• Amanual Getnet Mersha, Jamie Bryant, Kade Booth, Levi Watson, and Michelle Kennedy.
• College of Health Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia; Equity in Health and Wellbeing Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, New Lambton, New South Wales, Australia. Electronic address: amanual.mersha@newcastle.edu.au.
• Prev Med. 2024 Sep 1; 186: 108099108099.

ObjectivesTo examine the effectiveness of internet-based group interventions incorporating social support elements in addressing behaviours related to smoking, nutrition, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and obesity.MethodsA literature search was undertaken in six databases from inception to April 2024. Articles were eligible if they reported on group-based online interventions targeting smoking, nutrition, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and obesity, and included interactive features aimed at promoting social engagement and support. Two reviewers independently screened and assessed the quality of articles using Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools. A narrative analysis was used to synthesize and interpret the data to understand the effects of online interventions on lifestyle modifications.ResultsA total of 4063 citations underwent screening, resulting in 32 articles being deemed eligible and included in this review. Most studies examined physical activity (n = 14), followed by obesity (n = 7) and smoking (n = 6), Most studies were conducted in the USA (n = 14) and Australia (n = 11). Websites were the most utilised mode of intervention delivery (n = 11), followed by Facebook (n = 7) and mobile apps (n = 5). Group-based internet interventions were effective in improving smoking cessation, increasing physical activity and addressing obesity. However, there is insufficient data to determine their effect on promoting healthy nutrition and reducing alcohol intake.ConclusionGroup-based interventions delivered on the internet are effective in changing various health behaviours. This approach can offer large scale and cost-effective means to deliver behavioural interventions. However, the long-term effects and strategies for maintaining the behaviour changes are lacking, underscoring the need for further research.Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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