scholarly journals Digital Technology Use Among Individuals with Schizophrenia: Results of an Online Survey

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. e15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katrina Gay ◽  
John Torous ◽  
Adam Joseph ◽  
Anand Pandya ◽  
Ken Duckworth
Keyword(s):  
Digital Technology ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Mental Health Treatment ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Medication Management ◽  
Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Multiple Devices ◽  
Landline Telephone ◽  
High Engagement

Background Despite growing interest in the use of digital technology by individuals with schizophrenia, little is known about how these individual relate to, own, and use technology in their daily life and in the context of their symptoms. Objective The goal of this study is to better characterize technology use in those with schizophrenia. Methods A Web-based survey of individuals’ use of and attitudes toward technology for those 18 years and older self-identifying as having schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or schizophrenia spectrum disorders was conducted. Consumer input was sought in the design of the survey. Results In total, 457 individuals responded to this Web-based survey. Ninety percent owned more than one device (personal computer, landline telephone, tablet, public computer, mobile phone without applications or Internet, or smartphone), with many reporting high utilization of multiple devices, and 61% having 2 devices. The respondents reported that Web-based technology helped with support from family and friends, as well as in gathering information. Many respondents used Web-based technology to help identify coping strategies (24% very often or often) including music to help block or manage voices (42%), while others used technology to set alarms/reminders for medication management (28%). Younger respondents in particular anticipated the role of technology growing over time with respect to their recovery. Conclusions Survey respondents reported that technology access was common, with utilization involving coping, reminders for medications and appointments, and connection. Overall, attitudes were largely positive. Overuse was a concern for 30% of respondents. The study is limited in its generalizability as the population was highly engaged in mental health treatment (87%), self-identified as living with the disorder, and had awareness of their illness. This survey demonstrates high engagement for a subset of technology-oriented individuals living with schizophrenia. It is not known what percent of individuals with schizophrenia are represented by these technology-oriented survey respondents.

scholarly journals Measuring Interests Not Minutes: Development and Validation of the Adolescents’ Digital Technology Interactions and Importance Scale (ADTI)

10.2196/16736 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. e16736
Author(s):  
Megan A Moreno ◽  
Kole Binger ◽  
Qianqian Zhao ◽  
Jens Eickhoff
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Model Fit ◽  
Empirical Literature ◽  
Item Pool ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Adequate Model ◽  
Cronbach Alpha

Background Interactive digital technology use is integral to adolescents’ lives and has been associated with both health benefits and risks. Previous studies have largely focused on measuring the quantity of technology use or understanding the use of specific platforms. To better understand adolescents’ interactive digital technology use, we need new approaches that consider technology interactions and their importance. Objective This study aimed to develop an assessment tool to evaluate adolescents’ digital technology interactions and their perceived importance. Methods We used a validated scale development approach comprising 2 initial steps to create an item pool: item pool development and item pool refinement. These steps relied upon empirical literature review and an expert convening. We then evaluated the item pool using a Web-based survey. Data were collected via Qualtrics panel recruitment from a national sample of 12- to 18-year-olds. Participant data were randomly split into a development subsample for exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and a test subsample for confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). We assessed Cronbach alpha as well as model fit characteristics including root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) and comparative fit index (CFI). Results Our initial item pool had 71 items and the refined item pool contained 40. A total of 761 adolescents assessed the item pool via Web-based survey. Participants had a mean age of 14.8 (SD 1.7) years and were 52.8% (402/761) female and 77.5% (590/761) white. The EFA analysis included 500 participants and an 18-item draft scale was created. The CFA included 261 participants to test the draft scale. Adequate model fit for the scale was indicated by an RMSEA of 0.063 and a CFI of 0.95. The final scale included 18 items in a 3-factor model, with Cronbach alpha for the 3 factors of .87 (factor 1), .90 (factor 2) and .82 (factor 3). The 3 factors were named (1) technology to bridge online and offline experiences, (2) technology to go outside one’s identity or offline environment, and (3) technology for social connection. Conclusions The resulting Adolescents’ Digital Technology Interactions and Importance (ADTI) scale is a promising and psychometrically validated tool for identifying the importance of distinct technology interactions. The scale is informed by relevant theory and expert input. The 3 subscales have utility for future studies to understand whether certain subscale score ranges are associated with health or well-being outcomes.

