scholarly journals Coping Skills Mobile App to Support the Emotional Well-Being of Young People During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Serlachius ◽  
Kiralee Schache ◽  
Anna Boggiss ◽  
David Lim ◽  
Kate Wallace-Boyd ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Young People ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological Outcomes ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Web Based

BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic is likely to increase anxiety and distress in young people worldwide. It is important to prioritize mental health during crisis events to mitigate the negative and often long-term effects of the crises on young people, families, and society. Mental health and well-being apps represent a scalable approach for improving psychological outcomes in young people and have potential to improve the equity of service access. OBJECTIVE The Whitu: 7 Ways in 7 Days well-being app was recently developed by our group to address the urgent need for innovative approaches to reach young New Zealanders who are struggling to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study is twofold: to evaluate the acceptability of the prototype app and to examine the effectiveness of the refined app at improving mental and emotional well-being and reducing depression, anxiety, and stress in young people in New Zealand. METHODS A two-phase mixed methods study will be undertaken to achieve these aims. During the first phase, 20 young people aged 16-30 years (including those of Māori and Pacific ethnicity) will participate in a qualitative study to help refine the prototype app. During the second phase, 90 young people aged 16-30 years will participate in a randomized waitlist-controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the efficacy of the refined Whitu app at 4 weeks and 3 months after baseline. Outcomes will be evaluated using validated web-based questionnaires at baseline, 4 weeks, and 3 months. RESULTS The study received ethics approval in May 2020, and recruitment for the focus groups commenced in June 2020. Recruitment for the RCT is expected to commence in October 2020. Participants for both study phases will be recruited via social media and web-based communities. Data collection for the RCT is expected to be completed by January 2021, and analyses are expected to be completed by March 2021. Linear mixed modelling will be used to determine between-group differences in psychological outcomes. CONCLUSIONS There is an urgent need to develop culturally appropriate, scalable mental health interventions to address the psychological consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, we will develop and test an evidence-based well-being app that, if effective, can be made available to all young people in New Zealand and internationally. CLINICALTRIAL Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12620000516987); https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=379597. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT PRR1-10.2196/23716

scholarly journals Coping Skills Mobile App to Support the Emotional Well-Being of Young People During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study

10.2196/23716 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. e23716
Author(s):  
Anna Serlachius ◽  
Kiralee Schache ◽  
Anna Boggiss ◽  
David Lim ◽  
Kate Wallace-Boyd ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Young People ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological Outcomes ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Trial Registration ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Web Based

Background The COVID-19 pandemic is likely to increase anxiety and distress in young people worldwide. It is important to prioritize mental health during crisis events to mitigate the negative and often long-term effects of the crises on young people, families, and society. Mental health and well-being apps represent a scalable approach for improving psychological outcomes in young people and have potential to improve the equity of service access. Objective The Whitu: 7 Ways in 7 Days well-being app was recently developed by our group to address the urgent need for innovative approaches to reach young New Zealanders who are struggling to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study is twofold: to evaluate the acceptability of the prototype app and to examine the effectiveness of the refined app at improving mental and emotional well-being and reducing depression, anxiety, and stress in young people in New Zealand. Methods A two-phase mixed methods study will be undertaken to achieve these aims. During the first phase, 20 young people aged 16-30 years (including those of Māori and Pacific ethnicity) will participate in a qualitative study to help refine the prototype app. During the second phase, 90 young people aged 16-30 years will participate in a randomized waitlist-controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the efficacy of the refined Whitu app at 4 weeks and 3 months after baseline. Outcomes will be evaluated using validated web-based questionnaires at baseline, 4 weeks, and 3 months. Results The study received ethics approval in May 2020, and recruitment for the focus groups commenced in June 2020. Recruitment for the RCT is expected to commence in October 2020. Participants for both study phases will be recruited via social media and web-based communities. Data collection for the RCT is expected to be completed by January 2021, and analyses are expected to be completed by March 2021. Linear mixed modelling will be used to determine between-group differences in psychological outcomes. Conclusions There is an urgent need to develop culturally appropriate, scalable mental health interventions to address the psychological consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, we will develop and test an evidence-based well-being app that, if effective, can be made available to all young people in New Zealand and internationally. Trial Registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12620000516987); https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=379597. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/23716

