IntelliCare: An Eclectic, Skills-Based App Suite for the Treatment of Depression and Anxiety

Sexual Interventions in the Metaverse: Attitudes Towards Novel Therapeutic Approaches, a Qualitative Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Mental health treatment for psychosexual problems is effective, but treatment rates are low. Metaverse-based therapy offers one solution to increase overall treatment rates. Understanding attitudes towards this novel approach could lead to wider adoption of metaverse-based therapy, resulting in higher treatment rates for psychosexual problems.

METHODS

Twenty-one participants across three focus groups of different ages shared their perceptions and attitudes about metaverse-based therapy broadly and for treating sexual disorders. A content analysis of the transcribed text from the focus groups using qualitative data analysis software was conducted.

RESULTS

Participants identified several perceived benefits of metaverse-based intervention, including avoiding the perceived embarrassment of going to a clinic and accessing patients (a) with diverse physical or mental functionality, (b) living in remote areas and/or (c) balancing different family/work obligations or duties. The two main concerns with metaverse-based therapy were the fear of online therapy being less personal than traditional therapy and the technological fluency needed. Clarifying their acceptance of the therapy, participants reported that they would be more likely to engage in metaverse-based therapy if they trusted their therapist. Also, although it might be effective for mild and moderate disorders, participants were more reluctant about its use for severe mental illness.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that attitudes towards metaverse-based intervention are mainly positive, since it removes some barriers that hinder access to psychological treatment in general and, specifically, for problems of a sexual nature.

PATIENT AND PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

During the design stage, a person with sexual difficulties was consulted to understand the patient's perspective. Members of the public advised the implementation of the focus groups. Three potential service users were involved in the coding of the text during the content analysis.

Mental health app boost my mood (BMM) as preventive early intervention for adolescents with (sub)clinical depressive symptoms

BACKGROUND

Depression is a common mental disorder. Detecting (sub)clinical depressive symptoms in adolescents at an early stage and offering a low-threshold early intervention can minimize the risk of serious and/or long-term depression. As such, a digital intervention can be a low-threshold preventive and early intervention. This study aims to examine whether the Boost My Mood (BMM)-app is a suitable preventive early intervention for adolescents with (sub)clinical depressive symptoms.

METHODS

This naturalistic single-arm evaluation study (N = 50) was conducted in adolescents aged 16-21 with (sub)clinical depressive symptoms. Furthermore, the BMM-app was studied in relation to anxiety, worrying, stress, and sleeping problems. An exploratory objective was to determine whether positive expectations and social support are related to app use.

RESULTS

The study showed a significant decrease in not only depressive symptoms, but also anxiety, worrying and stress while using the BMM-app. Sleeping problems did not significantly decrease over time while using the BMM-app. The degree of use of the BMM-app and telling significant others about using the BMM-app were both not related to a decrease in depressive symptoms. The BMM-app was used significantly more when the adolescent had told relatives about their depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

A digital intervention, such as the BMM-app, can be a low-threshold preventive and early intervention for adolescents with (sub)clinical depressive symptoms. Beneficial effects of the BMM-app were reported on depressive symptoms as well as other aspects of quality of life, such as anxiety, worrying, and stress. Whereas several factors may have played a role in the current findings on depressive symptoms, there are reasons to assume that part of the reduction in symptoms could be attributed to the BMM-app. Although no causality can be assumed, this study is a first step in the implementation of preventive apps in mental health care.

Technology-Assisted Mental Health Intervention Delivered by Frontline Workers at Community Doorsteps for Reducing Anxiety and Depression in Rural Pakistan: Protocol for the mPareshan Mixed Methods Implementation Trial

BACKGROUND

There is a dearth of specialized mental health workforce in low- and middle-income countries. Use of mobile technology by frontline community health workers (CHWs) is gaining momentum in Pakistan and needs to be explored as an alternate strategy to improve mental well-being.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and usefulness of an app-based counseling intervention delivered by government lady health workers (LHWs) to reduce anxiety and depression in rural Pakistan.

METHODS

Project mPareshan is a single-arm, pre- and posttest implementation research trial in Badin District, Sindh, using mixed methods of data collection executed in 3 phases (preintervention, intervention, and postintervention). In the preintervention phase, formative qualitative assessments through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews assess the acceptability and appropriateness of intervention through perceptions of all concerned stakeholders using a specific interview guide. A REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture)-based baseline survey using Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 Scale (GAD-7) determines the point prevalence of depression and anxiety among consenting men and women older than 18 years. Individuals with mild and moderate anxiety and depression are identified as screen positives (SPs) and are eligible for mPareshan app-based intervention. Mental health literacy of health workers is improved through customized training adapting the World Health Organization's Mental Health Gap Action Programme guide 2.0. The intervention (mPareshan app) consists of tracking, counseling, and referral segments. The tracking segment facilitates participant consent and enrollment while the referral segment is used by LHWs to transfer severe cases to the next level of specialist care. Through the counseling segment, identified SPs are engaged during LHWs' routine home visits in 6 face-to-face 20-minute counseling sessions over 6 months. Each session imparts psychoeducation through audiovisual aids, breathing exercises, and coping skills to reduce stress. Clinical and implementation outcomes include change in mean anxiety and depression scores and identification of facilitators and barriers in intervention uptake and rollout.

RESULTS

At the time of this submission (April 2024), we are analyzing the results of 366 individuals who participated in the baseline prevalence survey, the change in knowledge and skills of 72 health workers who took the mPareshan training, change in anxiety and depression scores of 98 SPs recruited for app-based counseling intervention, and perceptions of stakeholders pre- and postintervention gathered through 8 focus group discussions and 18 in-depth interviews.

CONCLUSIONS

This trial will assess the feasibility of early home-based mental health screening, counseling, and prompt referrals by frontline health workers to reduce anxiety and depression in the community. The study findings will set the stage for integrating mental health into primary health care.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry ACTRN12622000989741; https://tinyurl.com/5n844c8z.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/54272.

Enhancing outpatient anxiety treatment with mobile technology: A quality improvement study

INTRODUCTION

Mobile mental health applications are a novel treatment method with unique qualities and capabilities for enhancing existing psychiatric treatments. Outpatient settings such as Mile Square Health Clinic have identified a need to leverage this new technology into their routine care.

BACKGROUND

In the U.S., over 40 million people suffer from an anxiety disorder, however, only 1 in 4 responds to pharmacological treatment. Preliminary research indicates mental health apps are acceptable, feasible, and can improve patient outcomes for those with anxiety.

METHODS

Participants from two different outpatient psychiatric clinics locations with generalized anxiety disorder were identified and recruited by participating nurse practitioners. Participants were instructed on how to download and use IntelliCare by the Project Lead. The Project Lead administered a semi-structured interview to collect qualitative data at three weeks and six weeks follow-up.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Survey responses at three and six weeks showed relevant themes of increased journaling, increased feelings of connectedness, positive associations with gamification, and IntelliCare being most useful for a moderate to severe level of anxiety.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The results of this QI project demonstrate the clinical utility of incorporating the IntelliCare app into regular outpatient practice. IntelliCare should be used with those with moderate to severe anxiety and journaling features should follow research developments to incorporate best-practice guidelines.

The use of coaching in smartphone app-based cognitive behavioral therapy for body dysmorphic disorder

Background

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is severe and undertreated. Digital mental health could be key to expanding access to evidence-based treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy for BDD (CBT-BDD). Coach guidance is posited to be essential for effective uptake of digital interventions. However, little is known about how different patients may use coaching, what patterns correspond to meaningful outcomes, and how to match coaching to patient needs.

Methods

Participants were 77 adults who received a 12-week guided smartphone CBT-BDD. Bachelor's-level coaches were available via asynchronous messaging. We analyzed the 400 messages sent by users to coaches during treatment. Message content was coded using the efficiency model of support (i.e., usability, engagement, fit, knowledge, and implementation). We aimed to clarify when and for what purposes patients with BDD used coaching, and if we can meaningfully classify patients by these patterns. We then assessed potential baseline predictors of coach usage, and whether distinct patterns relate to clinical outcomes.

Results

Users on average sent 5.88 messages (SD = 4.51, range 1-20) and received 9.84 (SD = 5.74, range 2-30). Regarding frequency of sending messages, latent profile analysis revealed three profiles, characterized by: (1) peak mid-treatment (16.88 %), (2) bimodal/more communication early and late in treatment (10.39 %), and (3) consistent low/no communication (72.73 %). Regarding content, four profiles emerged, characterized by mostly (1) engagement (51.95 %), (2) fit (15.58 %), (3) knowledge (15.58 %), and (4) miscellaneous/no messages (16.88 %). There was a significant relationship between frequency profile and age, such that the early/late peak group was older than the low communication group, and frequency profile and adherence, driven by the mid-treatment peak group completing more modules than the low contact group. Regarding content, the engagement and knowledge groups began treatment with more severe baseline symptoms than the fit group. Content profile was associated with dropout, suggesting higher dropout rates in the miscellaneous/no contact group and reduced rates in the engagement group. There was no relationship between profile membership and other outcomes.

Discussion

The majority of participants initiated little contact with their coach and the most common function of communications was to increase engagement. Results suggest that older individuals may prefer or require more support than younger counterparts early in treatment. Additionally, whereas individuals using coaching primarily for engagement may be at lower risk of dropping out, those who do not engage at all may be at elevated risk. Findings can support more personalized, data-driven coaching protocols and more efficient allocation of coaching resources.

Feasibility and Acceptability of a Health App Platform Providing Individuals With a Budget to Purchase Preselected Apps to Work on Their Health and Well-Being: Quantitative Evaluation Study

BACKGROUND

The potential of health apps for health promotion and disease prevention is widely recognized. However, uptake is limited due to barriers individuals face in finding suitable and trustworthy apps, such as the overwhelming amount of available health apps. Therefore, the health app platform "FitKnip" was developed, enabling individuals to purchase preselected, trustworthy health apps with a budget of 100 euros (a currency exchange rate of EUR €1=US $1.0831 is applicable). The platform aimed to empower individuals to improve their health and vitality, ultimately supporting a more healthy society.