Preferences and motivational factors for the use of digital technology in real world oncology studies.

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e14119-e14119
Author(s):  
Nadeeka Dias ◽  
Rinah Yamamoto ◽  
Kenneth G Faulkner
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Study ◽  
Real World ◽  
Patient Engagement ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Global Market ◽  
Motivational Factors ◽  
Quality Data ◽  
Oncology Patients

e14119 Background: Patient engagement and motivation during real world oncology studies can be challenging. Digital tools have proven to be effective in reducing patient burden and improving data collection and accuracy. Given the rapid advances in health technology, patient preferences and motivations for these tools are continually evolving. This study investigates preferences for digital technology use with smartphones and wearables, telehealth, and identifies motivational factors that would drive real world study compliance for daily symptom reporting. Methods: Patients (n = 50; 68% male) diagnosed with cancer answered questions via an anonymous online survey about their technology preferences. Results: Although the majority of the population uses smartphones (99%), few oncology patients use wearable technology such as a fitness watch (18%). Of those who do not own a fitness watch, 90% were willing to use the technology in a clinical study and share their data if a watch were provided to them. However, the majority of patients (74%) would prefer to use their own smartphone during a clinical study to answer questions and conduct video calls with the study doctor. For patients who currently visit their doctor in person (98%), almost half (48%) would prefer a remote alternative such as a video call for convenience, especially when in pain. Patients reported several factors that would encourage consistent daily reporting of study data. Out of 10 options, the most motivating factor was access to health information that would help manage their symptoms on a daily basis (92%). Subsequent factors of interest included in-app reminders (88%) and assurance that a doctor would review the reported data and contact them to discuss reported symptoms (94%). Conclusions: The global market for digital health is growing rapidly, and there is a strong preference from oncology patients to shift in-person engagement and reporting to digital platforms. Patients are also highly motivated by information about their own health. Designing real world studies to incorporate these preferences may result in enhanced patient engagement, improved compliance, and higher quality data.

Virtual community inclusion of individuals with serious mental illness: Mapping digital technology usage and community participation patterns in the virtual era (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmit Noa Shpigelman ◽  
Amir Tal ◽  
Yaara Zisman-Ilani
Keyword(s):  
Mental Illness ◽  
Serious Mental Illness ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Positive Emotions ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Virtual Community ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Community Inclusion ◽  
Community Activities

BACKGROUND Despite the growing interest in developing and using mHealth (mobile health) and digital technologies in mental health, little is known about the scope and nature of virtual community inclusion. OBJECTIVE The overarching goal of this study was to understand and conceptualize virtual community inclusion of individuals with serious mental illness (SMI). Specific objectives were: (1) Mapping the prevalence, trends, and experiences related to mHealth and digital technology use among individuals with SMI; (2) Comparing patterns of technology use by individuals with and without SMI; and (3) Examining whether use of mHealth and digital technologies predicts recovery among individuals with SMI. METHODS An online survey of technology use and virtual participation was developed and distributed among adults with and without SMI via social media, national email discussion lists, non-profit organizations, and advocacy groups. RESULTS A total of 381 adults aged 18 years or older participated in the survey, 199 (52%) identified as having a SMI. Participants with SMI reported significantly greater access to technology and significantly fewer days of face-to-face participation in community activities compared with participants without SMI. Among participants with SMI, greater technology use was positively associated with positive emotions and significantly predicted recovery. CONCLUSIONS The present study is the first to explore, map, and conceptualize virtual community inclusion among adults with SMI. Our findings indicate a gap in the literature and research on community inclusion and participation and emphasize the need for virtual community inclusion, particularly during the time of COVID-19 and its future implications.

scholarly journals Parental mediation and rules for children’s digital technology use during spring 2020 lockdown in Croatia

2021 ◽  
pp. 16-24
Author(s):  
Marina Kotrla Topić ◽  
Katarina Perić ◽  
Marina Merkaš
Keyword(s):  
Primary School ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Parental Mediation ◽  
Kindergarten Children ◽  
Family Routines ◽  
School Aged Children ◽  
The World

