Impact of mobile health interventions for mental health literacy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Abstract

Mental health literacy (MHL) - the ability to recognize, manage, and prevent mental health problems - is a key determinant of mental health. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions, delivered via portable digital devices such as smartphones, offer scalable, interactive, and user-tailored approaches to improve MHL. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of mHealth interventions on MHL outcomes, compared to control conditions (non-mHealth interventions, waitlist, or no intervention). This systematic review and meta-analysis searched five databases for randomized controlled trials published between January 1, 2010, and April 18, 2025. Eligible studies enrolled participants aged 12 and older and compared mHealth interventions to control groups. Two reviewers independently screened articles, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool. The primary outcome was MHL, assessed using standardized mean differences (SMD) for overall MHL and its components: knowledge, help-seeking, and stigma. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted. Out of 5,043 records identified, 14 RCTs met all inclusion criteria, encompassing 4,314 participants. mHealth interventions showed higher overall MHL (SMD = 0.13, 95% CI: 0.03-0.23), knowledge (SMD = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.09-0.37), and help-seeking (SMD = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.04-0.47; p = 0.019), compared to controls. High heterogeneity was detected (I² = 93.6%; τ² = 0.03; p < 0.001). Two studies were rated at high risk of bias; the remainder had at least some concerns. mHealth interventions modestly improved MHL outcomes, particularly knowledge and help-seeking. Although the effect sizes were small and heterogeneity was high, these interventions may offer meaningful public health value when delivered at scale.