Development and evaluation of a mobile-optimized daily self-rating depression screening app: A preliminary study

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Psychiatry
• Mobile Health Technology

Background:

• The Korean version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale-Revised (K-CESD-R) is a widely used depression screening tool.
• Developing mobile applications for mental health assessment can improve accessibility and daily monitoring of symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design a mobile application for daily self-reported K-CESD-R ratings.
• To develop and compare two algorithms (A and B) for converting binary mobile K-CESD-R scores to a 5-point scale.
• To determine the suitability of each algorithm for the mobile application as a depression screening tool.

Main Methods:

• A mobile app was created to record daily "Yes"/"No" K-CESD-R responses over two weeks.
• Algorithm A adapted a retrospective scoring method, while Algorithm B refined a prospective scoring method.
• Twenty participants completed both the mobile assessment and an original K-CESD-R assessment.

Main Results:

• No significant difference was found between original K-CESD-R scores and mobile K-CESD-R scores using Algorithm A.
• A significant difference was observed between original K-CESD-R scores and mobile K-CESD-R scores using Algorithm B.
• While some participants scored above the depression threshold on the mobile app, all were below threshold in a clinical interview, suggesting potential overestimation by the app.

Conclusions:

• Algorithm B, applied to the mobile K-CESD-R, shows greater potential as a depression screening tool compared to Algorithm A.
• The K-CESD-R Mobile app with Algorithm B may offer a viable digital approach for preliminary depression screening.
• Further validation is needed to refine the accuracy and clinical utility of the mobile K-CESD-R screening tool.