Effects of Mobile App–Based Intervention for Depression in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: Mixed Methods Feasibility Study

• Main Authors: Christine E Gould, Chalise Carlson, Flora Ma, Valerie Forman-Hoffman, Kristian Ranta, Eric Kuhn
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: JMIR Publications 2021-06-01
• Series: JMIR Formative Research
• Online Access: https://formative.jmir.org/2021/6/e25808

BackgroundDigital mental health interventions may help middle-aged and older adults with depression overcome barriers to accessing traditional care, but few studies have investigated their use in this population. ObjectiveThis pilot study examines the feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy of the Meru Health Program, an 8-week mobile app–delivered intervention. MethodsA total of 20 community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults (age: mean 61.7 years, SD 11.3) with elevated depressive symptoms participated in a single-arm pilot study investigating the Meru Health Program, an app-delivered intervention supported by remote therapists. The program primarily uses mindfulness and cognitive behavioral skills to target depressive symptoms. A semistructured interview was completed at the baseline to establish current psychiatric diagnoses. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) depression measures. Anxiety symptoms were measured using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale and the PROMIS Anxiety measure. User experience and acceptability were examined through surveys and qualitative interviews. ResultsIn total, 90% (18/20) of the participants completed the program, with 75% (15/20) completing at least 7 of the 8 introductory weekly lessons. On average, participants completed 60 minutes of practice and exchanged 5 messages with their therapists every week. The app was rated as helpful by 89% (17/19) participants. Significant decreases in depressive (P=.03) and anxiety symptom measures (P=.01) were found; 45% (9/20) of participants showed clinically significant improvement in either depressive symptoms or anxiety symptoms. ConclusionsThe findings suggest that the commercially available Meru Health Program may be feasible, acceptable, and potentially beneficial to middle-aged and older adults. Although larger controlled trials are needed to demonstrate efficacy, these findings suggest that digital health interventions may benefit adults of all ages.