New Dal, IWK research using smartphones to explore COVID-19 impact on youth

New research by Dalhousie University and the IWK Health Centre is using smartphone data to look at the mental health impact distancing measures and isolation are having on youth as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

Dr. Rita Orji from Dal’s faculty of computer science and IWK psychologist Dr. Sandra Meier have developed an app to track participants’ activities during physical distancing. The goal of the study is to use the data to aid in providing mental health support to minimize the negative impacts of the pandemic.

The study is aiming to monitor 500 app users between the ages of 15 and 25, with a mix of individuals living with mental health issues and general population.

Learn more about this research project and how to register to participate here.

To support Nova Scotians’ mental health and wellness through COVID-19, Canadian Mental Health Association, Nova Scotia Division developed this Wellness Hub with helpful resources, tips and pandemic information.