Dataset Information

Effectiveness of a Smartphone App (BioBase) for Reducing Anxiety and Increasing Mental Well-Being: Pilot Feasibility and Acceptability Study.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:The prevalence of workplace-related stress and anxiety is high, resulting in stress-related physical and mental illness. Digital self-guided interventions aimed at key areas of workplace design may be able to provide remote anxiolytic effects. OBJECTIVE:The aim of this feasibility study is to assess changes in anxiety and mental well-being after use of the BioBase programme, a mobile phone platform for psycho-educational modules, tools, and real-time feedback of physiological data. METHODS:A 4-week observational study was carried out in 55 healthy adults who were screened for stress with the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) Stress subscale. Participants completed anxiety (6-item State-Trait Anxiety Inventory [STAI]) and mental well-being (Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale [WEMWBS]) questionnaires at baseline and at 4 weeks. Feedback questionnaires were administered after 4 weeks. RESULTS:After 4 weeks of using the programme and controlling for any effect of being paid to take part in the study, STAI significantly decreased (baseline mean 45.52 [SD 13.2]; 4-week mean 39.82 [SD 11.2]; t54=-3.51; P<.001; CI -8.88 to -2.52; Cohen d=0.96) and WEMWBS significantly increased (baseline mean 48.12 [SD 6.4]; 4-week mean 50.4 [SD 6.9]; t53=2.41; P=.019; CI 0.44-4.23; Cohen d=0.66). Further, higher baseline stress was significantly associated with a greater decrease in STAI (t53=-3.41; P=.001; CI -8.10 to -2.10; R2=0.180) and a greater increase in WEMWBS (t52=2.41; P=.019; CI 0.38-4.11, R2=0.101). On feedback, participants found the programme easy to use/navigate, with the content being acceptable and relevant to workplace-related stressors; 70% (21/30) of participants would recommend the programme to a friend. CONCLUSIONS:The BioBase programme is a potentially effective intervention in decreasing anxiety and increasing mental well-being, with larger changes in those with higher baseline levels of stress.

SUBMITTER: Kawadler JM

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7685925 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Effectiveness of a Smartphone App (BioBase) for Reducing Anxiety and Increasing Mental Well-Being: Pilot Feasibility and Acceptability Study.

Kawadler Jamie M JM Hemmings Nicola Rose NR Ponzo Sonia S Morelli Davide D Bird Geoffrey G Plans David D

JMIR formative research 20201110 11

<h4>Background</h4>The prevalence of workplace-related stress and anxiety is high, resulting in stress-related physical and mental illness. Digital self-guided interventions aimed at key areas of workplace design may be able to provide remote anxiolytic effects.<h4>Objective</h4>The aim of this feasibility study is to assess changes in anxiety and mental well-being after use of the BioBase programme, a mobile phone platform for psycho-educational modules, tools, and real-time feedback of physiol ...[more]

