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Wu PF, Summers C, Panesar A, Kaura A, Zhang L. AI Hesitancy and Acceptability-Perceptions of AI Chatbots for Chronic Health Management and Long COVID Support: Survey Study. JMIR Hum Factors 2024; 11:e51086. [PMID: 39045815 DOI: 10.2196/51086] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots have the potential to assist individuals with chronic health conditions by providing tailored information, monitoring symptoms, and offering mental health support. Despite their potential benefits, research on public attitudes toward health care chatbots is still limited. To effectively support individuals with long-term health conditions like long COVID (or post-COVID-19 condition), it is crucial to understand their perspectives and preferences regarding the use of AI chatbots. Objective This study has two main objectives: (1) provide insights into AI chatbot acceptance among people with chronic health conditions, particularly adults older than 55 years and (2) explore the perceptions of using AI chatbots for health self-management and long COVID support. Methods A web-based survey study was conducted between January and March 2023, specifically targeting individuals with diabetes and other chronic conditions. This particular population was chosen due to their potential awareness and ability to self-manage their condition. The survey aimed to capture data at multiple intervals, taking into consideration the public launch of ChatGPT, which could have potentially impacted public opinions during the project timeline. The survey received 1310 clicks and garnered 900 responses, resulting in a total of 888 usable data points. Results Although past experience with chatbots (P<.001, 95% CI .110-.302) and online information seeking (P<.001, 95% CI .039-.084) are strong indicators of respondents' future adoption of health chatbots, they are in general skeptical or unsure about the use of AI chatbots for health care purposes. Less than one-third of the respondents (n=203, 30.1%) indicated that they were likely to use a health chatbot in the next 12 months if available. Most were uncertain about a chatbot's capability to provide accurate medical advice. However, people seemed more receptive to using voice-based chatbots for mental well-being, health data collection, and analysis. Half of the respondents with long COVID showed interest in using emotionally intelligent chatbots. Conclusions AI hesitancy is not uniform across all health domains and user groups. Despite persistent AI hesitancy, there are promising opportunities for chatbots to offer support for chronic conditions in areas of lifestyle enhancement and mental well-being, potentially through voice-based user interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Fei Wu
- School of Business and Management, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte Summers
- DDM Health, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Arjun Panesar
- DDM Health, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Amit Kaura
- DDM Health, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Computer Science, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, United Kingdom
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Abdelhameed F, Pearson E, Parsons N, Barber TM, Panesar A, Summers C, de la Fosse M, Hanson P. Health Outcomes Following Engagement With a Digital Health Tool Among People With Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes: Prospective Evaluation Study. JMIR Diabetes 2023; 8:e47224. [PMID: 38016426 PMCID: PMC10784975 DOI: 10.2196/47224] [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: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetes is a worldwide chronic condition causing morbidity and mortality, with a growing economic burden on health care systems. Complications from poorly controlled diabetes are associated with increased socioeconomic costs and reduced quality of life. Smartphones have become an influential platform, providing feasible tools such as health apps to deliver tailored support to enhance the ability of patients with diabetes for self-management. Gro Health is a National Health Service division X-certified digital health tool used to deliver educational and monitoring support to facilitate the development of skills and practices for maintaining good health. OBJECTIVE This study aims to assess self-reported outcomes of the Gro Health app among users with diabetes and prediabetes and identify the factors that determine engagement with the digital health tool. METHODS This was a service evaluation of self-reported data collected prospectively by the developers of the Gro Health app. The EQ-5D questionnaire is a standardized tool used to measure health status for clinical and economic appraisal. Gro Health users completed the EQ-5D at baseline and 6 months after using the app. Users provided informed consent for the use of their anonymized data for research purposes. EQ-5D index scores and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were calculated at baseline and 6 months for individuals with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Descriptive statistics and multiple-regression models were used to assess changes in the outcome measures and determine factors that affected engagement with the digital tool. RESULTS A total of 84% (1767/2114) of Gro Health participants completed EQ-5D at baseline and 6 months. EQ-5D index scores are average values that reflect people's preferences about their health state (1=full health and 0=moribund). There was a significant and clinically meaningful increase in mean EQ-5D index scores among app users between baseline (0.746, SD 0.23) and follow-up (0.792, SD 0.22; P<.001). The greatest change was observed in the mean VAS score, with a percentage change of 18.3% improvement (61.7, SD 18.1 at baseline; 73.0, SD 18.8 at follow-up; P<.001). Baseline EQ-5D index scores, age, and completion of educational modules were associated with significant changes in the follow-up EQ-5D index scores, with baseline EQ-5D index scores, race and ethnicity, and completion of educational modules being significantly associated with app engagement (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS This study provides evidence of a significant positive effect on self-reported quality of life among people living with type 2 diabetes engaging with a digital health intervention. The improvements, as demonstrated by the EQ-5D questionnaire, are facilitated through access to education and monitoring support tools within the app. This provides an opportunity for health care professionals to incorporate National Health Service-certified digital tools, such as Gro Health, as part of the holistic management of people living with diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farah Abdelhameed
