Monitoring mental health in university students using digital tools
Brightline - a Digital Phenotyping Study Toward Advancing Mental Health on Campus
This study is trying to see if using wearable devices and smartphones can help track the mental health of university students by looking at their activity and sleep patterns over six months.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 500 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 25 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Nanyang Technological University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Singapore) |
| Trial ID | NCT06770075 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to monitor university students over six months to identify digital behavioral markers associated with mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. Participants will use wearable devices and smartphones to collect data on physical activity, sleep patterns, and other behavioral indicators. Self-report questionnaires will also be administered at various intervals to track changes in mental health symptoms. The goal is to develop predictive algorithms for mental health states based on the collected digital biomarkers.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are full-time undergraduate students aged 18 or older who own a smartphone and can commit to the study requirements.
Not a fit: Patients currently diagnosed with severe mental health disorders or those undergoing treatment may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved identification and support for university students at risk of mental health conditions.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies utilizing digital phenotyping have shown promise in identifying mental health issues, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Be aged 18 years or older. * Be a current full-time undergraduate student. * Own a smartphone with Wi-Fi, 4G, and Bluetooth capabilities. * Possess adequate English language proficiency. * Be able to download the study apps. * Provide informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Are part-time students. * Have a current diagnosis of any mental health disorder or a past diagnosis with any bipolar disorder, substance use disorder, or any psychotic disorder. * Are currently undergoing mental health treatment. * Lack sufficient English proficiency. * Report suicidal ideation as indicated by Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) Item-9, "Thoughts you would be better off dead or of hurting yourself in some way". * Cannot commit to wearing a wearable device for the six-month monitoring period. * Receive special education accommodations or support from the university.
Where this trial is running
Singapore
- Nanyang Technological University — Singapore, Singapore (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Andy WH Khong, PhD — Nanyang Technological University
- Study coordinator: Zhi Wei Tan, PhD
- Email: zhiwei.tan@ntu.edu.sg
- Phone: +65 92312575
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.