SynthesisJournal of medical Internet research2025
Readdressing the Ongoing Challenge of Missing Data in Youth Ecological Momentary Assessment Studies: Meta-Analysis Update.
Synthesis in Journal of medical Internet research, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 6 papers.
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Who cites it
6 citing papers in PubMed.
- Real-Time Psychological Factors Using Ecological Momentary Assessment With Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Diabetes Mellitus: Scoping Review.JMIR diabetes · 2026Review
- Incremental Value of Smartphone Sensing for Monitoring Momentary Affect Intensity in Adults Using Transformer-Based Models: Observational Study.JMIR mHealth and uHealth · 2026Observational
- Ecological momentary assessments and interventions for youth substance use across clinical settings: A systematic review.Research square · 2026Article
- Uncovering latent trajectories of daily tinnitus symptoms through app-based monitoring during treatment.Internet interventions · 2026Article
- A multilevel meta-analysis of passive smartphone sensing of adolescent mental health.NPJ digital medicine · 2026Article
- Real-Time Type 1 Diabetes Self-Management Decision-Making in Adolescents: Protocol for a Longitudinal Mixed Methods Study Using Text Messaging and Continuous Glucose Monitoring.JMIR research protocols · 2026Article
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Authors and funding
7 authors.
Funding
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Abstract
backgroundEcological momentary assessment (EMA) is pivotal in longitudinal health research in youth, but potential bias associated with nonparticipation, omitted reports, or dropout threatens its clinical validity. Previous meta-analytic evidence is inconsistent regarding specific determinants of missing data.
objectiveThis meta-analysis aimed to update and expand upon previous research by examining key participation metrics-acceptance, compliance, and retention-in youth EMA studies. In addition, it sought to identify potential moderators among sample and design characteristics, with the goal of better understanding and mitigating the impact of missing data.
methodsWe used a bibliographic database search to identify EMA studies involving children and adolescents published from 2001 to November 2023. Eligible studies used mobile-delivered EMA protocols in samples with an average age up to 18 years. We conducted separate meta-analyses for acceptance, compliance, and retention rates, and performed meta-regressions to address sample and design characteristics. Furthermore, we extracted and pooled sample-level effect sizes related to correlates of response compliance. Risk of publication bias was assessed using funnel plots, regression tests, and sensitivity analyses targeting inflated compliance rates.
resultsWe identified 285 samples, including 17,441 participants aged 5 to 17.96 years (mean age 14.22, SD 2.24 years; mean percentage of female participants 55.7%). Pooled estimates were 67.27% (k=88, 95% CI 62.39-71.96) for acceptance, 71.97% (k=216, 95% CI 69.83-74.11) for compliance, and 96.57% (k=169, 95% CI 95.42-97.56) for retention. Despite overall poor moderation of participation metrics, acceptance rates decreased as the number of EMA items increased (log-transformed b=-0.115, SE 0.036; 95% CI -0.185 to -0.045; P=.001; R
conclusionsDespite a 5-fold increase in included effect sizes compared to the initial review, the variability in rates of missing data that one can expect based on specific sample and design characteristics remains substantial. The inconsistency in identifying robust moderators highlights the need for greater attention to missing data and its impact on study results. To eradicate any health-related bias in EMA studies, researchers should collectively increase transparent reporting practices, intensify primary methodological research, and involve participants' perspectives on missing data.
trial registrationPROSPERO CRD42022376948; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42022376948.
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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.