Anxiety and Depression Chatbot Features: A Scoping Review (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arfan Ahmed ◽  
Asmaa Hassan ◽  
Alaa A Abd-Alrazaq ◽  
Nashva Ali ◽  
Sarah Aziz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Negative Emotion ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Bibliographic Databases ◽  
World Population ◽  
Reference List ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Virtual Assistance

BACKGROUND Apps and web-based chatbots can provide valuable and meaningful support to healthcare workers in assessing and guiding management of various health problems particularly when human resources are scarce. Despite poor adherence to such apps, chatbots can be cost-effective and efficient on-demand virtual assistants for various mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression. OBJECTIVE This study aims to review the features of chatbots currently available for individuals with suspected anxiety or depression. METHODS ACM digital library, IEEE, Google Scholar, Embase, Medline, and PsychINFO were the six bibliographic databases searched for conducting the review. We conducted backward and forward reference list checking of included studies. Study selection and data extraction were performed by two reviewers independently; two other individual reviewers justified cross-checking of extracted data. We utilized a narrative approach for synthesizing the data. RESULTS The initial search returned a total of 917 citations. A total of 32 studies remained on filtering the publications, which formed the final dataset for this scoping review. While most of the studies were from conference proceedings (69%, n=22), the remainder were either journal articles (16%, n=5), reports (9%, n=3), or book chapters (6%, n=2). Of the studies that developed an actual chatbot, 16% (n=7) were web based and 63% (n=20) stand-alone in the form of an app. The remainder were available on both platforms or were only conceptual ideas. About half of the reviewed chatbots had functionality targeting both anxiety and depression (56%, n=18), whereas 38% (n=12) targeted only depression, 3% (n=1) anxiety and the remaining addressed other mental health issues along with anxiety and depression like public speaking anxiety, stress, lack of motivation, negative emotion, nervousness. Input modality of most of the chatbots was written (84%, n=27), followed by spoken (25%, n=8) and visual imaging (9%, n=3). Despite the fact of increasing popularity of embodiment techniques in chatbots such as avatars were rarely used in these studies only 34% (n=11) CONCLUSIONS Recent research shows that mental health chatbots could be of benefit in helping patients with anxiety and depression and provide valuable support to mental healthcare workers, particularly when resources are scarce. They often provide virtual assistance where medical professionals are inaccessible or users need anonymous real-time personal virtual assistance. Their role in mental health care is expected to increase following the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on mental health and wellbeing of the world population.

scholarly journals The psychological effects of COVID-19 on frontline healthcare workers and how they are coping: a web-based, cross-sectional study from Pakistan

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Salman ◽  
Muhammad Hussnain Raza ◽  
Zia Ul Mustafa ◽  
Tahir Mehmood Khan ◽  
Noman Asif ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Generalized Anxiety ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
And Coping

Background: High level stress is expected when crises starts affecting people's lives and communities which is witnessed in the past epidemics. Infectious diseases outbreaks like the ongoing COVID19 pandemic have negative impact on healthcare workers' (HCWs) mental health, which needs to be investigated. Therefore, we aimed to assess the psychological impact of COVID-19 on frontline HCWs and their coping strategies. Methods: A web-based, cross-sectional study was conducted among HCWs of the Punjab province of Pakistan. The generalized anxiety scale (GAD-7), patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Brief-COPE were used to assess anxiety, depression and coping strategies of the respondents. Results: The mean age of respondents (N = 398) was 28.67 ± 4.15 years, with majority of medical doctors (52%). The prevalence of anxiety and depression were 21.4% and 21.9%, respectively. There was no significant difference of anxiety and depression scores among doctors, nurses and pharmacists. Females had significantly higher anxiety (p = 0.003) and depression (p = 0.001) scores than males. Moreover, HCWs performing duties in COVID-19 ICU had significantly higher anxiety score than those from isolation wards (p = 0.020) and other departments (p = 0.014). Depression, not anxiety, score were higher among those who did not receive the infection prevention training. Most frequently adopted coping strategy was religious coping (5.98 ± 1.73) followed by acceptance (5.59 ± 1.55) and coping planning (4.91 ± 1.85). Conclusion: A considerable proportion of HCWs are having generalized anxiety and depression during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings call for interventions to mitigate mental health risks in HCWs.