OBJECTIVE

The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the health app platform in terms of feasibility and acceptability. Potential effects on health empowerment and health outcomes were secondarily explored.

METHODS

This quantitative study was part of a mixed methods study with a prospective pre-post interventional design. We collected web-based user data, and self-reported web-based questionnaires were collected over 5 measurements over an 8-month period. Use statistics were tracked on the platform, including the number of purchased apps and euros spent per user registered within the health app platform. We measured the user-friendliness of the health app platform using the System Usability Scale (SUS) and satisfaction using the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire-8 (CSQ-8) and several 10-point Likert items. We asked participants to indicate, on a scale from 1 (not at all) to 10 (completely), how much the health app platform contributed to various areas related to health empowerment. We assessed health-related quality of life by the 12-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12) and one's perceived level of stress by the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10).

RESULTS

A total of 1650 participants were included, of whom 42% (685/1650) bought at least 1 app. The majority of those purchased one app (244/685, 35.6%). The health app platform was rated as user-friendly (SUS mean 66.5, SD 20.7; range 66.5-70.0), and the acceptability of the health app platform was moderate (CSQ-8 mean 20.0, SD 1.5; range 19.6-20.0). Results furthermore showed that participants were generally satisfied to highly satisfied with the ease of the payment system to purchase apps on the platform (median 8, IQR 7-10), the look and feel of the platform (median 7, IQR 6-8), as well as the provided budget of 100 euros (median 9, IQR 7-10). Participants were less satisfied with the amount (median 6, IQR 4-7) and diversity (median 6, IQR 4-7) of apps offered on the platform.

CONCLUSIONS

A health app platform is a promising initiative to enhance public health. Feasibility and acceptability are critical for success, as they ensure that such a platform is accessible, user-friendly, and meets end users' needs and preferences. This can help to increase uptake, engagement, and ultimately the platform's adoption and effectiveness.

Approaches to Tailoring Between-Session Mental Health Therapy Activities

Mental health activities conducted by patients between therapy sessions (or "therapy homework") are a component of addressing anxiety and depression. However, to be effective, therapy homework must be tailored to the client's needs to address the numerous barriers they encounter in everyday life. In this study, we analyze how therapists and clients tailor therapy homework to their client's needs. We interviewed 13 therapists and 14 clients about their experiences tailoring and engaging in therapy homework. We identify criteria for tailoring homework, such as client skills, discomfort, and external barriers. We present how homework gets adapted, such as through changes in difficulty or by identifying alternatives. We discuss how technologies can better use client information for personalizing mental health interventions, such as adapting to client barriers, adjusting homework to these barriers, and creating a safer environment to support discomfort.

Implementing a mental health app library in primary care: A feasibility study

Confronted with a wide range of digital health tools (DHT), professionals and patients need guidance to use these tools correctly and optimize health management. In the fall of 2020, a DHT library developed by Quebec-based company TherAppX was implemented in 22 institutions. The library was designed to enable healthcare professionals to use DHT in clinical care. The purpose of the current study was to assess the feasibility of implementing the library, including user experience, changes in DHT recommendation habits, and factors that helped or hindered the implementation process. A multi-methods design focusing on secondary use of quantitative data collected by TherAppX and semi-structured interviews with users was employed. While the quantitative analyses indicated infrequent use of the library, qualitative analyses highlighted several factors that hindered its implementation, including certain library and user characteristics and the unprecedented context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, the quantitative analyses confirmed interest in DHT and their usefulness during follow-ups. The results revealed a marginally significant pre-post changes in the frequency with which DHT were recommended. This study helped identify areas for improvements and indicates that further evaluation is needed. Future implementations would benefit from ensuring optimal conditions for a successful implementation.

Development and Validation of a Psychoeducational Video on Depression

Background Depression is an important public health issue that affects many university students worldwide. It causes a wide range of physiological impairments, resulting in high mortality and morbidity rates. Regardless of the severity of the situation, the lack of knowledge about depression prevents them from seeking help. Furthermore, many individuals mistakenly believe that supernatural powers cause mental illnesses, which leads them to seek treatment from traditional healers instead of medical professionals. Therefore, video is a suitable instrument for disseminating information about depression because it corresponds to the younger generations' preferred method of accessing information. However, there is a scarcity of research on the development of psychoeducational videos aimed at improving depression literacy among university students in Malaysia. Hence, this study was conducted to address this research gap. Methods The study was conducted from October 2022 to October 2023, following the guidelines of video production and the principles of psychoeducation. During the preproduction phase, the script was written based on medical reference books and medically reviewed websites. The script's consistency, relevance, representativeness, and clarity were validated by five subject-matter experts. Subsequently, it was translated into Malay, which is the national language of Malaysia, to create subtitles. This was followed by script breakdown, storyboard and shot list creation, location scouting, blocking, shooting schedule, preparing call sheets, and recruiting talents. The production phase included the activities of voiceover recordings and filming, followed by the post-production phase, which consisted of video editing. Nine subject matter experts and 30 end-users validated the video by assessing its functionality, usability, efficiency, audio-visual style, and setting. Results The video script scored an overall item-level content validity index (I-CVI) and scale-level content validity index based on the average method (S-CVI/Ave) value of 1 for the domains of consistency, relevancy, representativeness, and clarity. On the other hand, the video's I-CVI and S-CVI/Ave scores indicated that it met the minimum acceptable value of 0.78 (with a range of 0.78 to 1) and 0.9 (with a range of 0.92 to 0.98) in the domains of functionality, usability, efficacy, audiovisual technique, and setting. Similarly, the video's item-level face validity index (I-FVI) achieved a minimal value of 0.80 (with a range of 0.87 to 1) across all domains following validation by 30 end-users. The video's scale-level face validity index based on the average method (S-FVI/Ave) scored 0.91, 0.96, and 0.97 for functionality, usability, and consistency domains, while the audiovisual technique and setting domains scored 0.94 and 0.98, respectively. The feedback from participants included reducing the video speed to increase subtitle readability, replacing gloomy background music with a more vibrant composition and tempo, and substituting stock videos with footage depicting Asian settings. Conclusion The psychoeducational video, titled "Educating University Students About Depression: A Short Documentary," serves as a valid instrument for disseminating information pertaining to depression. The practical application of this video has the potential to improve depression literacy and mitigate the adverse consequences of depression among university students.

Effectiveness-implementation hybrid trial of Spanish language, digital cognitive-behavioral therapy (dCBT) intervention for depression and anxiety - protocol for the SUPERA (SUpport from PEeRs to expand Access) study

BACKGROUND

Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Latinxs experience a longer duration of untreated depression and anxiety. LEP Latinxs have difficulty accessing mental healthcare due to insufficient Spanish-speaking behavioral/mental health clinicians to meet demand. These under-resourced healthcare systems are less likely to be the site for the implementation of innovations. Digital interventions can provide an effective option for overcoming these barriers; yet, when digital evidence-based treatments are available, uptake and engagement is often low. This manuscript presents the protocol for the SUPERA (SUpport from PEeRs to expand Access) study which will evaluate the implementation of an evidence-based, Spanish language, digital cognitive-behavioral therapy (dCBT) intervention (i.e., SilverCloud) in safety-net primary care clinics for LEP Latinx patients with depression or anxiety.

METHODS

We will conduct an effectiveness-implementation hybrid trial (Type 2) design comparing engagement and clinical outcomes in two modalities of dCBT delivery (peer-supported vs. unsupported). We will also compare provider-level outreach (using a clinic patient registry) versus inreach (traditional provider referral) to compare rates of initiation, completion, and cost. Participants will be 426 LEP Latinx adults ≥18 years of age, PHQ-9 ≥ 10 or GAD-7 ≥ 8, with access to the internet via smartphone, and not currently receiving individual psychotherapy. We will collect baseline, post-intervention (8 weeks), and follow up (3 months) data.

CONCLUSION

The long-term goal of this research is to aid in the implementation of digital mental health interventions that can be sustainably implemented in low-resourced settings, while reducing the reliance on professionals, overcoming workforce deficits, and increasing relevance for diverse populations.

Predictors of Use and Drop Out From a Web-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Program and Health Community for Depression and Anxiety in Primary Care Patients: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

A previously reported study examined the treatment of primary care patients with at least moderate severity depressive or anxiety symptoms via an evidence-based computerized cognitive behavioral therapy (CCBT) program (Beating the Blues) and an online health community (OHC) that included a moderated internet support group. The 2 treatment arms proved to be equally successful at 6-month follow-up.

OBJECTIVE

Although highly promising, e-mental health treatment programs have encountered high rates of noninitiation, poor adherence, and discontinuation. Identifying ways to counter these tendencies is critical for their success. To further explore these issues, this study identified the primary care patient characteristics that increased the chances patients would not initiate the use of an intervention, (ie, not try it even once), initiate use, and go on to discontinue or continue to use an intervention.

METHODS

The study had 3 arms: one received access to CCBT (n=301); another received CCBT plus OHC (n=302), which included a moderated internet support group; and the third received usual care (n=101). Participants in the 2 active intervention arms of the study were grouped together for analyses of CCBT use (n=603) because both arms had access to CCBT, and there were no differences in outcomes between the 2 arms. Analyses of OHC use were based on 302 participants who were randomized to that arm.

RESULTS

Several baseline patient characteristics were associated with failure to initiate the use of CCBT, including having worse physical health (measured by the Short Form Health Survey Physical Components Score, P=.01), more interference from pain (by the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Pain Interference score, P=.048), less formal education (P=.02), and being African American or another US minority group (P=.006). Characteristics associated with failure to initiate use of the OHC were better mental health (by the Short Form Health Survey Mental Components Score, P=.04), lower use of the internet (P=.005), and less formal education (P=.001). Those who initiated the use of the CCBT program but went on to complete less of the program had less formal education (P=.01) and lower severity of anxiety symptoms (P=.03).

