Background: Interactive conversational agents (chatbots) simulate human conversation using natural language processing and artificial intelligence. They enable dynamic interactions and are used in various fields, including education and healthcare. Objective: This systematic review aims to identify and synthesize studies on chatbots for women and expectant parents in the preconception, pregnancy, and postnatal period through 12 months postpartum. Methods: We searched in six electronic bibliographic databases (MEDLINE (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCO), Embase, Web of Science, Inspec, and IEEE Xplore) using a pre-defined search strategy. We included sources if they focused on women in the preconception period, pregnant women and their partners, mothers, and fathers/coparents of babies up to 12 months old. Two reviewers independently screened studies and all disagreements were resolved by a third reviewer. Two reviewers independently extracted and validated data from the included studies into a standardized form and conducted quality appraisal. Results: Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. Seven were from the USA, with others from Brazil, South Korea, Singapore, and Japan. The studies reported high user satisfaction, improved health intentions and behaviors, increased knowledge, and better prevention of preconception risks. Chatbots also facilitated access to health information and interactions with health professionals. Conclusion: We provide an overview of interactive conversational agents used in the perinatal period and their applications. Digital interventions using interactive conversational agents have a positive impact on knowledge, behaviors, attitudes, and the use of health services. Interventions using interactive conversational agents may be more effective than those using methods such as individual or group face-to-face delivery.

Background: Chronic diseases are the leading global cause of death, largely driven by Western lifestyles characterized by poor diets and physical inactivity. Digital interventions offer promising tools to support health behavior change. Interactive conversational agents (CAs) provide real-time, personalized meal planning and dietary advice. Their interactive nature and adaptability make them valuable for promoting healthy dietary behaviors in the context of diet-related chronic diseases. However, evidence of their effectiveness remains limited. Systematic evaluations of their impact, features, and user acceptability are needed to clarify their role in public health strategies for improving dietary behaviors and preventing chronic diseases. Objective: This review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of CAs in improving dietary behaviors, to describe their features, functions, conversational capabilities, and impact on nutritional knowledge, usability, acceptability, user experience, and engagement. Methods: Five electronic databases were searched: MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, Web of Science, and PsycINFO. We only included sources that focused on the use of CAs to change dietary behavior. Eligible studies were published since 2013 in English, French, or Spanish. Two independent reviewers screened studies, with a third resolving disagreements. The quality of studies was appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (McGill University). Quantitative and qualitative findings were synthesized narratively. Results: In total, 2200 references were identified, and after screening and eligibility assessment, 11 references (10 studies with approximately 20‐480 participants) were included. Among the included studies, improvements in fruit and vegetable intake were reported in 2 studies ( P =.04 and P =.005). One study found significant increases in adherence to the Mediterranean diet at 6 weeks with gains maintained at 12 weeks. Two additional studies reported enhanced nutritional knowledge (eg, nutrition label use). Effects on protein, whole grains, sugar, sodium, and caffeine intake were mixed or nonsignificant. Some studies reported increased physical activity (+109.8 min/wk) and reduced alcohol use for stress management. One randomized controlled trial showed modest but significant weight loss and decrease in waist circumference (−2.1 cm, 95% CI −3.5 to 0.7; P =.003). Engagement varied between studies. Usability and user experience were generally positive; goal setting, feedback, and tailored recommendations were linked to higher satisfaction. Reported challenges included unnatural conversation style, simplistic content, and limited perceived usefulness. Conclusions: CAs show promising potential to improve dietary behaviors, with evidence of gains in fruit and vegetable intake, Mediterranean diet adherence, nutritional knowledge, physical activity, and modest weight loss. Overall usability was favorable, but variability in outcomes, high attrition, and limited impact on social support highlight areas for refinement. Future research should use larger samples, longer follow-up, standardized outcomes, and strategies to enhance sustained engagement and inclusivity. Systematic evaluations and refined designs are essential to establish the role of CAs as scalable, evidence-based tools in chronic disease prevention.

Background: Digital health literacy is considered a health determinant that can influence improved health and well-being, health equity, and the reduction of social health inequalities. Therefore, it serves as an asset for individuals to promote their health. However, low digital health literacy is a major problem among forced migrant populations. They do not always have the capacity and skills to access digital health resources and use them appropriately. To our knowledge, no studies are currently available to examine effective interventions for improving digital health literacy among forced migrant populations. Objective: This paper presents the protocol for a systematic review that aims to assess the effectiveness of digital health literacy interventions among forced migrant populations. With this review, our objectives are as follows: (1) identify interventions designed to improve digital health literacy among forced migrant populations, including interventions aimed at creating enabling conditions or environments that cater to the needs and expectations of forced migrants limited by low levels of digital health literacy, with the goal of facilitating their access to and use of eHealth resources; (2) define the categories and describe the characteristics of these interventions, which are designed to enhance the abilities of forced migrants or adapt digital health services to meet the needs and expectations of forced migrant populations. Methods: A mixed methods systematic review will be conducted according to the PRISMA-P (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols) checklist. The research will be conducted in an iterative process among the different authors. With the help of a medical information specialist, a specific search strategy will be formulated for the 6 most relevant databases (ie, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, Academic Search Premier, PsycINFO, and the Google Scholar search engine). A literature search covering studies published between 2000 and 2022 has already been conducted. Two reviewers then proceeded, individually and independently, to conduct a double selection of titles, abstracts, and then full texts. Data extraction will be conducted by a reviewer and validated by a senior researcher. We will use the narrative synthesis method (ie, structured narrative summaries of key themes) to present a comprehensive picture of effective digital health literacy interventions among forced migrant populations and the success factors of these interventions. Results: The search strategy and literature search were completed in December 2022. A total of 1232 articles were identified. The first selection was completed in July 2023. The second selection is still in progress. The publication of the systematic review is scheduled for December 2023. Conclusions: This mixed methods systematic review will provide comprehensive knowledge on effective interventions for digital literacy among forced migrant populations. The evidence generated will further inform stakeholders and aid decision makers in promoting equitable access to and use of digital health resources for forced migrant populations and the general population in host countries. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/50798