Mobile Applications for Mental Health Self-care: A Scoping Review (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arfan Ahmed ◽  
Nashva Ali ◽  
Anna Giannicchi ◽  
Alaa A Abd-Alrazaq ◽  
Mohamed Ali Siddig Ahmed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Mobile Applications ◽  
Selection Process ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Steady Increase ◽  
Reference List ◽  
Web Based

BACKGROUND Background: Over the past decade, there has been a steady increase of the number of mobile and web-based applications that enable patients with mental disorders to self-regulate their mental health needs, to feel autonomous, and to take responsibility for their own care. To the best of our knowledge, no current reviews explore the features of self-care applications used for mental disorders. OBJECTIVE Objective: The purpose of this review is to explore the characteristics of novel mobile applications utilized for mental health self-care. METHODS Methods: A scoping review of literature was conducted. The search sources consisted of searching 6 electronic databases (e.g., Medline, PsychINFO) and conducting backward and forward reference list checking. Rayyan software was used for this study selection process. One reviewer checked the eligibility of the retrieved studies and extracted data from the included studies. A narrative approach was used to synthesize the extracted data. RESULTS Results: 2,744 citations were identified by searching the electronic databases. Of those, 15 studies were included in this review. Twelve studies used mobile applications while the remaining three studies used web-based applications. Applications in most of the included studies targeted depression (9/15, 60%). Only two types of study designs were identified from the included studies: Randomized control trials (10/15, 67%) and Usability and feasibility studies (5/15, 33%). Six studies had a sample size of less than 50 while six studies had a sample size of more than 200. CONCLUSIONS Conclusion: While many mobile apps have been developed to promote self-care, there is a gap in the current literature discussing the validity of such mental health resources. We were only able to identify 15 such studies from our initial search returning 2744 studies. As such, this review will ideally encourage developers to produce future, empirically reviewed apps that rise to the challenge of both being user-friendly as well as scientifically valid.

scholarly journals Burden of predominant psychological reactions among the healthcare workers and general during COVID-19 pandemic phase: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bhaskar Thakur ◽  
Mona Pathak
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Global Mental Health ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Psychological Reactions ◽  
Frontline Healthcare Workers ◽  
Anxiety Depression

ABSTRACTAimPresent systematic review and meta-analysis examined the burden of psychological reactions predominantly anxiety, depression, stress and insomnia during novel COVID-19 pandemic phase among the frontline healthcare, non-frontline healthcare and general.MethodologyPubMed, EMBASE and SCOPUS were searched for studies between Jan 1, 2020 to May 25, 2020. Brief protocol of the systematic review was registered with the PROSPERO database, (CRD42020186229).Any study that reported the burden of at least one of psychological reactions including anxiety or depression or stress or insomnia was eligible. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistic and results were synthesized using random effect meta-analysis.ResultsOut of 52eligible studies, 43 reported anxiety, 43 reported depression, 20 reported stress and 11 reported insomnia. Overall prevalence for anxiety, depression, stress and insomnia were 26.6%, 26.2%,26.2% and 34.4% respectively. Anxiety and depression were found highest among the COVID-19 patients (43.3% and 51.75 respectively). Apart from COVID-19 patients, prevalence of anxiety, depression, stress and insomnia were found highest among the frontline healthcare (27.2%, 32.1%,55.6% and 34.4% respectively) as compared to general healthcare workers (26.9%, 15.7%, 7.0% and 34.0% respectively) and general population (25.9%, 25.9%,25.4% and 29.4% respectively).ConclusionAnxiety and depression were found highest among the COVID-19 patients. Apart from COVID-19 patients, the anxiety, depression, stress and insomnia were more prevalent among frontline healthcare workers compared to general. Such increased prevalence is prompting towards the global mental health emergency. Therefore a call of urgent attention and pan-region effective mental-health intervention are required to mitigate these psychological reactions.

