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de Alcântara Mendes JA, Lucassen M, Adams A, Martin L, Aicardi C, Woodcock R, Nielsen E, Townsend E, Jirotka M. Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) and Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) approaches in mental health projects involving young people: a scoping review protocol. RESEARCH INVOLVEMENT AND ENGAGEMENT 2024; 10:60. [PMID: 38863035 PMCID: PMC11167781 DOI: 10.1186/s40900-024-00591-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rather than being perceived as merely 'part of the problem', the perspectives and experiences of young people play a pivotal role in devising effective solutions for mental health challenges. Two distinct methodologies that aid in this endeavour are 'patient and public involvement' (PPI) and 'responsible research and innovation' (RRI). However, there is a tendency to conflate PPI and RRI practices, leading to ambiguity in their application. Moreover, the extent and nature of young people's involvement in mental health-related projects (namely: research, intervention, product development) employing these methodologies, and the subsequent implications thereof, remain unclear. Consequently, the proposed scoping review aims to identify and analyse literature pertaining to PPI and RRI approaches in mental health projects that engage young people in collaboration. METHODS The selected databases will be MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PsycArticles, Scopus, Web of Science, IBBS, CINAHL (EBSCO) and ASSIA. Comprehensive searches will span from the inception of each database. A pilot test will be conducted to assess the screening criteria and data extraction form, with two authors independently reviewing titles and abstracts. Full-text articles meeting the inclusion criteria will undergo narrative syntheses, with results presented in tabular format. Feedback on the findings from a youth perspective will be sought from young people within our broader research network, namely Sprouting Minds. The review will adhere to the guidelines outlined by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and follow the PRISMA-ScR procedures. Inclusion criteria will comprise English-language, primary research peer-reviewed articles focused on Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) or Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI), examining mental health-related research processes, interventions, and products developed in collaboration with young people. Studies employing quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods approaches will be considered, while non-journal publications will be excluded. DISCUSSION The intended scoping review aims to map the literature concerning mental health-related projects that engage with young people through PPI or RRI approaches. The outcomes hold promise for enriching the participatory research domain, particularly in studies centred on young people and their mental well-being. Furthermore, by delineating potential overlaps and distinctions between PPI and RRI, the findings stand to aid mental health researchers and practitioners in making informed decisions about the most suitable approach for their projects when partnering with young individuals. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION Open Science Framework (registration: DOI https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/N4EDB ).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alex Adams
- University of Nottingham, Sprouting Minds (Young People Advisory Group - Digital Youth), Nottingham, UK
| | - Lucy Martin
- University of Nottingham, Sprouting Minds (Young People Advisory Group - Digital Youth), Nottingham, UK
| | | | - Rebecca Woodcock
- MindTech Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) Coordinator, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Emma Nielsen
- Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Ellen Townsend
- Faculty of Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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Mirzadegan IA, Lewis EM, Cole SL, Meyer A. Perceived acceptability and appropriateness of a web-based program targeting risk for anxiety in young children and their parents. J Pediatr Psychol 2024:jsae040. [PMID: 38857450 DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsae040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This mixed-methods study examined perceived acceptability and appropriateness of a novel digital mental health program targeting anxiety risk (i.e., perfectionism or error sensitivity) in 5-to-7-year-old children and their parents. METHODS Parent-child dyads participated in a modular, web-based cognitive-behavioral program targeting negative overreactions to making mistakes. The program, "Making Mistakes", consisted of a 6-month series of short video clips, journaling activities, and weekly reminders, and modules were delivered to caregivers and children separately. 86 dyads completed self-report measures, 18 of whom participated in semi-structured interviews, following completion of the primary program module. A standard thematic analysis was used to elucidate themes from the parent and child interview content. RESULTS Our quantitative and qualitative results were generally aligned. Children and parents viewed the novel digital mental health program as acceptable and appropriate, favoring the cognitive behavioral strategies such as modeling positive reactions to mistakes, responding positively to child mistakes, and emphasizing effort over outcome. Participants also provided helpful feedback related to program content, delivery, and engagement, as well as suggestions to enhance the program. CONCLUSIONS Findings have implications for design and content features of parent-based and dyad-based programs, as well as digital mental health programs focused on reducing anxiety risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac A Mirzadegan
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Ericka M Lewis
- School of Social Work, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Sally L Cole
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Alexandria Meyer
- School of Education and Counseling Psychology, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA, United States
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Yang Y(S, Law M, Vaghri Z. New Brunswick's mental health action plan: A quantitative exploration of program efficacy in children and youth using the Canadian Community Health Survey. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301008. [PMID: 38848408 PMCID: PMC11161078 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
In 2011, the New Brunswick government released the New Brunswick Mental Health Action Plan 2011-2018 (Action Plan). Following the release of the Action Plan in 2011, two progress reports were released in 2013 and 2015, highlighting the implementation status of the Action Plan. While vague in their language, these reports indicated considerable progress in implementing the Action Plan, as various initiatives were undertaken to raise awareness and provide additional resources to facilitate early prevention and intervention in children and youth. However, whether these initiatives have yielded measurable improvements in population-level mental health outcomes in children and youth remains unclear. The current study explored the impact of the Action Plan by visualizing the trend in psychosocial outcomes and service utilization of vulnerable populations in New Brunswick before and after the implementation of the Action Plan using multiple datasets from the Canadian Community Health Survey. Survey-weighted ordinary least square regression analyses were performed to investigate measurable improvements in available mental health outcomes. The result revealed a declining trend in the mental wellness of vulnerable youth despite them consistently reporting higher frequencies of mental health service use. This study highlights the need for a concerted effort in providing effective mental health services to New Brunswick youth and, more broadly, Canadian youth, as well as ensuring rigorous routine outcome monitoring and evaluation plans are consistently implemented for future mental health strategies at the time of their initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuzhi (Stanford) Yang
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science, Applied Science, and Engineering, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
| | - Moira Law
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science, St. Mary’s University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Ziba Vaghri
- Global Child Program, Integrated Health Initiative, Faculty of Business, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
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Auva'a-Alatimu T, Alefaio-Tugia S, Ioane J. Understanding the impact of digital therapeutic engagement in promoting mental wellbeing for Pacific youth in Aotearoa New Zealand: an exploration of the literature. Int J Ment Health Syst 2024; 18:22. [PMID: 38844998 PMCID: PMC11157858 DOI: 10.1186/s13033-024-00633-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The Pacific population in Aotearoa New Zealand is youthful, with the majority (55%) being under the age of 25 (Statistics New Zealand, 2014). It is vital that youth mental health for Pacific is understood in relation to their overall wellbeing (Paterson et al., 2018). In parallel to this, the World Health Organization (2022) accentuates the need to protect and promote mental wellbeing for young people globally. Specifically, Pacific youth were far more likely than Aotearoa New Zealand European counterparts to have poorer mental health and higher numbers of suicidality and self-harming behaviours (Ataera-Minster & Trowland, 2018; Fa'alili-Fidow et al., 2016). Moreover, research confirms that Pacific people aged 15-24 years have higher levels of psychological distress of 38% compared to 35% of Pacific adults aged 45-64 years (Ataera-Minster & Trowland, 2018). There is a lack of evidence-based psychological approaches that are culturally appropriate and applicable for Pacific people in Aotearoa New Zealand. Considerably, substantial evidence supports the need to provide more accessible resources and interventions that are flexible, culturally adaptable and cost-effective for Pacific youth. This review aims to (1) provide an insight into Pacific people in Aotearoa New Zealand, (2) have an understanding of Pacific worldview & wellbeing, (3) highlight mental health for Aotearoa New Zealand youth & globally (4) identify therapeutic approaches, including digital mental health globally and in Aotearoa New Zealand.Understanding the perspectives of Pacific youth is a significant first step. Therefore, this article will examine the therapeutic approaches, specifically in the digital space, that are proven effective when promoting wellness for Pacific youth.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Julia Ioane
- Massey University, School of Psychology, Auckland, New Zealand
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Opie JE, Vuong A, Welsh ET, Esler TB, Khan UR, Khalil H. Outcomes of Best-Practice Guided Digital Mental Health Interventions for Youth and Young Adults with Emerging Symptoms: Part II. A Systematic Review of User Experience Outcomes. Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev 2024; 27:476-508. [PMID: 38634939 PMCID: PMC11222193 DOI: 10.1007/s10567-024-00468-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Although many young people demonstrate resilience and strength, research and clinical evidence highlight an upward trend in mental health concerns among those aged 12 to 25 years. Youth-specific digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) aim to address this trend by providing timely access to mental health support for young people (12-25 years). However, there is a considerable gap in understanding young people user experiences with digital interventions. This review, co-designed with Australia's leading mental health organization Beyond Blue, utilizes a systematic methodology to synthesize evidence on user experience in youth-oriented digital mental health interventions that are fully or partially guided. Five relevant online databases were searched for articles published from 2018 to 2023, yielding 22,482 articles for screening and 22 studies were included in the present analysis. User experience outcomes relating to satisfaction and engagement were assessed for each included intervention, with experience indicators relating to usefulness, usability, value, credibility, and desirability being examined. Elements associated with positive/negative outcomes were extracted. Elements shown to positively influence user experience included peer engagement, modern app-based delivery, asynchronous support, and personalized content. In contrast, users disliked static content, homework/log-keeping, the requirement for multiple devices, and social media integration. Asynchronous interventions showed high satisfaction but faced engagement issues, with combined asynchronous/synchronous interventions reporting better completion rates. DMHIs offer a promising platform for youth mental health support and has the potential to dramatically increase the reach of interventions through the adoption of technological and user experience best practices. While young people respond positively to many aspects of intervention modernization, such as interactive, app-based design, other concepts, such as social media integration, they need to be adopted by the field more cautiously to ensure trust and engagement.Trial Registration CRD42023405812.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica E Opie
- The Bouverie Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, 3056, Australia.
- Department of Public Health, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, 3000, Australia.
