Parents’ Perceptions of Their Children’s Engagement in a Consumer-Based Meditation Mobile App: Cross-Sectional Survey Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan Puzia ◽  
Breanne Laird ◽  
Jeni Green ◽  
Jennifer Huberty
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mindfulness Meditation ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
The United States ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Breathing Exercises ◽  
Children’S Sleep

BACKGROUND In the United States, nearly half (48%) of school-aged children experience sleep disturbance that results in less than the recommended sleep duration, which may negatively impact mental health and behavior. Mindfulness interventions may improve sleep and mental health in youth. However, there are gaps in the literature regarding how children (2-12 years) and adolescents (13-17 years) practice mindfulness and the extent to which they benefit from these practices. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine parents’ perceptions of their children’s engagement with a consumer-based mindfulness meditation app and the extent to which they believe their children have benefitted from using the app, particularly with regard to sleep. METHODS This study is a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional survey in adult subscribers (N=11,108) to the mindfulness meditation mobile app Calm. Participants who indicated that they had a child or children younger than 18 years (2944/11,108) who used the Calm app were asked additional questions related to their perceptions of their children’s engagement with Calm. Descriptive statistics were used to assess children’s app engagement, and chi-square tests and binary logistic regression models were used to assess differences in children’s usage based on gender and age. RESULTS Among the survey respondents, approximately half of the parents (1537/2944, 52.21%) reported that their children used Calm. Children used Calm mostly for (1) sleep (1168/1537, 75.99%), (2) stress (491/1537, 31.95%), (3) depression or anxiety (430/1537, 27.98%), and (4) improvement of overall health (215/1537,13.99%). Older children were more likely to begin using Calm to reduce stress, depression, or anxiety, whereas younger children were more likely begin using Calm to improve sleep. Most children used Calm when lying down to go to bed (1113/1529, 72.79%). Children were most likely to use sleep stories at night (1144/1207, 94.78%), followed by music and soundscapes (749/1114, 67.24%), meditations (736/1120, 65.71%), and breathing exercises (610/1092, 55.86%). Nearly all parents believed that using sleep stories was helpful for their children’s sleep (1090/1128, 96.63%), and the majority of parents felt that the other components were also helpful for their children’s sleep (music and soundscapes [570/728, 78.30%], meditations [445/696, 63.94%], and breathing exercises [610/1092, 55.86%]). CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first study to explore parents’ perceptions of how their children or adolescents use a popular consumer-based mindfulness mobile app (ie, Calm). As the majority of children use the app for sleep, mindfulness meditation mobile apps should consider incorporating age-appropriate sleep content to meet the needs of this audience. More research is needed to confirm the feasibility and effectiveness of mindfulness meditation apps for improving sleep and mental health in children and adolescents.

scholarly journals Parents’ Perceptions of Their Children’s Engagement in a Consumer-Based Meditation Mobile App: Cross-Sectional Survey Study

10.2196/24536 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. e24536
Author(s):  
Megan Puzia ◽  
Breanne Laird ◽  
Jeni Green ◽  
Jennifer Huberty
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mindfulness Meditation ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
The United States ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Breathing Exercises ◽  
Children’S Sleep

