Long-Term Efficacy of a Mobile Mental Wellness Program: Prospective Single-Arm Study

• DOI: 10.2196/54634
• Publication Date: 2024-05-22T21:38:47Z
• Authors: Meaghan McCallum; Matthew Baldwin; Paige Thompson; Kelly Blessing; Maria Frisch; Annabell Ho; Matthew Cole Ains...; Ellen Siobhan Mit...; Andreas Michaelides; Christine N May
• Keywords: Preprint; mHealth

Background Rising rates of psychological distress (symptoms depression, anxiety, and stress) among adults in the United States necessitate effective mental wellness interventions. Despite prevalence smartphone app–based programs, research on their efficacy is limited, with only 14% showing clinically validated evidence. Our study evaluates Noom Mood, a commercially available smartphone-based app that uses cognitive behavioral therapy mindfulness-based programming. In this study, we address gaps existing literature by examining postintervention outcomes broader impact wellness. Objective Mood program designed to be used general population. This prospective Mood. We aim rising States. Methods A 1-arm design was used, participants having access for 16 weeks (N=273). Surveys were conducted at baseline, week 4, 8, 12, 16, 32 (16 weeks’ postprogram follow-up). assessed range health outcomes, including anxiety symptoms, depressive perceived stress, well-being, quality life, coping, emotion regulation, sleep, workplace productivity (absenteeism or presenteeism). Results The mean age 40.5 (SD 11.7) years. Statistically significant improvements stress observed 4 maintained through 16-week intervention 32-week follow-up. largest changes first (29% lower, 25% 15% lower respectively), small afterward. Reductions relevant (7-item generalized disorder scale) depression (8-item Patient Health Questionnaire criteria also from initiation Work showed statistically results, gaining 2.57 productive work days baseline weeks, remaining relatively stable (2.23 gained) follow-up (32 weeks). Additionally, effects across all sleep disturbance (23% weeks), dysregulation variables exhibited positive trends time points (15% higher, 23% higher respectively Conclusions contributes insights into promising well-being extending beyond phase. Though more rigorous studies are necessary understand mechanism action play, exploratory addresses critical literature, highlighting potential programs lessen barriers support improve diverse dimensions well-being. Future should explore scalability, feasibility, long-term adherence such interventions populations.