CONCLUSIONS

This study found that several patient characteristics predicted whether a patient was likely to not initiate use or discontinue the use of CCBT or OHC. These findings have clear implications for actionable areas that can be targeted during initial and ongoing engagement activities designed to increase patient buy-in, as well as increase subsequent use and the resulting success of eHealth programs.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01482806; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT01482806.

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation With and Without Text4Support for the Treatment of Resistant Depression: Protocol for a Patient-Centered Multicenter Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial

BACKGROUND

Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is the inability of a patient with major depressive disorder (MDD) to accomplish or achieve remission after an adequate trial of antidepressant treatments. Several combinations and augmentation treatment strategies for TRD exist, including the use of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), and new therapeutic options are being introduced. Text4Support, a text message-based form of cognitive behavioral therapy that allows patients with MDD to receive daily supportive text messages for correcting or altering negative thought patterns through positive reinforcement, may be a useful augmentation treatment strategy for patients with TRD. It is however currently unknown if adding the Text4Support intervention will enhance the response of patients with TRD to rTMS treatment.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to assess the initial comparative clinical effectiveness of rTMS with and without the Text4Support program as an innovative patient-centered intervention for the management of patients diagnosed with TRD.

METHODS

This study is a multicenter, prospective, parallel-design, 2-arm, rater-blinded randomized controlled pilot trial. The recruitment process is scheduled to last 12 months. It will involve active treatment for 6 weeks, observation, and a follow-up period of 6 months for participants in the study arms. In total, 200 participants diagnosed with TRD at rTMS care clinics in Edmonton, Alberta, and rTMS clinics in Halifax, Nova Scotia will be randomized to 1 of 2 treatment arms (rTMS sessions alone or rTMS sessions plus Text4Support intervention). Participants in each group will be made to complete evaluation measures at baseline, and 1, 3, and 6 months. The primary outcome measure will be the mean change in the scores of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). The secondary outcome measures will involve the scores of the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorders Scale (GAD-7), Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (CSSRS), and World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5). Patient data will be analyzed with descriptive statistics, repeated measures, and correlational analyses. Qualitative data will be analyzed using the thematic analysis framework.

RESULTS

The results of the study are expected to be available 18 months from the start of recruitment. We hypothesize that participants enrolled in the rTMS plus Text4Support intervention treatment arm of the study will achieve superior outcomes compared with the outcomes of participants enrolled in the rTMS alone arm.

CONCLUSIONS

The application of the combination of rTMS and Text4Support has not been investigated previously. Therefore, we hope that this study will provide a concrete base of data to evaluate the practical application and efficacy of using the novel combination of these 2 treatment modalities.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/46830.

Black American women's attitudes toward seeking mental health services and use of mobile technology to support the management of anxiety

Objectives

This study aimed to understand Black American women's attitudes toward seeking mental health services and using mobile technology to receive support for managing anxiety.

Methods

A self-administered web-based questionnaire was launched in October 2019 and closed in January 2020. Women who identified as Black/African American were eligible to participate. The survey consisted of approximately 70 questions and covered topics such as, attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help, acceptability of using a mobile phone to receive mental health care, and screening for anxiety.

Results

The findings of the study (N = 395) showed that younger Black women were more likely to have greater severity of anxiety than their older counterparts. Respondents were most comfortable with the use of a voice call or video call to communicate with a professional to receive support to manage anxiety in comparison to text messaging or mobile app. Younger age, higher income, and greater scores for psychological openness and help-seeking propensity increased odds of indicating agreement with using mobile technology to communicate with a professional. Black women in the Southern region of the United States had twice the odds of agreeing to the use of mobile apps than women in the Midwest and Northeast regions.

Discussion

Black American women, in general, have favorable views toward the use of mobile technology to receive support to manage anxiety.

Conclusion

Preferences and cultural appropriateness of resources should be assessed on an individual basis to increase likelihood of adoption and engagement with digital mental health interventions for management of anxiety.

User experiences of college students using mental health applications to improve self-care: Implications for improving engagement

The purpose of this study is to evaluate themes on 'user experiences' among college students (N = 265) enrolled in an upper-division Psychopathology course who were assigned a project in which they were instructed to identify a self-care goal, choose from a list of six mental health-focused mobile applications (apps) provided by the instructor, and use the app over the course of three weeks to support progress towards their goal. Prior literature on user experiences typically evaluates user reviews, or asks participants to reflect on past app use or anticipate future use. Students reported their experiences using the app during key decision points: app selection, while using the app, and at the conclusion of the assignment. Using thematic analysis, results identified seven central themes and eight subthemes pertaining to the content of the app (e.g., app features) and the context of using the app (e.g., classroom assignment). Content-wise students liked: 1) features with a strong evidence base, namely, thought diaries and guided meditations; 2) progress tracking, because it increased awareness of mood/stressors, motivated students to see improvement, and helped them stay on track. Students appreciated having 3) crisis support resources; 4) app interfaces that allowed for customization (poor app interfaces were sometimes cited as the reason for disengagement); and 5) apps that included varied, comprehensive resources such that it felt like a one-stop shop. In addition to the content of features and design interface, the context in which mental health apps are introduced and used is important. The remaining themes related to the context in which the app was used, including 6) preparation for app usage, such as reviewing scholarly/credible sources, and 7) social support from fellow students completing the same assignment. Future research should evaluate the 'who, what, when, why, where, and how' of app utilization during key decision points, such as initial app selection or subscription renewal, to better understand the impact of user experience on engagement.

Standardising the role of a digital navigator in behavioural health: a systematic review

As the number and availability of digital mental health tools increases, patients and clinicians see benefit only when these tools are engaging and well integrated into care. Digital navigators-ie, members of health-care teams who are dedicated to supporting patient use of digital resources-offer one solution and continue to be piloted in behavioural health; however, little is known about the core features of this position. The aims of this systematic review were to assess how digital navigators are implemented in behavioural health, and to provide a standardised definition of this position. In January, 2023, we conducted a systematic literature search resulting in 48 articles included in this systematic review. Results showed high heterogeneity between four attributes of digital navigators: training specifications, educational background, frequency of communication, and method of communication with patients. Reported effect sizes for depression and anxiety were medium to large, but could not be synthesised due to study heterogeneity and small study sample size. This systematic review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023391696). Results suggest that digital navigator support can probably increase access to, engagement with, and clinical integration of digital health technology, with standards for training and defined responsibilities now emerging.

Feasibility, Perceived Impact, and Acceptability of a Socially Assistive Robot to Support Emotion Regulation With Highly Anxious University Students: Mixed Methods Open Trial

BACKGROUND

Mental health difficulties among university students have been rising rapidly over the last decade, and the demand for university mental health services commonly far exceeds available resources. Digital interventions are seen as one potential solution to these challenges. However, as in other mental health contexts, digital programs often face low engagement and uptake, and the field lacks usable, engaging, evidence-supported mental health interventions that may be used flexibly when students need them most.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of a new, in situ intervention tool (Purrble) among university students experiencing anxiety. As an intervention, Purrble was designed to provide in situ support for emotion regulation (ER)-a well-known transdiagnostic construct-directly in the moments when individuals are facing emotionally challenging situations. A secondary aim is to consider the perceived impact of Purrble on youth mental health, as reported by students over a 7-week deployment.

METHODS

A mixed methods open trial was conducted with 78 under- and postgraduate students at Oxford University. Participants were recruited based on moderate to high levels of anxiety measured by Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 at baseline (mean 16.09, SD 3.03). All participants had access to Purrble for 7 weeks during the spring term with data on their perceived anxiety, emotion dysregulation, ER self-efficacy, and engagement with the intervention collected at baseline (pre), week 4 (mid), and week 8 (postintervention). Qualitative responses were also collected at the mid- and postintervention points.

RESULTS

The findings demonstrated a sustained engagement with Purrble over the 7-week period, with the acceptability further supported by the qualitative data indicating that students accepted Purrble and that Purrble was well-integrated into their daily routines. Exploratory quantitative data analysis indicated that Purrble was associated with reductions in student anxiety (dz=0.96, 95% CI 0.62-1.29) and emotion dysregulation (dz=0.69, 95% CI 0.38-0.99), and with an increase in ER self-efficacy (dz=-0.56, 95% CI -0.86 to -0.26).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first trial of a simple physical intervention that aims to provide ongoing ER support to university students. Both quantitative and qualitative data suggest that Purrble is an acceptable and feasible intervention among students, the engagement with which can be sustained at a stable level across a 7-week period while retaining a perceived benefit for those who use it (n=32, 61% of our sample). The consistency of use is particularly promising given that there was no clinician engagement or further support provided beyond Purrble being delivered to the students. These results show promise for an innovative intervention model, which could be complementary to the existing interventions.

A Health App Platform Providing a Budget to Purchase Preselected Apps as an Innovative Way to Support Public Health: Qualitative Study With End Users and Other Stakeholders

BACKGROUND

eHealth has the potential to improve health outcomes. However, this potential is largely untapped. Individuals face an overload of apps and have difficulties choosing suitable apps for themselves. In the FitKnip experiment, individuals were given access to a health app platform, where they could purchase reliable preselected health apps with a personal budget of €100 (US $107.35). By conducting a prospective study, we aimed to scientifically evaluate the FitKnip experiment as an innovative way to improve population health.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the experiment was to scientifically evaluate the FitKnip experiment as an innovative way to improve population health. More specifically, we conducted an in-depth qualitative evaluation of the concept and acceptability of FitKnip, its perceived impact on health empowerment, as well as the roles of stakeholders for the future implementation of a health app platform through focus group interviews.