Background In the United States, nearly half (48%) of school-aged children experience sleep disturbance that results in less than the recommended sleep duration, which may negatively impact mental health and behavior. Mindfulness interventions may improve sleep and mental health in youth. However, there are gaps in the literature regarding how children (2-12 years) and adolescents (13-17 years) practice mindfulness and the extent to which they benefit from these practices. Objective The purpose of this study was to determine parents’ perceptions of their children’s engagement with a consumer-based mindfulness meditation app and the extent to which they believe their children have benefitted from using the app, particularly with regard to sleep. Methods This study is a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional survey in adult subscribers (N=11,108) to the mindfulness meditation mobile app Calm. Participants who indicated that they had a child or children younger than 18 years (2944/11,108) who used the Calm app were asked additional questions related to their perceptions of their children’s engagement with Calm. Descriptive statistics were used to assess children’s app engagement, and chi-square tests and binary logistic regression models were used to assess differences in children’s usage based on gender and age. Results Among the survey respondents, approximately half of the parents (1537/2944, 52.21%) reported that their children used Calm. Children used Calm mostly for (1) sleep (1168/1537, 75.99%), (2) stress (491/1537, 31.95%), (3) depression or anxiety (430/1537, 27.98%), and (4) improvement of overall health (215/1537,13.99%). Older children were more likely to begin using Calm to reduce stress, depression, or anxiety, whereas younger children were more likely begin using Calm to improve sleep. Most children used Calm when lying down to go to bed (1113/1529, 72.79%). Children were most likely to use sleep stories at night (1144/1207, 94.78%), followed by music and soundscapes (749/1114, 67.24%), meditations (736/1120, 65.71%), and breathing exercises (610/1092, 55.86%). Nearly all parents believed that using sleep stories was helpful for their children’s sleep (1090/1128, 96.63%), and the majority of parents felt that the other components were also helpful for their children’s sleep (music and soundscapes [570/728, 78.30%], meditations [445/696, 63.94%], and breathing exercises [610/1092, 55.86%]). Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first study to explore parents’ perceptions of how their children or adolescents use a popular consumer-based mindfulness mobile app (ie, Calm). As the majority of children use the app for sleep, mindfulness meditation mobile apps should consider incorporating age-appropriate sleep content to meet the needs of this audience. More research is needed to confirm the feasibility and effectiveness of mindfulness meditation apps for improving sleep and mental health in children and adolescents.

scholarly journals Adoption of Mobile Apps for Depression and Anxiety: Cross-Sectional Survey Study on Patient Interest and Barriers to Engagement

10.2196/11334 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. e11334 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Lipschitz ◽  
Christopher J Miller ◽  
Timothy P Hogan ◽  
Katherine E Burdick ◽  
Rachel Lippin-Foster ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Mental Health Provider ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Health Administration ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background Emerging research suggests that mobile apps can be used to effectively treat common mental illnesses like depression and anxiety. Despite promising efficacy results and ease of access to these interventions, adoption of mobile health (mHealth; mobile device–delivered) interventions for mental illness has been limited. More insight into patients’ perspectives on mHealth interventions is required to create effective implementation strategies and to adapt existing interventions to facilitate higher rates of adoption. Objective The aim of this study was to examine, from the patient perspective, current use and factors that may impact the use of mHealth interventions for mental illness. Methods This was a cross-sectional survey study of veterans who had attended an appointment at a single Veterans Health Administration facility in early 2016 that was associated with one of the following mental health concerns: unipolar depression, any anxiety disorder, or posttraumatic stress disorder. We used the Veteran Affairs Corporate Data Warehouse to create subsets of eligible participants demographically stratified by gender (male or female) and minority status (white or nonwhite). From each subset, 100 participants were selected at random and mailed a paper survey with items addressing the demographics, overall health, mental health, technology ownership or use, interest in mobile app interventions for mental illness, reasons for use or nonuse, and interest in specific features of mobile apps for mental illness. Results Of the 400 potential participants, 149 (37.3%, 149/400) completed and returned a survey. Most participants (79.9%, 119/149) reported that they owned a smart device and that they use apps in general (71.1%, 106/149). Most participants (73.1%, 87/149) reported interest in using an app for mental illness, but only 10.7% (16/149) had done so. Paired samples t tests indicated that ratings of interest in using an app recommended by a clinician were significantly greater than general interest ratings and even greater when the recommending clinician was a specialty mental health provider. The most frequent concerns related to using an app for mental illness were lacking proof of efficacy (71.8%, 107/149), concerns about data privacy (59.1%, 88/149), and not knowing where to find such an app (51.0%, 76/149). Participants expressed interest in a number of app features with particularly high-interest ratings for context-sensitive apps (85.2%, 127/149), and apps focused on the following areas: increasing exercise (75.8%, 113/149), improving sleep (73.2%, 109/149), changing negative thinking (70.5%, 105/149), and increasing involvement in activities (67.1%, 100/149). Conclusions Most respondents had access to devices to use mobile apps for mental illness, already used apps for other purposes, and were interested in mobile apps for mental illness. Key factors that may improve adoption include provider endorsement, greater publicity of efficacious apps, and clear messaging about efficacy and privacy of information. Finally, multifaceted apps that address a range of concerns, from sleep to negative thought patterns, may be best received.

scholarly journals Adoption of Mobile Apps for Depression and Anxiety: Cross-Sectional Survey Study on Patient Interest and Barriers to Engagement (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Lipschitz ◽  
Christopher J Miller ◽  
Timothy P Hogan ◽  
Katherine E Burdick ◽  
Rachel Lippin-Foster ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Mental Health Provider ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Health Administration ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional

