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Supporting mental health during COVID-19 using a digital behaviour change intervention: an open-label, single-arm, pre-post intervention research study (Preprint)


 BACKGROUND
 COVID-19 is taking its toll on people's mental health, particularly as people are advised to adhere to social distancing, self-isolation measures and government imposed national lockdowns. Digital health technologies have an important role to play in keeping people connected and supporting mental health and wellbeing. Particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic as even before this unprecedented time, mental health and social services were already stretched.
 
 
 OBJECTIVE
 Our objective was to evaluate the 12-week outcomes of the digitally delivered Gro Health platform, a digital behaviour change intervention for self-management of mental wellbeing, sleep, activity, and nutrition.
 
 
 METHODS
 The study used a quasi-experimental research design consisting of an open-label, single-arm, pre-post intervention engagement using a convenience sample. From adults who had joined the intervention and had a complete baseline dataset (GAD-7 Anxiety Test Questionnaire, Perceived Stress Scale, PHQ-9 Patient Health Questionnaire), we followed all users for 12 weeks (N=273), including 33 (12.1%) who reported a positive COVID-19 diagnosis during the study period. Users engagement with the Gro Health platform was tracked by active minutes.
 
 
 RESULTS
 Of the 347 study participants, 273 (78.67%) completed both baseline and follow up surveys. Change in scores for anxiety, perceived stress and depression was predicted by app engagement with the strongest effect being seen in change perceived stress scores F(1,271)=251.397, p<0.001, with an R2 of .479.
 
 
 CONCLUSIONS
 A digital behaviour change platform that provides remote mental wellbeing support can be effective in managing depression, anxiety, and perceived stress during times of crisis such as the current COVID-19 pandemic.
 
 
 CLINICALTRIAL
 Approved by Royal Holloway, University of London Ethics Board.
