Effects of Using Mobile Apps for Mental Health Care in Korea: A Systematic Review

Abstract

© 2022 The Korean Academy of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing.Purpose: Purpose: This study aimed to systematically evaluate the content and effect of using Korean mobile apps for mental health care as reported in previous studies. Methods: We conducted a systematic review according to PRISMA guidelines. Randomized controlled trials published up to May 2021 were searched in the PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, RISS, KISS, and KoreaMed databases. We used the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool version 2 for randomized trials to evaluate the selected studies. Results: Out of 3,374 articles retrieved, 12 were selected. These studies included people with mental disorders (mood disorder, panic disorder, or obsessive-compulsive disorder), psychiatric symptoms (depression, anxiety, attention deficit, etc.), and people in specific groups (college students or nurses). The apps were based on cognitive-behavioral therapy, cognitive training, well-being cognition technique, or relaxation techniques. The apps were effective in reducing depression, anxiety, panic attacks, attention deficit, negative emotions, and dysfunctional attitudes, and boosting memory and positive emotions. Conclusion: Mobile apps with well-established, theory-based content can serve as an effective intervention for managing several mental health symptoms. However, the scope of the research subjects and symptoms in Korea remains limited. Further studies with more varied populations and symptoms are required.