Effectiveness of El Buen Consejo Movil (EBCM;the mobile Sound Advice),to Reduce Symptoms of Depression,Anxiety,Loneliness,and Social Isolation among Users in the Dominican Republic

Abstract

The availability of mental health services in the Dominican Republic is limited and mental health needs have increased since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mobile mental health apps may be a feasible response to this increased demand for services, but few have been tested in Spanish speaking low- and middle-income countries. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a mobile app, El Buen Consejo Movil (EBCM) to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, social isolation and loneliness. Of the twenty-seven participants who screened eligible to use EBCM, twenty participants logged in and used the app (users). The PHQ-9 results were clinically and statistically significant. A decrease in PHQ-9 score was sustained in 75% of users over 12 weeks. Results of the pre and post NIH Toolbox Adult Social Relationship Scales indicated that there was a statistically significant difference in score (p = .011). Our study is one of the few studies to trial a mobile app in a Spanish speaking Caribbean LMIC. The EBCM app was a useful and effective resource to support the therapeutic process for participants with symptoms of depression.