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Scoten O, Tabi K, Paquette V, Carrion P, Ryan D, Radonjic NV, Whitham EA, Hippman C. Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder in pregnancy and the postpartum period. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2024:S0002-9378(24)00376-4. [PMID: 38432409 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2024.02.297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a childhood-onset neurodevelopmental disorder that frequently persists into adulthood, with 3% of adult women having a diagnosis of ADHD. Many women are diagnosed and treated during their reproductive years, resulting in management implications across pregnancy and postpartum. We know from clinical practice that ADHD symptoms frequently become challenging to manage during the perinatal period, requiring additional support and attention. There is often uncertainty among healthcare providers regarding the management of ADHD in the perinatal period, particularly the safety of pharmacotherapy for the developing fetus. This guideline is focused on best practices in managing ADHD in the perinatal period. We recommend: 1) mitigation of risks associated with ADHD worsening during the perinatal period via individualized treatment planning; 2) delivery of psychoeducation, self-management strategies/coaching, and psychotherapies; and, for those with moderate/severe ADHD, 3) consideration of ADHD pharmacotherapy, which has largely reassuring safety data. Specifically, providers should work collaboratively with patients and their support networks to balance the risks of perinatal ADHD medication with the risks of inadequately treated ADHD in pregnancy. The risks and impacts of ADHD in pregnancy can be successfully managed through preconception counselling and appropriate perinatal planning, management, and support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Scoten
- University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Katarina Tabi
- University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC, Canada; Reproductive Mental Health Program, BC Women's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada; BCCH Centre for Mindfulness, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada; BC Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Prescilla Carrion
- University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC, Canada; Reproductive Mental Health Program, BC Women's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Deirdre Ryan
- University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC, Canada; Reproductive Mental Health Program, BC Women's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Nevena V Radonjic
- Department of Psychiatry, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | | | - Catriona Hippman
- University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC, Canada; Reproductive Mental Health Program, BC Women's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada; BC Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada; University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
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Vo DX, Tabi K, Bhullar M, Johnson A, Locke J, Wang S, Stewart SE, Marshall SK. Mindful awareness and resilience skills for adolescents (MARS-A): a mixed-methods study of a mindfulness-based intervention for a heterogeneous adolescent clinical population. Int J Adolesc Med Health 2024; 36:25-35. [PMID: 38298033 DOI: 10.1515/ijamh-2023-0112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Mindful Awareness and Resilience Skills for Adolescents (MARS-A) is a mindfulness-based intervention adapted for the adolescent population. While previous studies have explored the benefits of MARS-A in various single-diagnosis populations, the aim of this study was to assess MARS-A for a heterogenous clinical adolescent population with mental health and/or chronic diagnoses, focusing on the underlying suffering present in all these conditions rather than its effects on a single diagnosis itself. METHODS Qualitative data was collected through interviews to understand post-intervention participant perspectives and experiences. Quantitative data was collected through measures to investigate preliminary secondary outcomes. RESULTS After participating in MARS-A, participants reported qualitative benefits in enhanced well-being, including coping with difficult emotions and managing sleep and/or pain. Quantitative results showed a reduction in functional disability, psychological distress, perceived stress, and depressive symptoms; increase in positive affect; and benefit in coping with pain and chronic conditions. CONCLUSIONS MARS-A shows great potential in a heterogeneous clinical adolescent population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dzung X Vo
- Centre for Mindfulness, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
- Division of Adolescent Health and Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Katarina Tabi
- Centre for Mindfulness, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
- BC Reproductive Mental Health Program, BC Women's Hospital and Health Centre, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Manreet Bhullar
- Centre for Mindfulness, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
- BC Reproductive Mental Health Program, BC Women's Hospital and Health Centre, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Andrea Johnson
- School of Social Work, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jake Locke
- BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Sophia Wang
- Centre for Mindfulness, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
- BC Reproductive Mental Health Program, BC Women's Hospital and Health Centre, Vancouver, Canada
| | - S Evelyn Stewart
- Centre for Mindfulness, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- BC Mental Health and Substance Use Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Sheila K Marshall