METHODS

This study followed a phenomenological research design and included 7 focus group interviews with end users and 1 with stakeholders, held between July and December 2020. End users were recruited through various institutions in the Netherlands, for example, insurance companies and local governments. All focus groups were semistructured using interview guides and were held via videoconferencing due to the COVID-19 pandemic measures. Each participant received access to a health app platform where they were enabled to purchase reliable, preselected health apps with a budget of €100 (US $107.35). The budget was valid for the entire research period. The health app platform offered 38 apps. A third party, a health care coalition, selected the apps to be included in FitKnip. The analyses were conducted according to the principles of the Framework Method.

RESULTS

A priori formulated themes were concept, acceptability, health empowerment, and outcomes, and the roles of stakeholders for the future implementation of a health app platform. Both end users (n=31) and stakeholders (n=5) were enthusiastic about the concept of a health app platform. End users indicated missing apps regarding physical health and lifestyle and needing more guidance toward suitable apps. End users saw health empowerment as a precondition to using a health app platform and achieving health outcomes depending on the purchased mobile apps. End users and stakeholders identified potential providers and financing parties of FitKnip. Stakeholders recommended the establishment of a reputable national or international quality guidelines or certification for health and wellbeing apps, that can demonstrate the quality and reliability of mobile health applications.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed the need for a personalized and flexible platform. Next to this, a deeper understanding of the roles of stakeholders in such initiatives is needed especially on financing and reimbursement of health promotion and digital health services. A personalized, flexible health app platform is a promising initiative to support individuals in their health.

Validation of a Brief Internet-Based Self-Report Measure of Maladaptive Personality and Interpersonal Schema: Confirmatory Factor Analysis

BACKGROUND

Existing digital mental health interventions mainly focus on the symptoms of specific mental disorders, but do not focus on Maladaptive Personalities and Interpersonal Schemas (MPISs). As an initial step toward considering personalities and schemas in intervention programs, there is a need for the development of tools for measuring core personality traits and interpersonal schemas known to cause psychological discomfort among potential users of digital mental health interventions. Thus, the MPIS was developed.

OBJECTIVE

The objectives of this study are to validate the MPIS by comparing 2 models of the MPIS factor structure and to understand the characteristics of the MPIS by assessing its correlations with other measures.

METHODS

Data were collected from 234 participants who were using web-based community sites in South Korea, including university students, graduate students, working professionals, and homemakers. All the data were gathered through web-based surveys. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to compare a single-factor model with a 5-factor model. Reliability and correlation analyses with other scales were performed.

RESULTS

The results of confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the 5-factor model (χ2550=1278.1; Tucker-Lewis index=0.80; comparative fit index=0.81; and Root Mean Square Error of Approximation=0.07) was more suitable than the single-factor model (χ2560=2341.5; Tucker-Lewis index=0.52; comparative fit index=0.54; and Root Mean Square Error of Approximation=0.11) for measuring maladaptive personality traits and interpersonal relationship patterns. The internal consistency of each factor of the MPIS was good (Cronbach α=.71-.88), and the correlations with existing measures were statistically significant. The MPIS is a validated 35-item tool for measuring 5 essential personality traits and interpersonal schemas in adults aged 18-39 years.

CONCLUSIONS

This study introduced the MPIS, a concise and effective questionnaire capable of measuring maladaptive personality traits and interpersonal relationship schemas. Through analysis, the MPIS was shown to reliably assess these psychological constructs and validate them. Its web-based accessibility and reduced item count make it a valuable tool for mental health assessment. Future applications include its integration into digital mental health care services, allowing easy web-based administration and aiding in the classification of psychological therapy programs based on the obtained results.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05952063; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05952063.

Assessing Patient Adherence to and Engagement With Digital Interventions for Depression in Clinical Trials: Systematic Literature Review

BACKGROUND

New approaches to the treatment of depression are necessary for patients who do not respond to current treatments or lack access to them because of barriers such as cost, stigma, and provider shortage. Digital interventions for depression are promising; however, low patient engagement could limit their effectiveness.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic literature review (SLR) assessed how participant adherence to and engagement with digital interventions for depression have been measured in the published literature, what levels of adherence and engagement have been reported, and whether higher adherence and increased engagement are linked to increased efficacy.

METHODS

We focused on a participant population of adults (aged ≥18 years) with depression or major depressive disorder as the primary diagnosis and included clinical trials, feasibility studies, and pilot studies of digital interventions for treating depression, such as digital therapeutics. We screened 756 unique records from Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane published between January 1, 2000, and April 15, 2022; extracted data from and appraised the 94 studies meeting the inclusion criteria; and performed a primarily descriptive analysis. Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc (Princeton, New Jersey, United States) funded this study.

RESULTS

This SLR encompassed results from 20,111 participants in studies using 47 unique web-based interventions (an additional 10 web-based interventions were not described by name), 15 mobile app interventions, 5 app-based interventions that are also accessible via the web, and 1 CD-ROM. Adherence was most often measured as the percentage of participants who completed all available modules. Less than half (44.2%) of the participants completed all the modules; however, the average dose received was 60.7% of the available modules. Although engagement with digital interventions was measured differently in different studies, it was most commonly measured as the number of modules completed, the mean of which was 6.4 (means ranged from 1.0 to 19.7) modules. The mean amount of time participants engaged with the interventions was 3.9 (means ranged from 0.7 to 8.4) hours. Most studies of web-based (34/45, 76%) and app-based (8/9, 89%) interventions found that the intervention group had substantially greater improvement for at least 1 outcome than the control group (eg, care as usual, waitlist, or active control). Of the 14 studies that investigated the relationship between engagement and efficacy, 9 (64%) found that increased engagement with digital interventions was significantly associated with improved participant outcomes. The limitations of this SLR include publication bias, which may overstate engagement and efficacy, and low participant diversity, which reduces the generalizability.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient adherence to and engagement with digital interventions for depression have been reported in the literature using various metrics. Arriving at more standardized ways of reporting adherence and engagement would enable more effective comparisons across different digital interventions, studies, and populations.

Attitudes Toward Seeking Mental Health Services and Mobile Technology to Support the Management of Depression Among Black American Women: Cross-Sectional Survey Study

BACKGROUND

Depression is a common mental health condition among Black American women. Many factors may contribute to the development of depressive symptoms, such as gender and racial discrimination, financial strain, chronic health conditions, and caregiving responsibilities. Barriers such as the stigmatization of mental illness, less access to treatment, the lack of or inadequate health insurance, mistrust of providers, and limited health literacy prevent marginalized populations from seeking care. Previous literature has shown that mobile health interventions are effective and can increase access to mental health services and resources.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to understand the attitudes and perceptions of Black women toward using mental health services and determine the acceptability and concerns of using mobile technology (ie, voice call, video call, SMS text messaging, and mobile app) to support the management of depression.

METHODS

We launched a self-administered web-based questionnaire in October 2019 and closed it in January 2020. Women (aged ≥18 years) who identify as Black or African American or multiracial (defined as Black or African American and another race) were eligible to participate. The survey consisted of approximately 70 questions and included topics such as attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help, the acceptability of using a mobile phone to receive mental health care, and screening for depression.

RESULTS

The findings (n=395) showed that younger Black women were more likely to have greater severity of depression than their older counterparts. The results also revealed that Black women have favorable views toward seeking mental health services. Respondents were the most comfortable with the use of voice calls or video calls to communicate with a professional to receive support for managing depression in comparison with SMS text messaging or mobile apps. The results revealed that higher help-seeking propensity increased the odds of indicating agreement with the use of voice calls and video calls to communicate with a professional to receive support for managing depression by 27% and 38%, respectively. However, no statistically significant odds ratios (all P>.05) were found between help-seeking propensity and respondents' agreement to use mobile apps or SMS text messaging. Moderate to severe depression severity increased the odds of using mobile apps to communicate with a professional to receive support for managing depression by 43%; however, no statistically significant odds ratios existed for the other modalities. Privacy and confidentiality, communication issues (eg, misinterpreting text), and the impersonal feeling of communicating by mobile phone (eg, SMS text messaging) were the primary concerns.

CONCLUSIONS

Black American women, in general, have favorable views toward seeking mental health services and are comfortable with the use of mobile technology to receive support for managing depression. Future work should address the issues of access and consider the preferences and cultural appropriateness of the resources provided.

Exploring the Safety of a General Digital Mental Health Intervention to Effect Symptom Reduction among Individuals with and without Suicidal Ideation: A Secondary Analysis

Trials of digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) often exclude individuals with suicide-related thoughts and behaviors precluding an understanding of whether DMHIs for affective disorders are safe for, and perform similarly within, this high-risk group. We explore the safety and performance of a DMHI for depression in participants with and without suicidal ideation (SI) at baseline. Three hundred and one participants were included in this secondary data analysis from a trial of an 8-week DMHI comprising 14 smartphone apps. We found that SI decreased across the study among participants with baseline SI and that baseline SI status did not attenuate depression treatment effects. Through a case study of the IntelliCare platform, we find that DMHIs for general affective disorders can be safe.

Preliminary Evaluation of a Conversational Agent to Support Self-management of Individuals Living With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Interview Study With Clinical Experts

BACKGROUND

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious public health concern. However, individuals with PTSD often do not have access to adequate treatment. A conversational agent (CA) can help to bridge the treatment gap by providing interactive and timely interventions at scale. Toward this goal, we have developed PTSDialogue-a CA to support the self-management of individuals living with PTSD. PTSDialogue is designed to be highly interactive (eg, brief questions, ability to specify preferences, and quick turn-taking) and supports social presence to promote user engagement and sustain adherence. It includes a range of support features, including psychoeducation, assessment tools, and several symptom management tools.

OBJECTIVE

This paper focuses on the preliminary evaluation of PTSDialogue from clinical experts. Given that PTSDialogue focuses on a vulnerable population, it is critical to establish its usability and acceptance with clinical experts before deployment. Expert feedback is also important to ensure user safety and effective risk management in CAs aiming to support individuals living with PTSD.

