Systematic review: Effect of mobile applications on college students with depressive symptoms

To evaluate the effects of mobile applications (apps) on college students with depressive symptoms.

Depression among college students is a school health issue, although little is known regarding effective app-based interventions for managing depressive symptoms. This review follows the concept of (1) theoretical guidance framework on app design, (2) app-based intervention study design and (3) effect of app-based interventions.

Cochrane Library, CINAHL Plus with Full Text and PubMed were searched in October 2022.

English-language reports of app-based interventions for college students with depressive symptoms. Quality appraisal and data extraction of selected articles was conducted by two independent reviewers using the mixed methods appraisal tool. Data synthesis using core outcome and findings of intervention.

Five studies have shown that depressive symptoms significantly decreased after app use, specifically indicating the effects that occur in 4 weeks. Although four studies have applied the theoretical framework to the app design, the findings showed the low implementation of the intervention activities as originally designed and at the specified dosage and difficulty in understanding the processes through which the intervention resolves the depressive symptoms.

App-based intervention can decrease depressive symptoms; furthermore, 4 weeks was the time point at which the changes were expected to occur. However, the theory-based app design for the depression population was rarely related, and studies clearly explaining the intervention measures, intervention dosage and duration required to achieve effectiveness are needed.

This study provides the synthesis of evidence-based app interventions to manage depressive symptoms to zoom in on different views and we suggest using the applications for at least 4 weeks before changes are expected to occur.

No patient or public involvement in this study.