PMID: 32969341

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Project description:BackgroundShift is a novel smartphone app for providing a digital-first mental health resource to junior doctors. It contains psychoeducational material, cognitive behavioral modules, guided mediations, information on common work stressors, and a section on help-seeking options for psychological problems through workplace and private avenues.ObjectiveThis study aimed to conduct a preliminary investigation of the use and potential effectiveness of Shift on depressive and anxiety symptoms (primary outcomes) and work and social functioning, COVID-19 safety concerns, and help seeking (secondary outcomes). This study also sought feedback on whether Shift was seen as an acceptable tool.MethodsJunior doctors in New South Wales, Australia, were approached through promotional activities from the Ministry of Health, specialist medical colleges, and social media advertisements between June and August 2020. Consenting participants provided web-based baseline data, used the Shift app for 30 days, and were asked to complete a poststudy web-based questionnaire. Outcomes were analyzed under the intention-to-treat principle.ResultsA total of 222 female (n=156, 70.3%; mean age 29.2, SD 4.61 years) junior doctors provided full baseline data. Of these, 89.2% (198/222) downloaded the app, logged into the app approximately 6 times (mean 5.68, SD 7.51), completed 4 in-app activities (mean 3.77, SD 4.36), and spent a total of 1 hour on in-app activities (mean 52:23, SD 6:00:18) over 30 days. Postintervention and app use data were provided by 24.3% (54/222) of participants. Depressive and anxiety symptoms significantly decreased between the pre- and postassessment points as expected; however, physicians' COVID-19 safety concerns significantly increased. Work and social functioning, COVID-19 concerns for family and friends, and help seeking did not change significantly. There was no significant relationship between symptom changes and app use (number of log-ins, days between first and last log-in, and total activity time). Most poststudy completers (31/54, 57%) rated Shift highly or very highly.ConclusionsDespite high levels of nonresponse to the poststudy assessment and increases in COVID-19 safety concerns, junior doctors who used the app reported some improvements in depression and anxiety, which warrant further exploration in a robust manner.

Project description:BackgroundResilience is defined as the ability to rely on internal characteristics and external strengths to adapt to adverse events. Although universal resilience-enhancing programs are effective for adolescents, there is a need for interventions that are more easily accessible and can be customized for individual teens. Phone apps are easy to use, can be tailored to individuals, and have demonstrated positive effects for mental health outcomes.ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine the feasibility and acceptability of a resilience app for adolescents. This app aimed to enhance resilience through modules focused on depression prevention, stress management, and healthy lifestyle approaches containing videos, measures, and practice suggestions. Furthermore, the study aimed to evaluate the effect of short-term app use on changes in resilience.MethodsIn study 1, individual interviews and focus groups were conducted with adolescents, parents, teachers, and clinicians to discuss possible incentives for using a mental health app, the benefits of app use, and concerns associated with app use. Feedback from study 1 led to ideas for the prototype. In study 2, individual interviews and focus groups were conducted with adolescents, parents, teachers, and clinicians to gather feedback about the resilience app prototype. Feedback from study 2 led to changes in the prototype, although not all suggestions could be implemented. In study 3, 40 adolescents used the app for 30 days to determine feasibility and acceptability. Additionally, resilience and secondary mental health outcomes were measured before and after app use. Dependent samples 2-tailed t tests were conducted to determine whether there were changes in resilience and secondary mental health outcomes among the adolescents before and after app use.ResultsMultiple themes were identified through study 1 individual interviews and focus groups, including app content, features, engagement, benefits, concerns, and improvement. Specifically, the adolescents provided helpful suggestions for making the prototype more appealing and functional for teen users. Study 2 adolescents and adults reported that the prototype was feasible and acceptable through the Computer System Usability Questionnaire (mean 6.30, SD 1.03) and Mobile App Rating Scale (mean 4.08, SD 0.61). In study 2, there were no significant differences in resilience and mental health outcomes after using the app for 30 days. There was variation between the participants in the extent to which they used the app, which may have led to variation in the results. The users appeared to prefer the depression module and survey sections, which provided mental health feedback.ConclusionsQualitative and quantitative data provide evidence that youth are interested in a resilience mental health app and that the current prototype is feasible. Although there were no significant mental health changes in study 3 users, practical implications and future directions are discussed for mental health app research.