The pandemic of the COVID-19 virus brought out many changes in family routines across the world. This research aims to investigate changes in rules for children’s digital technology (DT) use and parental mediation during the first lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Croatia. Participants are 281 parents of children aged 3 to 14 years who completed an online survey containing questions about possible changes in the application of different rules regarding DT use and possible changes in different mediation behaviors regarding DT use during the lockdown in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Croatia. Results are analyzed separately for kindergarten children and children attending primary school. Results show a trend implying that during the first lockdown in 2020 most families didn't introduce new rules or abandon them compared to the time before lockdown, but those that did point to parents allowing their children a little more freedom regarding DT, especially for school-aged children. Additionally, small changes compared to the time before lockdown are observed in parental mediation behavior, and these are most evident concerning activities aiming to enable more independent use of DT and safe (probably also more independent) use of DT among school-aged children. Keywords: Lockdown; Parental mediation; Digital technology; Children

scholarly journals Using Technology to Support Self-Managing Hypertension in African Americans

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 587-587
Author(s):  
Carolyn Still ◽  
Phuong Dang ◽  
Abdus Sattar
Keyword(s):  
Technology Use ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Medication Management ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Management Application ◽  
Process Factors ◽  
Clinically Significant ◽  
Hypertension Knowledge ◽  
Web Based Education

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a community and technology-based intervention to support self-managing hypertension in African American (AA). Sixty AA with hypertension were randomly assigned to Coachman (a technology-based intervention) or Enhanced Usual Care. COACHMAN is comprised of blood pressure (BP) monitoring with study issued monitor, six-weeks of web-based education, training to use a medication management application, and nurse counseling. Data were collected on contextual factors (demographics, perceived social support), process factors (hypertension knowledge, self-efficacy, technology use/adoption), and proximal health behaviors (medication adherence, diet, exercise) at baseline, and 8 and 12 weeks. While mean difference in BP reduction was not statistically significant, we found that half of the subjects randomized to the intervention group had an average systolic BP reduction of 13.5 mmHg that we would regard as clinically significant. Interventions that incorporate mHealth can support self-managing hypertension in AA, and improve BP.

scholarly journals Measuring Interests Not Minutes: Development and Validation of the Adolescents’ Digital Technology Interactions and Importance Scale (ADTI) (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan A Moreno ◽  
Kole Binger ◽  
Qianqian Zhao ◽  
Jens Eickhoff
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Model Fit ◽  
Empirical Literature ◽  
Item Pool ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Adequate Model ◽  
Cronbach Alpha

BACKGROUND Interactive digital technology use is integral to adolescents’ lives and has been associated with both health benefits and risks. Previous studies have largely focused on measuring the quantity of technology use or understanding the use of specific platforms. To better understand adolescents’ interactive digital technology use, we need new approaches that consider technology interactions and their importance. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to develop an assessment tool to evaluate adolescents’ digital technology interactions and their perceived importance. METHODS We used a validated scale development approach comprising 2 initial steps to create an item pool: item pool development and item pool refinement. These steps relied upon empirical literature review and an expert convening. We then evaluated the item pool using a Web-based survey. Data were collected via Qualtrics panel recruitment from a national sample of 12- to 18-year-olds. Participant data were randomly split into a development subsample for exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and a test subsample for confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). We assessed Cronbach alpha as well as model fit characteristics including root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) and comparative fit index (CFI). RESULTS Our initial item pool had 71 items and the refined item pool contained 40. A total of 761 adolescents assessed the item pool via Web-based survey. Participants had a mean age of 14.8 (SD 1.7) years and were 52.8% (402/761) female and 77.5% (590/761) white. The EFA analysis included 500 participants and an 18-item draft scale was created. The CFA included 261 participants to test the draft scale. Adequate model fit for the scale was indicated by an RMSEA of 0.063 and a CFI of 0.95. The final scale included 18 items in a 3-factor model, with Cronbach alpha for the 3 factors of .87 (factor 1), .90 (factor 2) and .82 (factor 3). The 3 factors were named (1) technology to bridge online and offline experiences, (2) technology to go outside one’s identity or offline environment, and (3) technology for social connection. CONCLUSIONS The resulting Adolescents’ Digital Technology Interactions and Importance (ADTI) scale is a promising and psychometrically validated tool for identifying the importance of distinct technology interactions. The scale is informed by relevant theory and expert input. The 3 subscales have utility for future studies to understand whether certain subscale score ranges are associated with health or well-being outcomes.