METHODS

We conducted remote, one-on-one, semistructured interviews with clinical experts (N=10) to gather insight into the use of CAs. All participants have completed their doctoral degrees and have prior experience in PTSD care. The web-based PTSDialogue prototype was then shared with the participant so that they could interact with different functionalities and features. We encouraged them to "think aloud" as they interacted with the prototype. Participants also shared their screens throughout the interaction session. A semistructured interview script was also used to gather insights and feedback from the participants. The sample size is consistent with that of prior works. We analyzed interview data using a qualitative interpretivist approach resulting in a bottom-up thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Our data establish the feasibility and acceptance of PTSDialogue, a supportive tool for individuals with PTSD. Most participants agreed that PTSDialogue could be useful for supporting self-management of individuals with PTSD. We have also assessed how features, functionalities, and interactions in PTSDialogue can support different self-management needs and strategies for this population. These data were then used to identify design requirements and guidelines for a CA aiming to support individuals with PTSD. Experts specifically noted the importance of empathetic and tailored CA interactions for effective PTSD self-management. They also suggested steps to ensure safe and engaging interactions with PTSDialogue.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on interviews with experts, we have provided design recommendations for future CAs aiming to support vulnerable populations. The study suggests that well-designed CAs have the potential to reshape effective intervention delivery and help address the treatment gap in mental health.

A qualitative exploration of college students' experiences using mobile apps to improve self-care during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objective: This project examines students' experiences using a mental health mobile application (app) as part of a class assignment developed to support student well-being. Participants: Data was collected from 265 undergraduate students enrolled in a psychology course during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Students developed a self-care goal and used an app to support progress toward it. Thematic analysis was applied to students' written reflections about their experiences using the app and practicing self-care. Results: Students reported using an app for self-care was 1) more helpful than expected for improving focus, productivity, motivation, sleep, and mental health symptoms; 2) challenging due to loss of interest, slow improvement, difficulty integrating into routine, or negative feelings triggered; and 3) influenced by the pandemic and transition to remote learning. Conclusions: A classroom assignment designed to promote self-care using a mental health app shows promise. Future research is needed to better understand engagement and impact.

The Perceived Utility of Smartphone and Wearable Sensor Data in Digital Self-tracking Technologies for Mental Health

Mental health symptoms are commonly discovered in primary care. Yet, these settings are not set up to provide psychological treatment. Digital interventions can play a crucial role in stepped care management of patients' symptoms where patients are offered a low intensity intervention, and treatment evolves to incorporate providers if needed. Though digital interventions often use smartphone and wearable sensor data, little is known about patients' desires to use these data to manage mental health symptoms. In 10 interviews with patients with symptoms of depression and anxiety, we explored their: symptom self-management, current and desired use of sensor data, and comfort sharing such data with providers. Findings support the use digital interventions to manage mental health, yet they also highlight a misalignment in patient needs and current efforts to use sensors. We outline considerations for future research, including extending design thinking to wraparound services that may be necessary to truly reduce healthcare burden.

CBT-informed psychological interventions for adult patients with anxiety and depression symptoms: A narrative review of digital treatment options

BACKGROUND

Across a range of age, educational and clinical characteristics, adults experiencing depression and anxiety already use digital technology to manage their symptoms. Although several reviews and meta-analyses indicated feasibility and efficacy for adults with depression and anxiety, digital treatments are poorly accessed and disseminated. This review illustrates potentials and limitations of interventions that specifically leveraged unique features of digital technology and were grounded in the principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

METHODS

This systematic review followed the PRISMA guidelines. An electronic database search was conducted in October 2021. Peer-reviewed, English-language studies were included if i) they reported data from RCTs for adults aged 18+ who engaged with CBT-informed digital interventions targeting primarily depression and anxiety; ii) they used at least PHQ-9 or GAD-7 as standardized and validated assessment self-report measures for depression and anxiety.

RESULTS

Findings from 35 RCTs examining 33 interventions (25 internet-based, 6 mobile-based, a2 mobile/web) are discussed. The quality of the evidence differed widely as many small-scale RCTs reported only short-term feasibility and preliminary efficacy. Effects of CBT-informed digital interventions were substantially larger when compared to waitlist than active control conditions. Greater therapeutic benefits were observed for interventions that offered clinical assistance or were used in combination with other treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

CBT-informed digital interventions have accumulated enough scientific evidence to be positioned today as: i) a low-intensity tool for those with subclinical levels of symptoms; ii) a first step in a stepped-care approach to service delivery iii) a low-cost, easily accessible option for targeted preventive programs.

The role of patient-reported outcome measures in trials of artificial intelligence health technologies: a systematic evaluation of ClinicalTrials.gov records (1997-2022)

The extent to which patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are used in clinical trials for artificial intelligence (AI) technologies is unknown. In this systematic evaluation, we aim to establish how PROMs are being used to assess AI health technologies. We searched ClinicalTrials.gov for interventional trials registered from inception to Sept 20, 2022, and included trials that tested an AI health technology. We excluded observational studies, patient registries, and expanded access reports. We extracted data regarding the form, function, and intended use population of the AI health technology, in addition to the PROMs used and whether PROMs were incorporated as an input or output in the AI model. The search identified 2958 trials, of which 627 were included in the analysis. 152 (24%) of the included trials used one or more PROM, visual analogue scale, patient-reported experience measure, or usability measure as a trial endpoint. The type of AI health technologies used by these trials included AI-enabled smart devices, clinical decision support systems, and chatbots. The number of clinical trials of AI health technologies registered on ClinicalTrials.gov and the proportion of trials that used PROMs increased from registry inception to 2022. The most common clinical areas AI health technologies were designed for were digestive system health for non-PROM trials and musculoskeletal health (followed by mental and behavioural health) for PROM trials, with PROMs commonly used in clinical areas for which assessment of health-related quality of life and symptom burden is particularly important. Additionally, AI-enabled smart devices were the most common applications tested in trials that used at least one PROM. 24 trials tested AI models that captured PROM data as an input for the AI model. PROM use in clinical trials of AI health technologies falls behind PROM use in all clinical trials. Trial records having inadequate detail regarding the PROMs used or the type of AI health technology tested was a limitation of this systematic evaluation and might have contributed to inaccuracies in the data synthesised. Overall, the use of PROMs in the function and assessment of AI health technologies is not only possible, but is a powerful way of showing that, even in the most technologically advanced health-care systems, patients' perspectives remain central.

Compas-Y: A mixed methods pilot evaluation of a mobile self-compassion training for people with newly diagnosed cancer

Objective

Compas-Y is a compassionate mind training app that was co-designed to be fully adapted to mobile technology and to people with newly diagnosed cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the use, appreciation and impact of the app.

Methods

Seventy-one people with cancer who created an app account were included (38% breast cancer, 72% diagnosed <4 months ago, 76% received chemotherapy). Participants had very high baseline scores of self-compassion. In a convergent mixed methods design, back-end log-data (n = 71), pre-post surveys (n = 34) and semi-structured interviews (n = 23) collected for >8 weeks and were concurrently analysed using joint displays.

Results

About half of the participants (45%) used 4 of the 6 modules. Compas-Y was highly appreciated, with all content considered relevant and a source of support. Experienced benefits related to improved mental health. Particularly, we found significant changes in anxiety, but not in depression or well-being. In the interviews, people reported experiencing more rest and more positive emotions due to using the app. Process benefits included significant reductions in self-criticism (inadequate self and self-blame), but not self-compassion. In the interviews, people reported improved self-compassion and less self-criticism, more self-awareness, recognition and support, and improved emotion regulation and coping. The surveys did not capture the full range of outcomes that participants reported in the interviews.

Conclusions

Compas-Y is a highly appreciated mobile intervention that supported users in aspects of their mental health. Findings are discussed in terms of reach and adherence, app functionalities, co-design and tailoring of cancer-related and compassion-based eHealth.

Development of an mHealth App-Based Intervention for Depressive Rumination (RuminAid): Mixed Methods Focus Group Evaluation

BACKGROUND

Depression is a common mental health condition that poses a significant public health burden. Effective treatments for depression exist; however, access to evidence-based care remains limited. Mobile health (mHealth) apps offer an avenue for improving access. However, few mHealth apps are informed by evidence-based treatments and even fewer are empirically evaluated before dissemination. To address this gap, we developed RuminAid, an mHealth app that uses evidence-based treatment components to reduce depression by targeting a single key depressogenic process-rumination.

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of this study was to collect qualitative and quantitative feedback that could be used to improve the design of RuminAid before the software development phase.

METHODS

We reviewed empirically supported interventions for depression and rumination and used the key aspects of each to create a storyboard version of RuminAid. We distributed an audio-guided presentation of the RuminAid storyboard to 22 individuals for viewing and solicited user feedback on app content, design, and perceived functionality across 7 focus group sessions.

RESULTS

The consumer-rated quality of the storyboard version of RuminAid was in the acceptable to good range. Indeed, most participants reported that they thought RuminAid would be an engaging, functional, and informational app. Likewise, they endorsed overwhelming positive beliefs about the perceived impact of RuminAid; specifically, 96% (21/22) believed that RuminAid will help depressed ruminators with depression and rumination. Nevertheless, the results highlighted the need for improved app aesthetics (eg, a more appealing color scheme and modern design).

CONCLUSIONS

Focus group members reported that the quality of information was quite good and had the potential to help adults who struggle with depression and rumination but expressed concern that poor aesthetics would interfere with users' desire to continue using the app. To address these comments, we hired a graphic designer and redesigned each screen to improve visual appeal. We also removed time gating from the app based on participant feedback and findings from related research. These changes helped elevate RuminAid and informed its initial software build for a pilot trial that focused on evaluating its feasibility and acceptability.

