A systematic appraisal of the information, engagement, aesthetic and functional quality of nutrition-related smartphone apps for children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: Nutrition-related smartphone applications (apps) could improve children's nutrition knowledge and skills. However, little is known about the quality of nutrition-related apps for children. This study aimed to identify and evaluate the quality of nutrition-related smartphone apps designed for children ages 4-17. DESIGN: This systematic appraisal is guided by the Protocol for App Store Systematic Reviews. SETTING: Using Google's Advanced Search, we identified 1814 apps/1184 additional apps in an updated search on iOS, of which twenty-four were eligible. The apps' objective and subjective quality were evaluated using the twenty-three-item, five-point Mobile App Rating Scale. The objective quality scale consists of four subscales: engagement, functionality, aesthetics and information. RESULTS: Most of the apps (75 %) focussed solely on promoting nutrition skills, such as making food dishes, rather than nutrition knowledge. Of the twenty-four apps, 83 % targeted children 4-8 years old. The app objective quality mean score was 3·60 ± 0·41. The subscale mean scores were 3·20 ± 0·41 for engagement, 4·24 ± 0·47 for functionality, 4·03 ± 0·51 for aesthetics and 2·94 ± 0·62 for information. The app subjective quality mean score was 2·10 ± 0·90. CONCLUSIONS: More robust approaches to app development leveraging co-design approaches, including involving a multidisciplinary team of experts to provide evidence-based nutrition information, are warranted.

Early adolescent development in the face of violence: A systematic review running.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to violence has severe and lasting effects on development. Despite the body of research examining childhood exposures to violence and victimization, developmental outcomes during early adolescence are poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: To synthesize existing research on the effects of violence exposure on early adolescent development (youth 9-14 years old) and highlight areas for future research. METHOD: We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, and EMBASE for articles published between 2012 and 2023. Included articles focused on violence exposure related to experiencing or observing community violence, witnessing domestic violence and/or being the victim of chronic physical abuse. RESULTS: Twenty-eight articles spanning four developmental domains were included: behavioral, biological, neurological, and social development. Behaviorally, violence exposure posed significant effects on both internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Biologically, violence exposure was strongly associated with advanced epigenetic age, accelerated puberty, and insomnia. Neurologically, violence exposure had significant associations with both structural and functional differences in the developing brain. Socially, violence exposure was related to poor school engagement, peer aggression, and low social support. CONCLUSION: This systematic review highlights varying effects of violence exposure on early adolescent development. The gaps presented should be addressed and implemented into clinical practice via evidence-based policies and procedures to ensure successful transition to adulthood.