JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Rising psychological distress among working-aged adults in the United States, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, necessitates effective mental wellness interventions. Despite the prevalence of smartphone application-based programs, research on their efficacy is limited, with only 14% showing clinically validated evidence. Our study evaluates the commercially available Noom Mood program, addressing gaps in existing literature by examining post-intervention outcomes and the broader impact on mental well-being.

Objective:

This prospective study evaluates the post-treatment efficacy and clinical utility of Noom Mood, a commercially available smartphone-based mental wellness program, addressing the rising psychological distress among working-aged adults in the United States.

Methods:

A one-arm study design was employed, with participants engaging in the Noom Mood program for 16 weeks. Surveys were conducted at baseline, week 4, week 8, week 12, week 16, and week 32 (16 weeks post-program follow-up). The study assessed a range of mental health outcomes, including anxiety, stress, depression, well-being, quality of life, coping, emotion regulation, sleep, and workplace absenteeism/presenteeism.

Results:

Statistically significant improvements were observed in anxiety and depression symptoms, workplace productivity, and various dimensions of well-being. Reductions in clinically relevant anxiety and depression criteria were sustained from program initiation through the 32-week follow-up. Well-being outcomes, such as coping skills, emotion regulation, and sleep quality, exhibited positive and significant trends.

Conclusions:

This study contributes valuable insights into the enduring positive impact of Noom Mood on mental health and well-being outcomes, extending beyond the intervention phase. Despite limitations, the research addresses critical gaps in the literature, highlighting the potential of smartphone-based mental wellness programs to transcend barriers to mental health support and improve diverse dimensions of well-being. Future research should explore scalability, feasibility, and long-term adherence of such interventions across diverse populations.