Project description:BackgroundMental disorders during pregnancy and the postpartum period can have far-reaching consequences. To enhance peripartum mental well-being and prevent peripartum mental disorders, internet- and mobile-based interventions appear promising. They can overcome help-seeking barriers associated with face-to-face conditions and have proven to be effective. However, previous findings are scarce and mixed. The primary objectives of this study were to assess the feasibility and acceptability of an internet-based program aimed at enhancing peripartum mental well-being and preventing postpartum depression.MethodsIn total, 149 pregnant, German-speaking women were assigned to the internet-based intervention PandaMom. The program comprises a total of 10 basic and supplementary modules related to pregnancy and postpartum, based on cognitive-behavioral principles. Additionally, PandaMom offers professional, individualized guidance and a moderated group-chat. Assessments were conducted at baseline (pre-intervention), as well as two and five weeks postpartum. The primary outcomes included feasibility, user satisfaction, and adherence to the intervention. Secondary outcomes included depressive symptomatology, anxiety and stress.ResultsPandaMom was found to be feasible, and evaluation of module content and length satisfaction indicated that the intervention was well accepted. Nearly half of the participants utilized the guidance service by responding to individual messages from their intervention moderator. Regarding working alliance, participants reported a strong bond with their intervention moderator. Of the 149 participants, 132 logged into the platform at least once. 113 participants accessed at least one module, with an average of 4.7 modules opened per participant. However, only 16 participants completed the basic modules.ConclusionThe findings of this study support previous evidence that internet-and mobile-based interventions are feasible and acceptable during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Further research is needed to address the challenge of low adherence and to evaluate the efficacy of PandaMom.

Project description:BackgroundAdolescents face unprecedented mental health challenges, and technology has the opportunity to facilitate access and support digitally connected generations. The combination of digital tools and live human connection may hold particular promise for resonating with and flexibly supporting young people's mental health.ObjectiveThis study aimed to describe the BeMe app-based platform to support adolescents' mental health and well-being and to examine app engagement, usability, and satisfaction.MethodsAdolescents in the United States, aged 13 to 20 years, were recruited via the web and enrolled between September 1 and October 31, 2022. App engagement, feature use, clinical functioning, and satisfaction with BeMe were examined for 30 days. BeMe provides content based on cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, and positive psychology; interactive activities; live text-based coaching; links to clinical services; and crisis support tools (digital and live).ResultsThe average age of the sample (N=13,421) was 15.04 (SD 1.7) years, and 56.72% (7612/13,421) identified with she/her pronouns. For the subsample that completed the in-app assessments, the mean scores indicated concern for depression (8-item Patient Health Questionnaire mean 15.68/20, SD 5.9; n=239), anxiety (7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire mean 13.37/17, SD 5.0; n=791), and poor well-being (World Health Organization-Five Well-being Index mean 30.15/100, SD 16.1; n=1923). Overall, the adolescents engaged with BeMe for an average of 2.38 (SD 2.7) days in 7.94 (SD 24.1) sessions and completed 11.26 (SD 19.8) activities. Most adolescents engaged with BeMe's content (12,270/13,421, 91.42%), mood ratings (13,094/13,421, 97.56%), and interactive skills (10,098/13,421, 75.24%), and almost one-fifth of the adolescents engaged with coaching (2539/13,421, 18.92%), clinical resources (2411/13,421, 17.96%), and crisis support resources (2499/13,421, 18.62%). Overall app engagement (total activities) was highest among female and gender-neutral adolescents compared with male adolescents (all P<.001) and was highest among younger adolescents (aged 13-14 years) compared with all other ages (all P<.001). Satisfaction ratings were generally high for content (eg, 158/176, 89.8% rated as helpful and 1044/1139, 91.66% improved coping self-efficacy), activities (5362/8468, 63.32% helpful and 4408/6072, 72.6% useful in coping with big feelings), and coaching (747/894, 83.6% helpful and 747/894, 83.6% improved coping self-efficacy). Engagement (total activities completed) predicted the likelihood of app satisfaction (P<.001).ConclusionsMany adolescents downloaded the BeMe app and completed multiple sessions and activities. Engagement with BeMe was higher among female and younger adolescents. Ratings of BeMe's content, activities, and coaching were very positive for cognitive precursors aimed at reducing depression and anxiety and improving well-being. The findings will inform future app development to promote more sustained engagement, and future evaluations will assess the effects of BeMe on changes in mental health outcomes.

