Methodological quality in randomised clinical trials of mental health apps: systematic review and longitudinal analysis

BMJ Mental Health, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 28(1), P. e301595 - e301595

Published: April 1, 2025

This study investigated the methodological rigour of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) mental health apps for depression and anxiety, whether quality has improved over time. RCTs were drawn from most recent meta-analysis anxiety symptoms. 20 indicators coded, encompassing risk bias, participant diversity, design features app accessibility measures. Regression models tested associations between year publication each indicator. 176 conducted 2011 2023 included. Methodological concerns common several (eg, <20% replication trials, <35% reported adverse events). revealed only three significant changes time: an increase in preregistration (OR=1.27; 95% CI 1.10, 1.46) reporting events (OR=1.32; 1.11, 1.56), a decrease to be compatible with iOS and/or Android (OR=0.78; 0.64, 0.96). Results unchanged when excluding outliers. similar high-quality studies published 2013, additional evidence modern missing data methods (OR=1.22; 1.04, 1.42) intention-to-treat analysis (OR=1.20; 1.03, 1.39). Findings provide minimal improvements clinical apps, highlighting need higher standards future research ensure reliability generalisability these digital tools.

Language: Английский

Factors Influencing The Usage of Stress Relief Applications: From The Psychological Perspective

Information Management and Business Review, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 16(3S(I)a), P. 770 - 775

Published: Oct. 27, 2024

Stress remains one of the most difficult challenges in responding to various situations. It elicits negative thoughts and feelings person. Counseling, training, exercise, other methods effectively reduce stress. However, with advancement technology, different approaches dealing it have emerged. One types digital health applications was stress relief applications. This application starting become famous as an alternative help individuals manage their levels. Numerous stress-management or stress-relief are available for smartphones tablets. These include a variety stress-reduction techniques, including meditation, mindfulness breathing, cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques. review paper explores psychological factors influencing usage In this paper, researchers focused on perceived stress, motivation self-care, engagement. Understanding these can individual experiencing high levels utilize application. Besides, developers, gives idea create compelling tools that cater users' specific needs preferences, ultimately promoting better management overall well-being.

Language: Английский

A mobile-based randomized controlled trial on the feasibility and effectiveness of screening for major depressive disorder: study protocol

BMC Psychology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 12(1)

Published: Dec. 18, 2024

Abstract Background Mobile-based screening interventions to detect and treat Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) at an early stage might be a promising approach for reducing its societal burden. In the present study, we will evaluate feasibility effectiveness of MDD using mobile-based protocol. Methods This study three-arm, parallel randomized control trial (RCT) performed in multi-ethnic population within municipality Rotterdam (the Netherlands). The includes two intervention groups that screened 4-weekly 12 months Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) group who does not receive MDD. Participants one-test arm referred further diagnosis treatment, if necessary, after single positive test score moderate-severe major depression symptoms (PHQ-9 > 10). multiple-test only three consecutive scores. 1786 eligible participants included RCT, with 446 447 referral arms, respectively, 893 arm. Primary outcome is participants’ QoL (EQ-5D-5L). Secondary outcomes include 24 (EQ-5D-5L), evaluating occurrence severity (PHQ-9), engagement, identifying public mental health differences based on sociodemographic characteristics, including age, gender, ethnicity, financial situation, educational background, living area. Long-term results RCT incorporated into microsimulation model determine long-term benefits, harms, costs screening. Discussion information gained from examining (cost-) could guidance policy implementations support introduction Netherlands and/or other nations. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NL84280.078.23, NCT05989412 , August 8, 2024.

Language: Английский