1435 - BEHAVIOURAL INTERVENTIONS FOR THE PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE AND DIABETES MELLITUS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF REVIEWS

Session: D08S002 - Behavioural Change & Preventive Interventions 2
AUTHORS:
Mcaleese Anna Maria (University of Limerick ~ Limerick ~ Ireland) , Ahern Lorcan (University of Limerick ~ Limerick ~ Ireland) , O'Shea Deirdre (University of Limerick ~ Limerick ~ Ireland) , Gallagher Stephen (University of Limerick ~ Limerick ~ Ireland)
Abstract text:
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are leading causes of global morbidity and mortality, with prevalence projected to rise substantially by 2050. Behavioural risk factors, including poor diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and harmful alcohol consumption, are major contributors. A range of behavioural interventions, including digital health strategies, have shown potential in improving outcomes, but evidence remains fragmented.
This review synthesised findings from previous systematic reviews on the effectiveness of behavioural interventions for adults with, or at risk of, CVD and T2DM. A systematic search of PubMed, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science identified reviews published between 2000 and 2025. Eligible studies evaluated interventions focused on diet, physical activity, medication adherence, or multi-component lifestyle change in adults with CVD, T2DM, or those at risk. From 3,334 records, 161 papers progressed to full-text review, with 74 still under review.
Studies meeting the inclusion criteria are being reviewed narratively, with findings organised by intervention type and health outcomes. Evidence indicates that lifestyle interventions effectively reduce T2DM incidence and improve CVD risk factors, including glycaemic control, blood pressure, and lipid profiles. Digital and mobile health tools enhance medication adherence and support sustained behaviour change. However, heterogeneity in study design, duration, and measured outcomes limits comparability, and few reviews address long-term sustainability.
These findings underscore the importance of multi-component, digitally enabled behavioural strategies to reduce the burden of CVD and T2DM. Insights will directly inform the development of the SHIELD mobile application, which leverages an AI-powered chatbot to deliver personalised behavioural interventions for prevention and self-management at scale.
This research is supported by the Horizon Europe-funded SHIELD project, co-funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI; Grant Nº 101156751).