MOBILE SENSING AND YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: A PILOT STUDY

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic mental health concerns were exacerbated demonstrating a need for mental health data to be collected on a large-scale and in an affordable form. The study piloted the use of a mobile sensing application in youth with and without psychiatric disorders. The study aimed to determine if smartphone-based physical activity data can predict depression, anxiety, and changes in symptoms. 122 youth self-reported symptoms of anxiety, depression at baseline, and follow-up. An application was installed which measured physical activity (GPS) for two-weeks. The study demonstrated that smartphone mobile sensing is feasible in youth. GPS data did not explain baseline symptoms; however, it helped predict changes in symptoms. The study provided preliminary information on mobile sensing in youth, and the potential for it to predict changes in symptoms. The study reiterates the need for larger studies with standardized measures in the field of smartphone mobile sensing.