Supporting Students' Mental Health and Academic Success Through Mobile App and IoT

2019 ◽  
pp. 703-719
Author(s):  
Karolina Baras ◽  
Luísa Soares ◽  
Carla Vale Lucas ◽  
Filipa Oliveira ◽  
Norberto Pinto Paulo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
College Students ◽  
Academic Success ◽  
Young People ◽  
Interpersonal Relationships ◽  
Time Management ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Management Guidelines ◽  
Health And Well Being

Smartphones have become devices of choice for running studies on health and well-being, especially among young people. When entering college, students often face many challenges, such as adaptation to new situations, establish new interpersonal relationships, heavier workload and shorter deadlines, teamwork assignments and others. In this paper, the results of four studies examining students' well-being and mental health as well as student's perception of challenges and obstacles they face during their academic journey are presented. In addition, a mobile application that acts as a complement to a successful tutoring project implemented at the authors' University is proposed. The application allows students to keep their schedules and deadlines in one place while incorporating virtual tutor features. By using both, the events from the student's calendar and his or her mood indicators, the application sends notifications accordingly. These notifications encompass motivational phrases, time management guidelines, as well as relaxation tips.

scholarly journals Pedestrian Road-Crossing Behaviours: A Protocol for an Explanatory Mixed Methods Study

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 27
Author(s):  
Mina Hashemiparast ◽  
Ali Montazeri ◽  
Saharnaz Nedjat ◽  
Reza Negarandeh ◽  
Roya Sadeghi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Young People ◽  
Safety Concern ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Risky Behaviors ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Social Conformity ◽  
Explanatory Mixed Methods ◽  
Sequential Explanatory

<p><strong>BACKGROUND:</strong> Pedestrian crossing is an important traffic safety concern. The aim of this paper is to report the protocol for a sequential explanatory mixed methods study that set out to determine the pedestrians’ traffic behaviors, the associated factors and exploring the perception of young people about the traffic risky behaviors in crossing the road. The ultimate purpose of the study is to design a preventive and cultural based strategy to promote young people’s health.</p> <p><strong>METHODS:</strong> This is a sequential explanatory mixed methods design. The study has two sequential phases. During the first phase, a population-based cross-sectional survey of a sample of young people will be conducted using the proportional random multistage cluster sampling method, in Tehran, Iran. Data will be collected by a questionnaire including items on socio-demographic information, items on measuring social conformity tendency, and questions on subjective norms, attitudes, and perceived behavioral control based on the Theory of Planned behavior. In the second phase, a qualitative study will be conducted. A purposeful sampling strategy will be used and participants who can help to explain the quantitative findings will be selected. Data collection in qualitative phase will be predominately by individual in-depth interviews. A qualitative content analysis approach will be undertaken to develop a detailed understanding of the traffic risky behaviors among young pedestrians.</p> <p><strong>CONCLUSION: </strong>The findings of this explanatory mixed methods study will provide information on traffic risky behaviors in young pedestrians. The findings will be implemented to design a cultural based strategy and intervention programs.</p>

scholarly journals The Clinical Impacts of Mobile Mood-Monitoring in Young People With Mental Health Problems: The MeMO Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muna Dubad ◽  
Farah Elahi ◽  
Steven Marwaha
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Young People ◽  
Quantitative Study ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Therapeutic Engagement ◽  
Significant Difference

