION: The reviewed studies demonstrate that digital communication tools can effectively promote healthy and lasting behavioral changes and contribute to improved health outcomes, even remotely. This highlights the importance of tailoring digital interventions to age, motivation, and the cognitive abilities of users, while integrating appropriate behavior change techniques to optimize engagement and effectiveness.