| | - An Vuong
- The Bouverie Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, 3056, Australia
- Department of Public Health, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, 3000, Australia
| | - Ellen T Welsh
- The Bouverie Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, 3056, Australia
| | - Timothy B Esler
- The Bouverie Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, 3056, Australia
- Department of Public Health, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, 3000, Australia
| | - Urooj Raza Khan
- Department of Public Health, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, 3000, Australia
| | - Hanan Khalil
- Department of Public Health, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, 3000, Australia
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Guinart D, Fagiolini A, Fusar-Poli P, Giordano GM, Leucht S, Moreno C, Correll CU. On the Road to Individualizing Pharmacotherapy for Adolescents and Adults with Schizophrenia - Results from an Expert Consensus Following the Delphi Method. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2024; 20:1139-1152. [PMID: 38812809 PMCID: PMC11133879 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s456163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness that usually begins in late adolescence or early adulthood. Current pharmacological treatments, while acceptably effective for many patients, are rarely clinically tailored or individualized. The lack of sufficient etiopathological knowledge of the disease, together with overall comparable effect sizes for efficacy between available antipsychotics and the absence of clinically actionable biomarkers, has hindered the advance of individualized medicine in the treatment of schizophrenia. Nevertheless, some degree of stratification based on clinical markers could guide treatment choices and help clinicians move toward individualized psychiatry. To this end, a panel of experts met to formally discuss the current approach to individualized treatment in schizophrenia and to define how treatment individualization could help improve clinical outcomes. Methods A task force of seven experts iteratively developed, evaluated, and refined questionnaire items, which were then evaluated using the Delphi method. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize and rank expert responses. Expert discussion, informed by the results of a scoping review on personalizing the pharmacologic treatment of adults and adolescents with schizophrenia, ultimately generated recommendations to guide individualized pharmacologic treatment in this population. Results There was substantial agreement among the expert group members, resulting in the following recommendations: 1) individualization of treatment requires consideration of the patient's diagnosis, clinical presentation, comorbidities, previous treatment response, drug tolerability, adherence patterns, and social factors; 2) patient preferences should be considered in a shared decision-making approach; 3) identified barriers to personalized care that need to be overcome include the lack of actionable biomarkers and mechanistic similarities between available treatments, but digital tools should be increasingly used to enhance individualized treatment. Conclusion Individualized care can help provide effective, tailored treatments based on an individual's clinical characteristics, disease trajectory, family and social environment, and goals and preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Guinart
- Institut de Salut Mental, Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain
- Hospital Del Mar Research Institute, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry, The Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - Andrea Fagiolini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Siena School of Medicine, Siena, Italy
| | - Paolo Fusar-Poli
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Psychosis Studies, King’s College London, London, UK
- Outreach and Support in South-London (OASIS) Service, South London and Maudsley (Slam) NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilian-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Stefan Leucht
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Munich, Germany
| | - Carmen Moreno
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (LISGM), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomedica en Red (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
- School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Christoph U Correll
- Department of Psychiatry, The Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, The Zucker Hillside Hospital, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Charité Universitatsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Partner Site, Berlin, Germany
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Danese A, Martsenkovskyi D, Remberk B, Khalil MY, Diggins E, Keiller E, Masood S, Awah I, Barbui C, Beer R, Calam R, Gagliato M, Jensen TK, Kostova Z, Leckman JF, Lewis SJ, Lorberg B, Myshakivska O, Pfeiffer E, Rosner R, Schleider JL, Shenderovich Y, Skokauskas N, Tolan PH, Caffo E, Sijbrandij M, Ougrin D, Leventhal BL, Weisz JR. Scoping Review: Digital Mental Health Interventions for Children and Adolescents Affected by War. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024:S0890-8567(24)00243-0. [PMID: 38735431 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2024.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE More than 200 million children and adolescents live in countries affected by violent conflict, are likely to have complex mental health needs, and struggle to access traditional mental health services. Digital mental health interventions have the potential to overcome some of the barriers in accessing mental health support. We performed a scoping review to map existing digital mental health interventions relevant for children and adolescents affected by war, to examine the strength of the evidence base, and to inform the development of future interventions. METHOD Based on a pre-registered strategy, we systematically searched MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health, APA PsychInfo, and Google Scholar from the creation of each database to September 30, 2022, identifying k = 6,843 studies. Our systematic search was complemented by extensive consultation with experts from the GROW Network. RESULTS The systematic search identified 6 relevant studies: 1 study evaluating digital mental health interventions for children and adolescents affected by war, and 5 studies for those affected by disasters. Experts identified 35 interventions of possible relevance. The interventions spanned from universal prevention to specialist-guided treatment. Most interventions directly targeted young people and parents or carers/caregivers and were self-guided. A quarter of the interventions were tested through randomized controlled trials. Because most interventions were not culturally or linguistically adapted to relevant contexts, their implementation potential was unclear. CONCLUSION There is very limited evidence for the use of digital mental health interventions for children and adolescents affected by war at present. The review provides a framework to inform the development of new interventions. DIVERSITY & INCLUSION STATEMENT We actively worked to promote sex and gender balance in our author group. STUDY PREREGISTRATION INFORMATION Digital mental health interventions for children and young people affected by war: a scoping review; https://osf.io/; hrny9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Danese
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Dmytro Martsenkovskyi
- Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine; SI Institute of Psychiatry, Forensic Psychiatric Examination and Drug Monitoring of Ministry of Health of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine; National Children's Specialized Hospital OHMATDYT, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | | | | | - Emma Diggins
- University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom; Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Eleanor Keiller
- Queen Mary University of London, London, UK; East London NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Saba Masood
- Queen Mary University of London, London, UK; East London NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Isang Awah
- University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Renée Beer
- EMDR Europe Association, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Rachel Calam
- University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Marcio Gagliato
- The Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Network - MHPSS.net; Fordham University, New York City, New York
| | - Tine K Jensen
- University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, Oslo, Norway
| | - Zlatina Kostova
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts. Prof. Leckman is with
| | | | - Stephanie J Lewis
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Boris Lorberg
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts. Prof. Leckman is with
| | - Olha Myshakivska
- Institute of Psychiatry, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | | | - Rita Rosner
- Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, Eichstätt, Germany
| | | | - Yulia Shenderovich
- Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom; University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Ernesto Caffo
- University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy; Foundation Child; and the Foundation SOS Il Telefono Azzurro ONLUS
| | | | - Dennis Ougrin
- Queen Mary University of London, London, UK; East London NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - John R Weisz
- Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Smith KA, Hardy A, Vinnikova A, Blease C, Milligan L, Hidalgo-Mazzei D, Lambe S, Marzano L, Uhlhaas PJ, Ostinelli EG, Anmella G, Zangani C, Aronica R, Dwyer B, Torous J, Cipriani A. Digital Mental Health for Schizophrenia and Other Severe Mental Illnesses: An International Consensus on Current Challenges and Potential Solutions. JMIR Ment Health 2024; 11:e57155. [PMID: 38717799 PMCID: PMC11112473 DOI: 10.2196/57155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Digital approaches may be helpful in augmenting care to address unmet mental health needs, particularly for schizophrenia and severe mental illness (SMI). OBJECTIVE An international multidisciplinary group was convened to reach a consensus on the challenges and potential solutions regarding collecting data, delivering treatment, and the ethical challenges in digital mental health approaches for schizophrenia and SMI. METHODS The consensus development panel method was used, with an in-person meeting of 2 groups: the expert group and the panel. Membership was multidisciplinary including those with lived experience, with equal participation at all stages and coproduction of the consensus outputs and summary. Relevant literature was shared in advance of the meeting, and a systematic search of the recent literature on digital mental health interventions for schizophrenia and psychosis was completed to ensure that the panel was informed before the meeting with the expert group. RESULTS Four broad areas of challenge and proposed solutions were identified: (1) user involvement for real coproduction; (2) new approaches to methodology in digital mental health, including agreed standards, data sharing, measuring harms, prevention strategies, and mechanistic research; (3) regulation and funding issues; and (4) implementation in real-world settings (including multidisciplinary collaboration, training, augmenting existing service provision, and social and population-focused approaches). Examples are provided with more detail on human-centered research design, lived experience perspectives, and biomedical ethics in digital mental health approaches for SMI. CONCLUSIONS The group agreed by consensus on a number of recommendations: (1) a new and improved approach to digital mental health research (with agreed reporting standards, data sharing, and shared protocols), (2) equal emphasis on social and population research as well as biological and psychological approaches, (3) meaningful collaborations across varied disciplines that have previously not worked closely together, (4) increased focus on the business model and product with planning and new funding structures across the whole development pathway, (5) increased focus and reporting on ethical issues and potential harms, and (6) organizational changes to allow for true communication and coproduction with those with lived experience of SMI. This study approach, combining an international expert meeting with patient and public involvement and engagement throughout the process, consensus methodology, discussion, and publication, is a helpful way to identify directions for future research and clinical implementation in rapidly evolving areas and can be combined with measurements of real-world clinical impact over time. Similar initiatives will be helpful in other areas of digital mental health and similarly fast-evolving fields to focus research and organizational change and effect improved real-world clinical implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine A Smith
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Precision Psychiatry Lab, NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Amy Hardy
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Charlotte Blease
- Participatory eHealth and Health Data Research Group, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Division of Digital Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Lea Milligan
- MQ Mental Health Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Diego Hidalgo-Mazzei
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Digital Innovation Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sinéad Lambe
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa Marzano
- School of Science and Technology, Middlesex University, London, United Kingdom
| | - Peter J Uhlhaas
- Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Edoardo G Ostinelli
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Precision Psychiatry Lab, NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Gerard Anmella
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Digital Innovation Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Caroline Zangani
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Precision Psychiatry Lab, NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Rosario Aronica
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Ca' Granda, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Bridget Dwyer
- Division of Digital Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - John Torous
- Division of Digital Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Andrea Cipriani
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Precision Psychiatry Lab, NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, United Kingdom
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9
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Figueroa CA, Pérez-Flores NJ, Guan KW, Stiles-Shields C. Diversity, equity and inclusion considerations in mental health apps for young people: protocol for a scoping review. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e081673. [PMID: 38719322 PMCID: PMC11086474 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-081673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION After COVID-19, a global mental health crisis affects young people, with one in five youth experiencing mental health problems worldwide. Delivering mental health interventions via mobile devices is a promising strategy to address the treatment gap. Mental health apps are effective for adolescent and young adult samples, but face challenges such as low real-world reach and under-representation of minoritised youth. To increase digital health uptake, including among minoritised youth, there is a need for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) considerations in the development and evaluation of mental health apps. How well DEI is integrated into youth mental health apps has not been comprehensively assessed. This scoping review aims to examine to what extent DEI considerations are integrated into the design and evaluation of youth mental health apps and report on youth, caregiver and other stakeholder involvement. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We will identify studies published in English from 2009 to 29 September 2023 on apps for mental health in youth. We will use PubMed, Global Health, APA PsycINFO, SCOPUS, CINAHL PLUS and the Cochrane Database and will report according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-Scoping Review Extension guidelines. Papers eligible for inclusion must be peer-reviewed publications in English involving smartphone applications used by adolescents or young adults aged 10-25, with a focus on depression, anxiety or suicidal ideation. Two independent reviewers will review and extract articles using a template developed by the authors. We will analyse the data using narrative synthesis and descriptive statistics. This study will identify gaps in the literature and provide a roadmap for equitable and inclusive mental health apps for youth. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethics approval is not required. Findings will be disseminated through academic, industry, community networks and scientific publications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline A Figueroa
- Policy, Technology and Management, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
- School of Social Welfare, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Nancy J Pérez-Flores
- Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Kathleen W Guan
- Policy, Technology and Management, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Colleen Stiles-Shields
- Institute for Juvenile Research and Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Raeside R, Todd A, Sim KA, Kang M, Mihrshahi S, Gardner LA, Champion KE, Skinner J, Laranjo L, Steinbeck K, Redfern J, Partridge SR. Accelerating implementation of adolescent digital health prevention programs: analysis of insights from Australian stakeholders. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1389739. [PMID: 38765492 PMCID: PMC11100413 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1389739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic disease risk factors are increasing amongst adolescents, globally. Digital health prevention programs, which provide education and information to reduce chronic disease risk factors need to be equitable and accessible for all. For their success, multiple highly engaged stakeholders should be involved in development and implementation. This study aimed to evaluate stakeholders' support for, and perspectives on potential public health impact of digital health prevention programs for adolescents and potential pathways for future implementation. Methods Qualitative semi-structured online interviews with stakeholders. Stakeholder mapping identified key individuals, groups and organizations across Australia that may influence the implementation of digital health prevention programs for adolescents. Recorded and transcribed interviews were analyzed within the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance (RE-AIM) Framework, using deductive content analysis. Findings Nineteen interviews were conducted in 2023 with stakeholders from government, health, non-government organizations, youth services, education, community settings and others. Four overarching themes were identified: (i) existing digital health initiatives are not fit for purpose; (ii) the co-creation of digital health prevention programs is critical for successful implementation; (iii) digital health prevention programs must address equity and the unique challenges raised by technology and; (iv) system level factors must be addressed. Interpretation Stakeholders broadly supported digital health prevention programs, yet raised unique insights to ensure that future programs create public health impact by improving chronic disease risk factors among adolescents. These insights can be applied in future development of digital health prevention programs for adolescents to strengthen widespread implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Raeside
- Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Allyson Todd
- Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kyra A. Sim
- Metabolism & Obesity Service, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Melissa Kang
- General Practice Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Seema Mihrshahi
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Lauren A. Gardner
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Katrina E. Champion
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - John Skinner
- Djurali Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research, Heart Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Liliana Laranjo
- Westmead Applied Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Katharine Steinbeck
- Specialty of Child and Adolescent Health, Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Julie Redfern
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Engagement and Co-Design Research Hub, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Stephanie R. Partridge
- Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Staguhn ED, Kirkhart T, Allen L, Campbell CM, Wegener ST, Castillo RC. Predictors of participation in online self-management programs: A longitudinal observational study. Rehabil Psychol 2024; 69:102-109. [PMID: 37956087 PMCID: PMC11059776 DOI: 10.1037/rep0000521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE Lack of patient participation and engagement remains a barrier to implementing effective online self-management and behavioral health interventions. Identifying patient characteristics associated with engagement rates may lead to interventions that improve engagement in traditional and online self-management programs. In this study, two online self-management and recovery programs were evaluated to identify factors that predict patient engagement. RESEARCH METHOD/DESIGN Predictors were collected in a questionnaire at baseline before 435 participants started either of the two interventions. One or two online lessons were completed per week with seven or eight total lessons to complete in each program, and each lesson took about 20-30 min to finish. Full patient engagement was defined as completing all lessons and assessments in the program and partial engagement as attempting at least one lesson or assessment. RESULTS Predictors of full patient engagement were self-rated confidence in completing the program or being over 60 years of age. Predictors of at least partial patient engagement were experienced ordering online or being over 50 years of age. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS Identifying profiles of individuals who predict poor engagement may improve implementation and the health outcomes of intervention programs. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena D. Staguhn
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins
Bloomberg School of Public Health
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins
Medicine
| | - Tricia Kirkhart
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins
Medicine
| | - Lauren Allen
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins
Bloomberg School of Public Health
| | | | | | - Renan C. Castillo
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins
Bloomberg School of Public Health
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12
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Greene Barker T, O'Higgins A, Fonagy P, Gardner F. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effectiveness of co-designed, in-person, mental health interventions for reducing anxiety and depression symptoms. J Affect Disord 2024; 350:955-973. [PMID: 38199405 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.12.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Co-design is recommended in mental health fields and has been associated with improved intervention efficacy. Despite its growing popularity, syntheses of evidence on the effectiveness of co-designed interventions are scarce, and little is known about their impact on anxiety and depression. METHODS The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to consolidate evidence on the effectiveness of in-person, co-designed mental health interventions for reducing anxiety and depression symptoms. An exhaustive search was conducted across six electronic databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, CINAHL, CENTRAL, and ProQuest) and grey literature. Criteria for inclusion comprised studies utilizing randomized or quasi-randomized methods, implementing non-digital/in-person, co-designed interventions for mental health enhancement, and assessing anxiety and/or depression. Intervention impacts were evaluated using random-effects meta-analyses. RESULTS The review identified 20 studies, with only three using the term 'co-design'. Other terminologies included 'co-developed' (n = 2), 'co-produced' (n = 2), and 'CBPR' (n = 11). Seventeen studies exhibited moderate risk of bias, while three demonstrated high risk. Meta-analyses demonstrated a moderate non-significant effect size of 0.5 (95 % CI: -0.8, 1.08; p = 0.08) on depression outcomes, and a small non-significant effect size of 0.12 (95 % CI: -0.1, 0.33; p = 0.23) on anxiety outcomes. LIMITATIONS The majority of studies lacked sufficient statistical power to detect between-group differences. Following GRADE criteria, confidence in estimates was low. CONCLUSIONS Notwithstanding widespread enthusiasm for co-design, the current evidence base is inadequate to confirm the impact of in-person, co-designed mental health interventions on anxiety and depression. More full-scale evaluation trials of higher quality are urgently needed, along with uniform terminology and measurement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamsin Greene Barker
- Centre for Evidence-Based Intervention, Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, UK; Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, UK.