Background: Limited evidence suggests that mobile mood-monitoring can improve mental health outcomes and therapeutic engagement in young people. The aim of this mixed methods study was to explore the clinical impacts of mobile mood-monitoring in youth with mental health problems, using a publicly accessible app.Methods: Twenty-three patients with mental health problems and 24 young people without mental health problems participated in the quantitative study. Participants monitored their mood using a mood-monitoring app twice a day for 3 weeks, which was preceded by a 3-week baseline period. Outcome measures included momentary and retrospective assessments of affect regulation (all participants) and therapeutic engagement (patients only). Following the quantitative study, patients (n = 7) and their clinicians (n = 6) participated in individual interviews. Interview data was analysed using thematic analysis.Results: Use of the mood-monitoring app significantly reduced momentary negative mood (p &lt; 0.001) and retrospectively assessed impulsivity across all 47 participants (p = 0.001). All other outcomes showed no significant difference. Qualitative feedback similarly indicated the potential of apps to improve problems with impulsivity in patients. Furthermore, apps may aid communication, promote empowerment, and ameliorate memory difficulties in clinical appointments.Conclusions: This mixed methods study demonstrated the potential utility of apps for clinical practice. Apps may potentially be an interventional tool, or at a minimum, an adjunct to existing treatments. Data was collected from a small sample size over a short study duration, limiting the generalisability of findings and inferences regarding long-term effects. Potential sources of bias in the qualitative study (e.g., researcher bias) should also be considered.

scholarly journals The COVID-19 Coping Study: A longitudinal mixed-methods study of mental health and well-being among older US adults during the COVID-19 pandemic

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsay C. Kobayashi ◽  
Brendan Q. O’Shea ◽  
Jasdeep S. Kler ◽  
Raphael Nishimura ◽  
Caroline B. Palavicino-Maggio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Daily Life ◽  
District Of Columbia ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Work Hours ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Us States ◽  
The Past ◽  
Health And Well Being

ObjectiveTo describe the methodology and baseline cohort characteristics of the COVID-19Coping Study, a longitudinal mixed-methods study of US adults aged ≥55.MethodsParticipants were recruited through online multi-frame non-probability sampling in Apriland May, 2020. The baseline questionnaire focused on the effects of COVID-19 ondaily life and mental health. Monthly follow-ups will be conducted for one year.FindingsIn total, 6,938 adults participated across all 50 US states, the District of Columbia, andPuerto Rico (mean [SD] age: 67.3 [7.9]; 64% female). Two in three adults reportedleaving home only for essential purposes in the past week (population-weightedproportion: 69%; 95% CI: 68%-71%). One-quarter of older adults in work before thepandemic reported reduced work hours or income (25%; 95% CI: 22%-27%). One inthree screened positive for depression (32%; 95% CI: 30%-34%) and anxiety (29%;95% CI: 28%-31%).ConclusionsWe observed substantial self-reported effects of COVID-19 on daily life and prevalentmental health symptoms in this cohort.Policy ImplicationsData may inform policies to support mental health and well-being among older adultsduring the COVID-19 pandemic.

Supporting Students' Mental Health and Academic Success Through Mobile App and IoT

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 50-64
Author(s):  
Karolina Baras ◽  
Luísa Soares ◽  
Carla Vale Lucas ◽  
Filipa Oliveira ◽  
Norberto Pinto Paulo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Academic Success ◽  
Young People ◽  
Interpersonal Relationships ◽  
Time Management ◽  
Mobile Application ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Management Guidelines ◽  
Health And Well Being

Smartphones have become devices of choice for running studies on health and well-being, especially among young people. When entering college, students often face many challenges, such as adaptation to new situations, establish new interpersonal relationships, heavier workload and shorter deadlines, teamwork assignments and others. In this paper, the results of four studies examining students' well-being and mental health as well as student's perception of challenges and obstacles they face during their academic journey are presented. In addition, a mobile application that acts as a complement to a successful tutoring project implemented at the authors' University is proposed. The application allows students to keep their schedules and deadlines in one place while incorporating virtual tutor features. By using both, the events from the student's calendar and his or her mood indicators, the application sends notifications accordingly. These notifications encompass motivational phrases, time management guidelines, as well as relaxation tips.