Project description:BackgroundAlthough many smoking cessation smartphone apps exist, few have been independently evaluated, particularly in older populations. In 2017, of the 112 commercially available smoking cessation apps in Australia, only 6 were deemed to be of high quality, in that they partially adhered to Australian guidelines. Mobile health (mHealth) apps have the potential to modify smoking behavior at a relatively low cost; however, their acceptability in older smokers remains unknown. Rigorous scientific evaluation of apps is thus urgently needed to assist smokers and clinicians alike.ObjectiveWe conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial to evaluate the feasibility of a large-scale trial to assess the use and acceptability of a high-quality smoking cessation app in older smokers.MethodsAdult inpatient and outpatient smokers with computer and smartphone access were recruited face to face and via telephone interviews from Metropolitan Hospitals in Brisbane, Australia. Participants were randomized 1:1 to the intervention (requested to download the "My QuitBuddy" smoking cessation app on their smartphone) or the control group (provided access to a tailored smoking cessation support webpage [Quit HQ]). The My QuitBuddy app is freely available from app stores and provides personalized evidenced-based smoking cessation support. Quit HQ offers regular email support over 12 weeks. No training or instructions on the use of these e-resources were given to participants. Outcomes at 3 months included recruitment and retention rates, use and acceptability of e-resource (User Version of the Mobile App Rating Scale [uMARS]), changes in quitting motivation (10-point scale), and self-reported smoking abstinence.ResultsWe randomized 64 of 231 potentially eligible individuals (27.7%). The mean age of participants was 62 (SD 8). Nicotine dependence was moderate (mean Heaviness of Smoking Index [HSI] 2.8 [SD 1.2]). At 3 months the retention rate was (58/64, 91%). A total of 15 of 31 participants in the intervention arm (48%) used the app at least once, compared with 10 of 33 (30%) in the control arm. uMARS scores for e-resource use and acceptability were statistically similar (P=.29). Motivation to quit was significantly higher in the intervention arm compared with the control arm (median 6 [IQR 4-8] versus 4 [IQR 4-5], respectively, P=.02). According to the intention-to-treat analysis, smoking abstinence was nonsignificantly higher in the intervention group (4/31 [13%], 95% CI 4%-30%, versus 2/33 [6%], 95% CI 1%-20%; P=.42). The estimated number needed to treat was 14.ConclusionsInternet and mHealth smoking cessation resources appear acceptable to a minority of older smokers. Smokers who engaged with the allocated e-resources rated them equally, and there were trends toward greater uptake, increased motivation, and higher abstinence rates in the app group; however, only the change in motivation reached statistical significance (median score 6 versus 4, respectively, P=.02). This results of this pilot study suggest that apps may improve quit outcomes in older adults who are willing to use them. Further research into user-app interactions should be undertaken to facilitate improvements in app design and consumer engagement. These favorable trends should be explored in larger trials with sufficient statistical power.Trial registrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12619000159156; http://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=376849&isReview=true.