| | - Aoife O'Higgins
- Centre for Evidence-Based Intervention, Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, UK; Foundations What Works Centre for Children & Families, London, UK
| | - Peter Fonagy
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, UK
| | - Frances Gardner
- Centre for Evidence-Based Intervention, Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, UK
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13
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Côté LP, Lane J. Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Suicide.ca, Quebec's Digital Suicide Prevention Strategy Platform: Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study. JMIR Form Res 2024; 8:e46195. [PMID: 38446536 PMCID: PMC10955392 DOI: 10.2196/46195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2017, the Quebec government assigned the Association québécoise de prévention du suicide (AQPS) to develop a digital suicide prevention strategy (DSPS). The AQPS responded by creating a centralized website that provides information on suicide and mental health, identifies at-risk individuals on the internet, and offers direct crisis intervention support via chat and text. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of suicide.ca, Quebec's DSPS platform. METHODS This study used a cross-sectional descriptive design. The study population comprised internet users from Quebec, Canada, who visited the suicide.ca platform between October 2020 and October 2021. Various data sources, such as Google Analytics, Firebase Console, and Customer Relation Management data, were analyzed to document the use of the platform. To understand the profile of suicide.ca users, frequency analyses were conducted using data from the self-assessment module questionnaires, the intervention service's triage questionnaire, and the counselors' intervention reports. The effectiveness of the platform's promotional activities on social media was assessed by examining traffic peaks. Google Analytics was used to evaluate the effectiveness of AQPS' strategy for identifying at-risk internet users. The impact of the intervention service was evaluated through an analysis of counselors' intervention reports and postintervention survey results. RESULTS The platform received traffic from a diverse range of sources, with promotional efforts on social media directly contributing to the increased traffic. The requirement of a user account posed a barrier to the use of the mobile app, and a triage question that involved personal information led to a substantial number of dropouts during the intervention service triage. AdWords campaigns and fact sheets addressing suicide risk factors played a crucial role in driving traffic to the platform. With regard to the profile of suicide.ca users, the findings revealed that the platform engaged individuals with diverse levels of suicidal risk. Notably, users of the chat service displayed a higher suicide risk than those who used the self-assessment module. Crisis chat counselors reported a positive impact on approximately half of the contacts, and overall, intervention service users expressed satisfaction with the support they received. CONCLUSIONS A centralized digital platform can be used to implement a DSPS, effectively reaching the general population, individuals with risk factors for suicide, and those facing suicidal issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis-Philippe Côté
- Centre for Research and Intervention on Suicide, Ethical Issues and End-of-life practices, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Julie Lane
- Centre RBC d'expertise universitaire en santé mentale, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
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Bjornstad G, Sonthalia S, Rouse B, Freeman L, Hessami N, Dunne JH, Axford N. A comparison of the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural interventions based on delivery features for elevated symptoms of depression in adolescents: A systematic review. CAMPBELL SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS 2024; 20:e1376. [PMID: 38188230 PMCID: PMC10771715 DOI: 10.1002/cl2.1376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Background Depression is a public health problem and common amongst adolescents. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is widely used to treat adolescent depression but existing research does not provide clear conclusions regarding the relative effectiveness of different delivery modalities. Objectives The primary aim is to estimate the relative efficacy of different modes of CBT delivery compared with each other and control conditions for reducing depressive symptoms in adolescents. The secondary aim is to compare the different modes of delivery with regard to intervention completion/attrition (a proxy for intervention acceptability). Search Methods The Cochrane Depression, Anxiety and Neurosis Clinical Trials Register was searched in April 2020. MEDLINE, PsycInfo, EMBASE, four other electronic databases, the CENTRAL trial registry, Google Scholar and Google were searched in November 2020, together with reference checking, citation searching and hand-searching of two databases. Selection Criteria Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of CBT interventions (irrespective of delivery mode) to reduce symptoms of depression in young people aged 10-19 years with clinically relevant symptoms or diagnosis of depression were included. Data Collection and Analysis Screening and data extraction were completed by two authors independently, with discrepancies addressed by a third author. CBT interventions were categorised as follows: group CBT, individual CBT, remote CBT, guided self-help, and unguided self-help. Effect on depressive symptom score was estimated across validated self-report measures using Hedges' g standardised mean difference. Acceptability was estimated based on loss to follow-up as an odds ratio. Treatment rankings were developed using the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA). Pairwise meta-analyses were conducted using random effects models where there were two or more head-to-head trials. Network analyses were conducted using random effects models. Main Results Sixty-eight studies were included in the review. The mean age of participants ranged from 10 to 19.5 years, and on average 60% of participants were female. The majority of studies were conducted in schools (28) or universities (6); other settings included primary care, clinical settings and the home. The number of CBT sessions ranged from 1 to 16, the frequency of delivery from once every 2 weeks to twice a week and the duration of each session from 20 min to 2 h. The risk of bias was low across all domains for 23 studies, 24 studies had some concerns and the remaining 21 were assessed to be at high risk of bias. Sixty-two RCTs (representing 6435 participants) were included in the pairwise and network meta-analyses for post-intervention depressive symptom score at post-intervention. All pre-specified treatment and control categories were represented by at least one RCT. Although most CBT approaches, except remote CBT, demonstrated superiority over no intervention, no approaches performed clearly better than or equivalent to another. The highest and lowest ranking interventions were guided self-help (SUCRA 83%) and unguided self-help (SUCRA 51%), respectively (very low certainty in treatment ranking). Nineteen RCTs (3260 participants) were included in the pairwise and network meta-analyses for 6 to 12 month follow-up depressive symptom score. Neither guided self-help nor remote CBT were evaluated in the RCTs for this time point. Effects were generally attenuated for 6- to 12-month outcomes compared to posttest. No interventions demonstrated superiority to no intervention, although unguided self-help and group CBT both demonstrated superiority compared to TAU. No CBT approach demonstrated clear superiority over another. The highest and lowest ranking approaches were unguided self-help and individual CBT, respectively. Sixty-two RCTs (7347 participants) were included in the pairwise and network meta-analyses for intervention acceptability. All pre-specified treatment and control categories were represented by at least one RCT. Although point estimates tended to favour no intervention, no active treatments were clearly inferior. No CBT approach demonstrated clear superiority over another. The highest and lowest ranking active interventions were individual CBT and group CBT respectively. Pairwise meta-analytic findings were similar to those of the network meta-analysis for all analyses. There may be age-based subgroup effects on post-intervention depressive symptoms. Using the no intervention control group as the reference, the magnitudes of effects appear to be larger for the oldest age categories compared to the other subgroups for each given comparison. However, they were generally less precise and formal testing only indicated a significant difference for group CBT. Findings were robust to pre-specified sensitivity analyses separating out the type of placebo and excluding cluster-RCTs, as well as an additional analysis excluding studies where we had imputed standard deviations. Authors' Conclusions At posttreatment, all active treatments (group CBT, individual CBT, guided self-help, and unguided self-help) except for remote CBT were more effective than no treatment. Guided self-help was the most highly ranked intervention but only evaluated in trials with the oldest adolescents (16-19 years). Moreover, the studies of guided self-help vary in the type and amount of therapist support provided and longer-term results are needed to determine whether effects persist. The magnitude of effects was generally attenuated for 6- to 12-month outcomes. Although unguided self-help was the lowest-ranked active intervention at post-intervention, it was the highest ranked at follow-up. This suggests the need for further research into whether interventions with self-directed elements enable young people to maintain effects by continuing or revisiting the intervention independently, and whether therapist support would improve long-term outcomes. There was no clear evidence that any active treatments were more acceptable to participants than any others. The relative effectiveness of intervention delivery modes must be taken into account in the context of the needs and preferences of individual young people, particularly as the differences between effect sizes were relatively small. Further research into the type and amount of therapist support that is most acceptable to young people and most cost-effective would be particularly useful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gretchen Bjornstad
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration South West Peninsula (PenARC)University of Exeter Medical SchoolExeterUK
- Dartington Service Design LabBuckfastleighUK
| | - Shreya Sonthalia
- Dartington Service Design LabBuckfastleighUK
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences UnitUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - Benjamin Rouse
- Center for Clinical Evidence and Guidelines, ECRI InstitutePlymouth MeetingPennsylvaniaUSA
| | | | | | - Jo Hickman Dunne
- The Centre for Youth ImpactLondonUK
- University of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Nick Axford
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration South West Peninsula (PenARC)University of PlymouthPlymouthUK
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Knepper AK, Feinstein RT, Sanchez-Flack J, Fitzgibbon M, Lefaiver C, McHugh A, Gladstone TR, Van Voorhees BW. Primary care-based screening and recruitment for an adolescent depression prevention trial: Contextual considerations during a youth mental health crisis. IMPLEMENTATION RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024; 5:26334895241246203. [PMID: 38655380 PMCID: PMC11036909 DOI: 10.1177/26334895241246203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Rising rates of adolescent depression in the wake of COVID-19 and a youth mental health crisis highlight the urgent need for accessible mental healthcare and prevention within primary care. Digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) may increase access for underserved populations. However, these interventions are not well studied in adolescents, nor healthcare settings. The purpose of this study was to identify barriers and facilitators to screening and recruitment activities for PATH 2 Purpose (P2P): Primary Care and Community-Based Prevention of Mental Disorders in Adolescents, a multi-site adolescent depression prevention trial comparing two digital prevention programs within four diverse health systems in two U.S. states. Method This qualitative study is a component of a larger Hybrid Type I trial. We conducted semi-structured key informant interviews with clinical and non-clinical implementers involved with screening and recruitment for the P2P trial. Informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), interviews were conducted at the midpoint of the trial to identify barriers, facilitators, and needed adaptations, and to gather information on determinants that may affect future implementation. Findings Respondents perceived the P2P trial as valuable, well aligned with the mission of their health systems. However, several barriers were identified, many of which stemmed from influences outside of the healthcare settings. Universal and site-specific outer setting influences (COVID-19 pandemic, youth mental health crisis, local community conditions) interacted with Inner Setting and Innovation domains to create numerous challenges to the implementation of screening and recruitment. Conclusion Our findings emphasize the need for ongoing, comprehensive assessment of dynamic inner and outer setting contexts prior to and during implementation of clinical trials, as well as flexibility for adaptation to unique clinical contexts. The CFIR is useful for assessing determinants during times of rapid inner and outer setting change, such as those brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, youth mental health crisis, and the corresponding exacerbation of resource strain within healthcare settings. Clinical trial registration PATH 2 Purpose: Primary Care and Community-Based Prevention of Mental Disorders in Adolescents https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04290754.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda K. Knepper
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Rebecca T. Feinstein
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jennifer Sanchez-Flack
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Marian Fitzgibbon
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Institute of Health Research and Policy, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Cheryl Lefaiver
- Advocate Aurora Research Institute, Advocate Aurora Health, Downers Grove, IL, USA
| | - Ashley McHugh
- Advocate Aurora Research Institute, Advocate Aurora Health, Downers Grove, IL, USA
| | - Tracy R.G. Gladstone
- Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
- Wellesley Centers for Women, Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA, USA
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Gibson K, Trnka S, Jonas M, Pomare P, Thompson S, Tiatia-Siau J, Aimiti Ma'ia'i KD, Aoake M, Bouttier-Esprit T, Spray I, Vyas S. Digital mental health strategies used by young people in Aotearoa New Zealand during the COVID-19 pandemic: 'Just do it yourself, DIY'. Digit Health 2024; 10:20552076241260116. [PMID: 39070892 PMCID: PMC11282513 DOI: 10.1177/20552076241260116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective With rising rates of mental health distress amongst youth during the COVID-19 pandemic, digital resources have been identified as a valuable tools for delivering support to young people. However, many of the websites and apps developed by professionals to support the youth do not take account of the importance young people place on exercising their own agency in managing their mental health. This article investigates how young people in Aotearoa New Zealand used digital resources to manage their mental health needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods The study gathered information from semi-structured interviews with 34 young people aged 16-22 years. The data was analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results Six themes were identified including: searching for online information about mental health; evaluating digital mental health resources; controlling mood through online activity; looking for escape in the virtual world; staying connected online; and giving and receiving support. Conclusion Young people's practices demonstrated their investment in their own agency, a general reluctance to engage with professional resources and recognition of the need to balance the risks and benefits of the informal strategies they preferred. Young people appeared sceptical of professionally-designed mental health resources and interventions and preferred to adapt and re-purpose the wide range of platforms and networks available in their informal digital worlds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerry Gibson
- School of Psychology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Susanna Trnka
- Social Anthropology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Monique Jonas
- Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | | | - Jemaima Tiatia-Siau
- Māori and Pacific Studies, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Miriama Aoake
- Social Anthropology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Imogen Spray
- Social Anthropology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sanchita Vyas
- Social Anthropology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Dietvorst E, Hillegers MHJ, Legerstee JS, Vries LPD, Vreeker A, Keijsers L. Real-time personalized feedback in mHealth for adolescents. Digit Health 2024; 10:20552076241247937. [PMID: 38766361 PMCID: PMC11100393 DOI: 10.1177/20552076241247937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Mobile Health (mHealth) interventions have the potential to improve early identification, prevention, and treatment of mental health problems. Grow It! is a multiplayer smartphone app designed for youth aged 12-25, allowing them to monitor their emotions and engage in daily challenges based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) principles. Recently, a personalized mood profile was added to improve the app. We investigated whether real-time personalized feedback on mood enhances app engagement, user experience, and the effects on affective and cognitive well-being. Sample A (N = 1269, age = 18.60 SD = 3.39, 80.6% girls, 95.4% Dutch) played the original app without feedback on their mood, and an independent Sample B (N = 386, age = 16.04 SD = 3.21, 67.6% girls, 82.9% Dutch) received the renewed version with personalized real-time feedback on their mood. Participants who received personal feedback did not have higher app engagement (t(1750,400) = 1.39, P = .206, d = 0.07; t(692,905) = 0.36, P = .971, d = 0.0) nor higher user experience (t(177,596) = 0.21, P = .831, d = 0.02; (t(794) = 1.28, P = .202, d = 0.12; χ2 (659,141) = 2.83, P = .091). Players of the renewed version (Sample B) experienced significant improvements in affective (t(175) = 3.01, P = .003, d = 0.23) and cognitive well-being (t(175) = 3.48, P = <.001, d = 0.26) over the course of three weeks. The renewed version Grow It! has the potential to enhance youths' affective and cognitive well-being. However, adding real-time insights did not seem to affect app engagement nor user experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelien Dietvorst
