Advancing Adolescent Physical Activity Through Technology-Based Educational Programs in the Pacific region

Background: There is an urgent need to tackle low physical activity (PA) levels in Australia and the Pacific Islands. This necessitates innovative solutions to address insufficient daily moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) in adolescents. The iEngage program, co-designed with a digital health industry partner, is a modular and technology-based health educational program that was designed to enhance MVPA among adolescents. It was tested in distinct school contexts, specifically in Australia and New Caledonia.
Methods: iEngage was implemented a) in urban area with two Sydney schools over 5 weeks, engaging 10–12-year-olds (n = 57), and b) in remote area with 24 adolescents from New Caledonia aged 12 to 14 years. The program incorporated technology, integrating Misfit Ray© activity trackers and mobile apps, while providing goal-setting guidance, self-monitoring, and experiential learning.
Results: In the urban iEngage study, adolescents exhibited a 30% increase in daily steps (+2647 steps/day, P < .001) at completion of the program, with boys outpacing girls in goal attainment. Proportion of days exceeding 11,000 steps increased from 35% to 48%, indicating sustained improvement. In the trial implemented in a remote area, adolescents showed a consistency rate of reaching 11,000 steps per day peaking at 59% toward the end of the program, demonstrating progressive adherence to international recommendations. Daily behaviour clustering indicated a 27% increase in adherence, which was particularly noticeable in less active adolescents.
Conclusion: These trials collectively affirm the efficacy of technology-supported educational programs in enhancing adolescents' PA levels in both urban and remote contexts. The iEngage program, with its comprehensive approach, successfully empowered adolescents to set and achieve PA goals. These findings underscore the potential of technology-driven interventions to bridge the gap between global health recommendations and the specific needs of Pacific adolescents, providing valuable insights for future health promotion initiatives.
Funding: Pacific Fund, Diabetes Australia.