Project description:BackgroundThere is growing evidence suggesting that the emotional well-being of the public has been negatively affected in the past year. Consequently, demand for well-being support has increased. Although there is substantial empirical support for mental health apps that target diagnosed conditions, there is less research on emotional well-being apps. Among existing well-being apps, few studies have been conducted on apps that are based on lived experience and those that seek to enhance users' understanding of their emotional patterns. Thus, the acceptability of these novel apps requires further evaluation before upscaling.ObjectiveThis evaluation aims to describe the acceptability, engagement, and preliminary outcomes of using an app (Paradym) designed to promote emotional well-being and positive mental health.MethodsThis is a pre-post, mixed-methods, single-arm evaluation that is aggregated with digital analytics data. We anonymously collected real-world data on the demographics and well-being of the participants as well as the usability and acceptance of the app using validated questionnaires and open-ended questions. Participants tested the app for a minimum of 2 weeks before completing the follow-up measures. Google Analytics was used to record the level of app engagement. Chi-square and 2-tailed t tests were conducted to analyze quantitative data, and a thematic analysis approach was adopted for qualitative data.ResultsA total of 115 participants completed baseline questionnaires, of which 79.1% (91/115) users downloaded the app. The sample was diverse in terms of ethnicity, including 43.4% (50/115) people who self-identified as belonging to minority ethnic groups. Most of the participants were female (78/115, 67.8%) and between the ages of 18 and 25 years (39/115, 33.9%). A total of 34 app users who completed questionnaires at baseline and follow-up provided valuable feedback to inform the future directions of Paradym. Favorable themes emerged describing the app's content, functionality, and underlying principles. Although usability feedback varied across items, a considerable number of participants (22/34, 64%) found that the app was easy to use. Google Analytics revealed that at least 79% (27/34) of people used the app daily. On the basis of preliminary observations, app users experience increased mental well-being. Post hoc analyses indicated that the reduction in depression scores (t33=-2.16) and the increase in the well-being measures (t33=2.87) were statistically significant. No adverse events were reported during the follow-up period.ConclusionsThe findings of this evaluation are encouraging and document positive preliminary evidence for the Paradym app.

Project description:BackgroundResearch is needed on how faith and prayer apps fit within the values of racial and ethnic minority (REM) groups, as well as whether such apps are effective in promoting mental health and well-being.ObjectiveThis study aims to determine the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of using the mobile app Pray.com on mental health and well-being among REM participants.MethodsThis study was a single-group (N=77), 4-week feasibility trial in REM groups (65/77, 84% Black or African American). Participants were asked to use the Pray.com app at no cost for at least 5 times per week for 5 minutes per day. Participants completed questionnaires at the baseline and postintervention time points. Feasibility questionnaires were only completed at the postintervention time point, including qualitative interviews (n=15). The feasibility questions included acceptability (ie, satisfaction, intent to continue use, perceived appropriateness, and fit within culture), demand (ie, self-reported app use, expressed interest, and perceived demand), and practicality (ie, ease or difficulty of use, ability to use the app, and cost-effectiveness). Frequency and descriptive statistics were used to analyze feasibility outcomes. Changes in dependent variables were analyzed using paired-sample 2-tailed t tests. Partial correlations were conducted to explore the association between app use and outcomes, controlling for baseline scores.ResultsParticipants reported (54/72, 75% responded with "very likely" or "likely" to the feasibility questions) that they perceived the Pray.com app as acceptable. These findings were supported by qualitative interviews (n=15). Most participants (62/72, 86%) did not meet the app use prescription but expressed interest in using the app in the future and perceived demand for it in their communities. In addition, participants reported that the app was easy to use and perceived it to be inexpensive (US $7.99). Participants reported improved mental health (ie, stress and depressive and anxiety symptoms) and well-being (ie, satisfaction with life, spiritual well-being, religious commitment, and racial or ethnic identity development) at postintervention despite relatively low average levels and high variability of app use (average total of 45.83, SD 111.90 min over the course of the study). Greater app use was significantly associated with improvements in mental health and spiritual well-being. However, app use and study methodology limitations suggest that the study results may not accurately capture the full impact of Pray.com use.ConclusionsThis is the first study to assess the feasibility of a faith and prayer app for mental health and well-being in a sample of REM individuals. Our findings suggest that the use of a faith and prayer app (ie, Pray.com) could be feasible and significantly impactful for the improvement of mental health symptoms and well-being in REM individuals and their communities, especially Black and African American individuals with a Christian affiliation. Further research is warranted.

Dataset Information

Effectiveness of a Smartphone App (BioBase) for Reducing Anxiety and Increasing Mental Well-Being: Pilot Feasibility and Acceptability Study.

Publications

Effectiveness of a Smartphone App (BioBase) for Reducing Anxiety and Increasing Mental Well-Being: Pilot Feasibility and Acceptability Study.

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