Interactive conversational agents, also known as chatbots, have the potential to increase the success rate of digital technology interventions to promote healthy behaviors. However, due to their newness and limited use, little is known about their integration, usefulness, and effectiveness in promoting smoking and vaping cessation. The aim of this mixed-methods systematic review was to assess the effectiveness and characteristics of current interactive conversational agents in promoting and supporting smoking and vaping cessation. A mixed-methods systematic review was conducted to identify studies published in the last 20 years in five relevant databases. Eight studies, including seven on smoking cessation and one on smoking and vaping cessation, were included. The results showed that, compared to other smoking cessation methods, chatbots can lead to better engagement in treatment, resulting in higher rates of sustained abstinence and improved quality of life. In addition, chatbots can be perceived as empathetic and establish a decent therapeutic alliance thanks to their communication skills. This knowledge could be useful for the development of interactive conversational agents to support smoking and/or vaping cessation. Alternative intervention tools targeting younger generations, such as chatbots, may offer an additional way for public health professionals to reach them.

Interactive conversational agents, also known as chatbots, have the potential to increase the success rate of digital technology interventions to promote healthy behaviors. However, due to their newness and limited use, little is known about their integration, usefulness, and effectiveness in promoting smoking and vaping cessation. The aim of this mixed methods systematic review was to assess the effectiveness and characteristics of current interactive conversational agents in promoting and supporting smoking and vaping cessation. A mixed methods systematic review was conducted to identify studies published in the last 20 years in five relevant databases. Eight studies, including seven on smoking cessation and one on smoking and vaping cessation, were included. The results showed that, compared to other smoking cessation methods, chatbots can lead to better engagement in treatment, resulting in higher rates of sustained abstinence and improved quality of life. In addition, chatbots can be perceived as empathetic and establish a decent therapeutic alliance thanks to their communication skills. This knowledge could be useful for the development of interactive conversational agents to support smoking and/or vaping cessation. Alternative intervention tools targeting younger generations, such as chatbots, may offer an additional way for public health professionals to reach them.

BACKGROUND Digital health literacy is considered a health determinant that can influence improved health and well-being, health equity, and the reduction of social health inequalities. Therefore, it serves as an asset for individuals to promote their health. However, low digital health literacy is a major problem among forced migrant populations. They do not always have the capacity and skills to access digital health resources and use them appropriately. To our knowledge, no studies are currently available to examine effective interventions for improving digital health literacy among forced migrant populations. OBJECTIVE This paper presents the protocol for a systematic review that aims to assess the effectiveness of digital health literacy interventions among forced migrant populations. With this review, our objectives are as follows: (1) identify interventions designed to improve digital health literacy among forced migrant populations, including interventions aimed at creating enabling conditions or environments that cater to the needs and expectations of forced migrants limited by low levels of digital health literacy, with the goal of facilitating their access to and use of eHealth resources; (2) define the categories and describe the characteristics of these interventions, which are designed to enhance the abilities of forced migrants or adapt digital health services to meet the needs and expectations of forced migrant populations. METHODS A mixed methods systematic review will be conducted according to the PRISMA-P (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols) checklist. The research will be conducted in an iterative process among the different authors. With the help of a medical information specialist, a specific search strategy will be formulated for the 6 most relevant databases (ie, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, Academic Search Premier, PsycINFO, and the Google Scholar search engine). A literature search covering studies published between 2000 and 2022 has already been conducted. Two reviewers then proceeded, individually and independently, to conduct a double selection of titles, abstracts, and then full texts. Data extraction will be conducted by a reviewer and validated by a senior researcher. We will use the narrative synthesis method (ie, structured narrative summaries of key themes) to present a comprehensive picture of effective digital health literacy interventions among forced migrant populations and the success factors of these interventions. RESULTS The search strategy and literature search were completed in December 2022. A total of 1232 articles were identified. The first selection was completed in July 2023. The second selection is still in progress. The publication of the systematic review is scheduled for December 2023. CONCLUSIONS This mixed methods systematic review will provide comprehensive knowledge on effective interventions for digital literacy among forced migrant populations. The evidence generated will further inform stakeholders and aid decision makers in promoting equitable access to and use of digital health resources for forced migrant populations and the general population in host countries. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT DERR1-10.2196/50798