scholarly journals Identifying occupational health hazards among healthcare providers and ancillary staff in Ghana: a scoping review protocol

BMJ Open ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. e058048
Author(s):  
Philip Apraku Tawiah ◽  
Alberta Baffour-Awuah ◽  
Emmanuel Appiah-Brempong ◽  
Evans Afriyie-Gyawu
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Health ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
English Language ◽  
Electronic Materials ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Occupational Exposures ◽  
Reference List

IntroductionThe formation, modification and implementation of occupational health and safety policy for the Ghana healthcare industry hinge on data and reviews on occupational exposures. However, there is no synthesised review to speak to the issues of these occupational exposures. A scoping review on occupational exposures among the health workforce in Ghana will provide a broad overview of exposures, and can guide and assist in making decisions on occupational health issues relating to healthcare workers.Methods and analysisArksey and O’Malley’s scoping review methodology framework will guide the conduct of this scoping review. Primary research studies, government documents and other information on occupational exposures among healthcare workers published in the English language will be retrieved from databases including PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, Scopus, PsycINFO and Google scholar. A systematic search strategy will be employed to identify articles from 1 January 2010 until 30 November 2021. Also, grey literature sources in Ghana including government and tertiary institutions websites will be searched. A reference list of key studies and other available non-electronic materials will also be screened to identify relevant studies for inclusion. The review will consider studies that address prevalence, knowledge and predisposing factors of occupational exposures along with the use of occupational hazards control/preventive measures. After removal of duplicates, and title and abstract screening, relevant articles will be subjected to full-text analysis. The screening processes will be conducted independently by two reviewers. Data will then be extracted and presented in tabular form with a narrative to aid easy comprehension.Ethics and disseminationThis scoping review does not require ethical approval. The findings will be disseminated through publications, conference presentations and stakeholder meetings.

scholarly journals Labour Market Attachment, Workplace Infection Control Procedures and Mental Health: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Canadian Non-healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter M Smith ◽  
John Oudyk ◽  
Guy Potter ◽  
Cameron Mustard
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Labour Market ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Internet Survey ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Different Types

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has led to large proportions of the labour market moving to remote work, while others have become unemployed. Those still at their physical workplace likely face increased risk of infection, compared to other workers. The objective of this paper is to understand the relationship between working arrangements, infection control programs (ICP), and symptoms of anxiety and depression among Canadian workers, not specifically working in healthcare. Methods A convenience-based internet survey of Canadian non-healthcare workers was facilitated through various labour organizations between April 26 and June 6, 2020. A total of 5180 respondents started the survey, of which 3779 were assessed as employed in a full-time or part-time capacity on 2 March 2020 (prior to large-scale COVID-19 pandemic responses in Canada). Of this sample, 3305 (87.5%) had complete information on main exposures and outcomes. Anxiety symptoms were measured using the Generalised Anxiety Disorder screener (GAD-2), and depressive symptoms using the Patient Health Questionnaire screener (PHQ-2). For workers at their physical workplace (site-based workers) we asked questions about the adequacy and implementation of 11 different types of ICP, and the adequacy and supply of eight different types of personal protective equipment (PPE). Respondents were classified as either: working remotely; site-based workers with 100% of their ICP/PPE needs met; site-based workers with 50–99% of ICP/PPE needs met; site-based workers with 1–49% of ICP/PPE needs met; site-based workers with none of ICP/PPE needs met; or no longer employed. Regression analyses examined the association between working arrangements and ICP/PPE adequacy and having GAD-2 and PHQ-2 scores of three and higher (a common screening point in both scales). Models were adjusted for a range of demographic, occupation, workplace, and COVID-19-specific factors. Results A total of 42.3% (95% CI: 40.6–44.0%) of the sample had GAD-2 scores of 3 and higher, and 34.6% (95% CI: 32.–36.2%) had PHQ-2 scores of 3 and higher. In initial analyses, symptoms of anxiety and depression were lowest among those working remotely (35.4 and 27.5%), compared to site-based workers (43.5 and 34.7%) and those who had lost their jobs (44.1 and 35.9%). When adequacy of ICP and PPE was taken into account, the lowest prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms was observed among site-based workers with all of their ICP needs being met (29.8% prevalence for GAD-2 scores of 3 and higher, and 23.0% prevalence for PHQ-2 scores of 3 and higher), while the highest prevalence was observed among site-based workers with none of their ICP needs being met (52.3% for GAD-2 scores of 3 and higher, and 45.8% for PHQ-2 scores of 3 and higher). Conclusion Our results suggest that the adequate design and implementation of employer-based ICP have implications for the mental health of site-based workers. As economies re-open the ongoing assessment of ICP and associated mental health outcomes among the workforce is warranted.