Suicide-Bereaved Individuals’ Attitudes Toward Therapists

Crisis ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-141 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erin F. Ward-Ciesielski ◽  
Madeline D. Wielgus ◽  
Connor B. Jones
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health Treatment ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
The United States ◽  
Limited Attention ◽  
Time Of Death ◽  
Loved One ◽  
Important Group ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Suicide Bereaved ◽  
Research Domain

Background: Suicide-bereaved individuals represent an important group impacted by suicide. Understanding their experiences following the suicide of a loved one is an important research domain, despite receiving limited attention. Although suicide-bereaved individuals may benefit from mental health treatment, their attitudes toward therapy and therapists are poorly understood. Aims: The present study aimed to understand the extent to which bereaved individuals’ attitudes toward therapy and therapists are impacted by whether their loved one was in therapy at the time of death. Method: Suicide-bereaved individuals (N = 243) from the United States were recruited to complete an online survey about their experience with and attitudes toward therapy and therapists following the suicide of a loved one. Results: Bereaved individuals whose loved one was in therapy at the time of death (N = 48, 19.8%) reported more negative and less positive attitudes toward the treating therapist than those whose loved one was not in therapy at the time of death (N = 81, 33.3%) or whose loved one was never in therapy/the deceased’s therapy status was unknown (N = 114, 46.9%). Conclusion: The deceased’s involvement with a therapist appears to be an important factor impacting the experience of bereaved individuals and should be considered when attempting to engage these individuals in postvention.

Cultural Values Influence Mental-Health Help-Seeking in Asian and Latinx College Students

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elayne Zhou ◽  
Yena Kyeong ◽  
Cecilia Cheung ◽  
Kalina Michalska;Michalska
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
College Students ◽  
Cultural Values ◽  
Mental Health Treatment ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Negative Attitudes ◽  
Help Seeking Behaviors ◽  
Seeking Behavior ◽  
Ethnic Group Membership

The current study examined the influence of cultural values on mental health attitudes and help-seeking behaviors in college students of diverse ethnic backgrounds. Asian and Latinx college students (N = 159) completed an online survey in which they reported their adherence to cultural values and general attitudes towards mental health and help-seeking behavior. Factor analysis revealed two common factors of cultural values irrespective of ethnic background: Interdependent Orientation (IO) and Cultural Obligation (CO). Regardless of ethnicity, the more students endorsed IO values, the less likely they were to perceive a need for mental health treatment. IO value adherence also predicted more negative attitudes towards mental health. CO values were not predictive of perceived need or help-seeking behaviors. Findings highlight the importance of assessing certain cultural values independently from ethnicity and considering how the multidimensionality of culture may help explain shared mental health behaviors across ethnic group membership.

A Web-Based Interactive Map to Promote Health-Care Facility Flood Preparedness

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Elena Grossman ◽  
Michelle Hathaway ◽  
Amber Khan ◽  
Apostolis Sambanis ◽  
Samuel Dorevitch
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Emergency Preparedness ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Care Facility ◽  
Health Care Facility ◽  
Health Care Facilities ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Care Facilities ◽  
Interactive Map

Abstract Objectives: Little is known about how flood risk of health-care facilities (HCFs) is evaluated by emergency preparedness professionals and HCFs administrators. This study assessed knowledge of emergency preparedness and HCF management professionals regarding locations of floodplains in relation to HCFs. A Web-based interactive map of floodplains and HCF was developed and users of the map were asked to evaluate it. Methods: An online survey was completed by administrators of HCFs and public health emergency preparedness professionals in Illinois, before and after an interactive online map of floodplains and HCFs was provided. Results: Forty Illinois HCFs located in floodplains were identified, including 12 long-term care facilities. Preparedness professionals have limited knowledge of whether local HCFs were in floodplains, and few reported availability of geographic information system (GIS) resources at baseline. Respondents intended to use the interactive map for planning and stakeholder communications. Conclusions: Given that HCFs are located in floodplains, this first assessment of using interactive maps of floodplains and HCFs may promote a shift to reliable data sources of floodplain locations in relation to HCFs. Similar approaches may be useful in other settings.

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