- Department of Child and Adolescents Psychiatry/Psychology Erasmus MC Sophia Children's Hospital, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Manon HJ Hillegers
- Department of Child and Adolescents Psychiatry/Psychology Erasmus MC Sophia Children's Hospital, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen S Legerstee
- Department of Child and Adolescents Psychiatry/Psychology Erasmus MC Sophia Children's Hospital, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lianne P De Vries
- Department of Child and Adolescents Psychiatry/Psychology Erasmus MC Sophia Children's Hospital, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annabel Vreeker
- Department of Child and Adolescents Psychiatry/Psychology Erasmus MC Sophia Children's Hospital, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences Department of Psychology, Education & Child Studies Erasmus University, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Loes Keijsers
- Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences Department of Psychology, Education & Child Studies Erasmus University, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Biernesser C, Win E, Escobar-Viera C, Farzan R, Rose M, Goldstein T. Development and codesign of flourish: A digital suicide prevention intervention for LGBTQ+ youth who have experienced online victimization. Internet Interv 2023; 34:100663. [PMID: 37693013 PMCID: PMC10491770 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2023.100663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background LGBTQ+ youth experience disproportionately high rates of online victimization (OV), referring to harmful remarks, images, or behaviors in online settings, which is associated with suicidal risk. Current services have gaps in supporting LGBTQ+ youth facing OV events. To address these gaps, this study aims to develop Flourish, a digital suicide prevention intervention for LGBTQ+ youth who have experienced OV. Methods Qualitative interviews were conducted with 20 LGBTQ+ youth with past-year history of OV and lifetime history of suicidality, 11 of their parents, and 10 LGBTQ+-serving professionals. Subsequently, an iterative codesign process was conducted with 22 youth through individual and group design sessions, followed by usability testing. Data were recorded and transcribed. Qualitative interviews were analyzed using a qualitative description approach, and data from design sessions and usability testing were analyzed using rapid qualitative techniques. Results Interviews with youth, parents, and professionals suggested preferences for Flourish to be a partially automated, text message intervention leveraging web-based content that is a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth to seek support for OV through education, coping skills, and help-seeking resources. School and mental health services professionals considered the potential for implementing Flourish within youth services settings. Usability testing, assessed through the System Usability Scale, yielded an average rating of 91, indicating excellent perceived usability. Conclusions Flourish has potential to be an acceptable intervention to support LGBTQ+ youth following OV. Future steps will include testing the feasibility and efficacy of Flourish and further examining Flourish's potential for implementation within services for LGBTQ+ youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candice Biernesser
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, United States of America
| | - Emma Win
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, United States of America
- University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work, United States of America
| | - César Escobar-Viera
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, United States of America
| | - Rosta Farzan
- University of Pittsburgh, School of Computing and Information, United States of America
| | - Morgan Rose
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, United States of America
- University of Pittsburgh Dietrich School of Arts and Science, Department of Psychology, United States of America
| | - Tina Goldstein
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, United States of America
- University of Pittsburgh Dietrich School of Arts and Science, Department of Psychology, United States of America
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Finlay-Jones AL, Parkinson A, Sirois F, Perry Y, Boyes M, Rees CS. Web-Based Self-Compassion Training to Improve the Well-Being of Youth With Chronic Medical Conditions: Randomized Controlled Trial. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e44016. [PMID: 37703081 PMCID: PMC10534292 DOI: 10.2196/44016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Up to one-third of young people live with chronic physical conditions (eg, diabetes, asthma, and autoimmune disease) that frequently involve recurrent pain, fatigue, activity limitations, stigma, and isolation. These issues may be exacerbated as young people transition through adolescence. Accordingly, young people with chronic illness are at a high risk of psychological distress. Accessible, evidence-based interventions for young people with chronic illnesses are urgently needed to improve well-being, support adaptation, and enhance daily functioning. Self-compassion, which is an adaptive means of relating to oneself during times of difficulty, is a promising intervention target for this population. OBJECTIVE This study aims to test the efficacy of a 4-week, self-guided, web-based self-compassion training program for improving well-being among young Australians (aged 16-25 years) living with a chronic medical condition. The primary outcomes were self-compassion, emotion regulation difficulties, and coping; the secondary outcomes were well-being, distress, and quality of life. We also sought to test whether changes in primary outcomes mediated changes in secondary outcomes and gather feedback about the strengths and limitations of the program. METHODS We conducted a single-blind, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial comparing a 4-week, fully automated, web-based self-compassion training program with a waitlist control. Participants were recruited via the internet, and outcomes were self-assessed at 4 (T1) and 12 weeks (T2) after the baseline time point via a web-based survey. A mixed methods approach was used to evaluate the program feedback. RESULTS Overall, 151 patients (age: mean 21.15, SD 2.77 years; female patients: n=132, 87.4%) were randomized to the intervention (n=76, 50.3%) and control (n=75, 49.7%) groups. The loss-to-follow-up rate was 47.4%, and program use statistics indicated that only 29% (22/76) of young people in the experimental group completed 100% of the program. The main reported barrier to completion was a lack of time. As anticipated, treatment effects were observed for self-compassion (P=.01; partial η2=0.05; small effect); well-being (P≤.001; partial η2=0.07; medium effect); and distress (P=.003; partial η2=0.054; small-medium effect) at the posttest time point and maintained at follow-up. Contrary to our hypotheses, no intervention effects were observed for emotion regulation difficulties or maladaptive coping strategies. Improvements in adaptive coping were observed at the posttest time point but were not maintained at follow-up. Self-compassion, but not emotion regulation difficulties or coping, mediated the improvements in well-being. CONCLUSIONS Minimal-contact, web-based self-compassion training can confer mental health benefits on young people with chronic conditions. This group experiences substantial challenges to participation in mental health supports, and program engagement and retention in this trial were suboptimal. Future work should focus on refining the program content, engagement, and delivery to optimize engagement and treatment outcomes for the target group. TRIAL REGISTRATION Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry 12619000572167; https://tinyurl.com/5n6hevt. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR2-10.1186/s12889-020-8226-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Louise Finlay-Jones
- Youth Mental Health Team, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Australia
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Bentley, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
| | - Asha Parkinson
- Youth Mental Health Team, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Australia
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Bentley, Australia
| | - Fuschia Sirois
- Department of Psychology, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - Yael Perry
- Youth Mental Health Team, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
| | - Mark Boyes
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Bentley, Australia
| | - Clare S Rees
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Bentley, Australia
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20
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Ocasio MA, Fernandez MI, Cortese S, Kampa K. Piloting a digital campaign to promote awareness of the Louisiana TelePrEP program among sexual and gender minority young adults. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0290149. [PMID: 37643182 PMCID: PMC10464984 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the proven efficacy of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in preventing HIV acquisition, PrEP is underutilized by sexual and gender minority young adults in the 13 states in the United States "South." In this paper, we describe the process we used to develop a digital campaign to promote awareness and engagement of sexual and gender minority young adults in the Louisiana Department of Health's TelePrEP Program and provide campaign performance metrics. In Phase 1, we conducted formative research that informed campaign development and strategy. In total, 109 sexual and gender minority young adults completed a survey of PrEP constructs (e.g., facilitators, barriers). We also conducted three, sequential focus groups to iteratively generate, revise and refine the digital material. In collaboration with our strategic marketing partner (SMP), we developed 3 different ads and 1 video ad to promote on web and mobile-in app display, as well as Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Phase 2 focused on campaign implementation and evaluation (e.g., number of impressions, user activities on LA TelePrEP landing page). In the first few weeks of the campaign, data from tracking pixels indicated minimal activities on the landing page. We paused to revamp the campaign. Our SMP determined that a more young adult-focused landing page could bolster engagement. We created a new landing page and reran the campaign for 33 days. We saw substantially more user activities on the new landing page (n = 382) compared to the LA TelePrEP landing page (n = 185). Overall, we had 730,665 impressions and 475 link clicks. By collaborating with our SMP, we effectively and efficiently translated our community-engaged formative research into relevant and engaging digital content. This pilot study is one of the first to demonstrate the importance of using tracking pixels to monitor real-time user data to optimize performance of a digital PrEP campaign.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel A. Ocasio
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Los Angeles, United States of America
| | - M. Isabel Fernandez
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States of America
| | - Steven Cortese
- Communify, New Orleans, Los Angeles, United States of America
| | - Kathryn Kampa
- Department of International Health and Sustainable Development, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Los Angeles, United States of America
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Vial S, Boudhraâ S, Dumont M, Tremblay M, Riendeau S. Developing A Mobile App With a Human-Centered Design Lens to Improve Access to Mental Health Care (Mentallys Project): Protocol for an Initial Co-Design Process. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e47220. [PMID: 37606978 PMCID: PMC10481222 DOI: 10.2196/47220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Co-design is one of the human-centered design approaches that allows end users to significantly and positively impact the design of mental health technologies. It is a promising approach to foster user acceptance and engagement in digital mental health solutions. Surprisingly, there is a lack of understanding of what co-design is in this field. In this paper, co-design is approached as a cocreation process involving persons with a lived experience of mental health problems, health professionals, and design experts who lead and facilitate the overall creative process. OBJECTIVE This paper describes an initial co-design research protocol for the development of a mobile app that aims to improve access to mental health care. It highlights the characteristics of a co-design approach in e-mental health rooted in human-centered design and led by design experts alongside health experts. The paper focuses on the first steps (phase 1) of the co-design process of the ongoing Mentallys project. METHODS This Mentallys project will be located in Montréal (Quebec, Canada). The method approach will be based on the "method stories," depicting the "making of" this project and reflecting adjustments needed to the protocol throughout the project in specific situations. Phase 1 of the process will focus on the desirability of the app. Targeted participants will include people with a lived experience of mental health problems, peer support workers and clinicians, and 3 facilitators (all design experts or researchers). Web-based sessions will be organized because of the COVID-19 pandemic, using Miro (RealtimeBoard Inc) and Zoom (Zoom Video Communications, Inc). Data collection will be based on the comments, thoughts, and new ideas of participants around the imaginary prototypes. Thematic analysis will be carried out after each session to inform a new version of the prototype. RESULTS We conducted 2 stages in phase 1 of the process. During stage 1, we explored ideas through group co-design workshops (divergent thinking). Six co-design workshops were held: 2 with only clinicians (n=7), 2 with peer support workers (n=5) and people with a lived experience of mental health problems (n=2), and 2 with all of them (n=14). A total of 6 facilitators participated in conducting activities in subgroups. During stage 2, ideas were refined through 10 dyad co-design sessions (convergent thinking). Stage 2 involved 3 participants (n=3) and 1 facilitator. Thematic analysis was performed after stage 1, while analytic questioning is being performed for stage 2. Both stages allowed several iterations of the prototypes. CONCLUSIONS The design of the co-design process, the leadership of the design expertise throughout the process, and the different forms of co-design activities are key elements in this project. We highly recommend that health researchers partner with professional designers or design researchers who are familiar with co-design. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/47220.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Vial
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, École de Design, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Sana Boudhraâ
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, École de Design, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Mathieu Dumont
- Département d'ergothérapie, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
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Hong M, Liang D, Lu T, Liu S. The effect of brief digital mindfulness-based interventions on increasing online charitable behavior in Chinese adolescents. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1213089. [PMID: 37599709 PMCID: PMC10433157 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1213089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Digital mindfulness-based interventions (d-MBIs) have garnered significant research interest in recent years due to their psychological benefits. However, little is known about their impact on prosocial behaviors. This study investigates how d-MBIs impact prosocial behaviors where time spent is money, with Chinese adolescents as the subjects, through an online charity task (www.freerice.com). 119 students from a high school in China, who were inexperienced with mindfulness meditation, participated in this randomized controlled trial. The d-MBI group (N = 39) received online MBI guidance, while the face-to-face mindfulness-based intervention (f-MBI, N = 43) group underwent mindfulness intervention under personal tutors. The active control group (N = 37) completed a crossword task. Data analysis first involved repeated measures variance analysis, including pre-and post-intervention assessments. Subsequently, a two-way variance analysis was performed, with gender (female and male) and group (d-MBI, f-MBI, active control) as independent variables and the number of grains as dependent variables for the three groups of participants. Results showed that d-MBIs effectively improved empathy and compassion in Chinese adolescents, leading to increased rice donations to the United Nations World Food Program. These results underscore the positive effect of d-MBIs on prosociality and suggest their applicability in beneficial real-world situations involving prosocial behaviors, extending beyond previous research primarily conducted in artificial and hypothetical scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Hong
- School of Management, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Dapeng Liang
- School of Management, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Teng Lu
- School of Management, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Shengchen Liu
- Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
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23
