P54 Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised control trials of interactive digital interventions for sexual health promotion

Abstract

Background Digital technology offers potential for sexual health promotion. Aims We conducted systematic review examining effectiveness of sexual health promotion interactive digital interventions (IDI) compared to 1) minimal interventions (e.g. leaflet); 2) face-to-face interventions; 3) different IDI designs. Methods IDI require users’ contributions to produce personally relevant feedback. We searched 40 electronic databases for randomised controlled trials (RCT) of IDI for sexual health promotion from start dates to 30/04/2013. Separate meta-analyses were conducted for comparisons 1, 2, and 3, by outcome types (knowledge, self-efficacy, intention, sexual behaviour, biological outcomes) using random effects models. Subgroup analyses tested: age, risk grouping, setting (online, healthcare, educational). Results We identified 36 RCTs (11,818 participants) from developed countries. Comparison 1: IDI improved knowledge ((standardised mean difference (SMD) 0.48, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.76)); self-efficacy (SMD 0.11, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.19), intention (SMD 0.13, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.22), sexual behaviour ((Odds Ratio (OR) 1.20, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.41)), but not biological outcomes (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.56 to 1.16). IDI delivered in educational settings improved sexual behaviour (OR 2.09, 95% CI 1.43 to 3.04), but not in healthcare settings (OR 1.17, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.45), or online (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.17). Comparison 2: IDI improved knowledge (SMD 0.36, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.58), intention (SMD 0.46, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.85), but not self-efficacy (SMD 0.38, 95% CI -0.01 to 0.77). Comparison 3: Tailoring had no effect on outcomes. Conclusion IDIs can enhance knowledge, self-efficacy, intention, and sexual behaviour.