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Eilish Pearson
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Nick Parsons
- Statistics and Epidemiology Unit, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas M Barber
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Arjun Panesar
- Diabetes Digital Media Health, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Petra Hanson
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
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Moghimi E, Stephenson C, Agarwal A, Nikjoo N, Malakouti N, Layzell G, O'Riordan A, Jagayat J, Shirazi A, Gutierrez G, Khan F, Patel C, Yang M, Omrani M, Alavi N. Efficacy of an Electronic Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Program Delivered via the Online Psychotherapy Tool for Depression and Anxiety Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic: Pre-Post Pilot Study. JMIR Ment Health 2023; 10:e51102. [PMID: 37993984 PMCID: PMC10760511 DOI: 10.2196/51102] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lockdowns and social distancing resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic have worsened the population's mental health and made it more difficult for individuals to receive care. Electronic cognitive behavioral therapy (e-CBT) is a cost-effective and evidence-based treatment for anxiety and depression and can be accessed remotely. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to investigate the efficacy of online psychotherapy tailored to depression and anxiety symptoms during the pandemic. METHODS The pilot study used a pre-post design to evaluate the efficacy of a 9-week e-CBT program designed for individuals with depression and anxiety affected by the pandemic. Participants were adults (N=59) diagnosed with major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, whose mental health symptoms initiated or worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. The online psychotherapy program focused on teaching coping, mindfulness, and problem-solving skills. Symptoms of anxiety and depression, resilience, and quality of life were assessed. RESULTS Participants demonstrated significant improvements in symptoms of anxiety (P=.02) and depression (P=.03) after the intervention. Similar trends were observed in the intention-to-treat analysis. No significant differences were observed in resilience and quality-of-life measures. The sample comprised mostly females, making it challenging to discern the benefits of the intervention in males. Although a pre-post design is less rigorous than a controlled trial, this design was selected to observe changes in scores during a critical period. CONCLUSIONS e-CBT for COVID-19 is an effective and accessible treatment option. Improvements in clinical symptoms of anxiety and depression can be observed in individuals whose mental health is affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04476667; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04476667. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR2-10.2196/24913.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elnaz Moghimi
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Callum Stephenson
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Anika Agarwal
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Niloofar Nikjoo
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Niloufar Malakouti
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Gina Layzell
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Anne O'Riordan
- Patient and Family Centered Care, Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Jasleen Jagayat
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | | | - Gilmar Gutierrez
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Ferwa Khan
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Charmy Patel
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Megan Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Mohsen Omrani
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- OPTT Inc, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nazanin Alavi
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
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Li J. Digital technologies for mental health improvements in the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:413. [PMID: 36859184 PMCID: PMC9976664 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15302-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Digital technologies have been used to support mental health services for two decades, but the COVID-19 pandemic created a particular opportunity for greater utilization and more data-driven assessment of these digital technologies. This research aims to offer a scoping review of the characteristics and effectiveness of digital interventions that were employed to improve mental health in the real context of COVID-19 pandemic. A combination of search terms was applied for automatic search of publications in the relevant databases. The key features of included studies were extracted, including the intervention, participant, and study details. A total of 20 eligible studies were included in the final review, which were conducted across different geographic regions and among diverse cultural groups. Among them, fourteen studies mainly reported the impact of digital technologies on general population, while only one published study developed specific interventions for the isolated COVID-19 depressed patients in hospitals. Digital technologies identified in this review were mainly developed via web-based and mobile-based platforms, such as social networking and video conferencing applications. But less than half of them were aligned with theoretical approaches from standardized psychological treatments. Most of the studies have reported positive effects of digital technologies, either on improving general mental and emotional well-being or addressing specific conditions (e.g., depression, stress, and anxiety). This scoping review suggests that digital technologies hold promise in bridging the mental health-care gap during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, and calls for more rigorous studies to identify pertinent features that are likely to achieve more effective mental health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhui Li