scholarly journals Risk perception, mental health impacts and coping strategies during COVID-19 pandemic among Filipino healthcare workers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roy Rillera Marzo ◽  
Emilio Quilatan Villanueva III ◽  
Udita Chandra ◽  
Mila Nu Nu Htay ◽  
Rajeev Shrestha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
Marital Status ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Status Occupation

Background: COVID-19 pandemic has caused an extraordinary situation, especially for the healthcare workers (HCWs), leading to increased psychological stress. The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of different grades of anxiety and depression across different centers in the Philippines and identify demographic factors associated with them. Design and Method: A cross-sectional, web-based, multi-center study was conducted among HCWs of Philippines from April 20- May 20, 2020. The study instruments used were the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Risk perception scores were analyzed using Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis test. Logistic regression was done to identify factors significantly associated with symptoms of anxiety and depression determined. Results: A total of 516 HCWs were included in the study. Most of them have anxiety symptoms (70.74%), but only half of them have symptoms of depression (50.97%). In addition, gender, age, marital status, living status, occupation, work premises, and availability of mental health services were significantly associated with the participants’ anxiety symptoms; In contrast, gender, marital status, occupation, and work premises were significantly associated with depression symptoms. Conclusion: This study reiterates the fact and demonstrates that COVID-19 has disrupted the mental well-being of HCWs in the Philippines. Majority of HCW was psychologically affected by COVID-19. Therefore, there is a dire need to address mental illness amongst HCWs and frame guidelines based on proven algorithms to overcome these mental illnesses.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Anxiety and Depression in General Population of Iran during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Web-Based Cross-Sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saman Maroufizadeh ◽  
Majid Pourshaikhian ◽  
Ali Pourramzani ◽  
Farzaneh Sheikholeslami ◽  
Mohammad Taghi Moghadamnia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
General Population ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Anxiety Depression

Abstract Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global public health emergency and may result in psychological problems such as anxiety and depression in general population. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression and their associated factors in general population of Iran during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: We conducted this web-based cross-sectional study on 5328 individuals in Iran, between 17 and 29 April 2020. Data were collected through an anonymous online questionnaire via social media like WhatsApp and Telegram. The online survey collected information on demographic characteristics, COVID-19-related variables, and anxiety and depression. Anxiety and depression were assessed using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), respectively. Simple and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to determine independent predictors of anxiety and depression.Results: The mean GAD-7 and PHQ-9 total scores were 7.17 (SD=5.42) and 7.80 (SD=6.68), respectively. The prevalence of anxiety, depression, and comorbid anxiety-depression were 30.1%, 33.4%, and 22.1%, respectively. According to the adjusted analysis, anxiety was significantly associated with being female, being young and middle-aged, being unemployed or housewife, having chronic diseases, long time thinking about COVID-19, having family members, friends, and/or relatives infected with COVI-19, and death of family members, relatives or friends due to COVID-19. Same results were also found for depression. Furthermore, depression was associated with being single, being resident in urban area, and having high risk individual in family. Conclusion: The prevalence of anxiety and depression were considerably high in general population of Iran during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the findings suggest that more attention needs to be paid to vulnerable groups such as women, young/middle-aged adults, unemployed people, people with chronic disease. Thus, a holistic approach, including management policies, psychosocial interventions, training, support, and tele-mental health, is absolutely crucial to reduce mental health problems of the COVID-19 and any outbreaks of other infectious diseases.