Engagement, Use, and Impact of Digital Mental Health Resources for Diverse Populations in COVID-19: Community-Partnered Evaluation

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic increased disparities for communities burdened by structural barriers such as reduced affordable housing, with mental health consequences. Limited data are available on digital resources for public mental health prevention during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE

The study aim was to evaluate engagement in and impact of free digital resources on the Together for Wellness/Juntos por Nuestro Bienestar (T4W/Juntos) website during COVID-19 in California.

METHODS

A pilot evaluation of T4W/Juntos was performed, with partner agencies inviting providers, clients, and partners to visit the website and complete surveys at baseline (September 20, 2021, to April 4, 2022) and at 4-6-week follow-up (October 22, 2021, to May 17, 2022). Website use was assessed by three engagement items (ease of use, satisfaction, relevance), comfort in use, and use of six resource categories. Primary outcomes at follow-up were depression and anxiety (scores≥3 on Patient Health Questionnaire-2 item [PHQ2] and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-2 item [GAD2] scales). Secondary outcomes were post-pre differences in PHQ2 and GAD2 scores, and use of behavioral health hotlines and services the month before follow-up.

RESULTS

Of 366 eligible participants, 315 (86.1%) completed baseline and 193 (61.3%) completed follow-up surveys. Of baseline participants, 72.6% identified as female, and 21.3% identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, and others (LGBTQ+). In terms of ethnicity, 44.0% identified as Hispanic, 17.8% as African American, 26.9% as non-Hispanic white, and 11.4% as other ethnicity. Overall, 32.7% had moderate anxiety or depression (GAD2/PHQ2≥3) at baseline. Predictors of baseline website engagement included being Hispanic versus other race/ethnicity (β=.27, 95% CI .10-.44; P=.002) and number of COVID-19-related behavior changes (β=.09, 95% CI .05-.13; P<.001). Predictors of comfort using the website were preferring English for website use (odds ratio [OR] 5.57, 95% CI 2.22-13.96; P<.001) and COVID-19-related behavior changes (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.12-1.66; P=.002); receiving overnight behavioral health treatment in the prior 6 months (OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.03-0.69, P=.015) was associated with less comfort in website use. The main predictor of depression at follow-up (PHQ2≥3) was baseline depression (OR 6.24, 95% CI 2.77-14.09; P<.001). Engagement in T4W/Juntos was associated with lower likelihood of depression (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.34-0.86; P=.01). Website use the month before follow-up was associated with a post-pre reduction in PHQ2 score (β=-.62, 95% CI -1.04 to -0.20; P=.004). The main predictor of GAD2≥3 at follow-up was baseline GAD2≥3 (OR 13.65, 95% CI 6.06-30.72; P<.001). Greater baseline website engagement predicted reduced hotline use (OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.18-0.71; P=.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Ethnicity/language and COVID-19-related behavior changes were associated with website engagement; engagement and use predicted reduced follow-up depression and behavioral hotline use. Findings are based on participants recommended by community agencies with moderate follow-up rates; however, significance was similar when weighting for nonresponse. This study may inform research and policy on digital mental health prevention resources.

Optimizing Internet Use during Adolescence: eHealth Solutions

Internet offers an immense opportunity as a resource for education, training, and health promotion. This narrative review summarizes the opportunities for health promotion among adolescents through use of the Internet and technology (defined as eHealth). The details of technology and use of Internet for adolescent-health related topics such as nutrition, fitness, sexual health, adventure, and violence were searched through PubMed. The review reports few digital solutions to address key challenges during adolescence like promotion of nutrition and sexual reproductive health, prevention of noncommunicable diseases, substance abuse, and mental health issues. eHealth was concluded as a potential solution for preventive and promotional health practices during adolescence. However, concerns of Internet addiction, safety, privacy, mental health disorders, and misinformation need to be addressed and monitored during adolescence.

A Longitudinal Goal Setting Model for Addressing Complex Personal Problems in Mental Health

Goal setting is critical to achieving desired changes in life. Many technologies support defining and tracking progress toward goals, but these are just some parts of the process of setting and achieving goals. People want to set goals that are more complex than the ones supported through technology. Additionally, people use goal-setting technologies longitudinally, yet the understanding of how people's goals evolve is still limited. We study the collaborative practices of mental health therapists and clients for longitudinally setting and working toward goals through semi-structured interviews with 11 clients and 7 therapists who practiced goal setting in their therapy sessions. Based on the results, we create the Longitudinal Goal Setting Model in mental health, a three-stage model. The model describes how clients and therapists select among multiple complex problems, simplify complex problems to specific goals, and adjust goals to help people address complex issues. Our findings show collaboration between clients and therapists can support transformative reflection practices that are difficult to achieve without the therapist, such as seeing problems through new perspectives, questioning and changing practices, or addressing avoided issues.

Meeting Young Adults' Social Support Needs across the Health Behavior Change Journey: Implications for Digital Mental Health Tools

In pursuit of mental wellness, many find that behavioral change is necessary. This process can often be difficult but is facilitated by strong social support. This paper explores the role of social support across behavioral change journeys among young adults, a group at high risk for mental health challenges, but with the lowest rates of mental health treatment utilization. Given that digital mental health tools are effective for treating mental health conditions, they hold particular promise for bridging the treatment gap among young adults, many of whom, are not interested in - or cannot access - traditional mental healthcare. We recruited a sample of young adults with depression who were seeking information about their symptoms online to participate in an Asynchronous Remote Community (ARC) elicitation workshop. Participants detailed the changing nature of social interactions across their behavior change journeys. They noted that both directed and undirected support are necessary early in behavioral change and certain needs such as informational support are particularly pronounced, while healthy coping partnerships and accountability are more important later in the change process. We discuss the conceptual and design implications of our findings for the next generation of digital mental health tools.

Characteristics of Artificial Intelligence Clinical Trials in the Field of Healthcare: A Cross-Sectional Study on ClinicalTrials.gov

Artificial intelligence (AI) has driven innovative transformation in healthcare service patterns, despite a lack of understanding of its performance in clinical practice. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of AI-related trials in healthcare based on ClinicalTrials.gov, intending to investigate the trial characteristics and AI's development status. Additionally, the Neo4j graph database and visualization technology were employed to construct an AI technology application graph, achieving a visual representation and analysis of research hotspots in healthcare AI. A total of 1725 eligible trials that were registered in ClinicalTrials.gov up to 31 March 2022 were included in this study. The number of trial registrations has dramatically grown each year since 2016. However, the AI-related trials had some design drawbacks and problems with poor-quality result reporting. The proportion of trials with prospective and randomized designs was insufficient, and most studies did not report results upon completion. Currently, most healthcare AI application studies are based on data-driven learning algorithms, covering various disease areas and healthcare scenarios. As few studies have publicly reported results on ClinicalTrials.gov, there is not enough evidence to support an assessment of AI's actual performance. The widespread implementation of AI technology in healthcare still faces many challenges and requires more high-quality prospective clinical validation.

Digital Mental Health Interventions for Depression: Scoping Review of User Engagement

BACKGROUND

While many digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) have been found to be efficacious, patient engagement with DMHIs has increasingly emerged as a concern for implementation in real-world clinical settings. To address engagement, we must first understand what standard engagement levels are in the context of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and how these compare with other treatments.

OBJECTIVE

This scoping review aims to examine the state of reporting on intervention engagement in RCTs of mobile app-based interventions intended to treat symptoms of depression. We sought to identify what engagement metrics are and are not routinely reported as well as what the metrics that are reported reflect about standard engagement levels.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic search of 7 databases to identify studies meeting our eligibility criteria, namely, RCTs that evaluated use of a mobile app-based intervention in adults, for which depressive symptoms were a primary outcome of interest. We then extracted 2 kinds of information from each article: intervention details and indices of DMHI engagement. A 5-element framework of minimum necessary DMHI engagement reporting was derived by our team and guided our data extraction. This framework included (1) recommended app use as communicated to participants at enrollment and, when reported, app adherence criteria; (2) rate of intervention uptake among those assigned to the intervention; (3) level of app use metrics reported, specifically number of uses and time spent using the app; (4) duration of app use metrics (ie, weekly use patterns); and (5) number of intervention completers.

RESULTS

Database searching yielded 2083 unique records. Of these, 22 studies were eligible for inclusion. Only 64% (14/22) of studies included in this review specified rate of intervention uptake. Level of use metrics was only reported in 59% (13/22) of the studies reviewed. Approximately one-quarter of the studies (5/22, 23%) reported duration of use metrics. Only half (11/22, 50%) of the studies reported the number of participants who completed the app-based components of the intervention as intended or other metrics related to completion. Findings in those studies reporting metrics related to intervention completion indicated that between 14.4% and 93.0% of participants randomized to a DMHI condition completed the intervention as intended or according to a specified adherence criteria.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest that engagement was underreported and widely varied. It was not uncommon to see completion rates at or below 50% (11/22) of those participants randomized to a treatment condition or to simply see completion rates not reported at all. This variability in reporting suggests a failure to establish sufficient reporting standards and limits the conclusions that can be drawn about level of engagement with DMHIs. Based on these findings, the 5-element framework applied in this review may be useful as a minimum necessary standard for DMHI engagement reporting.

System design of a text messaging program to support the mental health needs of non-treatment seeking young adults

Young adults (ages 18-25) experience the highest levels of mental health problems of any adult age group, but have the lowest mental health treatment rates. Text messages are the most used feature on the mobile phone and provide an opportunity to reach non-treatment engaged users throughout the day in a conversational manner. We present the design of an automated text message-based intervention for symptom self-management. The intervention comprises: (1) psychological strategies (i.e., types of evidence-based techniques leveraged to achieve symptom reduction) and (2) interaction types or the form that intervention content takes as it is delivered to and elicited from users.

