Table 2.

Details of intervention and control activities for the included studies.

Study	Study aim	Intervention	Control
Agboola, 2016 [12]	To evaluate the effectiveness on sending daily physical activity–focused text messages in patients with diabetes compared with no text message on physical activity. Furthermore, an evaluation of the effectiveness of the intervention on hemoglobin A1c level, weight change, physical activity, engagement, usability, and satisfaction with the intervention	Participants received a minimum of two automated text messages per day in addition to pedometers—one message in the morning and the other in the evening for 6 months. Messages provided coaching that was dependent on pedometer-captured step counts and physical activity goals target set during the initial visit. Messages received in the morning gave feedback based on activities of the previous day, and messages on other times of the day focused on different coaching themes. Some messages were interactive and focused on elements such as food intake, health status, physical activity, and satisfaction with the program	Pedometers
Arora, 2014 [28]	To evaluate an mHealth intervention for resource-poor emergency department patients with diabetes	Patients received 2 SMS text messages delivered at 9 AM and 5 PM to their mobile phones daily for 6 months. Messages of four categories were sent: one educational/motivational message per day, 3 medication reminders per week, 2 healthy living challenges per week, and 2 trivia messages per week and sent out in question form with the answer sent out an hour later	Usual care (details not provided)
Fortmann, 2017 [1]	To investigate the glycemic effectiveness of a culturally tailored SMS-based diabetes self-management education and support intervention (Dulce Digital)	Participants received information on how to receive and send SMS text messages. Those without a mobile phone were given one. Content of text messages were derived from culturally appropriate Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support curriculum. Participants received 2-3 messages a day initially, which was tapered over 6 months. They received ongoing motivational messages, medication reminders, and prompts for blood glucose measurement	Usual care, which includes visits with a primary care physician, certified diabetes educator, and group diabetes self-management education, dependent on patient or provider initiative
Herring, 2014 [29]	To examine the feasibility, acceptability, and initial efficacy of a technology-based weight loss intervention for urban low-income mothers	Six behavioral health strategies were implemented, one at a time for 2-4 weeks. Participants set realistic goals for each strategy and received 15 minutes biweekly calls from a health counselor. They also receive 3-4 text messages weekly, which probed into their adherence with set goals. Participants also received membership to a Facebook group, which provided access to social support and videos/websites for additional resources.	Regular postpartum care, which is typically one visit with their primary care provider or with a provider through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). This visit is usually between 6 and 8 weeks post partum and involves counseling on lactation, birth control, and depression screening. Participants in the study also received counseling on nutrition and vouchers for food and beverages through WIC.
Lin, 2015 [2]	To investigate a behavioral theory-based mobile health intervention to enhance weight loss in patients with obesity	Automated SMS text message program tailored to participants’ selection of 3 relevant goals out of 8 options. Messages were customized to participants’ wake, lunch, and sleep times	Initial assessment including 20-minute individual sessions with a dietician, health status review with a study physician, and receiving educational material on diet and activity. They also received a digital pedometer
Phelan, 2017 [30]	To evaluate the effect of an internet-based weight loss program in addition to the WIC program on weight loss for low-income postpartum women	Internet-based weight loss program with setting of caloric and physical activity goals. Provision of weekly lessons, web diary, weight and physical activity tracker, and instructional and inspirational videos. Participants received 4 SMS text messages per week with notification of new website content and provision of motivation, support, and feedback. This was in addition to all elements of the WIC program	Participants received all aspects of the standard WIC program and a newsletter every 2 months with information on exercise, nutrition, and wellness
Steinberg, 2013 [31]	To evaluate the feasibility of daily text messages for self-monitoring behavioral goals for weight loss among African American women with obesity	Shape plan-tracking of tailored behavior change goals through SMS text messaging. Daily feedback through SMS text messages and weekly feedback by email. At 3 months, participants received skills training information including healthy eating patterns and eating cues to reduce face-to-face contact. At 6 months, a 1-hour face-to-face session that focused on problem-solving, progress assessment, and behavior change	Participants received a health education lesson at the start of the study and at 6 months. They also received a set of videos covering topics on healthy eating and exercise at 3 months, in addition to a pedometer and a prescription to walk 10,000 steps a day