BACKGROUND Emerging research suggests that mobile apps can be used to effectively treat common mental illnesses like depression and anxiety. Despite promising efficacy results and ease of access to these interventions, adoption of mobile health (mHealth; mobile device–delivered) interventions for mental illness has been limited. More insight into patients’ perspectives on mHealth interventions is required to create effective implementation strategies and to adapt existing interventions to facilitate higher rates of adoption. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to examine, from the patient perspective, current use and factors that may impact the use of mHealth interventions for mental illness. METHODS This was a cross-sectional survey study of veterans who had attended an appointment at a single Veterans Health Administration facility in early 2016 that was associated with one of the following mental health concerns: unipolar depression, any anxiety disorder, or posttraumatic stress disorder. We used the Veteran Affairs Corporate Data Warehouse to create subsets of eligible participants demographically stratified by gender (male or female) and minority status (white or nonwhite). From each subset, 100 participants were selected at random and mailed a paper survey with items addressing the demographics, overall health, mental health, technology ownership or use, interest in mobile app interventions for mental illness, reasons for use or nonuse, and interest in specific features of mobile apps for mental illness. RESULTS Of the 400 potential participants, 149 (37.3%, 149/400) completed and returned a survey. Most participants (79.9%, 119/149) reported that they owned a smart device and that they use apps in general (71.1%, 106/149). Most participants (73.1%, 87/149) reported interest in using an app for mental illness, but only 10.7% (16/149) had done so. Paired samples t tests indicated that ratings of interest in using an app recommended by a clinician were significantly greater than general interest ratings and even greater when the recommending clinician was a specialty mental health provider. The most frequent concerns related to using an app for mental illness were lacking proof of efficacy (71.8%, 107/149), concerns about data privacy (59.1%, 88/149), and not knowing where to find such an app (51.0%, 76/149). Participants expressed interest in a number of app features with particularly high-interest ratings for context-sensitive apps (85.2%, 127/149), and apps focused on the following areas: increasing exercise (75.8%, 113/149), improving sleep (73.2%, 109/149), changing negative thinking (70.5%, 105/149), and increasing involvement in activities (67.1%, 100/149). CONCLUSIONS Most respondents had access to devices to use mobile apps for mental illness, already used apps for other purposes, and were interested in mobile apps for mental illness. Key factors that may improve adoption include provider endorsement, greater publicity of efficacious apps, and clear messaging about efficacy and privacy of information. Finally, multifaceted apps that address a range of concerns, from sleep to negative thought patterns, may be best received.

scholarly journals Use of the Consumer-Based Meditation App Calm for Sleep Disturbances: Cross-Sectional Survey Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Huberty ◽  
Megan E Puzia ◽  
Linda Larkey ◽  
Michael R Irwin ◽  
Ana-Maria Vranceanu
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Disturbance ◽  
Sleep Disturbances ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Common Time ◽  
Usage Patterns ◽  
Waking Up

