scholarly journals An online survey of young adolescent girls' use of the internet and smartphone apps for mental health support

BJPsych Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 302-306 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca Grist ◽  
Bethany Cliffe ◽  
Megan Denne ◽  
Abigail Croker ◽  
Paul Stallard
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Health Resources ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Survey Tool ◽  
Health Apps ◽  
Mental Health Support ◽  
Health Support

BackgroundAdolescents are digital natives, with the majority now owning their own smartphones and having internet access. Although the internet and smartphone applications (apps) can provide mental health support, little is known about how young adolescents use digital technology for mental health purposes. There are many digital health resources available for young people, but the assumption that they will be open to use them has been largely untested.AimsWe aimed to explore how adolescents with and without raised symptoms of anxiety, depression and problematic eating use the internet on smartphones/tablets and mental health apps.MethodThe Bristol Online Survey tool was used to deliver an online survey to 775 girls aged 11–16 years, attending a state-funded secondary school in the south-west of England. The survey was completed in class during the winter term of 2017.ResultsA total of 98.7 and 97.4% used the internet and apps, respectively, although only 6% had used any mental health apps. Of those with raised mental health symptoms, 15–17% used or were using a mental health app, with 48.5% reporting that they would not use a mental health app.ConclusionsYoung female adolescents are avid users of the internet and apps but are not using digital technology for mental health purposes. Addressing concerns about digital technology are necessary to maximise the effect it can have on child and adolescent mental health.Declaration of interestNone.

scholarly journals Risk of psychological distress, pervasiveness of stigma and utilisation of support services: Exploring paramedic perceptions

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly Mackinnon ◽  
Timothy Everett ◽  
Lisa Holmes ◽  
Erin Smith ◽  
Brennen Mills
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Support Services ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Mental Health Support ◽  
Health Support ◽  
Distress Scale

IntroductionParamedics are exposed to significant and cumulative stressors that contribute to poor mental health. The provision of effective and engaging mental health support is essential in improving overall wellbeing. Many ambulance services have adapted their available support services to reflect this need. However, there remains limited research into the perceived efficacy of these services and barriers that limit uptake from paramedics.MethodsParamedics and ambulance volunteers from Australia and New Zealand were invited to complete an online survey consisting of a series of Likert-scale and open-ended response questions. The well-validated Kessler Psychological Distress Scale was also incorporated into the online survey.ResultsA total of 184 participants completed the survey. A total of 50 (27%) participants reported high/very high levels of psychological distress. Participants exposed to at least one adverse event while working reported higher psychological distress scores than those that had not. Just over half (51%) of all participants disagreed/strongly disagreed there was no stigma associated with seeking mental health support from paramedic colleagues and 54% of participants disagreed/strongly disagreed there was no stigma from managerial staff.ConclusionThese findings suggest paramedics are at a greater risk of psychological distress than the general population. This is particularly problematic given there is a clear perception of ongoing stigma among paramedics associated with the utilisation of mental health support services. Future research should explore methods for reducing stigma and encouraging help-seeking behaviours in this vulnerable population throughout all phases of an emergency service workers career.

scholarly journals COVID-19 Pandemic in a Vulnerable Population: Prevalence and Correlates of Anxiety

2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 13
Author(s):  
Reham Shalaby ◽  
Ejemai Eboreime ◽  
Nnamdi Nkire ◽  
Belinda Agyapong ◽  
Hannah Pazderka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Clinical Information ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Fort Mcmurray ◽  
Vulnerable Communities ◽  
Mental Health Support ◽  
Health Support ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Severe Anxiety

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has produced negative mental health outcomes. These effects were more prominent in vulnerable communities that experienced prior similar disasters. The study aimed to examine the likelihood and correlates of anxiety symptoms among Fort McMurray (FMM) residents, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey questionnaire was applied between 24 April and 2 June 2021, at FMM, to gather sociodemographic, COVID-19, and clinical information, including generalized anxiety disorder (using GAD-7 scale). Results: Overall, 186 individuals completed the survey (response rate 74.7%). Most of the respondents were females (159, 85.5%); above 40 years (98, 52.7%); employed (175, 94.1%); and in relationship (132, 71%). The prevalence of moderate-to-severe anxiety was (42.5%, 71) on GAD-7 self-reported scale. Subscribers who reported that they would like to receive mental health support; have received no family support since COVID-19 declaration; and have lost their job during the pandemic were all more likely to report moderate-to-severe anxiety (OR = 3.39; 95% CI: 1.29–8.88), (OR = 4.85; 95% CI: 1.56–15.03), and (OR = 4.40; 95% CI: 1.01–19.24), respectively. Conclusions: Anxiety levels were high among FMM residents, compared to levels before COVID-19. Clinical and social factors significantly predicted likely anxiety in the Fort McMurray population, during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is imperative that resources are mobilized to support vulnerable communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Mental health provision in schools: approaches and interventions in 10 European countries