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Knapp AA, Hersch E, Wijaya C, Herrera MA, Kruzan KP, Carroll AJ, Lee S, Baker A, Gray A, Harris V, Simmons R, Kour Sodhi D, Hannah N, Reddy M, Karnik NS, Smith JD, Brown CH, Mohr DC. "The library is so much more than books": considerations for the design and implementation of teen digital mental health services in public libraries. Front Digit Health 2023; 5:1183319. [PMID: 37560198 PMCID: PMC10409481 DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2023.1183319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Adolescence is a vulnerable developmental period, characterized by high rates of mental health concerns, yet few adolescents receive treatment. Public libraries support adolescents by providing them with access to teen programming, technological resources, and have recently been providing mental health services. Digital mental health (DMH) services may help libraries provide scalable mental health solutions for their adolescent patrons and could be well positioned to address the mental health needs of historically underrepresented racial and ethnic (HURE) adolescents; however, little research has been conducted on the compatibility of DMH services with adolescent patron mental health needs or resource needs of library workers supporting them. Methods The research team formed a partnership with a public library, which serves a large HURE adolescent population. We conducted needs assessment and implementation readiness interviews with 17 library workers, including leadership, librarians, and workers with specialized areas of practice. Interview questions focused on library infrastructure, as well as library needs and preferences around the design and implementation of DMH services for adolescents. We used the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research as guiding implementation determinant framework to code and analyze the interview transcripts. Results Our findings revealed library workers play an important role in guiding patrons to desired resources and share a goal of implementing adolescent DMH resources into the library and elevating marginalized adolescents' voices. Existing library resources, such as the library's role as a safe space for adolescents in the community, close relationships with external and community organizations, and availability of no-cost technological resources, could help facilitate the implementation of DMH services. Barriers related to community buy-in, mental health stigma, and library worker confidence in supporting adolescent mental health could affect service implementation. Conclusions Our findings suggest public libraries are highly promising settings to deploy DMH services for adolescents. We identified important determinants that may impact the implementation of DMH services in public library settings. Special considerations are needed to design services to meet the mental health needs of HURE adolescent populations and those adolescents' most experiencing health inequities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley A. Knapp
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Emily Hersch
- Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Clarisa Wijaya
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Miguel A. Herrera
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Kaylee P. Kruzan
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Allison J. Carroll
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Sydney Lee
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Alex Baker
- Department of Psychology, The University of North Texas, Denton, TX, United States
| | - Alanna Gray
- Oak Park Public Library, Oak Park, IL, United States
| | - Vann Harris
- Oak Park Public Library, Oak Park, IL, United States
| | | | - Deepika Kour Sodhi
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Nanette Hannah
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Madhu Reddy
- Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Niranjan S. Karnik
- College of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Justin D. Smith
- School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - C. Hendricks Brown
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - David C. Mohr
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
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Povey J, Raphiphatthana B, Torok M, Nagel T, Mills PPJR, Sells JRH, Shand F, Sweet M, Lowell A, Dingwall K. An emerging framework for digital mental health design with Indigenous young people: a scoping review of the involvement of Indigenous young people in the design and evaluation of digital mental health interventions. Syst Rev 2023; 12:108. [PMID: 37393283 PMCID: PMC10314399 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-023-02262-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Indigenous young people worldwide possess unique protective factors that support wellbeing. However, they experience mental illness at higher rates than their non-indigenous counterparts. Digital mental health (dMH) resources can increase access to structured, timely, and culturally tailored mental health interventions by reducing structural and attitudinal barriers to accessing treatment. The involvement of Indigenous young people in dMH resource development is recommended, however, no guidelines exist on how this can best be facilitated. METHODS A scoping review examining processes to involve Indigenous young people in developing or evaluating dMH interventions was conducted. Studies reported between 1990 and 2023 involving Indigenous young people aged 12-24 years, originating from Canada, the USA, New Zealand, and Australia, in the development or evaluation of dMH interventions were eligible for inclusion. Following a three-step search process, four electronic databases were searched. Data were extracted, synthesized, and described under three categories: dMH intervention attributes, study design, and alignment with research best practice. Best practice recommendations for Indigenous research and participatory design principles derived from the literature were identified and synthesised. Included studies were assessed against these recommendations. Consultation with two Senior Indigenous Research Officers ensured Indigenous worldviews informed analysis. RESULTS Twenty-four studies describing eleven dMH interventions met inclusion criteria. Studies included formative, design, pilot, and efficacy studies. Overall, most included studies demonstrated a high degree of Indigenous governance, capacity building, and community benefit. All studies adapted their research processes to ensure that local community protocols were followed and most aligned these within an Indigenous research paradigm. Formal agreements regarding existing and created intellectual property and implementation evaluations were rare. Outcomes were the primary focus of reporting, with limited detailed descriptions of governance and decision-making processes or strategies for managing predictable tensions between co-design stakeholders. CONCLUSIONS This study identified recommendations for undertaking participatory design with Indigenous young people and evaluated the current literature against these criteria. Common gaps were evident in the reporting of study processes. Consistent, in-depth reporting is needed to allow assessment of approaches for this hard-to-reach population. An emergent framework, informed by our findings, for guiding the involvement of Indigenous young people in the design and evaluation of dMH tools is presented. TRIAL REGISTRATION Available via osf.io/2nkc6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josie Povey
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina Campus, Ellengowan Drive, Casuarina, NT 0810 Australia
| | - Buaphrao Raphiphatthana
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina Campus, Ellengowan Drive, Casuarina, NT 0810 Australia
| | - Michelle Torok
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Tricia Nagel
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina Campus, Ellengowan Drive, Casuarina, NT 0810 Australia
| | - Patj Patj Janama Robert Mills
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina Campus, Ellengowan Drive, Casuarina, NT 0810 Australia
| | - Joshua Russell Howard Sells
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina Campus, Ellengowan Drive, Casuarina, NT 0810 Australia
| | - Fiona Shand
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Michelle Sweet
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina Campus, Ellengowan Drive, Casuarina, NT 0810 Australia
| | - Anne Lowell
- Northern Institute, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina Campus, Casuarina, NT 0810 Australia
| | - Kylie Dingwall
- Northern Institute, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina Campus, Casuarina, NT 0810 Australia
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, 10 Grevillia Drive, Alice Springs Campus, NT Australia
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Paryente B, Gez-Langerman R. Kindergarten children's reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic: Creating a sense of coherence. JOURNAL OF EARLY CHILDHOOD RESEARCH : ECR 2023; 21:133-146. [PMID: 38603447 PMCID: PMC9805994 DOI: 10.1177/1476718x221145471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
This article examines kindergarten children's experience of the COVID-19 pandemic. It aims to understand the children's thoughts, emotions, and coping strategies regarding the presence of the COVID-19 virus in their daily lives, using the salutogenic approach to study their sense of coherence and promote relevant professional instruction. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were held with 130 five- to six-year-old children with an equal number of boys and girls. All of the children were recruited from kindergartens affiliated with the state's secular education system. Data were structured into three themes: (1) the child's perception of the pandemic as manageable through significant accompanying and absent figures; (2) the child's comprehension of the virus as dangerous, age-differentiating, and contagious; and (3) the child's emotional processing of the pandemic as arousing fear of death and through images, such as "thorny" and "monster." The results demonstrate the young children's sense of coherence, characterized as extrapersonal perception, interpersonal coping, and intrapersonal emotional processing, and the need for greater acknowledgment of child-parent educators' informed interventions that could give children a partial feeling of the adult's awareness of their needs.
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26
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Huffman LG, Lawrence-Sidebottom D, Huberty J, Roots M, Roots K, Parikh A, Guerra R, Weiser J. Using Digital Measurement-Based Care for the Treatment of Anxiety and Depression in Children and Adolescents: Observational Retrospective Analysis of Bend Health Data. JMIR Pediatr Parent 2023; 6:e46154. [PMID: 37079366 PMCID: PMC10160939 DOI: 10.2196/46154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A growing body of evidence supports the efficacy of measurement-based care (MBC) for children and adolescents experiencing mental health concerns, particularly anxiety and depression. In recent years, MBC has increasingly transitioned to web-based spaces in the form of digital mental health interventions (DMHIs), which render high-quality mental health care more accessible nationwide. Although extant research is promising, the emergence of MBC DMHIs means that much is unknown regarding their effectiveness as a treatment for anxiety and depression, particularly among children and adolescents. OBJECTIVE This study uses preliminary data from children and adolescents participating in an MBC DMHI administered by Bend Health Inc, a mental health care provider that uses a collaborative care model to assess changes in anxiety and depressive symptoms during participation in the MBC DMHI. METHODS Caregivers of children and adolescents participating in Bend Health Inc for anxiety or depressive symptoms reported measures of their children's symptoms every 30 days throughout the duration of participation in Bend Health Inc. Data from 114 children (age 6-12 years) and adolescents (age 13-17 years) were used for the analyses (anxiety symptom group: n=98, depressive symptom group: n=61). RESULTS Among children and adolescents participating in care with Bend Health Inc, 73% (72/98) exhibited improvements in anxiety symptoms and 73% (44/61) exhibited improvement in depressive symptoms, as indicated by either a decrease in symptom severity or screening out of completing the complete assessment. Among those with complete assessment data, group-level anxiety symptom T-scores exhibited a moderate decrease of 4.69 points (P=.002) from the first to the last assessment. However, members' depressive symptom T-scores remained largely stable throughout their involvement. CONCLUSIONS As increasing numbers of young people and families seek DMHIs over traditional mental health treatments due to their accessibility and affordability, this study offers promising early evidence that youth anxiety symptoms decrease during involvement in an MBC DMHI such as Bend Health Inc. However, further analyses with enhanced longitudinal symptom measures are necessary to determine whether depressive symptoms show similar improvements among those involved in Bend Health Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jennifer Huberty
- Bend Health Inc, Beaverton, OR, United States
- FitMinded Inc LLC, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | | | - Kurt Roots
- Bend Health Inc, Beaverton, OR, United States
| | - Amit Parikh
- Bend Health Inc, Beaverton, OR, United States
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Coulaud PJ, Jesson J, Bolduc N, Ferlatte O, Jenkins E, Bertrand K, Salway T, Jauffret-Roustide M, Knight R. Young Adults' Mental Health and Unmet Service Needs in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic Across Canada and France. Community Ment Health J 2023; 59:222-232. [PMID: 35763148 PMCID: PMC9243891 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-022-01000-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
While young adults experienced mental health challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, little is known about how their mental health needs were subsequently met through access to mental health services (MHS). From October to December 2020, we conducted an online survey of young adults (18-29 years) living in Canada and France to investigate factors associated with unmet MHS needs. Of the 3222 participants expressing a need to access MHS (50.7% of the total sample), 58.2% in Canada and 74.8% in France reported unmet MHS needs. In both countries, those who identified as men and those who lost income due to COVID-19, were more likely to report unmet MHS needs. In Canada, participants from Quebec, those living in rural areas, and those who experienced ethno-racial discrimination had higher odds of reporting such unmet needs. Urgent investments are needed to improve access to MHS for young adults during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre-Julien Coulaud
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada.
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 317-2194 Health Sciences Mall (Woodward Instructional Resource Centre), Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada.
| | - Julie Jesson
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Blusson Hall, Room 11300 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Naseeb Bolduc
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Olivier Ferlatte
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada
- École de Santé Publique de l'Université de Montréal, 7101 Avenue du Parc, Montreal, QC, H3N 1X9, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique, Université de Montréal et CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, 1560 Rue Sherbrooke E, Montreal, H2L 4M1, Canada
| | - Emily Jenkins
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, T201-2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B5, Canada
| | - Karine Bertrand
- Department of Community Health Science, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, QC, J1H 5H3, Canada
| | - Travis Salway
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Blusson Hall, Room 11300 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, 655 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4R4, Canada
- Centre for Gender and Sexual Health Equity, 1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Marie Jauffret-Roustide
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada
- Centre d'Étude des Mouvements Sociaux (EHESS/CNRS UMR8044/INSERM U1276), 54 Boulevard Raspail, 75006, Paris, France
- Baldy Center on Law and Social Policy, Buffalo University, 511 O'Brian Hall Buffalo, New York, 14260, USA
| | - Rod Knight
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 317-2194 Health Sciences Mall (Woodward Instructional Resource Centre), Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
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A Creative and Movement-Based Blended Intervention for Children in Outpatient Residential Care: A Mixed-Method, Multi-Center, Single-Arm Feasibility Trial. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:children10020207. [PMID: 36832336 PMCID: PMC9954900 DOI: 10.3390/children10020207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic led to psychological distress among children and adolescents. Due to multiple psychosocial burdens, the youth in residential care were especially exposed to an increased risk of mental health problems during the pandemic. In a multi-center, single-arm feasibility trial, N = 45 children and adolescents aged 7-14 years were allocated to a 6-week blended care intervention, conducted in six outpatient residential child welfare facilities. The intervention covered a once weekly face-to-face group session for guided creative (art therapy, drama therapy) and movement-oriented (children's yoga, nature therapy) activities. This was accompanied by a resilience-oriented mental-health app. Feasibility and acceptance analyses covered app usage data and qualitative data. Effectiveness was determined by pre-post comparisons in quantitative data on psychological symptoms and resources. Further, subgroups for poorer treatment outcome were explored. The intervention and app were considered to be feasible and were accepted by residential staff and the children. No significant pre-post changes were found across quantitative outcomes. However, being female, being in current psychosocial crisis, a migration background, or a mentally ill parent were correlated with change in score of outcomes from baseline. These preliminary findings pave the way for future research on blended care interventions among at-risk children and adolescents.