- Division of Adolescent Health and Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- School of Social Work, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Tabi K, Bhullar M, Fantu L, Shulman B, Dueck R, Hippman C, Ryan D, Stewart SE. Feasibility of online mindfulness-based interventions for families affected with postpartum depression and anxiety: study protocol. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e051935. [PMID: 36691183 PMCID: PMC9454041 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-051935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Postpartum depression and anxiety (PPDA) is experienced by up to 20% of families in the first year. The condition impacts not only parents but also their developing child. While mindfulness-based interventions (MBI) have shown to be beneficial for this population, many parents do not have access to treatment or find it challenging to commit or complete the treatment. The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened some of the challenges that parents face. The ability to find time for needed self-care and health interventions is also affected by limited childcare support. The opportunity to attend a group online may significantly improve the accessibility to group MBI but may also bring challenges. This study aims to examine the feasibility and acceptability of online MBI groups for parents in families affected with PPDA. METHODS AND ANALYSIS In this feasibility study, participants will include mothers diagnosed with PPDA and their partners. Two online MBI groups will run simultaneously for 8 weeks: one for mothers with PPDA and another one for their partners. The primary outcome will be feasibility of conducting the online groups, assessed from the facilitators' perspective, participants' perspective and attrition throughout the study. The participants' perspectives on feasibility will be assessed by questions including how difficult it was for them to make it to the sessions, specific obstacles encountered and their scheduling preferences. The facilitators' perspective will be assessed by frequency of technical difficulties encountered, of disruptions in the online sessions and of episodes where parents leave the screen (eg, to calm their child). Secondary outcomes will include mental health, couple relationship, satisfaction and acceptability which will also be evaluated through participant questionnaires. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study has received ethics approval from the University of British Columbia Children's and Women's Research Ethics Board. Study results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04617132.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Tabi
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Centre for Mindfulness, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Reproductive Mental Health Program, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Manreet Bhullar
- Centre for Mindfulness, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Reproductive Mental Health Program, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lenssa Fantu
- Centre for Mindfulness, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Barbara Shulman
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Reproductive Mental Health Program, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Royce Dueck
- Reproductive Mental Health Program, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Catriona Hippman
- Reproductive Mental Health Program, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Deirdre Ryan
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Reproductive Mental Health Program, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - S Evelyn Stewart
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Centre for Mindfulness, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- BC Mental Health and Substance Use Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- BC Women's Hospital & Health Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Hanft-Robert S, Tabi K, Gill H, Endres A, Krausz R. Mental health mobile apps for patients: Psychiatrists’ concerns. Eur Psychiatry 2021. [PMCID: PMC9470954 DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2021.928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
IntroductionThe use of mobile apps aimed at supporting patients with a mental illness is rapidly increasing.ObjectivesThe presented results explore psychiatrists’ concerns about mobile apps for patients with a mental illness. These results are part of a larger study that examines psychiatrists’ attitudes regarding the use and development of mobile apps.MethodsIn the qualitative exploratory study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 psychiatrists in Czech Republic, Austria, and Slovakia. Psychiatrists were recruited via snowball sampling. The interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim, translated into English, and content analyzed using deductive and inductive category development.ResultsThere were mixed feelings regarding mobile apps for patients with mental illness. While psychiatrists emphasized certain benefits (e.g. increasing patients’ treatment motivation and engagement), several concerns were also expressed, especially by psychiatrists who were generally unfamiliar with mobile apps. They feared being replaced; were afraid that patients would act as their own doctors, thereby damaging their health; stressed that mobile apps could not respond or be tailored to an individual the same way psychiatrists could tailor treatment to a patient.ConclusionsThe psychiatrists who were more likely to have concerns about mental health apps were those who were generally unfamiliar with the apps and/or thought the apps aim to replace, rather than support, face-to-face treatment. Thus, clinicians and patients should be familiarized with the use of such mobile apps and educated on how they could support the face-to-face treatment.