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Patalay ◽  
D. Gondek ◽  
B. Moltrecht ◽  
L. Giese ◽  
C. Curtin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Well Being ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Staff Support ◽  
Social And Emotional ◽  
Clinical Specialist ◽  
Mental Health Support ◽  
Health Support

Background.The role of schools in providing community-based support for children's mental health and well-being is widely accepted and encouraged. Research has mainly focused on designing and evaluating specific interventions and there is little data available regarding what provision is available, the focus and priorities of schools and the professionals involved in providing this support. The current study presents these data from schools in 10 European countries.Methods.Online survey of 1466 schools in France, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Poland, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, UK and Ukraine. The participating countries were chosen based on their geographical spread, diversity of political and economic systems, and convenience in terms of access to the research group and presence of collaborators.Results.Schools reported having more universal provision than targeted provision and there was greater reported focus on children who already have difficulties compared with prevention of problems and promotion of student well-being. The most common interventions implemented related to social and emotional skills development and anti-bullying programmes. Learning and educational support professionals were present in many schools with fewer schools reporting involvement of a clinical specialist. Responses varied by country with 7.4–33.5% between-country variation across study outcomes. Secondary schools reported less support for parents and more for staff compared with primary schools, with private schools also indicating more staff support. Schools in rural locations reported less student support and professionals involved than schools in urban locations.Conclusion.The current study provides up-to-date and cross-country insight into the approaches, priorities and provision available for mental health support in schools; highlighting what schools prioritise in providing mental health support and where coverage of provision is lacking.

scholarly journals Hi, Can I Help? Exploring How to Design a Mental Health Chatbot for Youths

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 139-169
Author(s):  
Camilla Gudmundsen Høiland ◽  
Asbjørn Følstad ◽  
Amela Karahasanovic
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
School Health ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
School Nurses ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Preventive Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Support ◽  
Health Support

Chatbots represent new opportunities for low-threshold preventive mental health support to youths. To provide needed knowledge regarding how to design chatbots for this purpose, we present an exploratory design study where we designed and evaluated a prototype chatbot to complement the work of school nurses in the school health service. The prototype was designed with particular regard for preventive mental health support. The design process involved school nurses, digital health workers, and youths. Through user insight activities, we identified four types of support to be provided through the chatbot: informational, relational, processual, and referral. We explored these four types of support through concept development and prototyping. These results are discussed as a potential basis for a framework for understanding youths’ needs regarding chatbots for preventive mental health support. When discussing the study findings, we point out how the study contributes to theory and practice and suggest avenues for future research.

Help-seeking and psychological distress in university students: Findings from a cross-sectional online survey in the UK

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S184-S185 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Wadman ◽  
L.A.D. Webster ◽  
H. Stain
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
University Students ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Social And Emotional ◽  
Mental Health Support ◽  
Health Support

IntroductionWith most mental health disorders emerging in the later teenage years, university students are arguably an at-risk population with increased mental health support needs. This population is characterised by important, life-changing transitions (moving away from home, friends and family) and new potential stressors (including increased academic pressures and relational challenges). Research to examine determinants of mental health help-seeking behaviours in university students is needed to ensure emotional health needs are being met at this critical time.ObjectivesTo examine levels of psychological distress and mental health help-seeking behaviours in a sample of UK university students. By identifying factors associated with help seeking, we can better understand the mental health needs of this population and inform support provision.MethodsThis study draws on data from the social and emotional well-being in university students (SoWise) study, an online survey which aimed to examine risk and resilience for social and emotional well-being in young people attending a UK university.ResultsWhole sample analysis (n = 461) showed help seeking was significantly associated with psychological distress, current life stressors and anxious attachment and not associated with perceived mental health stigma. Sub-group analysis (n = 171) suggests being female and older significantly predicted help seeking in students with mild/moderate psychological distress.ConclusionsYounger males with mild/moderate psychological distress are less likely to seek mental health support and represent an “invisible” at risk group. Results also suggest that global anti-stigma campaigns in universities may not prove effective in encouraging help seeking.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals The Rainbow Mental Health Support Experiences Study: Summary of Findings

