scholarly journals Veterans� Attitudes Toward Smartphone App Use for Mental Health Care: Qualitative Study of Rurality and Age Differences (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha L Connolly ◽  
Christopher J Miller ◽  
Christopher J Koenig ◽  
Kara A Zamora ◽  
Patricia B Wright ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Access To Care ◽  
Mental Health Treatment ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Adjunctive Treatment ◽  
Smartphone Apps ◽  
Rural And Urban

BACKGROUND Mental health smartphone apps provide support, skills, and symptom tracking on demand and come at minimal to no additional cost to patients. Although the Department of Veterans Affairs has established itself as a national leader in the creation of mental health apps, veterans’ attitudes regarding the use of these innovations are largely unknown, particularly among rural and aging populations who may benefit from increased access to care. OBJECTIVE The objective of our study was to examine veterans’ attitudes toward smartphone apps and to assess whether openness toward this technology varies by age or rurality. METHODS We conducted semistructured qualitative interviews with 66 veterans from rural and urban areas in Maine, Arkansas, and California. Eligible veterans aged 18 to 70 years had screened positive for postraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), alcohol use disorder, or major depressive disorder, but a history of mental health service utilization was not required. Interviews were digitally recorded, professionally transcribed, and coded by a research team using an established codebook. We then conducted a thematic analysis of segments pertaining to smartphone use, informed by existing theories of technology adoption. RESULTS Interviews revealed a marked division regarding openness to mental health smartphone apps, such that veterans either expressed strongly positive or negative views about their usage, with few participants sharing ambivalent or neutral opinions. Differences emerged between rural and urban veterans’ attitudes, with rural veterans tending to oppose app usage, describe smartphones as hard to navigate, and cite barriers such as financial limitations and connectivity issues, more so than urban populations. Moreover, rural veterans more often described smartphones as being opposed to their values. Differences did not emerge between younger and older (≥50) veterans regarding beliefs that apps could be effective or compatible with their culture and identity. However, compared with younger veterans, older veterans more often reported not owning a smartphone and described this technology as being difficult to use. CONCLUSIONS Openness toward the use of smartphone apps in mental health treatment may vary based on rurality, and further exploration of the barriers cited by rural veterans is needed to improve access to care. In addition, findings indicate that older patients may be more open to integrating technology into their mental health care than providers might assume, although such patients may have more trouble navigating these devices and may benefit from simplified app designs or smartphone training. Given the strong opinions expressed either for or against smartphone apps, our findings suggest that apps may not be an ideal adjunctive treatment for all patients, but it is important to identify those who are open to and may greatly benefit from this technology.

scholarly journals Experiences of living with mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK: a coproduced, participatory qualitative interview study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven Gillard ◽  
Ceri Dare ◽  
Jackie Hardy ◽  
Patrick Nyikavaranda ◽  
Rachel Rowan Olive ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Mental Health Conditions ◽  
Qualitative Interview Study ◽  
The Impact

AbstractPurposeResearch is beginning to quantify the impact of COVID-19 on people with pre-existing mental health conditions. Our paper addresses a lack of in-depth qualitative research exploring their experiences and perceptions of how life has changed at this time.MethodsWe used qualitative interviews (N=49) to explore experiences of the pandemic for people with pre-existing mental health conditions. In a participatory, coproduced approach, researchers with lived experiences of mental health conditions conducted interviews and analysed data as part of a multi-disciplinary research team.ResultsExisting mental health difficulties were exacerbated for many people. People experienced specific psychological impacts of the pandemic, struggles with social connectedness, and inadequate access to mental health services, while some found new ways to cope and connect to community. New remote ways to access mental health care, including digital solutions, provided continuity of care for some but presented substantial barriers for others. People from black and ethnic minority (BAME) communities experienced heightened anxiety, stigma and racism associated with the pandemic, further impacting their mental health.ConclusionThere is a need for evidence-based solutions to achieve accessible and effective mental health care in response to the pandemic, especially remote approaches to care. Further research should explore the long-term impacts of COVID-19 on people with pre-existing mental health conditions. Particular attention should be paid to understanding inequalities of impact on mental health, especially for people from BAME communities.

scholarly journals Chronic Illness and Internalizing Symptomatology in a Transdiagnostic Clinical Sample of Youth

2020 ◽  
Vol 45 (6) ◽  
pp. 633-642
Author(s):  
Elizabeth R Wolock ◽  
Alexander H Queen ◽  
Gabriela M Rodríguez ◽  
John R Weisz
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Treatment ◽  
Physical Illness ◽  
Treatment Needs ◽  
Health Treatment ◽  
Chronic Physical Illness ◽  
Internalizing Symptomatology