- School of Journalism and Communication, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Ave West, 510632, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. .,National Media Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Ave West, 510632, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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Asadi F, Rahimi F, Ghaderkhany S, Almasi S. Self-care for coronavirus disease through electronic health technologies: A scoping review. Health Sci Rep 2023; 6:e1122. [PMID: 36824616 PMCID: PMC9941480 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1122] [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: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Considering the rapid spread and transmission of COVID-19 and its high mortality rate, self-care practices are of special importance during this pandemic to prevent and control the spread of the virus. In this regard, electronic health systems can play a major role in improving self-care practices related to coronavirus disease. This study aimed to review the electronic health technologies used in each of the constituent elements of the self-care (self-care maintenance, self-care monitoring, and self-care management) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This scoping review was conducted based on Arksey and O'Malley's framework. In this study, the specific keywords related to "electronic health," "self-care," and "COVID-19" were searched on PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google. Results Of the 47 articles reviewed, most articles (27 articles) were about self-care monitoring and aimed to monitor the vital signs of patients. The results showed that the use of electronic health tools mainly focuses on training in the control and prevention of coronavirus disease during this pandemic, in the field of self-care maintenance, and medication management, communication, and consultation with healthcare providers, in the field of self-care management. Moreover, the most commonly used electronic health technologies were mobile web applications, smart vital signs monitoring devices, and social networks, respectively. Conclusion The study findings suggested that the use of electronic health technologies, such as mobile web applications and social networks, can effectively improve self-care practices for coronavirus disease. In addition, such technologies can be applied by health policymakers and disease control and prevention centers to better manage the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farkhondeh Asadi
- Department of Health Information Technology and Management, School of Allied Medical SciencesShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Fatemeh Rahimi
- Department of Health Information Technology and Management, School of Allied Medical SciencesShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Shady Ghaderkhany
- Clinical Research Development Unit, Kowsar Medical, Educational and Therapeutic CenterKurdistan University of Medical SciencesSanandajIran
| | - Sohrab Almasi
- Department of Health Information Technology and Management, Health Information Management, School of Allied Medical SciencesShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
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Khader Y, Yang X, Pan Z, Fan Y, Chen Y, Yu X, Zhou L. The Usability, Feasibility, Acceptability, and Efficacy of Digital Mental Health Services in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Scoping Review, Systematic Review, and Meta-analysis. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2023; 9:e43730. [PMID: 36634261 PMCID: PMC9930923 DOI: 10.2196/43730] [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: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND After the rapid spread of the novel SARS-CoV-2, the short-term and long-term mental health impacts of the pandemic on the public, in particular on susceptible individuals, have been reported worldwide. Although digital mental health services expand accessibility while removing many barriers to in-person therapy, their usability, feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy require continued monitoring during the initial phase of the pandemic and its aftermath. OBJECTIVE In this study, we aimed to understand what mental health services are offered, whether they are practical or acceptable, and to what extent digital mental health services are effective in response to the COVID-19 pandemic across high-income and low- and middle-income countries. METHODS This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guideline. We implemented searches in PubMed (MEDLINE), Embase, PsycINFO, and Cochrane databases for studies that were published between December 2019 and November 2021 and that involved the use of digital mental health services. Two review authors screened, assessed, and extracted studies independently. The protocol was registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews. RESULTS This review identified 7506 articles through database searching. In total, 65 (0.9%) studies from 18 countries with 67,884 participants were eligible for the scoping review. Of the 65 studies, 16 (24.6%) were included in the meta-analysis. A total of 15 (23.1%) studies measured the usability; 31 (47.7%) studies evaluated the feasibility; 29 (44.6%) studies assessed the acceptability; and 51 (78.5%) studies assessed the efficacy. Web-based programs (21/65, 32.3%), videoconferencing platforms (16/65, 24.6%), smartphone apps (14/65, 21.5%), and SMS text messaging (5/65, 7.7%) were the main techniques. Psychotherapy (44/65, 67.7%) followed by psychoeducation (6/65, 9.2%) and psychological support (5/65, 7.7%) were commonly used. The results of the meta-analysis showed that digital mental health interventions were associated with a small reduction in depressive symptoms (standardized mean difference=-0.49; 95% CI -0.74 to -0.24; P<.001) and a moderate reduction in anxiety symptoms (standardized mean difference=-0.66; 95% CI -1.23 to -1.0; P=.02) significantly. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that digital mental health interventions may be practical and helpful for the general population, at-risk individuals, and patients with preexisting mental disorders across high-income and middle-income countries. An expanded research agenda is needed to apply different strategies for addressing diverse psychological needs and develop integrated mental health services in the post-COVID-19 era. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42022307695; https://tinyurl.com/2jcuwjym.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yousef Khader
- The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Xinhu Yang
- The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zihua Pan
- The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Fan
- The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanan Chen
- The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Yu
- The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liang Zhou
- The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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McLennan AIG, Baydoun M, Oberoi D, Carlson L. "A Hippo Out of Water": A Qualitative Inquiry of How Cancer Survivors' Experienced In-Person and Remote-Delivered Mind-Body Therapies. GLOBAL ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE AND HEALTH 2023; 12:27536130231207807. [PMID: 37908330 PMCID: PMC10614178 DOI: 10.1177/27536130231207807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Background Mind-body therapies (MBTs) are an effective treatment option for people living with and surviving from cancer to help manage unwanted physical and psychological symptoms and side-effects related to treatment and the illness itself. Many of these structured MBTs, such as Mindfulness Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR) and tai chi/qigong (TCQ) programs are common; however, COVID-19 caused most research intervention trials and clinical programs to halt completely, or rapidly adapt an online modality. The Mindfulness and Tai Chi for Cancer Health (MATCH) study, a large-scale study that compared MBCR to a structured TCQ program for treating psychological and physical health outcomes for cancer survivors, adapted to an online, Zoom delivered, program at the outset of COVID-19. Objectives Study objectives were to explore the experiences of MATCH study participants who took the MBCR or TCQ program completely in-person, those who took the program completely online (over zoom), and participants who had to shift from in-person to online delivery midway through their series of TCQ classes. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 participants following participation in either the MBCR or TCQ program of the MATCH study. Results We derived four themes from the data: 1) attending to personal needs, 2) functional, interpersonal, and COVID19-related challenges, 3) unique engagement styles based on mode of delivery, and 4) ease of transitioning to remote delivery. We found that thematic outcomes were variable and largely based on individual preference, such as valuing more autonomy online, or appreciating the interpersonal connection of being in-person. Our results further indicated that the process of shifting from in-person to online within a short time-period was a relatively seamless transition that had minimal impact on participant experience. Conclusions Insights from this study highlight the benefits of digital mind-body therapies for cancer survivors that extend beyond the acute effects of COVID19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohamad Baydoun
- Department of Psychology, University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada
| | - Devesh Oberoi
- Department of Population Health, City University (Calgary-Campus), Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Linda Carlson
- Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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Seidenbecher S, Dobrowolny H, Wolter S, Klemen J, Meyer-Lotz G, Gescher DM, Steiner J, Frodl T. Consequences of the Lockdown: Domestic Violence During the COVID-19 Pandemic. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1412:53-72. [PMID: 37378761 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-28012-2_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The global pandemic of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has presented many unique challenges to health systems. The hidden impact of COVID-19 and its associated lockdown have been an increased prevalence of domestic violence. OBJECTIVE To increase our understanding of the connection between COVID-19 containment measures, domestic violence, and mental health in Germany, we conducted an online self-assessment survey of 98 domestic violence victims and 276 controls. All participants answered questions concerning domestic violence, emotional regulation skills, limitations due to and acceptance of containment measures, and quality of their contact experiences. RESULTS There was no significant effect of "gender" x "domestic violence." Among victims of domestic violence, the number of women was considerably higher than the number of men. In addition, the factors "negative contact quality," "emotional regulation," and "resilience" differed significantly between the victims of domestic violence and the control group. CONCLUSIONS The COVID-19 outbreak and associated containment and quarantine measures resulted in a "hidden pandemic" of domestic violence for which prevention programs and early victim assistance through the expansion of digital technologies are urgently needed. Prospective studies should expand empirical data to focus on the long-term psychological effects of domestic violence and biomarkers that can serve as warning signs of stress-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Seidenbecher