BACKGROUND Over 30% of Americans report regular sleep disturbance, and consumers are increasingly seeking strategies to improve sleep. Self-guided mindfulness mobile apps may help individuals improve their sleep. Despite the recent proliferation of sleep content within commercially available mindfulness apps, there is little research on how consumers are using these apps for sleep. OBJECTIVE We conducted a cross-sectional survey among subscribers to Calm, a popular, consumer-based, mindfulness-based meditation app, and described and compared how good sleepers, poor sleepers, and those with self-reported insomnia use the app for sleep. METHODS Participants who were paying subscribers of Calm and had used a sleep component of Calm in the last 90 days were invited to complete an investigator-developed survey that included questions about sleep disturbance and the use of Calm for sleep. Based on self-reports of sleep disturbances and of insomnia diagnosis, participants were categorized as “good sleepers,” “poor sleepers,” or “those with insomnia diagnosis.” Chi-square tests compared reasons for downloading the app and usage patterns across participants with and without sleep disturbance. RESULTS There was a total of 9868 survey respondents. Approximately 10% of participants (1008/9868, 10.21%) were good sleepers, 78% were poor sleepers (7565/9868, 77.66%), and 11% reported a diagnosis of insomnia (1039/9868, 10.53%). The sample was mostly White (8185/9797, 83.55%), non-Hispanic (8929/9423, 94.76%), and female (8166/9578, 85.26%). The most common reasons for sleep disturbances were racing thoughts (7084/8604, 82.33%), followed by stress or anxiety (6307/8604, 73.30%). Poor sleepers and those with insomnia were more likely than good sleepers to have downloaded Calm to improve sleep (χ<sup>2</sup><sub>2</sub>=1548.8, <i>P</i>&lt;.001), reduce depression or anxiety (χ<sup>2</sup><sub>2</sub>=15.5, <i>P</i>&lt;.001), or improve overall health (χ<sup>2</sup><sub>2</sub>=57.6, <i>P</i>&lt;.001). Respondents with insomnia used Calm most often (mean 5.417 days/week, SD 1.936), followed by poor sleepers (mean 5.043 days/week, SD 2.027; <i>F</i><sub>2</sub>=21.544, <i>P</i>&lt;.001). The most common time to use Calm was while lying down to sleep (7607/9686, 78.54%), and bedtime use was more common among poor sleepers and those with insomnia (χ<sup>2</sup><sub>2</sub>=382.7, <i>P</i>&lt;.001). Compared to good and poor sleepers, those with insomnia were more likely to use Calm after waking up at night (χ<sup>2</sup><sub>2</sub>=410.3, <i>P</i>&lt;.001). Most participants tried to use Calm on a regular basis (5031/8597, 58.52%), but regular nighttime use was most common among those with insomnia (646/977, 66.1%), followed by poor sleepers (4040/6930, 58.30%; χ<sup>2</sup><sub>2</sub>=109.3, <i>P</i>&lt;.001). CONCLUSIONS Of the paying subscribers to Calm who have used one of the sleep components, approximately 90% have sleep difficulties, and 77% started using Calm primarily for sleep. These descriptive data point to areas of focus for continued refinement of app features and content, followed by prospective trials testing efficacy of consumer-based meditation mobile apps for improving sleep.

scholarly journals Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Psychological Distress of Medical Students in Japan: Cross-sectional Survey Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoshito Nishimura ◽  
Kanako Ochi ◽  
Kazuki Tokumasu ◽  
Mikako Obika ◽  
Hideharu Hagiya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Online Education ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
State Of Emergency ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Subjective Mental Health

BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected medical education. However, little data are available about medical students’ distress during the pandemic. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to provide details on how medical students have been affected by the pandemic. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 717 medical students participated in the web-based survey. The survey included questions about how the participants’ mental status had changed from before to after the Japanese nationwide state of emergency (SOE). RESULTS Out of 717 medical students, 473 (66.0%) participated in the study. In total, 29.8% (141/473) of the students reported concerns about the shift toward online education, mostly because they thought online education would be ineffective compared with in-person learning. The participants’ subjective mental health status significantly worsened after the SOE was lifted (<i>P</i>&lt;.001). Those who had concerns about a shift toward online education had higher odds of having generalized anxiety and being depressed (odds ratio [OR] 1.97, 95% CI 1.19-3.28) as did those who said they would request food aid (OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.16-3.44) and mental health care resources (OR 3.56, 95% CI 2.07-6.15). CONCLUSIONS Given our findings, the sudden shift to online education might have overwhelmed medical students. Thus, we recommend that educators inform learners that online learning is not inferior to in-person learning, which could attenuate potential depression and anxiety.

Evaluation of Research Training and Productivity Among Junior Pharmacy Practice Faculty in the United States

2010 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 553-559 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly C. Lee ◽  
Shareen Y. El-Ibiary ◽  
Karen Suchanek Hudmon
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Research Training ◽  
Pharmacy Practice ◽  
Junior Faculty ◽  
The United States ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Faculty Positions ◽  
Research Demands

Objective: To evaluate the extent of research training and productivity among junior faculty in US schools of pharmacy. Methods: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted to characterize junior faculty’s ( a) research training and productivity, ( b) perceived ability to meet research demands, ( c) confidence and resources for research, and ( d) interest in receiving further research training. Main Results: Surveys were completed by 349 faculty members (36.7% response). More than 60% completed a pharmacy practice residency and fewer than 15% completed a fellowship. Respondents reported lack of formal training in most research skills during their postgraduate training. Most reported that they are able to meet the teaching, clinical, and service expectations of their departments; however, fewer than half believed that they are able to meet the research expectations. Conclusions: Study respondents reported lack of adequate research training during their postgraduate experiences and current faculty positions. Confidence among faculty to conduct research was also low compared to their confidence to fulfill other expectations of their position. Adequate preparation of current and future academicians is critical to ensuring the success and retention of faculty in the United States.