Insights Into Needs and Preferences for Mental Health Support on Social Media and Through Mobile Apps Among Black Male University Students: Exploratory Qualitative Study

BACKGROUND

Black college-aged men are less likely than their peers to use formal, therapeutic in-person services for mental health concerns. As the use of mobile technologies and social media platforms is steadily increasing, it is important to conduct work that examines the future utility of digital tools and technologies to improve access to and uptake of mental health services for Black men and Black men in college.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to identify and understand college-attending Black men's needs and preferences for using digital health technologies and social media for stress and mental health symptom management.

METHODS

Interviews were conducted with Black male students (N=11) from 2 racially diverse universities in the Midwestern United States. Participants were asked questions related to their current mental health needs and interest in using social media platforms and mobile-based apps for their mental health concerns. A thematic analysis was conducted.

RESULTS

Four themes emerged from the data: current stress relief strategies, technology-based support needs and preferences (subthemes: mobile-based support and social media-based support), resource information dissemination considerations (subthemes: information-learning expectations and preferences and information-sharing preferences and behaviors), and technology-based mental health support design considerations (subtheme: relatability and representation). Participants were interested in using social media and digital technologies for their mental health concerns and needs, for example, phone notifications and visual-based mental health advertisements that promote awareness. Relatability in the context of representation was emphasized as a key factor for participants interested in using digital mental health tools. Examples of methods for increasing relatability included having tools disseminated by minority-serving organizations and including components explicitly portraying Black men engaging in mental health support strategies. The men also discussed wanting to receive recommendations for stress relief that have been proven successful, particularly for Black men.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings from this study provide insights into design and dissemination considerations for future work geared toward developing mental health messaging and digital interventions for young Black men.

An Empirical Study on the Influence of Smart Home Interface Design on the Interaction Performance of the Elderly

The concept of the smart home has been widely recognized and accepted, but the differentiated characteristics of elderly smart products in terms of demand and use are becoming more and more prominent. The lack of an efficient navigation design of the smart product interface increases the cognitive burden of elderly users, and how to better meet the needs of the elderly with smart products gradually becomes the focus of attention. This study was conducted for the elderly group, using the scenario-based design method to analyze the needs of elderly users, combining the research results of scenario theory with the smart home interaction design research method, focusing on how to make the style of interface navigation, sliding layout and button size more suitable for the cognitive behavior of elderly users. The purpose of this research is to realize an age-friendly smart home interaction design in terms of functional design and interface design. The experiment is divided into two stages: in stage 1, two different layouts and operation methods are commonly used for the age-friendly smart home interface: up and down sliding and left and right sliding; in stage 2, the functional buttons are square, where 4 styles are selected, and the side lengths are set to 10 mm, 12 mm, 15 mm, 18 mm and 22 mm. The sliding and retrieval test and retrieval and click test results show that for different sliding layout methods, the interactive performance and subjective evaluation of the interface with the up-and-down sliding layout are better. Among all functional button styles, the interaction performance and subjective evaluation of the simple button style with lines are the best. Among the function keys with a size of 10–22 mm, the interaction performance is better from 12 mm to 18 mm. The conclusion of the better interface data information obtained from this experiment improves the rationality of the age-friendly smart home interface and makes the smart home interface better for the age-friendly scenario.

Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Outcomes of a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy–Based Mobile Mental Well-being Program (Noom Mood): Single-Arm Prospective Cohort Study

Background

The prevalence of anxiety, depression, and general distress has risen in recent years. Mobile mental health programs have been found to provide support to nonclinical populations and may overcome some of the barriers associated with traditional in-person treatment; however, researchers have voiced concerns that many publicly available mobile mental health programs lack evidence-based theoretical foundations, peer-reviewed research, and sufficient engagement from the public.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary outcomes of Noom Mood, a commercial mobile cognitive behavioral therapy– and mindfulness-based program.

Methods

In this single-arm prospective cohort study, individuals who joined Noom Mood between August and October 2021 completed surveys at baseline and 4-week follow-up. Per-protocol analyses included those who completed both surveys (n=113), and intention-to-treat analyses included all participants (N=185).

Results

A majority of the sample reported that the program is easy to use, they felt confident recommending the program to a friend, and they perceived the program to be effective at improving stress and anxiety. There were significant improvements in anxiety symptoms, perceived stress, depressive feelings, emotion regulation, and optimism in both the per-protocol and intention-to-treat analyses (all P<.001). Participants reported benefiting most from learning skills (eg, breathing and cognitive reframing techniques), interacting with the program features, and gaining awareness of their emotions and thought patterns. Participants also made a number of suggestions to improve product functionality and usability.

Conclusions

Results suggest that Noom Mood is feasible and acceptable to participants, with promising preliminary outcomes. Future studies should build on these results to evaluate the effects of Noom Mood using more rigorous designs.

Human Support in App-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapies for Emotional Disorders: Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

Smartphone app-based therapies offer clear promise for reducing the gap in available mental health care for people at risk for or people with mental illness. To this end, as smartphone ownership has become widespread, app-based therapies have become increasingly common. However, the research on app-based therapies is lagging behind. In particular, although experts suggest that human support may be critical for increasing engagement and effectiveness, we have little systematic knowledge about the role that human support plays in app-based therapy. It is critical to address these open questions to optimally design and scale these interventions.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to provide a scoping review of the use of human support or coaching in app-based cognitive behavioral therapy for emotional disorders, identify critical knowledge gaps, and offer recommendations for future research. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most well-researched treatment for a wide range of concerns and is understood to be particularly well suited to digital implementations, given its structured, skill-based approach.

METHODS

We conducted systematic searches of 3 databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, and Embase). Broadly, eligible articles described a cognitive behavioral intervention delivered via smartphone app whose primary target was an emotional disorder or problem and included some level of human involvement or support (coaching). All records were reviewed by 2 authors. Information regarding the qualifications and training of coaches, stated purpose and content of the coaching, method and frequency of communication with users, and relationship between coaching and outcomes was recorded.

RESULTS

Of the 2940 titles returned by the searches, 64 (2.18%) were eligible for inclusion. This review found significant heterogeneity across all of the dimensions of coaching considered as well as considerable missing information in the published articles. Moreover, few studies had qualitatively or quantitatively evaluated how the level of coaching impacts treatment engagement or outcomes. Although users tend to self-report that coaching improves their engagement and outcomes, there is limited and mixed supporting quantitative evidence at present.

CONCLUSIONS

Digital mental health is a young but rapidly expanding field with great potential to improve the reach of evidence-based care. Researchers across the reviewed articles offered numerous approaches to encouraging and guiding users. However, with the relative infancy of these treatment approaches, this review found that the field has yet to develop standards or consensus for implementing coaching protocols, let alone those for measuring and reporting on the impact. We conclude that coaching remains a significant hole in the growing digital mental health literature and lay out recommendations for future data collection, reporting, experimentation, and analysis.

Involving Crowdworkers with Lived Experience in Content-Development for Push-Based Digital Mental Health Tools: Lessons Learned from Crowdsourcing Mental Health Messages

Digital tools can support individuals managing mental health concerns, but delivering sufficiently engaging content is challenging. This paper seeks to clarify how individuals with mental health concerns can contribute content to improve push-based mental health messaging tools. We recruited crowdworkers with mental health symptoms to evaluate and revise expert-composed content for an automated messaging tool, and to generate new topics and messages. A second wave of crowdworkers evaluated expert and crowdsourced content. Crowdworkers generated topics for messages that had not been prioritized by experts, including self-care, positive thinking, inspiration, relaxation, and reassurance. Peer evaluators rated messages written by experts and peers similarly. Our findings also suggest the importance of personalization, particularly when content adaptation occurs over time as users interact with example messages. These findings demonstrate the potential of crowdsourcing for generating diverse and engaging content for push-based tools, and suggest the need to support users in meaningful content customization.

Meeting Users Where They Are: User-centered Design of an Automated Text Messaging Tool to Support the Mental Health of Young Adults

Young adults have high rates of mental health conditions, but most do not want or cannot access formal treatment. We therefore recruited young adults with depression or anxiety symptoms to co-design a digital tool for self-managing their mental health concerns. Through study activities-consisting of an online discussion group and a series of design workshops-participants highlighted the importance of easy-to-use digital tools that allow them to exercise independence in their self-management. They described ways that an automated messaging tool might benefit them by: facilitating experimentation with diverse concepts and experiences; allowing variable depth of engagement based on preferences, availability, and mood; and collecting feedback to personalize the tool. While participants wanted to feel supported by an automated tool, they cautioned against incorporating an overtly human-like motivational tone. We discuss ways to apply these findings to improve the design and dissemination of digital mental health tools for young adults.

Integrating top-down and bottom-up requirements in eHealth development: The case of a mobile self-compassion intervention for people with newly diagnosed cancer (Preprint)

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Digital and Mobile Health Technology in Collaborative Behavioral Health Care: Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

The collaborative care model (CoCM) is a well-established system of behavioral health care in primary care settings. There is potential for digital and mobile technology to augment the CoCM to improve access, scalability, efficiency, and clinical outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to conduct a scoping review to synthesize the evidence available on digital and mobile health technology in collaborative care settings.

METHODS

This review included cohort and experimental studies of digital and mobile technologies used to augment the CoCM. Studies examining primary care without collaborative care were excluded. A literature search was conducted using 4 electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar). The search results were screened in 2 stages (title and abstract screening, followed by full-text review) by 2 reviewers.

RESULTS

A total of 3982 nonduplicate reports were identified, of which 20 (0.5%) were included in the analysis. Most studies used a combination of novel technologies. The range of digital and mobile health technologies used included mobile apps, websites, web-based platforms, telephone-based interactive voice recordings, and mobile sensor data. None of the identified studies used social media or wearable devices. Studies that measured patient and provider satisfaction reported positive results, although some types of interventions increased provider workload, and engagement was variable. In studies where clinical outcomes were measured (7/20, 35%), there were no differences between groups, or the differences were modest.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of digital and mobile health technologies in CoCM is still limited. This study found that technology was most successful when it was integrated into the existing workflow without relying on patient or provider initiative. However, the effect of digital and mobile health on clinical outcomes in CoCM remains unclear and requires additional clinical trials.