scholarly journals Feasibility of a Web-Based Psychoeducation Course and Experiences of Caregivers Living With a Person With Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder: Mixed Methods Study

10.2196/25480 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. e25480
Author(s):  
Anna Laine ◽  
Minna Anttila ◽  
Heli Hirvonen ◽  
Maritta Välimäki
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Course Content ◽  
Schizophrenia Spectrum ◽  
The Web

Background Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness that burdens both patients and caregivers. Objective The aim of this study is to examine the feasibility of a web-based psychoeducation course targeted at caregivers of persons with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs) and to describe their experiences of living with a person with SSD based on the material caregivers produced during the web-based course. Methods A convergent, parallel, mixed methods study design was used. First, caregivers’ engagement in the course was evaluated quantitatively. Second, the overview of the course feedback was evaluated using quantitative and qualitative methods. Third, the experiences of being a caregiver to a person with SSD were analyzed qualitatively with the thematic analysis of the writings caregivers produced during the web-based course. Results A total of 30 caregivers participated in the study and a web-based psychoeducation course. Less than two-thirds (18/30, 60%) completed the course. Content was most often logged for the first module, Orientation (3465 log-ins), and the lowest number of log-ins was recorded for the Daily life module (1061 log-ins). Feedback on the course varied; over half (10/17, 59%) of the caregivers considered the content to be very good or good, about half (9/17, 53%) considered the website layout to be good, only 6% (1/17) felt that the usability of the website was poor, and no one felt that it was very poor. From the reported experiences of being a caregiver to a person with SSD, 3 themes were formed: the caregiver’s own well-being, relationship with the person with SSD, and experience of health care services. Conclusions The web-based psychoeducation course for caregivers living with a person with SSD seems to be especially suitable for those who have little experience as a caregiver. In the future, more planning and the consideration of aspects related to the needs of specific target groups, course content, practical arrangements, and scheduling should be taken into account. In addition, although caregivers can improve their own well-being in different ways, they need regular support and cooperation from health care professionals.

scholarly journals Psychosocial resilience: Challenges and facilitators for nurses from four New York City hospitals responding to the first wave of COVID-19, spring 2020: Qualitative findings from a mixed-methods study

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (9) ◽  
pp. 147-158
Author(s):  
Nancy Van Devanter, DrPH, RN, MEd, FAAN ◽  
Victoria H. Raveis, MA, MPhil, PhD ◽  
Christine Kovner, PhD, RN, FAAN ◽  
Kimberly Glassman, PhD, RN, FAAN ◽  
Gary Yu, PhD ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
New York ◽  
New York City ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Professional Education ◽  
York City ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Frontline Workers ◽  
Institutional Resources

Frontline workers are at great risk of significant mental health challenges as a result of responding to large-scale disasters. We conducted a mixed-methods study to identify the challenges experienced and the resources nurses drew upon during this first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in the spring of 2020 in New York City (NYC). The qualitative data presented here are on 591 nurse participants in the qualitative arm of the study. Responses to qualitative questions were reviewed by one of the investigators to identify emerging themes. Two qualitative researchers used both deductive (guided by the Resilience Theory) and inductive approaches to analysis. Challenges identified by nurses included concerns about well-being and health risk; mental health symptoms such as depres­sion, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping; fears about the ability to care for patients with severe life-threatening symptoms; and home-work challenges such as risk to family and friends; and lack of availability of institutional resources, particularly, personal protective equipment (PPE). Facilitators of resilience were institutional resources and support available; social support from coworkers, friends, and family; and positive professional identity. Recommendations for promoting resilience in future disaster/pandemic responses included clarification of disaster-related professional responsibilities, integration of disaster preparedness into professional education, and engage­ment of nurses/frontline workers in preparation plan­ning for disasters. 

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