Development of a Multiplatform Tool for the Prevention of Prevalent Mental Health Pathologies in Adults: Protocol for a Randomized Control Trial (Preprint)

Abstract

BACKGROUND The prevalence of depression and anxiety has increased in recent years, with many individuals having trouble accessing mental health support. Smartphones have become an integral part of modern life, with apps offering new ways to deliver evidence-based self-help strategies to cope with common mental health symptoms. However, most of them do not have empirical evidence of their overall effectiveness or the effectiveness of their components, which could pose a risk for users. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the modules of evaluation, psychoeducation, and emotional regulation strategies in a multiplatform self-help mental health mobile app in the Maule region of Chile. METHODS A sample of 196 adults will be selected, who will be randomly assigned to different components of the app for a fixed period to assess its ability to reduce symptomatology. RESULTS The trial is not yet recruiting and is expected to end in October 2024. The first results are expected in April 2024. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study in Chile to develop and test the effectiveness of a mobile app to manage anxiety and depression symptoms in adults. The intervention proposed is based on evidence suggesting that the internet or remote intervention tools and self-management of prevalent symptomatology could be the future of mental health care systems in the digital era. If the effects of the intervention are positive, wide implementation in Chile and other Spanish-speaking countries could be possible in the future. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT PRR1-10.2196/52324