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Kamel MM, Westenberg JN, Choi F, Tabi K, Badawy A, Ramy H, Elsawi H, Krausz M. Electronic Mental Health as an Option for Egyptian Psychiatry: Cross-Sectional Study. JMIR Ment Health 2020; 7:e19591. [PMID: 32788155 PMCID: PMC7453323 DOI: 10.2196/19591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Egypt is a country of nearly 100 million citizens, and there are less than 1000 registered psychiatrists. The mental health care system is under resourced and nearly inaccessible for the majority of the population. In addition, youth under the age of 25 years represent 50% of Egyptian citizens; however, there are no specific services addressing their unique needs. How can the needs of the largest population in the Middle East be effectively addressed? Is a web-based framework an option for Egyptian psychiatrists to serve the population? OBJECTIVE The aims of this study were to better understand the opinions of psychiatrists on the current state of mental health care services in Egypt and their current knowledge on electronic mental health (EMH); assess the attitudes of Egyptian psychiatrists toward web-based interventions and telemedicine for mental health; and identify perceived advantages and barriers of EMH development in Egypt. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted online among 640 Egyptian psychiatrists. It included a total of 36 items within a set of 16 questions asking about EMH literacy, integrating EMH into the mental health care system, and the perceived priorities and barriers of EMH. The sampling was supported by Tanta University, a large academic institution close to Cairo. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 25 (IBM Corp). Descriptive statistics, the chi-square test, the independent sample t test, and analysis of variance were applied. RESULTS A total of 188 participants responded (response rate of 29.4%), of which 54.2% (102/188) were female and 54.3% (102/188) were between 30 and 45 years old. Less than half of the participants thought that the current health care system was efficient for adults (69/155, 44.4%), and even less thought it was efficient for youth (44/155, 28.3%). Almost all participants agreed that EMH would be beneficial for patient care (147/155, 94.8%) and that integrating EMH into the current health care system would be a good idea (118/155, 76.2%). The highest rated utility of web-based solutions was documentation, followed by psychoeducation and communication with professionals. The main advantages were to improve access to care in rural areas of the country and its convenience. CONCLUSIONS There is scarcity of mental health resources in Egypt. Egyptian psychiatrists are interested in EMH and believe web-based platforms can become part of the solution for the Egyptian mental health care system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa Mamdouh Kamel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | | | - Fiona Choi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Katarina Tabi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Healthy Minds Centre, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Adel Badawy
- Department of Psychiatry, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Hisham Ramy
- Institute of Psychiatry, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hossam Elsawi
- Department of Psychiatry, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Michael Krausz
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Tabi K, Choi F, Mithani Z, Nikoo M, Jang K, Krausz M. History of parenting instability and lifetime suicidal behavior in people who inject drugs. Psychiatry Res 2019; 280:112493. [PMID: 31376790 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2019.112493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Despite high rates of suicide in people who inject drugs, little is known about the risk factors for suicide related to childhood and family history in this population. We aimed to explore the relationship between the history of out-of-home care (OHC) and lifetime suicide attempts among people who inject opioids. Participants (N = 202) were current injection opioid users with at least one previous episode of opioid maintenance treatment. They were recruited into a double-blind randomized controlled trial for opioid substitution treatment. Secondary analysis of baseline data was conducted from the European Addiction Severity Index and basic demographics questionnaires. A total of 81 (40%) participants reported a history of living in OHC and 27% reported attempting suicide. Participants who reported living in OHC were more likely to report lifetime suicide attempts compared to those who did not live in OHC. History of OHC and suicidal ideation were significant risk factors for suicide attempts adjusting for depression and anxiety. Highest rates of lifetime attempts were among participants who lived in a group home, foster care, and/or psychiatric facility. Living in OHC during childhood was significantly associated with higher rates of suicide attempts in our sample. Greater efforts should be made to provide children from vulnerable families with environments where stable one-to-one relationships can be cultivated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Tabi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Pharmacology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Fiona Choi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Zamina Mithani
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mohammadali Nikoo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kerry Jang
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Michael Krausz
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Tabi K, Randhawa AS, Choi F, Mithani Z, Albers F, Schnieder M, Nikoo M, Vigo D, Jang K, Demlova R, Krausz M. Mobile Apps for Medication Management: Review and Analysis. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2019; 7:e13608. [PMID: 31512580 PMCID: PMC6786858 DOI: 10.2196/13608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pharmacotherapy remains one of the major interventional strategies in medicine. However, patients from all age groups and conditions face challenges when taking medications, such as integrating them into the daily routine, understanding their effects and side effects, and monitoring outcomes. In this context, a reliable medication management tool adaptable to the patient’s needs becomes critical. As most people have a mobile phone, mobile apps offer a platform for such a personalized support tool available on the go. Objective This study aimed to provide an overview of available mobile apps, focusing on those that help patients understand and take their medications. We reviewed the existing apps and provided suggestions for future development based on the concept understand and manage, instead of the conventional adhere to medication. This concept aims to engage and empower patients to be in charge of their health, as well as see medication as part of a broader clinical approach, working simultaneously with other types of interventions or lifestyle changes, to achieve optimal outcomes. Methods We performed a Web search in the iOS Apple App Store and Android Google Play Store, using 4 search terms: medication management, pill reminder, medication health monitor, and medication helper. We extracted information from the app store descriptions for each eligible app and categorized into the following characteristics: features, author affiliation, specialty, user interface, cost, and user rating. In addition, we conducted Google searches to obtain more information about the author affiliation. Results A total of 328 apps (175 Android and 153 iOS) were categorized. The majority of the apps were developed by the software industry (73%, 11/15), a minority of them were codeveloped by health care professionals (15%, 3/20) or academia (2.1%; 7/328). The most prevalent specialty was diabetes (23 apps). Only 7 apps focused on mental health, but their content was highly comprehensive in terms of features and had the highest prevalence of the education component. The most prevalent features were reminder, symptom tracker, and ability to share data with a family member or doctor. In addition, we highlighted the features considered innovative and listed practical suggestions for future development and innovations. Conclusions We identified detailed characteristics of the existing apps, with the aim of informing future app development. Ultimately, the goal was to provide users with effective mobile health solutions, which can be expected to improve their engagement in the treatment process and long-term well-being. This study also highlighted the need for improved standards for reporting on app stores. Furthermore, it underlined the need for a platform to offer health app users an ongoing evaluation of apps by health professionals in addition to other users and to provide them with tools to easily select an appropriate and trustworthy app.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Tabi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | | | - Fiona Choi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Zamina Mithani
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Friederike Albers
- Center of Human Movement Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Maren Schnieder
- Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Mohammadali Nikoo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Daniel Vigo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kerry Jang
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Regina Demlova
- Department of Pharmacology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Michael Krausz
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Song MJ, Ward J, Choi F, Nikoo M, Frank A, Shams F, Tabi K, Vigo D, Krausz M. A Process Evaluation of a Web-Based Mental Health Portal (WalkAlong) Using Google Analytics. JMIR Ment Health 2018; 5:e50. [PMID: 30126832 PMCID: PMC6121139 DOI: 10.2196/mental.8594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Revised: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the increasing amount of research on Web-based mental health interventions with proven efficacy, high attrition rates decrease their effectiveness. Continued process evaluations should be performed to maximize the target population's engagement. Google Analytics has been used to evaluate various health-related Web-based programs and may also be useful for Web-based mental health programs. OBJECTIVE The objective of our study was to evaluate WalkAlong.ca, a youth-oriented mental health web-portal, using Google Analytics to inform the improvement strategy for the platform and to demonstrate the use of Google Analytics as a tool for process evaluation of Web-based mental health interventions. METHODS Google Analytics was used to monitor user activity during WalkAlong's first year of operation (Nov 13, 2013-Nov 13, 2014). Selected Google Analytic variables were overall website engagement including pages visited per session, utilization rate of specific features, and user access mode and location. RESULTS The results included data from 3076 users viewing 29,299 pages. Users spent less average time on Mindsteps (0 minute 35 seconds) and self-exercises (1 minute 08 seconds), which are important self-help tools, compared with that on the Screener tool (3 minutes 4 seconds). Of all visitors, 82.3% (4378/5318) were desktop users, followed by 12.7 % (677/5318) mobile phone and 5.0% (263/5318) tablet users. Both direct traffic (access via URL) and referrals by email had more than 7 pages viewed per session and longer than average time of 6 minutes per session. The majority of users (67%) accessed the platform from Canada. CONCLUSIONS Engagement and feature utilization rates are higher among people who receive personal invitations to visit the site. Low utilization rates with specific features offer a starting place for further exploration of users in order to identify the root cause. The data provided by Google Analytics, although informative, can be supplemented by other evaluation methods (ie, qualitative methods) in order to better determine the modifications required to improve user engagement. Google Analytics can play a vital role in highlighting the preferences of those using Web-based mental health tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Jae Song
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - John Ward
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Fiona Choi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mohammadali Nikoo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Anastasia Frank
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Farhud Shams
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Katarina Tabi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Vigo
- Centre for Applied Research in Mental Health and Addictions, Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Michael Krausz
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Nikoo M, Vogel M, Choi F, Song MJ, Burghardt J, Zafari Z, Tabi K, Frank A, Barbic S, Schütz C, Jang K, Krausz M. Employment and paid work among participants in a randomized controlled trial comparing diacetylmorphine and hydromorphone. International Journal of Drug Policy 2018; 57:18-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2018.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Revised: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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