Effects of healthy-habit-oriented mobile apps on depressive symptomatology, anxiety and stress: A systematic review

Abstract

Introduction. Emotional problems such as anxiety, depression and stress are a public health problem. Meanwhile, scientific evidence alerts us to the importance of maintaining healthy lifestyle habits to prevent and intervene to address anxious and depressive symptoms and stress. In recent years, the use of technology has been considered for this purpose, with the most widely used technological tools being mobile applications known as mHealth. Objective: To analyze the potential of the use of mobile apps based on healthy habits (exercise, diet and sleep habits) as effective tools to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression and self-perceived stress in the adult population. Method. A systematic review was carried out following PRISMA guidelines. The review included the randomized clinical trials found in PubMed, Medli-ne and PsycINFO, with a final total of 10 studies. Inclusion criteria called for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) written in English, with an adult population, using mobile apps related to healthy habits and analyzing their effects on anxious, depressive and stress symptoms. Results and conclusions. The results suggest that the use of apps that influence adherence to healthy habits seems to reduce the anxiety, depression, and perceived stress scores. However, more research is needed to identify the specific habits that improve the indicated psychological factors through mHealth.