Intervention Use and Symptom Change With Unguided Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Log Data Analysis of a Convenience Sample

Background Internet- and mobile-based interventions are most efficacious in the treatment of depression when they involve some form guidance, but providing guidance requires resources such as trained personnel, who might not always be available (eg, during lockdowns to contain COVID-19 pandemic). Objective The current analysis focuses on changes symptoms a guided sample patients with registered for an internet-based intervention, iFightDepression tool, well extent intervention use, compared unguided sample. objective is further understand effects adherence intervention’s potential induce symptom change. Methods Log data from two convenience samples German routine care were used assess change after 6-9 weeks minimal dose (finishing at least workshops). A linear regression model Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) score dependent variable their interaction independent variables was specified. Results Data 1423 people (n=940 unguided, 66.1%) included analysis. In predicting change, significant revealed specifically greater improvement received also worked content (β=–1.75, t=–2.37, P=.02), while there little difference due group that did use intervention. this model, main effect only marginally (β=–.53, t=–1.78, P=.08). Conclusions Guidance important factor facilitate adherence, seems improve results adhering those do same without guidance.