The Relation Between Passively Collected GPS Mobility Metrics and Depressive Symptoms: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background: Objective unobtrusively collected GPS features (e.g., homestay, distance) from everyday devices like smartphones may offer a promising augmentation to current assessment tools for depression. However, to date there is no systematic and metaanalytical evidence on the associations between GPS features and depression.Objective: The present systematic review with meta-analysis investigated the between-person and within-person correlations between GPS features and depressive symptoms. Furthermore, it critically reviews the quality and potential publication bias in the field. Methods:We searched MEDLINE, PsycInfo, Embase, CENTRAL, ACM, IEEE Xplore, PubMed, and Web of Science to identify eligible articles focusing on the correlations between GPS features and depression. In-and exclusion criteria were applied in a two-stage inclusion process conducted by two independent reviewers. Between and within-person correlations were analyzed using random effects models. Study quality was determined by comparing studies against the STROBE guidelines. Publication bias was investigated using Egger's test and funnel plots.Results: A total of k=19 studies involving N=2,930 participants were included in the analysis. Mean age was M=28.42 (SD=18.96) with 59.64% participants being female. Significant between-person correlations between GPS features and depression were identified: Distance (r=-0.25, 95%-