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Henrik Dobrowolny
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Sarah Wolter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Jane Klemen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Gabriela Meyer-Lotz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Dorothee Maria Gescher
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Clinic for Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Johann Steiner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Frodl
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Clinic for Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
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Hatami H, Deravi N, Danaei B, Zangiabadian M, Shahidi Bonjar AH, Kheradmand A, Nasiri MJ. Tele-medicine and improvement of mental health problems in COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review. Int J Methods Psychiatr Res 2022; 31:e1924. [PMID: 35700080 PMCID: PMC9349757 DOI: 10.1002/mpr.1924] [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: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tele-medicine services have been developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupts mental health services. The present study investigates the effectiveness of telephone-delivered services for psychological disorders in the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS We searched PubMed/Medline, Embase and Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials for relevant clinical studies up to February 1, 2022. Following terms were used: "severe acute respiratory syndrome", "Coronavirus", "Coronavirus infection", "SARS-CoV-2", "COVID-19", "mental disorder", "mental health", "mental health program", "mental health service", "psychiatric service", "telemedicine", "Telehealth", "Tele-health", "Telecare", "Mobile health". RESULTS Twelve relevant clinical articles were included in our study. Eight articles were parallel randomized controlled trials (RCTs), two were Quasi-experimental, and one was a multicenter retrospective cohort study. A total of 1900 adults (18 years old or above that) were included. Online telecommunication methods like online apps and videoconference were the most common interventions. The most prevalent measured outcome was levels of anxiety and depression among participants. Eleven out of 12 articles showed a significant association between telemedicine and mental health improvement. CONCLUSIONS The included studies in the current systematic review reported the probable efficacy of telemedicine in improving mental health disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic. But it is not possible to determine the best telecommunication method for each mental disorder in different populations and the preference of patients is still face to face therapy. So RCTs in different populations with previous mental disorders or chronic diseases are required to investigate the further telemedicine's efficacy on managing mental problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Hatami
- Department of Public Health, School of Public Health and Safety and Environmental and Occupational Hazards Control Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Niloofar Deravi
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bardia Danaei
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Moein Zangiabadian
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Hashem Shahidi Bonjar
- School of Dentistry, Clinician Scientist of Dental Materials and Restorative Dentistry, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Kheradmand
- Department of Psychiatry, Taleghani Hospital Research Development Committee, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Javad Nasiri
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Méndez JI, Meza-Sánchez AV, Ponce P, McDaniel T, Peffer T, Meier A, Molina A. Smart Homes as Enablers for Depression Pre-Diagnosis Using PHQ-9 on HMI through Fuzzy Logic Decision System. SENSORS 2021; 21:s21237864. [PMID: 34883868 PMCID: PMC8659873 DOI: 10.3390/s21237864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Depression is a common mental illness characterized by sadness, lack of interest, or pleasure. According to the DSM-5, there are nine symptoms, from which an individual must present 4 or 5 in the last two weeks to fulfill the diagnosis criteria of depression. Nevertheless, the common methods that health care professionals use to assess and monitor depression symptoms are face-to-face questionnaires leading to time-consuming or expensive methods. On the other hand, smart homes can monitor householders’ health through smart devices such as smartphones, wearables, cameras, or voice assistants connected to the home. Although the depression disorders at smart homes are commonly oriented to the senior sector, depression affects all of us. Therefore, even though an expert needs to diagnose the depression disorder, questionnaires as the PHQ-9 help spot any depressive symptomatology as a pre-diagnosis. Thus, this paper proposes a three-step framework; the first step assesses the nine questions to the end-user through ALEXA or a gamified HMI. Then, a fuzzy logic decision system considers three actions based on the nine responses. Finally, the last step considers these three actions: continue monitoring through Alexa and the HMI, suggest specialist referral, and mandatory specialist referral.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juana Isabel Méndez
- School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Mexico City 14380, Mexico; (J.I.M.); (A.M.)
| | | | - Pedro Ponce
- School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Mexico City 14380, Mexico; (J.I.M.); (A.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Troy McDaniel
- The Polytechnic School, Arizona State University, Mesa, AZ 85212, USA;
| | - Therese Peffer
- Institute for Energy and Environment, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA;
| | - Alan Meier
- Energy and Efficiency Institute, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Arturo Molina
- School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Mexico City 14380, Mexico; (J.I.M.); (A.M.)
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