The influence of social networking sites on health behavior change: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Our aim was to evaluate the use and effectiveness of interventions using social networking sites (SNSs) to change health behaviors.

Five databases were scanned using a predefined search strategy. Studies were included if they focused on patients/consumers, involved an SNS intervention, had an outcome related to health behavior change, and were prospective. Studies were screened by independent investigators, and assessed using Cochrane's 'risk of bias' tool. Randomized controlled trials were pooled in a meta-analysis.