Resilience and anxiety or depression among resettled Bhutanese adults in the United States

2019 ◽  
Vol 65 (6) ◽  
pp. 496-506 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kalpana Poudel-Tandukar ◽  
Genevieve E Chandler ◽  
Cynthia S Jacelon ◽  
Bhuwan Gautam ◽  
Elizabeth R Bertone-Johnson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Stressful Life Events ◽  
The United States ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Personal Competence ◽  
Hopkins Symptom Checklist ◽  
Resilience Scale

Background: Resilience, or an individual’s positive response in managing life’s adversities, is of increasing interest in addressing the mental health disparities in refugees. Although the link between stressful life events and poor mental health is established, research on the role of resilience on the mental health of refugees is limited. Aims: This study assessed the association between resilience and anxiety or depression in resettled Bhutanese adults in Western Massachusetts. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 225 Bhutanese (men: 113, women: 112) refugees aged 20–65 residing in Massachusetts. Resilience was measured with the 25-item Wagnild and Young’s Resilience Scale including two constructs as follows: a 17-item ‘personal competence’ that measures self-reliance, independence, determination, resourcefulness, mastery and perseverance and an 8-item ‘acceptance of self and life’ that measures adaptability, flexibility and a balanced perspective of life. Higher total scores indicate greater resilience. The Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 was used to measure anxiety (10-item) and depression (15-item) with a cutoff mean score of ⩾1.75 for moderate to severe symptoms. Associations of resilience with anxiety or depression scores were assessed using multiple-linear and logistic regression analyses. Results: The proportion of participants with above threshold anxiety and depression were 34.2% and 24%, respectively. Resilience was inversely associated with both anxiety (beta for 1 unit change in resilience scores: β = −0.026; p = .037) and depression (β = −0.036, p = .041). ‘Personal competence’ resilience was inversely associated with both anxiety (β = −0.041 p = .017) and depression (β = −0.058, p = .019), but ‘acceptance of self and life’ resilience was not. Participants with the highest tertile of resilience scores had a significantly decreased risk of anxiety (ORs (95% CI): 0.13 (0.04–0.40)) and depression (0.16 (0.04–0.60)). Conclusion: Higher resilience was associated with reduced anxiety and depression among Bhutanese with personal competence resilience accounting for most of the effects. These findings suggest the potential targets for mental-health intervention to improve resilience in refugees.

scholarly journals Impact of Junk food on Physical and Mental health of the Youngsters in Bhopal city - A Cross Sectional Survey Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 184-192
Author(s):  
Ravi Verma ◽  
Charu Bansal ◽  
Trupti Jain
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
P Value ◽  
Junk Food ◽  
Health Consequences ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background- Ayurveda has given a unique concept of Viruddha Ahara. Junk food an energy-dense food could be consider as Viruddha Ahara because of its serious physical and mental health consequences. Aim - Find out the frequency of consumption of Junk food preparation and their effects on Physical & Mental health in the youngsters of Bhopal city with special reference to Viruddha Ahara. Study Design- was Observational cross sectional study. Material and Method- Modified Questionnaire based on WHO STEPS1, 2 and 3 guidelines was used to collect the data. 600 youngsters of age group between 12-25 years from various schools and colleges of Bhopal city were selected by stratified random sampling technique and Statistical Analysis was done with epi infoTM version 7 software. Appropriate statistical tests were applied such as frequency distribution, cross tabulation (M x N/ 2 x 2 Table), chi square test, z statistics and logistic regression analysis. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (C.I) and p-value (significant <0.05) were also calculated as per need. Result- It was observed that all subjects were consuming different kinds of junk food with high mean frequency that was 3.28 days per week.  Maximum youngsters were suffering from various physical and mental health consequences like 80.83% subjects were suffering from nutritional problem, 73.50% skin problems, 73.33 % GIT problems and 58.67% had anxiety disorder and 38.50% had recognised with mood disorder. Conclusion: The result of the survey study indicating that serious health consequences are developing in youngsters by consumption of viruddha ahara (Junk Food) and that could be converted them in chronic disease patients in near future.

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