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Ludlow K, Russell JK, Ryan B, Brown RL, Joynt T, Uhlmann LR, Smith GE, Donovan C, Hides L, Spence SH, March S, Cobham VE. Co-designing a digital mental health platform, "Momentum", with young people aged 7-17: A qualitative study. Digit Health 2023; 9:20552076231216410. [PMID: 38033517 PMCID: PMC10685776 DOI: 10.1177/20552076231216410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) offer a promising alternative or adjunct treatment method to face-to-face treatment, overcoming barriers associated with stigma, access, and cost. This project is embedded in user experience and co-design to enhance the potential acceptability, usability and integration of digital platforms into youth mental health services. Objective To co-design a digital mental health platform that provides self-directed, tailored, and modularised treatment for young people aged 7-17 years experiencing anxiety, depression and other related problems. Methods Sixty-eight participants, aged 7-17 years, engaged in one of 20 co-design workshops. Eight workshops involved children (n = 26, m = 9.42 years, sd = 1.27) and 12 involved adolescents (n = 42, m = 14.57 years, sd = 1.89). Participants engaged in a variety of co-design activities (e.g., designing a website home page and rating self-report assessment features). Workshop transcripts and artefacts (e.g., participants' drawings) were thematically analysed using Gale et al.'s Framework Method in NVivo. Results Six themes were identified: Interactive; Relatable; Customisable; Intuitive; Inclusive; and Personalised, transparent and trustworthy content. The analysis revealed differences between children's and adolescents' designs and ideas, supporting the need for two different versions of the platform, with age-appropriate activities, features, terminology, and content. Conclusions This research showcased co-design as a powerful tool to facilitate collaboration with young people in designing DMHIs. Two sets of recommendations were produced: 1) recommendations for the design, functionality, and content of youth DMHIs, supported by child- and adolescent-designed strategies; and 2) recommendations for clinicians and researchers planning to conduct co-design and intervention development research with children and adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristiana Ludlow
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Jeremy K Russell
- Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield, Australia
| | - Brooke Ryan
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
- Speech Pathology, Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Bentley, Australia
| | - Renee L Brown
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Tamsin Joynt
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Mount Gravatt, Australia
| | - Laura R Uhlmann
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Mount Gravatt, Australia
| | - Genevieve E Smith
- Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield, Australia
| | - Caroline Donovan
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Mount Gravatt, Australia
| | - Leanne Hides
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Susan H Spence
- Australian Institute of Suicide Research and Prevention and School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Mount Gravatt, Australia
| | - Sonja March
- Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield, Australia
- School of Psychology and Wellbeing, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield, Australia
| | - Vanessa E Cobham
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
- Child and Youth Mental Health Services, Children's Health Queensland, South Brisbane, Australia
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Wright M, Reitegger F, Cela H, Papst A, Gasteiger-Klicpera B. Interventions with Digital Tools for Mental Health Promotion among 11-18 Year Olds: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Youth Adolesc 2023; 52:754-779. [PMID: 36754917 PMCID: PMC9907880 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-023-01735-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
The availability of digital tools aiming to promote adolescent mental health is rapidly increasing. However, the field lacks an up-to-date and focused review of current evidence. This study thus looked into the characteristics and efficacy of digital, evidence-based mental health programs for youth (11-18 years). The selection procedure followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and resulted in 27 eligible studies. The high heterogeneity of the results calls for careful interpretation. Nevertheless, small, but promising, effects of digital tools were found with respect to promoting well-being, relieving anxiety, and enhancing protective factors. Some important factors influencing overall efficacy include the given setting, the level of guidance and support, and the adherence to the intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Wright
- Research Center for Inclusive Education (RCIE), University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
| | - Franziska Reitegger
- Institute of Education Research and Teacher Education, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Herald Cela
- Institute of Psychology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Andrea Papst
- Institute of Education Research and Teacher Education, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Barbara Gasteiger-Klicpera
- Research Center for Inclusive Education (RCIE), University of Graz, Graz, Austria ,Institute of Education Research and Teacher Education, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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Balcombe L, De Leo D. Evaluation of the Use of Digital Mental Health Platforms and Interventions: Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:ijerph20010362. [PMID: 36612685 PMCID: PMC9819791 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The increasing use of digital mental health (DMH) platforms and digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) is hindered by uncertainty over effectiveness, quality and usability. There is a need to identify the types of available evidence in this domain. AIM This study is a scoping review identifying evaluation of the (1) DMH platform/s used; and (2) DMHI/s applied on the DMH platform/s. METHODS The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guided the review process. Empirical studies that focused on evaluation of the use and application of DMH platforms were included from journal articles (published 2012-2022). A literature search was conducted using four electronic databases (Scopus, ScienceDirect, Sage and ACM Digital Library) and two search engines (PubMed and Google Scholar). RESULTS A total of 6874 nonduplicate records were identified, of which 144 were analyzed and 22 met the inclusion criteria. The review included general/unspecified mental health and/or suicidality indications (n = 9, 40.9%), followed by depression (n = 5, 22.7%), psychosis (n = 3, 13.6%), anxiety and depression (n = 2, 9.1%), as well as anxiety, depression and suicidality (n = 1, 4.5%), loneliness (n = 1, 4.5%), and addiction (n = 1, 4.5%). There were 11 qualitative studies (50%), 8 quantitative studies (36.4%), and 3 mixed-methods studies (n = 3, 13.6%). The results contained 11 studies that evaluated the DMH platform/s and 11 studies that evaluated the DMHI/s. The studies focused on feasibility, usability, engagement, acceptability and effectiveness. There was a small amount of significant evidence (1 in each 11), notably the (cost-)effectiveness of a DMHI with significant long-term impact on anxiety and depression in adults. CONCLUSION The empirical research demonstrates the feasibility of DMH platforms and DMHIs. To date, there is mostly heterogeneous, preliminary evidence for their effectiveness, quality and usability. However, a scalable DMHI reported effectiveness in treating adults' anxiety and depression. The scope of effectiveness may be widened through targeted strategies, for example by engaging independent young people.
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Girase B, Parikh R, Vashisht S, Mullick A, Ambhore V, Maknikar S. India's policy and programmatic response to mental health of young people: A narrative review. SSM - MENTAL HEALTH 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmmh.2022.100145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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Kotera Y, Rennick-Egglestone S, Ng F, Llewellyn-Beardsley J, Ali Y, Newby C, Fox C, Slade E, Bradstreet S, Harrison J, Franklin D, Todowede O, Slade M. Assessing diversity and inclusivity is the next frontier in mental health recovery narrative research and practice (Preprint). JMIR Ment Health 2022; 10:e44601. [PMID: 37067882 PMCID: PMC10152384 DOI: 10.2196/44601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Demand for digital health interventions is increasing in many countries. The use of recorded mental health recovery narratives in digital health interventions is becoming more widespread in clinical practice. Mental health recovery narratives are first-person lived experience accounts of recovery from mental health problems, including struggles and successes over time. Helpful impacts of recorded mental health recovery narratives include connectedness with the narrative and validation of experiences. Possible harms include feeling disconnected and excluded from others. Diverse narrative collections from many types of narrators and describing multiple ways to recover are important to maximize the opportunity for service users to benefit through connection and to minimize the likelihood of harm. Mental health clinicians need to know whether narrative collections are sufficiently diverse to recommend to service users. However, no method exists for assessing the diversity and inclusivity of existing or new narrative collections. We argue that assessing diversity and inclusivity is the next frontier in mental health recovery narrative research and practice. This is important, but methodologically and ethically complex. In this viewpoint, we propose and evaluate one diversity and two inclusivity assessment methods. The diversity assessment method involves use of the Simpson Diversity Index. The two inclusivity assessment methods are based on comparator demographic rates and arbitrary thresholds, respectively. These methods were applied to four narrative collections as a case study. Refinements are needed regarding a narrative assessment tool in terms of its practicality and cultural adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Kotera
- School of Health Sciences, Institute of Mental Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Stefan Rennick-Egglestone
- School of Health Sciences, Institute of Mental Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Fiona Ng
- School of Health Sciences, Institute of Mental Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Joy Llewellyn-Beardsley
- School of Health Sciences, Institute of Mental Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Yasmin Ali
- School of Health Sciences, Institute of Mental Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Chris Newby
- School of Medicine, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline Fox
- School of Health Sciences, Institute of Mental Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Emily Slade
- Department of Computer Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Bradstreet
- School of Health & Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Julian Harrison
- Narrative Experiences Online Lived Experience Advisory Panel, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Donna Franklin
- Narrative Experiences Online Lived Experience Advisory Panel, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Olamide Todowede
- School of Health Sciences, Institute of Mental Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Mike Slade
- School of Health Sciences, Institute of Mental Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, Health and Community Participation Division, Nord University, Namsos, Norway
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Götzl C, Hiller S, Rauschenberg C, Schick A, Fechtelpeter J, Fischer Abaigar U, Koppe G, Durstewitz D, Reininghaus U, Krumm S. Artificial intelligence-informed mobile mental health apps for young people: a mixed-methods approach on users' and stakeholders' perspectives. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2022; 16:86. [PMID: 36397097 PMCID: PMC9672578 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-022-00522-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Novel approaches in mobile mental health (mHealth) apps that make use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Ecological Momentary Assessments, and Ecological Momentary Interventions have the potential to support young people in the achievement of mental health and wellbeing goals. However, little is known on the perspectives of young people and mental health experts on this rapidly advancing technology. This study aims to investigate the subjective needs, attitudes, and preferences of key stakeholders towards an AI-informed mHealth app, including young people and experts on mHealth promotion and prevention in youth. METHODS We used a convergent parallel mixed-method study design. Two semi-structured online focus groups (n = 8) and expert interviews (n = 5) to explore users and stakeholders perspectives were conducted. Furthermore a representative online survey was completed by young people (n = 666) to investigate attitudes, current use and preferences towards apps for mental health promotion and prevention. RESULTS Survey results show that more than two-thirds of young people have experience with mHealth apps, and 60% make regular use of 1-2 apps. A minority (17%) reported to feel negative about the application of AI in general, and 19% were negative about the embedding of AI in mHealth apps. This is in line with qualitative findings, where young people displayed rather positive attitudes towards AI and its integration into mHealth apps. Participants reported pragmatic attitudes towards data sharing and safety practices, implying openness to share data if it adds value for users and if the data request is not too intimate, however demanded transparency of data usage and control over personalization. Experts perceived AI-informed mHealth apps as a complementary solution to on-site delivered interventions in future health promotion among young people. Experts emphasized opportunities in regard with low-threshold access through the use of smartphones, and the chance to reach young people in risk situations. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this exploratory study highlight the importance of further participatory development of training components prior to implementation of a digital mHealth training in routine practice of mental health promotion and prevention. Our results may help to guide developments based on stakeholders' first recommendations for an AI-informed mHealth app.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Götzl
- Department of Psychiatry II, University of Ulm and BKH Guenzburg, Lindenallee 2, Guenzburg, 89312, Ulm, Germany. .,Department of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Ulm and BKH Guenzburg, Ulm, Germany.
| | - Selina Hiller
- grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748Department of Psychiatry II, University of Ulm and BKH Guenzburg, Lindenallee 2, Guenzburg, 89312 Ulm, Germany
| | - Christian Rauschenberg
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Department of Public Mental Health, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Anita Schick
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Department of Public Mental Health, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Janik Fechtelpeter
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Department of Theoretical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Unai Fischer Abaigar
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Department of Theoretical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Georgia Koppe
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Department of Theoretical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany ,grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Daniel Durstewitz
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Department of Theoretical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Ulrich Reininghaus
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Department of Public Mental Health, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany ,grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764Centre for Epidemiology and Public Health, Health Service and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK ,grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764ESRC Centre for Society and Mental Health, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Silvia Krumm
- grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748Department of Psychiatry II, University of Ulm and BKH Guenzburg, Lindenallee 2, Guenzburg, 89312 Ulm, Germany
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Effects of COVID-19 on Adolescent Mental Health and Internet Use by Ethnicity and Gender: A Mixed–Method Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19158927. [PMID: 35897302 PMCID: PMC9331135 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19158927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Evidence suggests that mental health problems in young people have been exacerbated by COVID-19, possibly related to a lack of social connection. Young people report using the internet for connecting with their peers and mental health support. However, how they may have used the internet for support during COVID-19 is not clear. We wanted to know how mood and internet use may have changed in young people during COVID-19 and if this was different for those with and without depression symptoms. 108 adolescents were recruited. Participants with high and low levels of depressive symptomatology answered questions about their mood, internet use, loneliness and life satisfaction during July and August 2020. We found that the high depression group reported significantly more loneliness and less life satisfaction than the low depression group. We found that most young people used the internet for mental health information during COVID-19 but that the high depression group used the internet more for mental health information than the low depression group. The high depression group also had a worsening of mood compared to the low depression group during COVID-19. We found that Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic participants reported increased use of the internet compared to White participants during COVID-19 and that the role of the family facilitated coping during COVID-19 for some adolescents, but for others, it made the lockdown more difficult. Finally, we found that adolescents perceived school anxiety as stressful as COVID-19. To conclude this study supports the use of the internet as a way to help young people with mental health challenges. It also suggests that the internet is a way to help young people from ethnic minorities, who otherwise might be hard to reach, during challenging times. This study also shows that supportive family units can be important during times of stress for young people and that school anxiety is a major issue for young people in today’s society even outside of the pandemic.
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A Remote Assessment of Anxiety on Young People: Towards Their Views and Their Different Pet Interaction. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10071242. [PMID: 35885769 PMCID: PMC9320218 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10071242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The lockdown was imposed in Italy on 9 March 2020 due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Restrictions severely limiting individual freedom were indispensable to protect the population and reduce virus diffusion. Italian people had never before experienced similar restrictions that undoubtedly tested psychological health. After 1 week, we developed an electronic survey to collect demographic data and information on the presence of pets and the type of interaction with them and to administer a self-assessment anxiety test. A total of 3905 subjects, pet owners and non pet owners, filled in the electronic survey; 652 (16.7%, mean age 21.6) of them were young subjects, adolescents, and university students. The study first showed the feasibility and success of the technological solution used, capable of providing, at a distance, structured information on the participants and quantitative data on the psychological condition. Second, it reported that 23.1% of the youths showed anxiety above an attention level during the lockdown, in line with other studies. Third, it indicated, based on the outcome of the self-assessment test, that the pet presence could have a positive effect in mitigating the psychological impact and encourage to continue and deepen these investigations. Fourth, it reported positive feedback from the participants on the procedure, found useful during the pandemic and for the post-pandemic future. The study highlights the importance of investing in these solutions based on mobile technology and useful both for mental health and to deepen the investigation of the impact of the pet presence on the human psychology.
