scholarly journals Text messages to reduce depressive symptoms: Do they work and what makes them effective? A systematic review

2020 ◽  
pp. 001789692095936
Author(s):  
Katherine L Cox ◽  
Sabine M Allida ◽  
Maree L Hackett
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Pooled Analysis ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
World Health

Objective: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to quantify the effects of text messaging interventions to reduce depressive symptoms and identify variables that might influence the effectiveness of the intervention. Design: Electronic databases including EMBASE, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO and SCOPUS, as well as Clinicaltrials.gov and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) were searched for randomised controlled trials that sent one or more text messages with health-related content to adults who had been identified by a healthcare provider. Results: Seven trials (nine comparisons), with 1,918 participants, were included in the review, and the pooled analysis revealed a borderline statistically significant reduction in depressive symptom scores between the text messaging intervention and control groups (standardised mean difference [SMD], −0.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.54 to 0.00; p = .00) favouring intervention at the end. Statistically significant reductions were shown in important subgroups, for example, where the primary aim of the messages was to reduce depressive symptoms; in those using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) or 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) questionnaires; where text message content was targeted at mental well-being, mood improvement and cognitive behavioural therapy information; and when the message frequency was ⩾2 times per week. Conclusion: Text messaging has potential to reduce depressive symptoms. The results of this review should be interpreted with caution, however, due to the methodological limitations of included trials. More research is required before recommendations can be made about the routine use of text messaging for the management of depressive symptoms.

Effectiveness of text messaging interventions for the management of depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (9) ◽  
pp. 513-523 ◽  
Author(s):  
Buddhika Senanayake ◽  
Sumudu I Wickramasinghe ◽  
Mark D Chatfield ◽  
Julie Hansen ◽  
Sisira Edirippulige ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Clinical Depression ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Services Delivery

Introduction Depression is a leading cause of human disability. Telemedicine-based interventions using text messaging are currently being trialled for the management of community-based clients with clinical depression. However, little is known about the effectiveness of such methods. Methods We searched the databases PubMed, Embase, Informit, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PsycINFO and Scopus for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published between January 2000 and April 2019. Studies comparing text messaging interventions to a comparator group for patients with depression were included in the review. Articles were assessed for quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist for RCTs. Results Nine RCTs (945 patients: 764 adults and 181 adolescents) were included in the systematic review. Five studies used text messaging as the only intervention, whilst the remaining combined text messaging with other treatment modalities such as behavioural activation or cognitive behavioural therapy. A meta-analysis was conducted on seven selected RCTs (845 patients: 664 adults and 181 adolescents). The standardised mean reduction in depression due to text messaging interventions was 0.23 (95% confidence interval: –0.02 to 0.48). There was evidence of heterogeneity in treatment effect between studies. Discussion There is marginal evidence supporting text messaging interventions as an effective treatment modality for people living with clinical depression. However, further research is needed to determine how best to utilise text-message interventions alongside other conventional forms of health services delivery.

scholarly journals The Effectiveness Of Using Text Messages Reminder On Adherence With Tuberculosis Patients: A Systematic Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 751-760
Author(s):  
Ardila Lailatul Barik ◽  
Retno Indarwati ◽  
Sulistiawati Sulistiawati
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Randomized Control Trials ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Tuberculosis Patients ◽  
Randomized Control ◽  
Text Message Reminder

Non-adherence is a factor that inhibits the completion of TB cases globally. Some studies suggest that the use of digital technology in the form of text message reminders can reduce the risk of non-adherence. The purpose of writing this article is to analyze the effectiveness of text message reminders on adherence to tuberculosis (TB) patients. The method in preparing this Systematic review is based on literature studies from various electronic databases, including Scopus, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, and Sage by conducting a comprehensive review using the PRISMA guidelines. The keywords used are "Text Messaging" AND "medication adherence" AND "tuberculosis". There are 11 original articles with 9 articles using the Randomized Control Trials (RCTs) research method and 2 articles using the Quasy-experimental method that fits the inclusion criteria. The use of text message reminder interventions is effective and can be used as an optional method of increasing adherence to TB patients. 

scholarly journals Digital Parenting of Emerging Adults in the 21st Century

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 482
Author(s):  
Michaeline Jensen ◽  
Emily Haston ◽  
Andrea M. Hussong
Keyword(s):  
Emerging Adults ◽  
21St Century ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Objective Assessment ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Emerging Adult ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Digital Pressure ◽  
First Time

In emerging adulthood, when many young people are away from their families for the first time, mobile phones become an important conduit for maintaining relationships with parents. Yet, objective assessment of the content and frequency of text messaging between emerging adults and their parents is lacking in much of the research to date. We collected two weeks of text messages exchanged between U.S. college students (N = 238) and their parents, which yielded nearly 30,000 parent-emerging adult text messages. We coded these text message exchanges for traditional features of parent-emerging adult communication indexing positive connection, monitoring and disclosures. Emerging adults texted more with mothers than with fathers and many messages constitute parental check-ins and emerging adult sharing regarding youth behavior and well-being. Findings highlight that both the frequency and content of parent-emerging adult text messages can be linked with positive (perceived text message support) and negative (perceived digital pressure) aspects of the parent-emerging adult relationship. The content of parent-emerging adult text messages offers a valuable, objective window into the nature of the parent-emerging adult relationships in the digital age of the 21st century.

