Abstract
Background: Scoping reviews of the literature on the development and application of mental health apps based on theoretical suggestions are lacking. This study systematically examines studies on the effects and results of mental health mobile apps for the general adult population. Methods: Following PICOs (population, intervention, comparison, outcome, study design), a general form of scoping review was adopted. From January 2010 to December 2019, we selected the effects of mental health-related apps and intervention programs provided by mobile to the general adult population over the age of 18. Additionally, evaluation of methodological quality was assessed using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) checklist. Results: Fourteen studies were analyzed of 1205 that were identified; duplicate and matching studies were excluded. One was a descriptive study and 13 were experimental, of which randomized control trials (RCTs) accounted for 71.4%. Four of the mobile apps were developed based on cognitive behavior theory, one based on stress theory, and one on ecological instant intervention theory. These apps included breathing training, meditation, and music therapy. Stress, depression, and anxiety decreased using these apps, and some were effective for well-being. Conclusion: With the rapid development of technology related to mental health, many mobile apps are developed, but apps based on theoretical knowledge and well-designed research are lacking. Further research and practices should be conducted to develop, test, and disseminate evidence-based mHealth for mental health promotion. RCT studies are needed to expand the application to mental health services to various populations.
Highlights
The demand to improve mental quality of life has increased along with the recent increase in interest in and awareness of mental health [1]
The general characteristics of the final 14 articles selected to analyze the effectiveness of mental health apps in adults, are as shown in Controlled Trial) (71.4%) [16,19,20,22,24,25,26,27,28,29], and three nonrandomized controlled trials (NRCT)
Given the recent emergence of mobile apps as a tool for mental health intervention, this study presents a scoping review of intervention studies that used mental health-related apps for the general adult population over 18 years, to present directions for future research
Summary
The demand to improve mental quality of life has increased along with the recent increase in interest in and awareness of mental health [1]. The concept of mental health services emerged, along with an increased demand to manage mental health using information and communication technology (ICT) such as mobile communication and social network services (SNS) [2]. Mobile social media is a rapidly growing internet sector, in which, according to the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the number of smartphone users accounted for 94.0% of the total. The use of smartphones and apps have become a part of daily life. Clinical use of mental health-related apps and intervention programs based on mobile apps have been implemented as an approach to managing mental health [3,4].
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