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Agapie E, Chang K, Patrachari S, Neary M, Schueller SM. Understanding Mental Health Apps for Youth: A Focus Group Study with Latinx Youth (Preprint). JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e40726. [PMID: 36256835 PMCID: PMC9627467 DOI: 10.2196/40726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background An increasing number of mental health apps (MHapps) are being developed for youth. In addition, youth are high users of both technologies and MHapps. However, little is known about their perspectives on MHapps. MHapps might be particularly well suited to reach the youth underserved by traditional mental health resources, and incorporating their perspectives is especially critical to ensure such tools are useful to them. Objective The goal of this study was to develop and pilot a process for eliciting youth perspectives on MHapps in a structured and collaborative way. We also sought to generate learnings on the perspectives of Latinx youth on MHapps and their use in ways that might facilitate discovery, activation, or engagement in MHapps, especially in Latinx populations. Methods We created a series of focus groups consisting of 5 sessions. The groups introduced different categories of MHapps (cognitive behavioral therapy apps, mindfulness apps, and miscellaneous apps). Within each category, we selected 4 MHapps that participants chose to use for a week and provided feedback through both between-session and in-session activities. We recruited 5 youths ranging in age from 15 to 21 (mean 18, SD 2.2) years. All the participants identified as Hispanic or Latinx. After completing all 5 focus groups, the participants completed a brief questionnaire to gather their impressions of the apps they had used. Results Our focus group methodology collected detailed and diverse information about youth perspectives on MHapps. However, we did identify some aspects of our methods that were less successful at engaging the youth, such as our between-session activities. The Latinx youth in our study wanted apps that were accessible, relatable, youth centric, and simple and could be integrated with their offline lives. We also found that the mindfulness apps were viewed most favorably but that the miscellaneous and cognitive behavioral therapy apps were viewed as more impactful. Conclusions Eliciting youth feedback on MHapps is critical if these apps are going to serve a role in supporting their mental health and well-being. We refined a process for collecting feedback from the youth and identified factors that were important to a set of Latinx youth. Future work could be broader, that is, recruit larger samples of more diverse youth, or deeper, that is, collect more information from each youth around interests, needs, barriers, or facilitators or better understand the various impacts of MHapps by using qualitative and quantitative measures. Nevertheless, this study advances the formative understanding of how the youth, particularly Latinx youth, might be viewing these tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Agapie
- Department of Informatics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Katherine Chang
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Sneha Patrachari
- Department of Informatics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Martha Neary
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Stephen M Schueller
- Department of Informatics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
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Ivlev I, Beil TL, Haynes JS, Patnode CD. Rapid Evidence Review of Digital Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Adolescents With Depression. J Adolesc Health 2022; 71:14-29. [PMID: 35256238 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2022.01.220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We conducted a rapid evidence review to explore the benefits and harms of digital cognitive-behavioral therapy (dCBT) and the barriers to and facilitators of implementing dCBT for adolescents. METHODS We searched MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CENTRAL through December 6, 2021, for controlled trials conducted in settings highly applicable to the United States. Additionally, we searched relevant systematic reviews for eligible studies. Results were summarized qualitatively. RESULTS We included 12 trials (n = 1,575) that examined the effects of nine dCBT programs. Overall, dCBT was slightly superior to comparators in improving depression symptoms immediately post-intervention, but not at a longer follow-up. The use of dCBT did not appear to result in an increased risk for suicidal attempts or ideation; however, the number of events was very small. Potential barriers to implementing/maintaining dCBT are challenges engaging/retaining patients, developing infrastructure, and training therapists to facilitate dCBT. Data on harms or unintended negative consequences were not reported in the included studies. CONCLUSIONS A limited body of evidence suggests that dCBT programs might outperform control interventions for reducing depressive symptoms immediately post-intervention, but not at a longer follow-up. The safety of dCBT programs for adolescents with depression is understudied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilya Ivlev
- Kaiser Permanente, Kaiser Permanente Evidence-based Practice Center, Portland, Oregon.
| | - Tracy L Beil
- Kaiser Permanente, Kaiser Permanente Evidence-based Practice Center, Portland, Oregon
| | - Jill S Haynes
- Kaiser Permanente, Kaiser Permanente Care Management Institute, Oakland, California
| | - Carrie D Patnode
- Kaiser Permanente, Kaiser Permanente Evidence-based Practice Center, Portland, Oregon
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Bremer W, Sarker A. Recruitment and retention in mobile application-based intervention studies: a critical synopsis of challenges and opportunities. Inform Health Soc Care 2022; 48:139-152. [PMID: 35656732 DOI: 10.1080/17538157.2022.2082297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Use of mobile health applications (mHealth apps) is becoming increasingly popular for the management of chronic illnesses, but mHealth-based intervention studies often have limitations associated with subject recruitment and retention. In this synopsis, we focus on targeted aspects of mHealth-based intervention studies, specifically: (i) subject recruitment, (ii) cohort sizes, and (iii) retention rates. We used the Google Scholar (meta-search) and Galileo search engines to identify sample articles focusing on mHealth apps and interventions published between 2010 and 2020 and selected 21 papers for detailed review. Most studies recruited relatively small cohorts (minimum: 20, maximum: 510). Retention rates had high variance with only five studies managing >80% subject retention throughout the study duration, 10.4% being the lowest. Eighty-five percent of the studies expressed concerns regarding study duration, app usage, and lack of proper implementation. The use of mHealth interventions generally yielded positive outcomes, but most studies discussed facing challenges associated with recruitment and retention. There is a clear need to identify strategies for recruiting larger cohorts and improving retention rates, and ultimately increasing the reliability of mHealth app-based intervention studies. We advise that potential underutilized opportunities lie at the intersection of mHealth and social media to address the limitations identified in the synopsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whitney Bremer
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Abeed Sarker
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Banerjee S, Alsop P, Jones L, Cardinal RN. Patient and public involvement to build trust in artificial intelligence: A framework, tools, and case studies. PATTERNS 2022; 3:100506. [PMID: 35755870 PMCID: PMC9214308 DOI: 10.1016/j.patter.2022.100506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly taking on a greater role in healthcare. However, hype and negative news reports about AI abound. Integrating patient and public involvement (PPI) in healthcare AI projects may help in adoption and acceptance of these technologies. We argue that AI algorithms should also be co-designed with patients and healthcare workers. We specifically suggest (1) including patients with lived experience of the disease, and (2) creating a research advisory group (RAG) and using these group meetings to walk patients through the process of AI model building, starting with simple (e.g., linear) models. We present a framework, case studies, best practices, and tools for applying participative data science to healthcare, enabling data scientists, clinicians, and patients to work together. The strategy of co-designing with patients can help set more realistic expectations for all stakeholders, since conventional narratives of AI revolve around dystopia or limitless optimism. Hype and negative news reports about artificial intelligence (AI) abound. Involving patients in healthcare AI projects may help in adoption and acceptance of these technologies. We argue that AI algorithms should be co-designed with patients and healthcare workers. We show examples of how to involve patients in AI research and how patients can build trust in algorithms. We share some best practices, case studies, a framework, and computational tools. Avenues for future work include guidelines for patient and public involvement in AI healthcare research for funding bodies and regulatory agencies. An understanding of what AI can and cannot do, and a realistic appraisal of risks and benefits, may help in adoption and democratize access to AI for healthcare.
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Pet Presence Can Reduce Anxiety in the Elderly: The Italian Experience during COVID-19 Lockdown Assessed by an Electronic Survey. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19106135. [PMID: 35627672 PMCID: PMC9142058 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19106135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The lockdown imposed in Italy due to the COVID-19 outbreak required restrictions that severely limited individual freedom to protect the population and reduce virus diffusion. This situation psychologically challenged the entire Italian population but mostly the elderly. The "Digital mental health approach" employs digital tools to evaluate and prevent increasing mental health problems. "Anonymous online electronic surveys" are digital tools that assess rates of mental health outcomes (using for example self-assessment/awareness tools). Immediately at the beginning of restrictions, we designed an electronic survey a) to remotely investigate the psychological impact of the lockdown and b) to compare the anxiety between pet owners and not-pet owners. A total of 3905 subjects filled out the survey; we focused our study on 781 (20%) elderly subjects. Dividing elderly patients between pet-owners (n = 405) and not-pet owners (n = 376), the pet owners showed a Zung scale score significantly lower in respect to the not-pet owners. We observed that, during the COVID-19 outbreak, the pet presence could have a positive effect on anxiety in the elderly subject. These results: (A) encourage the use of mobile technologies for the assessment of psychological disorders that can be promptly employed in emergencies such as the COVID-19 outbreak; (B) highlight the positive effect of pet interaction to mitigate the psychological distress in elderly people.
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Dietvorst E, Legerstee JS, Vreeker A, Koval S, Mens MM, Keijsers L, Hillegers MHJ. The Grow It! app-longitudinal changes in adolescent well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic: a proof-of-concept study. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2022; 32:1097-1107. [PMID: 35524826 PMCID: PMC9076805 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-022-01982-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Adolescent mental health and well-being have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this preregistered longitudinal study, we evaluated whether adolescents' well-being improved after playing the multiplayer serious game app Grow It! During the first lockdown (May-June 2020), 1282 Dutch adolescents played the Grow It! app (age = 16.67, SD = 3.07, 68% girls). During the second lockdown (December-May 2020 onwards), an independent cohort of 1871 adolescents participated (age = 18.66, SD = 3.70, 81% girls). Adolescents answered online questionnaires regarding affective and cognitive well-being, depressive symptoms, anxiety, and impact of COVID-19 at baseline. Three to six weeks later, the baseline questionnaire was repeated and user experience questions were asked (N = 462 and N = 733 for the first and second cohort). In both cohorts, affective and cognitive well-being increased after playing the Grow It! app (t = - 6.806, p < 0.001; t = - 6.77, p < 0.001; t = - 6.12, p < 0.001; t = - 5.93, p < 0.001; Cohen's d range 0.20-0.32). At the individual level, 41-53% of the adolescents increased in their affective or cognitive well-being. Adolescents with higher risk profiles (i.e., more depressive symptoms, lower atmosphere at home, and more COVID-19 impact) improved more strongly in their well-being. Positive user evaluations and app engagement were unrelated to changes in affective and cognitive well-being. This proof-of-concept study tentatively suggests that Grow It! supported adolescents during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. Dietvorst
- Department of Child and Adolescents Psychiatry/Psychology Erasmus MC Sophia, Children’s Hospital, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J. S. Legerstee
- Department of Child and Adolescents Psychiatry/Psychology Erasmus MC Sophia, Children’s Hospital, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A. Vreeker
- Department of Child and Adolescents Psychiatry/Psychology Erasmus MC Sophia, Children’s Hospital, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - S. Koval
- Department of Child and Adolescents Psychiatry/Psychology Erasmus MC Sophia, Children’s Hospital, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M. M. Mens
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
| | - L. Keijsers
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M. H. J. Hillegers
- Department of Child and Adolescents Psychiatry/Psychology Erasmus MC Sophia, Children’s Hospital, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Kornfield R, Meyerhoff J, Studd H, Bhattacharjee A, Williams JJ, Reddy M, Mohr DC. Meeting Users Where They Are: User-centered Design of an Automated Text Messaging Tool to Support the Mental Health of Young Adults. PROCEEDINGS OF THE SIGCHI CONFERENCE ON HUMAN FACTORS IN COMPUTING SYSTEMS. CHI CONFERENCE 2022; 2022:329. [PMID: 35574512 PMCID: PMC9098159 DOI: 10.1145/3491102.3502046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Young adults have high rates of mental health conditions, but most do not want or cannot access formal treatment. We therefore recruited young adults with depression or anxiety symptoms to co-design a digital tool for self-managing their mental health concerns. Through study activities-consisting of an online discussion group and a series of design workshops-participants highlighted the importance of easy-to-use digital tools that allow them to exercise independence in their self-management. They described ways that an automated messaging tool might benefit them by: facilitating experimentation with diverse concepts and experiences; allowing variable depth of engagement based on preferences, availability, and mood; and collecting feedback to personalize the tool. While participants wanted to feel supported by an automated tool, they cautioned against incorporating an overtly human-like motivational tone. We discuss ways to apply these findings to improve the design and dissemination of digital mental health tools for young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Madhu Reddy
- University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
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Harith S, Backhaus I, Mohbin N, Ngo HT, Khoo S. Effectiveness of digital mental health interventions for university students: an umbrella review. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13111. [PMID: 35382010 PMCID: PMC8977068 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Poor mental health among university students remains a pressing public health issue. Over the past few years, digital health interventions have been developed and considered promising in increasing psychological wellbeing among university students. Therefore, this umbrella review aims to synthesize evidence on digital health interventions targeting university students and to evaluate their effectiveness. Methods A systematic literature search was performed in April 2021 searching PubMed, Psychology and Behavioural Science Collection, Web of Science, ERIC, and Scopus for systematic reviews and meta-analyses on digital mental health interventions targeting university students. The review protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews PROSPERO [CRD42021234773]. Results The initital literature search resulted in 806 records of which seven remained after duplicates were removed and evaluated against the inclusion criteria. Effectiveness was reported and categorized into the following six delivery types: (a) web-based, online/computer-delivered interventions (b) computer-based Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), (c) mobile applications and short message service (d) virtual reality interventions (e) skills training (f) relaxation and exposure-based therapy. Results indicated web-based online/computer delivered-interventions were effective or at least partially effective at decressing depression, anxiety, stress and eating disorder symptoms. This was similar for skills-training interventions, CBT-based intervention and mobile applications. However, digital mental health interventions using virtual reality and relaxation, exposure-based therapy was inconclusive. Due to the variation in study settings and inconsistencies in reporting, effectiveness was greatly dependent on the delivery format, targeted mental health problem and targeted purpose group. Conclusion The findings provide evidence for the beneficial effect of digital mental health interventions for university students. However, this review calls for a more systematic approach in testing and reporting the effectiveness of digital mental health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Harith
- Centre for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Insa Backhaus
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Centre for Health and Society, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Najihah Mohbin
- Health Promotion Unit, Pekan District Health Office, Pekan, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Huyen Thi Ngo
- Faculty of Library and Information Science, University of Social Sciences and Humanities/Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Selina Khoo
- Centre for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Militello L, Sobolev M, Okeke F, Adler DA, Nahum-Shani I. Digital Prompts to Increase Engagement With the Headspace App and for Stress Regulation Among Parents: Feasibility Study. JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e30606. [PMID: 35311675 PMCID: PMC8981020 DOI: 10.2196/30606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Given the interrelated health of children and parents, strategies to promote stress regulation are critically important in the family context. However, the uptake of preventive mental health is limited among parents owing to competing family demands. Objective In this study, we aim to determine whether it is feasible and acceptable to randomize digital prompts designed to engage parents in real-time brief mindfulness activities guided by a commercially available app. Methods We conducted a 30-day pilot microrandomized trial among a sample of parents who used Android smartphones. Each day during a parent-specified time frame, participants had a 50% probability of receiving a prompt with a message encouraging them to engage in a mindfulness activity using a commercial app, Headspace. In the 24 hours following randomization, ecological momentary assessments and passively collected smartphone data were used to assess proximal engagement (yes or no) with the app and any mindfulness activity (with or without the app). These data were combined with baseline and exit surveys to determine feasibility and acceptability. Results Over 4 months, 83 interested parents were screened, 48 were eligible, 16 were enrolled, and 10 were successfully onboarded. Reasons for nonparticipation included technology barriers, privacy concerns, time constraints, or change of mind. In total, 80% (8/10) of parents who onboarded successfully completed all aspects of the intervention. While it is feasible to randomize prompt delivery, only 60% (6/10) of parents reported that the timing of prompts was helpful despite having control over the delivery window. Across the study period, we observed higher self-reported engagement with Headspace on days with prompts (31/62, 50% of days), as opposed to days without prompts (33/103, 32% of days). This pattern was consistent for most participants in this study (7/8, 87%). The time spent using the app on days with prompts (mean 566, SD 378 seconds) was descriptively higher than on days without prompts (mean 225, SD 276 seconds). App usage was highest during the first week and declined over each of the remaining 3 weeks. However, self-reported engagement in mindfulness activities without the app increased over time. Self-reported engagement with any mindfulness activity was similar on days with (40/62, 65% of days) and without (65/103, 63% of days) prompts. Participants found the Headspace app helpful (10/10, 100%) and would recommend the program to others (9/10, 90%). Conclusions Preliminary findings suggest that parents are receptive to using mindfulness apps to support stress management, and prompts are likely to increase engagement with the app. However, we identified several implementation challenges in the current trial, specifically a need to optimize prompt timing and frequency as a strategy to engage users in preventive digital mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Militello
- College of Nursing, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Michael Sobolev
- Cornell Tech, Cornell University, New York, NY, United States.,Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Great Neck, NY, United States
| | - Fabian Okeke
- Cornell Tech, Cornell University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Daniel A Adler
- Cornell Tech, Cornell University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Inbal Nahum-Shani
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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A cognitive behavioural therapy smartphone app for adolescent depression and anxiety: co-design of ClearlyMe. COGNITIVE BEHAVIOUR THERAPIST 2022. [DOI: 10.1017/s1754470x22000095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Adolescence is associated with heightened vulnerability to symptoms of depression and anxiety. In-person and computerised cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) are effective treatment options, yet uptake and engagement remain low. Smartphone delivery of CBT offers an alternative, highly accessible method of delivering CBT. However, there is no freely available CBT smartphone application (app) specifically designed to reduce depression and anxiety symptoms in adolescents. The aim of this study was to design a new CBT smartphone app (ClearlyMe) that targets depressive and anxiety symptoms in adolescents. We engaged in a rigorous co-design process with adolescents (n=36), parents (n=15), and mental health professionals (n=32). Co-design involved: (1) discovery of users’ needs, views and preferences by conducting focus groups, (2) defining app features through ideation workshops and user consultations, (3) designing therapeutic CBT content and visual features, and (4) testing prototypes. Users were involved at every step and the process was iterative, with findings carried forward to ensure continued refinement of concepts and features. We found a preference for vibrant, cheerful colours and illustrations and non-endorsement of gamification and chatbots, which contrasted with findings from other studies. Preferences were largely consistent between the three user groups. However, adolescents preferred an app that could be used autonomously without professional support, whereas mental health professionals desired a product for use as a therapy adjunct to support CBT skill development. The importance of co-design, and particularly the inclusion of all stakeholders throughout the entire co-design process, is discussed in relation to the design of ClearlyMe.