Characteristics of Mobile Health Platforms for Depression and Anxiety: Content Analysis Through a Systematic Review of the Literature and Systematic Search of Two App Stores

Background

Mobile health (mHealth) platforms show promise in the management of mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. This has resulted in an abundance of mHealth platforms available for research or commercial use.

Objective

The objective of this review is to characterize the current state of mHealth platforms designed for anxiety or depression that are available for research, commercial use, or both.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted using a two-pronged approach: searching relevant literature with prespecified search terms to identify platforms in published research and simultaneously searching 2 major app stores—Google Play Store and Apple App Store—to identify commercially available platforms. Key characteristics of the mHealth platforms were synthesized, such as platform name, targeted condition, targeted group, purpose, technology type, intervention type, commercial availability, and regulatory information.

Results

The literature and app store searches yielded 169 and 179 mHealth platforms, respectively. Most platforms developed for research purposes were designed for depression (116/169, 68.6%), whereas the app store search reported a higher number of platforms developed for anxiety (Android: 58/179, 32.4%; iOS: 27/179, 15.1%). The most common purpose of platforms in both searches was treatment (literature search: 122/169, 72.2%; app store search: 129/179, 72.1%). With regard to the types of intervention, cognitive behavioral therapy and referral to care or counseling emerged as the most popular options offered by the platforms identified in the literature and app store searches, respectively. Most platforms from both searches did not have a specific target age group. In addition, most platforms found in app stores lacked clinical and real-world evidence, and a small number of platforms found in the published research were available commercially.

Conclusions

A considerable number of mHealth platforms designed for anxiety or depression are available for research, commercial use, or both. The characteristics of these mHealth platforms greatly vary. Future efforts should focus on assessing the quality—utility, safety, and effectiveness—of the existing platforms and providing developers, from both commercial and research sectors, a reporting guideline for their platform description and a regulatory framework to facilitate the development, validation, and deployment of effective mHealth platforms.

An overview of and recommendations for more accessible digital mental health services

Mental health concerns are common, and various evidence-based interventions for mental health conditions have been developed. However, many people have difficulty accessing appropriate mental health care and this has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Digital mental health services, such as those delivered by mobile phone or web-based platforms, offer the possibility of expanding the reach and accessibility of mental health care. To achieve this goal, digital mental health interventions and plans for their implementation must be designed with the end users in mind. In this Review, we describe the evidence base for digital mental health interventions across various diagnoses and treatment targets. Then, we explain the different formats for digital mental health intervention delivery, and offer considerations for their use across key age groups. We discuss the role that the COVID-19 pandemic has played in emphasizing the value of these interventions, and offer considerations for ensuring equity in access to digital mental health interventions among diverse populations. As healthcare providers continue to embrace the role that technology can play in broadening access to care, the design and implementation of digital mental healthcare solutions must be carefully considered to maximize their effectiveness and accessibility.

Impact of a Digital Intervention for Literacy in Depression among Portuguese University Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Digital interventions are important tools to promote mental health literacy among university students. “Depression in Portuguese University Students” (Depressão em Estudantes Universitários Portugueses, DEEP) is an audiovisual intervention describing how symptoms can be identified and what possible treatments can be applied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of this intervention. A random sample of 98 students, aged 20–38 years old, participated in a 12-week study. Participants were recruited through social media by the academic services and institutional emails of two Portuguese universities. Participants were contacted and distributed into four study groups (G1, G2, G3 and G4): G1 received the DEEP intervention in audiovisual format; G2 was given the DEEP in text format; G3 received four news articles on depression; G4 was the control group. A questionnaire was shared to collect socio-demographic and depression knowledge data as a pre-intervention method; content was then distributed to each group following a set schedule; the depression knowledge questionnaire was then administered to compare pre-intervention, post-intervention and follow-up literacy levels. Using the Scheffé and Least Significant Difference (LSD) multiple comparisons test, it was found that G1, which received the DEEP audiovisual intervention, differed significantly from the other groups, with higher depression knowledge scores in post-intervention stages. The DEEP audiovisual intervention, compared to the other formats used (narrative text format; news format), proved to be an effective tool for increasing depression knowledge in university students.

Uptake and effectiveness of a self-guided mobile app platform for college student mental health

BACKGROUND

College students endorse high rates of mental health problems. While many colleges offer on-campus services, many students who could benefit from mental health services do not receive care. Indeed, nearly half of students who screen positive for depression, for example, do not receive treatment. Digital mental health programs, such as those delivered via mobile apps, may help expand access to mental health care and resources. This mixed-methods study aims to examine the uptake and effectiveness of an implementation of IntelliCare for College Students, a self-guided app-based mental health platform, on two university campuses.

METHODS

Data on counseling center utilization was collected prior to the implementation of the app (pre-implementation phase) and while the app was available on campus (implementation phase). Data on app usage was collected throughout the implementation phase. A subset of participants (n = 20), along with counseling center staff members (n = 10), completed feedback interviews.

RESULTS

Overall, uptake of the app platform was low. A total of 117 participants downloaded the app and registered their study ID during the implementation phase. Approximately 24% (28/117) of participants used the app only once. The number of days between the first and last day of app use ranged from 0 to 299, with a mean of 35.01 days and a median of 14 days. A relatively small portion of the sample (26.5%; 31/117) downloaded one or more of the IntelliCare interactive apps. In examining counseling center utilization, there were no significant changes in intake appointments, individual therapy sessions, or crisis appointments observed from the pre-implementation phase to the implementation phase of the study. Feedback interviews highlighted the significant level of disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and shift to remote learning, including challenges disseminating information to students and a preference to spend less time with digital devices outside of class time.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings from this study indicate that there is an ongoing need to identify ways to reach college students and support student mental health and wellness for the remainder of the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

Adding an app-based intervention to the Cognitive Behavioral Analysis System of Psychotherapy (CBASP): Proof-of-Concept in Routine Outpatient Psychotherapy Treatment (Preprint)

Background

The Cognitive Behavioral Analysis System of Psychotherapy (CBASP) is an empirically supported psychotherapeutic treatment developed specifically for persistent depressive disorder. However, given the high rates of nonresponse and relapse, there is a need for optimization. Studies suggest that outcomes can be improved by increasing the treatment dose via, for example, the continuous web-based application of therapy strategies between sessions. The strong emphasis in CBASP on the therapeutic relationship, combined with limited therapeutic availabilities, encourages the addition of web-based interventions to face-to-face therapy in terms of blended therapy.

Objective

The aim of this study was to test an app-based intervention called CBASPath, which was designed to be used as a blended therapy tool. CBASPath offers 8 sequential modules with app-based exercises to facilitate additional engagement with the therapy content and a separate exercise to conduct situational analyses within the app at any time.

Methods

CBASPath was tested in an open pilot study as part of routine outpatient CBASP treatment. Participating patients were asked to report their use patterns and blended use (integrated use of the app as part of therapy sessions) at 3 assessment points over the 6-month test period and rate the usability and quality of and their satisfaction with CBASPath.

Results

The results of the pilot trial showed that 93% (12/13) of participants used CBASPath as a blended tool during their therapy and maintained this throughout the study period. Overall, they reported good usability and quality ratings along with high user satisfaction. All participants showed favorable engagement with CBASPath; however, the frequency of use differed widely among the participants and assessment points. Situational analysis was used by all participants, and the number of completed modules ranged from 1 to 7. All participants reported blended use, although the frequency of integration in the face-to-face sessions varied widely.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the digital augmentation of complex and highly interactive CBASP therapy in the form of blended therapy with CBASPath is feasible in routine outpatient care. Therapeutic guidance might contribute to high adherence and increase patient self-management. A few adjustments, such as saving entries directly in the app, could facilitate higher user engagement. A randomized controlled trial is now needed to investigate the efficacy and added value of this blended approach. In the long term, CBASPath could help optimize persistent depressive disorder treatment and reduce relapse by intensifying therapy and providing long-term patient support through the app.

Text Messaging Versus Email Messaging to Support Patients With Major Depressive Disorder: Protocol for a Randomized Hybrid Type II Effectiveness-Implementation Trial

BACKGROUND

Major depressive disorder (MDD) accounts for 40.5% of disability-adjusted life years caused by mental and substance use disorders. Barriers such as stigma and financial and physical access to care have been reported, highlighting the need for innovative, accessible, and cost-effective psychological interventions. The effectiveness of supportive SMS text messaging in alleviating depression symptoms has been proven in clinical trials, but this approach can only help those with mobile phones.

OBJECTIVE

This paper presents the protocol for a study that will aim to evaluate the feasibility, comparative effectiveness, and user satisfaction of daily supportive email messaging as an effective strategy compared to daily supportive text messaging as part of the treatment of patients with MDD.

METHODS

This trial will be carried out using a hybrid type II implementation-effectiveness design. This design evaluates the effectiveness of an implementation strategy or intervention, while also evaluating the implementation context associated with the intervention. Patients with MDD receiving usual care will be randomized to receive either daily supportive email messaging or daily supportive text messaging of the same content for 6 months. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, and the 5-item World Health Organization Well-Being Index will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of both strategies. The implementation evaluation will be guided by the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) framework, as well as the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. All outcome measures will be analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Qualitative data will be analyzed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Data collection for this trial began in April 2021. We expect the study results to be available within 18 months of study commencement. The results will shed light on the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of using automated emails as a strategy for delivering supportive messages to patients with MDD in comparison to text messaging.

CONCLUSIONS

The outcome of this trial will have translational impact on routine patient care and access to mental health, as well as potentially support mental health policy decision-making for health care resource allocation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04638231; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04638231.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/29495.