Do text messages about health and development in young children affect caregiver behaviour and child outcomes? A systematic review

2020 ◽  
pp. 001789692096599
Author(s):  
Brittany Paige Richardson ◽  
Jeannie van der Linde ◽  
Bhavani Pillay ◽  
De Wet Swanepoel
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Young Children ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Child Outcomes ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Health And Development ◽  
Development Outcomes ◽  
Text Message Intervention

Introduction: Inadequate caregiving conditions interfere with successful health and development outcomes. Access to appropriate information can result in improved health and development outcomes in children. Health promotion text messaging, a primary mHealth strategy, has been implemented in various countries to reach communities where the majority of the population may be living in poverty and lacks access to information and health services. This systematic review investigated what effect the provision of information regarding health and development in young children, using text messages, has on caregiver behaviour and child outcomes. Method: The review was conducted according to the PRISMA-P (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis Protocols) guidelines. Studies were retrieved from Scopus, MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection and Cochrane library using primary search phrases. The search was not limited to a specific period. Thematic analysis was used to organise and synthesise the information extracted from selected studies into main and sub-themes. Results: In total, 19 studies were identified, including randomised controlled trials (RCTs) ( n = 13, 68.42%), observational studies ( n = 3, 15.79%) and non-RCTs ( n = 3, 15.79%). Message content included educational information regarding health and development (89.47%), reminders (36.84%) and caregiver support (52.63%). The majority of studies ( n = 17; 89.47%) found statistically significant positive effects of text message intervention on caregiver behaviour. Text messages also affected child outcomes, with 15.79% ( n = 3) of studies reporting a positive effect. Conclusion: Text messaging is an effective tool to influence caregiver behaviour and child outcomes in health. There is however limited evidence regarding text message intervention effectiveness on child development, both in quality and in quantity. More research, especially in low- and middle-income countries, is necessary.

scholarly journals Does aerobic exercise reduce postpartum depressive symptoms? a systematic review and meta-analysis

2017 ◽  
Vol 67 (663) ◽  
pp. e684-e691 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruth Victoria Pritchett ◽  
Amanda J Daley ◽  
Kate Jolly
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Aerobic Exercise ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
World Health ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Group Exercise ◽  
Postpartum Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Health Organization

BackgroundThere is currently no specific guidance on the role of exercise in managing postpartum depression in the UK and US, and international guidance is inconsistent.AimTo assess the effectiveness of aerobic exercise on postpartum depressive symptoms.Design and settingSystematic review and meta-analysis. There was no restriction to study site or setting.MethodThe databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, SportDiscus, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform were searched. Titles and abstracts, then full-text articles, were screened against inclusion criteria: RCTs measuring depressive symptoms in mothers ≤1 year postpartum; and interventions designed to increase aerobic exercise compared with usual care or other comparators. Included studies were assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias tool. Meta-analysis was conducted. Pre-planned subgroup analyses explored heterogeneity.ResultsThirteen RCTs were included, with 1734 eligible participants. Exercise significantly reduced depressive symptoms when all trials were combined (standardised mean difference −0.44; 95% confidence interval = −0.75 to −0.12). Exploration of heterogeneity did not find significant differences in effect size between women with possible depression and in general postpartum populations; exercise only and exercise with co-interventions; and group exercise and exercise counselling.ConclusionThis systematic review provides support for the effectiveness of exercise in reducing postpartum depressive symptoms. Group exercise, participant-chosen exercise, and exercise with co-interventions all may be effective interventions. These results should be interpreted with caution because of substantial heterogeneity and risk of bias.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Text Messaging Interventions on Blood Pressure Control Among Patients With Hypertension: Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hon Lon Tam ◽  
Eliza Mi Ling Wong ◽  
Kin Cheung ◽  
Siu Fung Chung
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Methodological Quality ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Reduction Effect ◽  
Text Messaging Intervention

