Digital technology to advance global health by reviewing nutrition interventions and assessing needs in urban Syria

Abstract

The intersection of nutrition and digital innovation is rapidly reshaping approaches to dietary assessment, behavior change, and public health promotion. This study integrates findings from a comprehensive narrative literature review, expert opinion synthesis, a case study of digital nutrition interventions in Syria, and a quantitative cross-sectional needs assessment involving 900 residents of Damascus Governorate. The quantitative survey is reconceptualized as a foundational stage identifying the prevailing nutrition challenges and behavioral patterns among Damascus residents. The subsequent narrative review and Syrian case study build on these baseline insights, critically evaluating how current digital interventions align with, or fall short of, addressing these empirically defined local needs. The qualitative component identifies emerging trends in personalized nutrition platforms, mobile food tracking applications, and tele-nutrition counseling, highlighting their diverse functionalities and potential benefits in both developed and humanitarian settings. The Syrian case study illustrates how context-specific digital initiatives—such as e-Nutrition platforms and mobile apps—can yield documented positive impacts on nutrition knowledge and dietary habits, even amidst crisis conditions. The quantitative needs assessment reveals significant health concerns, including an estimated high prevalence, based on self-reported data, of physical inactivity (58% not meeting WHO recommendations), suboptimal dietary intake, and overweight/obesity (55%). These estimates, derived from a convenience sample with likely education and digital engagement biases, highlight notable disparities by sex, age, and education. Multivariate regression analysis confirms key sociodemographic predictors of these behaviors. Specifically, females were significantly associated with low physical activity and overweight/obesity (AORs 1.80 and 1.45, respectively), while males were associated with low fruit/vegetable intake (AOR 1.60). Collectively, the findings underscore the promise of digital technologies in advancing nutrition equity and health outcomes, while also emphasizing the need for culturally adapted, targeted, and evidence-informed interventions that specifically address the identified local disparities. Addressing barriers such as digital literacy, infrastructure limitations, and privacy concerns is essential for equitable implementation. The study calls for targeted policies and future research to formally validate local digital tools and enhance their scalability in resource-constrained and conflict-affected settings.