Abstract Objective In research with community samples, children with chronic physical illnesses have shown elevated anxiety and depressive symptoms, compared to healthy peers. Less is known about whether physical illnesses are associated with elevated internalizing symptoms even among children referred for mental health treatment—a pattern that would indicate distinctive treatment needs among physically ill children receiving mental health care. We investigated the relationship between chronic physical illness and internalizing symptomatology among children enrolling in outpatient mental health treatment. Method A total of 262 treatment-seeking children ages 7–15 and their caregivers completed a demographic questionnaire, Child Behavior Checklist, and Youth Self-Report during a pre-treatment assessment. Physical illnesses were identified through caregiver report. Results There was no overall association between the presence/absence of chronic physical illness and parent- or child-reported symptoms. However, number of chronic physical illnesses was related to parent- and child-reported affective symptoms. Children with two or more chronic physical illnesses had more severe depressive symptoms than those with fewer physical illnesses. Conclusion Having multiple chronic illnesses may elevate children’s risk of depression symptomatology, even in comparison to other children seeking mental health care. This suggests a need to identify factors that may exacerbate depression symptoms in physically ill children who are initiating therapy and to determine whether different or more intensive services may be helpful for this group. The findings suggest the potential utility of screening for depression in youth with chronic physical illnesses, as well as addressing mental and physical health concerns during treatment.

scholarly journals THE CULTIVATING SEEDS SYSTEM™ (CSS™): A POTENTIAL FRAMEWORK TO INCREASE MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yvonne Larrier ◽  
Monica D. Allen ◽  
Irwin M.H. Larrier
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Mental Health Treatment ◽  
Global Mental Health ◽  
Health Resources ◽  
Mental Health Research ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Treatment Research

Global mental health research is continuing to unearth the multiple systemic barriers that over 80% of the world’s population experiences in their search for cultural, contextual, and efficient mental health treatment and services. The widespread gaps and shortages in treatment, research, interventions, financial resources, and mental health care specialists are enduring and expansive thus leaving behind many communities and societies in low and middle income countries and high income countries. Whereas there are numerous approaches to these gaps, this article proposes a re-conceptualized approach to the promotion, practice, and intervention of mental health services locally and globally, with the Cultivating SEEDS System (CSS™) framework. This framework addresses two of the most prevalent barriers – the stigma associated with accessing mental health care resources, and the lack of mental health care professionals.

Profile of the Current Psychiatrist Workforce in South Africa: Establishing a Baseline for Human Resource Planning and Strategy

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernard Janse van Rensburg ◽  
Carla Kotzé ◽  
Karis Moxley ◽  
Ugasvaree Subramaney ◽  
Zukiswa Zingela ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Resource Planning ◽  
Data Repository ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
South African Society

Abstract The WHO Global Health Observatory Data Repository reports South Africa with 1.52 psychiatrists/100 000 of the population among other countries in Africa with 0.01 psychiatrists/100 000 (Chad, Burundi and Niger) to more than 30/100 000 for some countries in Europe. The overall situation, while being cognizant that mental health care is not only provided by specialist psychiatrists and that the current treatment gap may have to be addressed by strategies such as appropriate task sharing, suggests that there are actually too few psychiatrists to meet the country’s mental health care needs. To address the need to develop a strategy to increase the local specialist training and examination capacity, a situational review of currently practicing psychiatrists was undertaken by the [BLINDED] and the [BLINDED], using the South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP) membership database. The number, distribution and attributes of practicing psychiatrists were compared with international figures on the ratio of psychiatrists/100 000 population. In April 2019 there were 850 qualified psychiatrists actively practicing in the country and based on the national population figure of 55.6 million people (2016 Census), the psychiatrists/100 000 ratio was 1.53. This indicates no improvement between 2016 to 2019. From the SASOP database, we determined that about 80% of psychiatrists are working in the private sector - a much higher proportion than is usually quoted. As the vast majority of psychiatrists are practicing in urban areas in two provinces, Gauteng (n=350) and Western Cape (n=292), the ratio of psychiatrists/100 000 in these areas is relatively higher, at 2.6 and 5.0 respectively. Whereas rural areas in South Africa are largely without specialist mental health expertise, at a rate of 0.03/100 000 population. This investigation provides a discipline-specific situational review of the attributes and distribution of the current workforce of specialists in the country.