BACKGROUND Controlling blood pressure (BP) is an international health concern, and high BP is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease mortality. Evidence has shown that educational interventions directed at patients potentially improve BP control and adherence to medications and lifestyle modifications. In addition, a text messaging intervention has a potential effect on BP control; however, the dosage of a text messaging intervention has not been determined in previous reviews, resulting in difficult application in practice. OBJECTIVE This review aimed to identify the effectiveness of a text messaging intervention on hypertension management with a specific focus on the dosage of text messaging and the type of additional interventions with text messaging. METHODS A systematic review was conducted and reported on in accordance with PRISMA guideline. Participants were aged 18 years and older and diagnosed with primary hypertension. The included studies used text messaging as a component of the intervention. We searched for randomized controlled trials published until June 30, 2020, from the following health-related electronic databases: Embase, Medline, CINAHL Complete, PsycINFO, and Scopus. Data were extracted for qualitative synthesis and meta-analysis. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database Scale was used to assess the methodological quality of each study, and the quality of the included studies was assessed independently by two authors. RESULTS Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. The overall methodological quality was fair (mean score 5.75). The frequency of text message delivery varied from daily to biweekly. Health education was identified in 4 studies as an additional intervention with text messaging. The overall results showed that the text messaging intervention significantly reduced systolic BP (SBP) but not diastolic BP (DBP). There was no significant difference in BP reduction between studies that lasted 6 months or less and those that lasted more than 7 months. Seven studies that lasted 6 months or less involving 1428 patients with hypertension were pooled for further meta-analysis. Text messages delivered at a lower frequency (once per week or less) had a small effect on SBP reduction (effect size 0.35, <i>P</i>&lt;.01) and DBP reduction (effect size 0.28, <i>P</i>=.01). In addition, the use of a text messaging intervention halved the odds of uncontrolled BP among patients with hypertension in 6 months (odds ratio 0.46, <i>P</i>=.02). CONCLUSIONS This review found that a text messaging intervention was effective in BP control. One-way text messaging delivered in a weekly manner was suggested to be effective and required fewer resources. Future studies should use different forms of text message and be integrated into other interventions to improve adherence behaviors and BP control among patients with hypertension.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Subjective Age and the Association With Cognition, Subjective Well-Being, and Depression

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felicia Alonso Debreczeni ◽  
Phoebe E Bailey
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Subjective Age ◽  
Scientific Databases ◽  
Social Scientific ◽  
And Gender

Abstract Objectives A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to quantify the degree to which subjective age is associated with cognition, subjective well-being, and depression. Method A systematic search was performed in three electronic social scientific databases, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science in May 2018. A manual forward and backward citation search of articles meeting the criteria for inclusion, including a mean participant age of 40+ years, was conducted in November 2019. Twenty-four independent data sets were included in the meta-analysis. Results Overall, a younger subjective age was related to enhanced subjective well-being and cognitive performance, and reduced depressive symptoms (r = .18). This association was stronger among collectivist (r = .24) than individualist (r = .16) cultures. Mean chronological age across samples (ranging from 55 to 83 years), type of subjective age scoring, and gender did not influence the strength of the overall association. Further analysis revealed that subjective age was individually associated with depressive symptoms (r = .20), subjective well-being (r = .17), and cognition (r = .14), and none had a stronger association with subjective age than the other. Discussion The results indicate a small yet significant association between subjective age and important developmental outcomes.

scholarly journals The Effectiveness of Psychological Treatments in Women with Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 209 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela Guarino ◽  
Cristina Polini ◽  
Giuseppe Forte ◽  
Francesca Favieri ◽  
Ilaria Boncompagni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Individual Therapy ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural ◽  
Personal Skills

Breast cancer is the most prevalent oncological disease among women, and it represents the second oncological cause of death. Many studies have considered the quality of life in people with breast cancer because this condition has high comorbidity with mental distress, anxiety, affective disorders and depression. Psychological interventions can reduce the stressful consequences of both the diagnosis and the medical treatments of breast cancer. However, different methods (e.g., group or individual therapy) and focus (e.g., improving personal skills or increasing emotional well-being) do not help to identify which type of psychological therapy can be more effective in improving quality of life in patients with breast cancer. This study was aimed to systematically review and compare, by means of a meta-analysis, the efficacy of cognitive behavioural, supportive-expressive or psycho-educational treatments in women with breast cancer, focusing on anxiety, depression, mood and quality of life as outcomes. The PRISMA statement was adopted. MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PUBMED and PsycArticles databases were used, and reference lists were examined for additional publications. In the selection of the articles were included studies considering women between 18 and 65 years who were diagnosed with breast cancer at any stage and under any treatment, and who underwent psychological group interventions. At the end of the systematic review, 45 studies met all inclusion criteria and were analysed in the meta-analysis. The overall effect size was medium, especially considering cognitive behavioural therapy and psycho-educational treatments. However, the studies are characterised by high methodological heterogeneity. Despite some limitations, this review and meta-analysis partially confirm the efficiency of cognitive-behavioural and psycho-educational therapies in the improvement of well-being in women with breast cancer.