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gloria Fraser
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Culturally Competent ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Gender Diverse ◽  
Sexuality And Gender ◽  
Mental Health Support ◽  
Health Support ◽  
And Gender ◽  
A Current

International research shows that sex, sexuality, and gender diverse peoplearound the world experience high rates of adverse mental health outcomesas a result of stress caused by stigma, violence, and discrimination. Researchfrom Aotearoa – a country well-known for being at the forefront of socialchange – suggests that mental health disparities within rainbow communitiesreflect those seen overseas, but there is a current lack of research examiningwhether rainbow community members are receiving the support they need. This research aimed to extend current understandings of rainbow therapy experiences, in order to inform training for culturally competent mental health care in the New Zealand context. An online survey was completed by 1575 rainbow people who had accessed mental health services in Aotearoa. This report presents an overview of the survey findings.

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic in Taiwan: An Facebook Online study on Concern/Fear Regarding the Disease and General Anxiety and Relevant Factors (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peng-Wei Wang ◽  
Wei-Hsin Lu ◽  
Yi-Lung Chen ◽  
Dian-Jeng Li ◽  
Yu-Ping Chang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Health Resources ◽  
World Health ◽  
Regional Government ◽  
General Anxiety ◽  
Self Confidence ◽  
Health Organization

BACKGROUND The World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a ‘public health emergency of international concern. Both worry and anxiety are the common psychological impact during the pandemic. The level of and determinants for worry and anxiety during COVID-19 are not well explored. OBJECTIVE The present study aimed to explore the associations of demographic and environmental factors with worry toward COVID-19 and general anxiety among people in Taiwan. METHODS In total, 1970 respondents were recruited through a Facebook advertisement and completed an online survey on worry toward COVID-19, general anxiety during the pandemic, and individual and environmental factors. RESULTS In total, 51.7% and 43.4% of respondents reported high levels of worry toward COVID-19 and general anxiety, respectively. Worse self-rated mental health, lower self-confidence in COVID-19 management, and insufficient mental health resources were significantly associated with high levels of both worry toward COVID-19 and general anxiety. Lower perceived confidence in COVID-19 management by the regional government was significantly associated with a higher level of worry toward COVID-19. Lower perceived social support was significantly associated with a higher level of general anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSIONS The results showed that high levels of worry toward COVID-19 and general anxiety were prevalent during the disease outbreak. Multiple individual and environmental factors related to worry toward COVID-19 and general anxiety were identified. CLINICALTRIAL

scholarly journals Impact of arthritis on the perceived need and use of mental healthcare among Canadians with mental disorders: nationally representative cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. e041371
Author(s):  
Alyssa Howren ◽  
J Antonio Aviña-Zubieta ◽  
Deborah Da Costa ◽  
Joseph H Puyat ◽  
Hui Xie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Mental Disorder ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Cluster Sampling ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Perceived Need ◽  
Mental Health Support ◽  
Health Support

ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between having arthritis and the perceived need for mental healthcare and use of mental health support among individuals with mental disorders.DesignA cross-sectional analysis using data from Canadian Community Health Survey—Mental Health (2012).SettingThe survey was administered across Canada’s 10 provinces using multistage cluster sampling.ParticipantsThe study sample consisted of individuals reporting depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.Study variables and analysisThe explanatory variable was self-reported doctor-diagnosed arthritis, and outcomes were perceived need for mental healthcare and use of mental health support. We computed overall and gender-stratified multivariable binomial logistic regression models adjusted for age, gender, race/ethnicity, income and geographical region.ResultsAmong 1774 individuals with a mental disorder in the study sample, 436 (20.4%) reported having arthritis. Arthritis was associated with increased odds of having a perceived need for mental healthcare (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.71, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.77). In the gender-stratified models, this association was increased among men (aOR 2.69, 95% CI 1.32 to 5.49) but not women (aOR 1.48, 95% CI 0.78 to 2.82). Evaluation of the association between arthritis and use of mental health support resulted in an aOR of 1.50 (95% CI 0.89 to 2.51). Individuals with arthritis tended to use medications and professional services as opposed to non-professional support.ConclusionComorbid arthritis among individuals with a mental disorder was associated with an increased perceived need for mental healthcare, especially in men, underscoring the importance of understanding the role of masculinity in health seeking. Assessing the mental health of patients with arthritis continues to be essential for clinical care.

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