Aïna Fuster-Casanovas, Sonia Moretó Melero, Daniela Cabutto, Carme Carrion, Josep Vidal-Alaball, Estefania Herrera-Ramos, Carles Barcons, Andrea Duarte-Díaz

ABSTRACT

Background

Digital health tools are transforming mental health care, particularly in treating depression, which affects 5 % of the global population and is projected to be the top disease burden by 2030. In primary care, these tools improve accessibility and efficacy, addressing rising mental health demands, especially post-COVID-19.

Objective

The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of digital health tools for the management of depression within primary care.

Methods

A systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines, focusing on digital health tools for reducing depressive symptoms. Controlled trials were included, with RCTs assessed via the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool and non-RCTs evaluated using the JBI checklist for quasi-experimental studies. Depressive symptom reduction was the primary outcome.

Results

A total of 29 controlled trials met the inclusion criteria, identifying were web-based platforms, mobile apps, phone calls, text messages, and decision algorithms. The meta-analysis revealed that digital health tools had a significant effect on depressive symptoms (g = −0.22, 95 % CI: −0.37; −0.06, I2 = 79.64 %). At 6 to 12-month follow-up, the random effects meta-analysis showed that digital health tools had a significant effect on depressive symptoms (g = −0.19, 95%CI: −0.29; −0.09, I2 = 53.42 %).

Conclusions

Digital health tools are effective in reducing the symptoms of repression. Symptom severity does not predict suitability for digital treatment, emphasizing the need for gender-sensitive approaches and strategies for older adults. Integrating digital interventions into clinical guidelines requires studies like this to support their adoption in real-world practice.

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