scholarly journals Predictors of depression relapse and recurrence after cognitive behavioural therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (5) ◽  
pp. 514-529 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Wojnarowski ◽  
Nick Firth ◽  
Megan Finegan ◽  
Jaime Delgadillo
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Personality Factors ◽  
Cognitive Reactivity ◽  
Targeted Interventions ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural ◽  
Increased Risk

AbstractBackground:Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an effective psychological treatment for major depressive disorder, although some patients experience a return of symptoms after finishing therapy. The ability to predict which individuals are more vulnerable to deterioration would allow for targeted interventions to prevent short-term relapse and longer-term recurrence.Aim:This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify factors associated with an increased risk of relapse and/or recurrence (RR) after CBT for depression.Method:We reviewed 13 relevant papers, of which a small set of unique samples were eligible for meta-analysis (k = 5, N = 369). Twenty-six predictor variables were identified and grouped into seven categories: residual depressive symptoms; prior episodes of depression; cognitive reactivity; stressful life events; personality factors; clinical and diagnostic factors; demographics.Results:Meta-analyses indicated that residual depressive symptoms (r = 0.34 [0.10, 0.54], p = .01) and prior episodes (r = 0.19 [0.07, 0.30], p = .002) were statistically significant predictors of RR, but cognitive reactivity was not (r = 0.18 [−0.02, 0.36], p = .08). Other variables lacked replicated findings. On average, 33.4% of patients experienced RR after CBT.Conclusions:Patients with the above risk factors could be offered evidence-based continuation-phase interventions to enhance the longer-term effectiveness of CBT.

Pilot study of psychotherapeutic text messaging for depression

2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (7) ◽  
pp. 665-672 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul N Pfeiffer ◽  
Jennifer Henry ◽  
Dara Ganoczy ◽  
John D Piette
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Severe Depression ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Service Development ◽  
Symptom Improvement ◽  
Behavioural Activation ◽  
Message Type

Background Text messaging services could increase access to psychotherapeutic content for individuals with depression by avoiding barriers to in-person psychotherapy such as cost, transportation, and therapist availability. Determining whether text messages reflecting different psychotherapeutic techniques exhibit differences in acceptability or effectiveness may help guide service development. Objectives We aimed to determine: (1) the feasibility of delivering a psychotherapy-based text messaging service to people with depression identified via the internet, (2) whether there is variation in satisfaction with messages according to the type of psychotherapeutic technique they represent, and (3) whether symptoms of depression vary according to receipt of each message type and participants’ satisfaction with the messages they received. Methods For this study 190 US adults who screened positive for a major depressive episode (Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) score ≥10) were recruited from online advertisements. Participants received a daily psychotherapy-based text message 6 days per week for 12 weeks. Text messages were developed by a team of psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers to reflect three psychotherapeutic approaches: acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), behavioural activation, and cognitive restructuring. Each week the message type for the week was randomly assigned from one of the three types, allowing for repeats. Participants were asked daily to rate each message. On the 7th day of each week, participants completed a two-item depression screener (PHQ-2). Web-based surveys at baseline, 6, and 12 weeks were used as the primary measure of depressive symptoms (PHQ-9). Results Of the 190 participants enrolled, 85 (45%) completed the 6-week web survey and 67 (35%) completed the 12-week survey. The mean baseline PHQ-9 score was 19.4 (SD 4.2) and there was a statistically significant mean improvement in PHQ-9 scores of −2.9 (SD 6.0; p < 0.001) at 6 weeks and −4.8 (SD 6.6; p < 0.001) at 12 weeks. Mean satisfaction ratings did not vary across message types. There was generally no association between the number of weeks in which participants received a given message type and PHQ-9 scores at follow-up. However, among individuals with more severe depression at baseline (PHQ-9 ≥ 20; n = 30), the number of weeks of behavioural activation messages received was associated with less symptom improvement (ρ = 0.37; p = 0.04) at 12 weeks. Participants who gave higher satisfaction ratings to messages regardless of type had greater reductions in PHQ-9 scores at 6 weeks. Conclusions Study participants exhibited borderline clinically significant improvement in depressive symptoms at 12 weeks suggesting the effects of the intervention, if any, were small. Although there was no overall variation in changes in PHQ-9 according to users’ exposure to the three message types, effectiveness among severely depressed participants could potentially be improved by tailoring towards fewer behavioural activation messages. Controlled studies to determine effectiveness of texting interventions such as this one are indicated considering that even small effects may be cost effective given the low cost of delivering text messages.

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