J Korean Acad Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs.  2023 Mar;32(1):78-91. 10.12934/jkpmhn.2023.32.1.78.

Website and Mobile Application-Based Interventions for Adolescents and Young Adults with Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

• Noh D
• Park H
• Shim MS

• KMID: 2540821
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12934/jkpmhn.2023.32.1.78

Abstract

Purpose
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine previous research on website and mobile application-based interventions for adolescents and young adults with depression and to evaluate their effectiveness on depressive symptoms.
Methods
PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library CENTRAL databases were searched and 22 articles were identified from 16 randomized controlled trial studies.
Results
The most frequently used intervention strategy was Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT). Most studies (n = 14) used websites. Two studies used mobile applications. Meta-analysis revealed a significant effect of overall website and mobile application-based interventions on depression at posttest. Subgroup meta-analyses showed that ICBT and website-based interventions had significant effects on depression at posttest. However, there was no significant effect at follow-up assessments.
Conclusion
Website and mobile application-based interventions, specifically ICBT, are recommended for adolescents and young adults with depression. Further randomized controlled trials conducting follow-up assessments are required to confirm their long-term effects.

Keyword

Adolescent; Depression; Internet-based intervention; Systematic review; Young adult