scholarly journals Generalized anxiety disorder, depressive symptoms and sleep quality during COVID-19 epidemic in China: a web-based cross-sectional survey

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yeen Huang ◽  
Ning Zhao
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Influence Factors ◽  
Poor Sleep ◽  
Poor Sleep Quality ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based

Abstract Background China has been severely affected by COVID-19 (Corona Virus Disease 2019) since December, 2019. This study aimed to assess the population mental health burden during the epidemic, and to explore the potential influence factors. Methods Using a web-based cross-sectional survey, we collected data from 7,236 self-selected volunteers assessed with demographic information, COVID-19 related knowledge, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Center for Epidemiology Scale for Depression (CES-D), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Logistic regressions were used to identify influence factors associated with mental health problem. Results Of the total sample analyzed, the overall prevalence of GAD, depressive symptoms, and sleep quality were 35.1%, 20.1%, and 18.2%, respectively. Young people reported a higher prevalence of GAD and depressive symptoms than older people ( P <0.001). Compared with other occupational group, healthcare workers have the highest rate of poor sleep quality ( P <0.001). Multivariate logistic regression showed that age (< 35 years) and times to focus on the COVID-19 (≥ 3 hours per day) were associated with GAD, and healthcare workers were associated with poor sleep quality. Conclusions Our study identified a major mental health burden of the public during COVID-19 epidemic in China. Young people, people who spent too much time on the epidemic, and healthcare workers were at high risk for mental illness. Continuous surveillance and monitoring of the psychological consequences for outbreaks should become routine as part of preparedness efforts worldwide.

scholarly journals Effectiveness and Safety of Using Chatbots to Improve Mental Health: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

10.2196/16021 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (7) ◽  
pp. e16021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alaa Ali Abd-Alrazaq ◽  
Asma Rababeh ◽  
Mohannad Alajlani ◽  
Bridgette M Bewick ◽  
Mowafa Househ
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Visual Language ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Mental Health Workers ◽  
Bibliographic Databases ◽  
Reference List ◽  
Weak Evidence

Background The global shortage of mental health workers has prompted the utilization of technological advancements, such as chatbots, to meet the needs of people with mental health conditions. Chatbots are systems that are able to converse and interact with human users using spoken, written, and visual language. While numerous studies have assessed the effectiveness and safety of using chatbots in mental health, no reviews have pooled the results of those studies. Objective This study aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of using chatbots to improve mental health through summarizing and pooling the results of previous studies. Methods A systematic review was carried out to achieve this objective. The search sources were 7 bibliographic databases (eg, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO), the search engine “Google Scholar,” and backward and forward reference list checking of the included studies and relevant reviews. Two reviewers independently selected the studies, extracted data from the included studies, and assessed the risk of bias. Data extracted from studies were synthesized using narrative and statistical methods, as appropriate. Results Of 1048 citations retrieved, we identified 12 studies examining the effect of using chatbots on 8 outcomes. Weak evidence demonstrated that chatbots were effective in improving depression, distress, stress, and acrophobia. In contrast, according to similar evidence, there was no statistically significant effect of using chatbots on subjective psychological wellbeing. Results were conflicting regarding the effect of chatbots on the severity of anxiety and positive and negative affect. Only two studies assessed the safety of chatbots and concluded that they are safe in mental health, as no adverse events or harms were reported. Conclusions Chatbots have the potential to improve mental health. However, the evidence in this review was not sufficient to definitely conclude this due to lack of evidence that their effect is clinically important, a lack of studies assessing each outcome, high risk of bias in those studies, and conflicting results for some outcomes. Further studies are required to draw solid conclusions about the effectiveness and safety of chatbots. Trial Registration PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42019141219; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42019141219

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