Monitoring mental health in university students using digital tools
Official title: Brightline - a Digital Phenotyping Study Toward Advancing Mental Health on Campus
Run by Nanyang Technological University · NCT06770075 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 25 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 500 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Nanyang Technological University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Singapore) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 2025 |
| Study ends | March 2026 |
| Registry record updated | January 15, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06770075 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are full-time undergraduate students aged 18 or older who own a smartphone and can commit to the study requirements.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients currently diagnosed with severe mental health disorders or those undergoing treatment may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: Other studies utilizing digital phenotyping have shown promise in identifying mental health issues, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.