Key learning aims
(1)
To understand the co-design process that underpins the development of a new CBT smartphone app for youth with elevated symptoms of depression and anxiety.
(2)
To understand adolescent, parent and mental health professionals’ key preferences regarding the features and functionality of a CBT smartphone app for adolescents with elevated symptoms of depression and anxiety.
(3)
To understand how ClearlyMe has been designed as both a therapy adjunct and stand-alone program, and how it can be incorporated into day-to-day clinical practice.
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Dietvorst E, Aukes MA, Legerstee JS, Vreeker A, Hrehovcsik MM, Keijsers L, Hillegers MHJ. A Smartphone Serious Game for Adolescents (Grow It! App): Development, Feasibility, and Acceptance Study. JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e29832. [PMID: 35238795 PMCID: PMC8931650 DOI: 10.2196/29832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Anxiety and mood problems in adolescents often go unnoticed and may therefore remain untreated. Identifying and preventing the development of emotional problems requires monitoring and effective tools to strengthen adolescents' resilience, for example, by enhancing coping skills. Objective This study describes the developmental process, feasibility, and acceptance of Grow It!, a multiplayer serious game app for adolescents aged 12-25 years. The app consists of the experience sampling method (ESM) to monitor thoughts, behaviors, and emotions in daily life to enhance self-insight and daily cognitive behavioral therapy–based challenges to promote adaptive coping. Methods Our approach entails an iterative game design process combined with an agile method to develop the smartphone app. The incorporated game features (ie, challenges, chat functionality, and visual representation) in the Grow It! app were co-designed with adolescent end users to increase participant engagement and adherence. Results The Grow It! app was delivered for Android and iOS in May 2020. Grow It! was offered to adolescents during the COVID-19 crisis between May and December 2020. Participants of the Grow It! COVID-19 study (sample 1: N=685; mean age 16.19, SD 3.11 years; 193/685, 28.2% boys; sample 2: N=1035; mean age 18.78, SD 3.51 years; 193/1035, 18.64% boys) completed 31.5% (13.2/42) to 49.5% (10.4/21) of challenges. Compliance of ESM was suboptimal (35.1/210, 16.7% to 32.5/105, 30.9%). Follow-up questionnaires indicated an overall score of the app of 7.1 out of 10. Moreover, 72.6% (278/383) to 75.6% (487/644) would recommend the app to friends. Conclusions To our knowledge, Grow It! is the first gamified ESM app that both measures individual differences in emotional dynamics and offers an integrated cognitive behavioral therapy–based intervention. Our findings support the feasibility and acceptance, and therefore applicability, of the Grow It! app in adolescents. Further iterations of this serious game app will focus on the increase of compliance and on providing participants feedback through their personal mood profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelien Dietvorst
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC Sophia Children's Hospital, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Michelle A Aukes
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC Sophia Children's Hospital, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jeroen S Legerstee
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC Sophia Children's Hospital, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Annabel Vreeker
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC Sophia Children's Hospital, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Micah M Hrehovcsik
- Innovation Studio, HKU University of the Arts Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Loes Keijsers
- Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Department of Psychology, Education & Child Studies, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Manon H J Hillegers
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC Sophia Children's Hospital, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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Povey J, Sweet M, Nagel T, Lowell A, Shand F, Vigona J, Dingwall KM. Determining Priorities in the Aboriginal and Islander Mental Health Initiative for Youth App Second Phase Participatory Design Project: Qualitative Study and Narrative Literature Review. JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e28342. [PMID: 35179498 PMCID: PMC8900920 DOI: 10.2196/28342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Digital mental health tools can promote access to culturally safe early intervention mental health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people. Participatory design methodology facilitates user engagement in the co-design of digital resources. However, several challenges have been identified that limit the methodological rigor of this approach. Objective This paper aims to present an in-depth account of the second phase of participatory design in the development of the Aboriginal and Islander Mental Health Initiative for Youth (AIMhi-Y) app. Methods A first idea storyboard, generated from a formative phase of the AIMhi-Y project, was refined through a series of youth co-design workshops and meetings. A narrative review of the literature, 6 service provider interviews, and engagement with an expert reference group also informed the design process. Generative design activities, storyboarding, discussions, and voting strategies were used. Results The participatory design process identified the app features preferred by young people and service providers and assessed their alignment with current recommendations from the scientific literature. Findings from the co-design process are presented across 9 app characteristic domains. Integration of findings into app design proved complex. Although most preferred features identified by young people were included to some degree, other inclusions were restricted by budget, time, and the need to integrate best practice recommendations. A process of prioritization was required. Conclusions Participatory design is often cited in the development of digital mental health resources; however, methods are diverse and often lack detailed descriptions. This study reports the outcomes and strategies used to determine priorities in the second phase of the development of the AIMhi-Y app. We provide an example and the key learnings to inform others seeking to use participatory design with a similar cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josie Povey
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina, Australia
| | - Michelle Sweet
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Tricia Nagel
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina, Australia
| | - Anne Lowell
- Northern Institute, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
| | - Fiona Shand
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jahdai Vigona
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina, Australia
| | - Kylie M Dingwall
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Alice Springs, Australia
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Lockwood J, Williams L, Martin JL, Rathee M, Hill C. Effectiveness, User Engagement and Experience, and Safety of a Mobile App (Lumi Nova) Delivering Exposure-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Strategies to Manage Anxiety in Children via Immersive Gaming Technology: Preliminary Evaluation Study. JMIR Ment Health 2022; 9:e29008. [PMID: 35072644 PMCID: PMC8822420 DOI: 10.2196/29008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood anxiety disorders are a prevalent mental health problem that can be treated effectively with cognitive behavioral therapy, in which exposure is a key component; however, access to treatment is poor. Mobile-based apps on smartphones or tablets may facilitate the delivery of evidence-based therapy for child anxiety, thereby overcoming the access and engagement barriers of traditional treatment. Apps that deliver therapeutic content via immersive gaming technology could offer an effective, highly engaging, and flexible treatment proposition. OBJECTIVE In this paper, we aim to describe a preliminary multi-method evaluation of Lumi Nova, a mobile app intervention targeting mild to moderate anxiety problems in children aged 7-12 years using exposure therapy delivered via an immersive game. The primary objective is to evaluate the effectiveness, user engagement and experience, and safety of the beta version of Lumi Nova. METHODS Lumi Nova was co-designed with children, parents, teachers, clinicians, game industry experts, and academic partnerships. In total, 120 community-based children with mild to moderate anxiety and their guardians were enrolled to participate in an 8-week pilot study. The outcome measures captured the app's effectiveness (anxiety symptoms, child-identified goal-based outcomes, and functional impairment), user engagement (game play data and ease-of-use ratings), and safety (mood ratings and adverse events). The outcome measures before and after the intervention were available for 30 children (age: mean 9.8, SD 1.7 years; girls: 18/30, 60%; White: 24/30, 80%). Additional game play data were automatically generated for 67 children (age: mean 9.6, SD 1.53 years; girls: 35/67, 52%; White: 42/67, 63%). Postintervention open-response data from 53% (16/30) of guardians relating to the primary objectives were also examined. RESULTS Playing Lumi Nova was effective in reducing anxiety symptom severity over the 8-week period of game play (t29=2.79; P=.009; Cohen d=0.35) and making progress toward treatment goals (z=2.43; P=.02), but there were no improvements in relation to functional impairment. Children found it easy to play the game and engaged safely with therapeutic content. However, the positive effects were small, and there were limitations to the game play data. CONCLUSIONS This preliminary study provides initial evidence that an immersive mobile game app may safely benefit children experiencing mild to moderate anxiety. It also demonstrates the value of the rigorous evaluation of digital interventions during the development process to rapidly improve readiness for full market launch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Lockwood
- National Institute of Health Research MindTech MedTech Co-operative, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Williams
- National Institute of Health Research MindTech MedTech Co-operative, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer L Martin
- National Institute of Health Research MindTech MedTech Co-operative, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | | | - Claire Hill
- School of Psychology & Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
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Moltrecht B, Patalay P, Bear HA, Deighton J, Edbrooke-Childs J. A Transdiagnostic, Emotion Regulation App (Eda) for Children: Design, Development, and Lessons Learned. JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e28300. [PMID: 35044312 PMCID: PMC8811693 DOI: 10.2196/28300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Digital interventions, including mobile apps, represent a promising means of providing effective mental health support to children and young people. Despite the increased availability of mental health apps, there is a significant gap for this age group, especially for children (aged 10-12 years). Research investigating the effectiveness and development process of child mental health apps is limited, and the field faces persistent issues in relation to low user uptake and engagement, which is assumed to be a result of limited user involvement in the design process. OBJECTIVE This study aims to present the development and design process of a new mental health app for children that targets their emotion regulation abilities. We describe the creation of a new interdisciplinary development framework to guide the design process and explain how each activity informed different app features. METHODS The first 2 stages of the framework used a variety of methods, including weekly classroom observations over a 6-month period (20 in total); public engagement events with the target group (N=21); synthesis of the existing evidence as part of a meta-analysis; a series of co-design and participatory workshops with young users (N=33), clinicians (N=7), researchers (N=12), app developers (N=1), and designers (N=2); and finally, testing of the first high-tech prototype (N=15). RESULTS For the interdisciplinary framework, we drew on methods derived from the Medical Research Council framework for complex interventions, the patient-clinician framework, and the Druin cooperative inquiry. The classroom observations, public engagement events, and synthesis of the existing evidence informed the first key pillars of the app and wireframes. Subsequently, a series of workshops shaped and reshaped the content and app features, including games, psychoeducational films, and practice modules. On the basis of the prototype testing sessions, we made further adjustments to improve the app. CONCLUSIONS Although mobile apps could be highly suitable to support children's mental health on a wider scale, there is little guidance on how these interventions could be designed and developed. The involvement of young users across different design activities is very valuable. We hope that our interdisciplinary framework and description of the used methods will be helpful to others who are hoping to develop mental health apps for children and young people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Moltrecht
- Evidence-based practice unit, Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Centre for Longitudinal Studies, Institute of Education, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Praveetha Patalay
- Centre for Longitudinal Studies, Institute of Education, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Holly Alice Bear
- Evidence-based practice unit, Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jessica Deighton
- Evidence-based practice unit, Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Julian Edbrooke-Childs
- Evidence-based practice unit, Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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