scholarly journals Experiences of living with mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK: a coproduced, participatory qualitative interview study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven Gillard ◽  
◽  
Ceri Dare ◽  
Jackie Hardy ◽  
Patrick Nyikavaranda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Mental Health Conditions ◽  
Qualitative Interview Study ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Purpose Research is beginning to quantify the impact of COVID-19 on people with pre-existing mental health conditions. Our paper addresses a lack of in-depth qualitative research exploring their experiences and perceptions of how life has changed at this time. Methods We used qualitative interviews (N = 49) to explore experiences of the pandemic for people with pre-existing mental health conditions. In a participatory, coproduced approach, researchers with lived experiences of mental health conditions conducted interviews and analysed data as part of a multi-disciplinary research team. Results Existing mental health difficulties were exacerbated for many people. People experienced specific psychological impacts of the pandemic, struggles with social connectedness, and inadequate access to mental health services, while some found new ways to cope and connect to the community. New remote ways to access mental health care, including digital solutions, provided continuity of care for some but presented substantial barriers for others. People from black and ethnic minority (BAME) communities experienced heightened anxiety, stigma and racism associated with the pandemic, further impacting their mental health. Conclusion There is a need for evidence-based solutions to achieve accessible and effective mental health care in response to the pandemic, especially remote approaches to care. Further research should explore the long-term impacts of COVID-19 on people with pre-existing mental health conditions. Particular attention should be paid to understanding inequalities of impact on mental health, especially for people from BAME communities.

scholarly journals Pathways to Care

2019 ◽  
pp. 439-466
Author(s):  
Ramin Mojtabai ◽  
Sarah Murray ◽  
William W. Eaton
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Treatment ◽  
Insurance Coverage ◽  
Theoretical Models ◽  
Health Insurance Coverage ◽  
Treatment Seeking ◽  
Pathways To Care ◽  
Mental Health Treatments

This chapter discusses the gap between the need for mental health care and the actual receipt of such care, and the barriers that contribute to this gap. These barriers include attitudes such as stigma, negative attitudes about the benefits of mental health treatments, and lack of perceived need for care. Another set of barriers is related to the structure of services such as scarcity of providers, geographical distance, and inadequate health insurance coverage of mental health services. The chapter describes theoretical models used to understand the process of treatment-seeking and examples of initiatives that have been used to overcome barriers to care. Among these initiatives, public campaigns aimed at increasing awareness and recognition of mental disorders and at reducing stigma, and legislative initiatives aimed at increasing insurance coverage for mental health care have received public attention. Future initiatives to improve access to services and reduce the treatment gap would benefit from a better understanding of the process of treatment-seeking and barriers to mental health treatment.

scholarly journals Promoting older women’s mental health: Insights from Baby Boomers

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. e0245186
Author(s):  
Maggie Kirkman ◽  
Jane Fisher
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Older Women ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Women’S Mental Health ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Baby Boomer Generation ◽  
Women's Mental Health

Optimal mental health underpins full social participation. As people age, they confront personal and cultural challenges, the effects of which on mental health are not fully understood. The aim of this research was to learn from women of the Baby Boomer generation (born 1946–1964) what contributes to and hinders their mental health and wellbeing. Eighteen women participated in qualitative interviews (in English); data were analysed thematically. Participants were located across Australia in rural and urban areas; not all were born in Australia. They were diverse in education, employment status, and experiences of life and ageing. The women nominated as the main contributors to poor mental health in older women Illness and disability, Financial insecurity, Maltreatment, and Loss and grief. Contributors to good mental health were identified as Social interdependence, Feeling valued, Physical activity, Good nutrition, and Having faith or belief. Women’s accounts supplied other influences on mental health, both associated with the person (Personality and Intimate relationships and sex) and with society (Constructs of ageing, Gender, and Culture). Women also specified what they needed from others in order to improve their mental health as they aged: Public education about ageing, Purposeful roles for older women in society, Adequate services and resources, and Sensitive health care. In sum, older women wanted to be treated with respect and for their lives to have meaning. It is evident from these results that circumstances throughout life can have profound influences on women’s mental health in older age. Anti-discriminatory policies, informed and inclusive health care, and social structures that support and enhance the lives of girls and women at all ages will therefore benefit older women and increase the potential for their continuing contribution to society. These conclusions have implications for policy and practice in well-resourced countries.

How Cultural Capital Shapes Mental Health Care Seeking in College

2021 ◽  
pp. 073112142110428
Author(s):  
Katie R. Billings ◽  
Kathryne M. Young
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Cultural Capital ◽  
Mental Health Treatment ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Treatment Decisions ◽  
Care Seeking

First-generation and working-class undergraduates not only experience mental health problems at higher rates than their more affluent peers, but are also less likely to seek treatment. We administered a mixed-methods survey to undergraduates at two institutions to investigate the relationship between cultural capital and mental health decision-making. Using two measures of cultural capital, we find that students with high cultural capital are more likely to seek mental health treatment than those with limited cultural capital. Additionally, analysis of our qualitative results reveals that while students with limited cultural capital make treatment decisions through a collectivistic lens (considering other people’s needs and opinions), those with high cultural capital tend to view treatment decisions through an individualistic lens (considering their own needs and opinions). These lenses capture both the barriers and facilitators to mental health care that students cite to explain their decision-making. Understanding how cultural capital shapes orientations to mental health care is necessary to facilitate help-seeking for students from all social class backgrounds.

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