scholarly journals Mental Health Mobile Phone App Usage, Concerns, and Benefits Among Psychiatric Outpatients: Comparative Survey Study

10.2196/11715 ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. e11715 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Torous ◽  
Hannah Wisniewski ◽  
Gang Liu ◽  
Matcheri Keshavan
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Private Insurance ◽  
The State ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Health Apps ◽  
Single Time Point ◽  
Time Point

Background Despite the popularity of mental health apps, it is unknown if they are actually used by those with mental illness. This study assessed whether differences in clinic setting may influence the use of mental health apps and which factors influence patient perception of apps. Objective The objective of this study was to gain an understanding of how individuals with mental illness use their mobile phones by exploring their access to mobile phones and their use of mental health apps. Methods A single time point survey study was conducted over a 2-week period in February 2018 at two nearby outpatient psychiatry clinics: one serving largely mood and anxiety disorder patients with private insurance staffed by both faculty and residents and the other serving largely psychotic disorder patients in a state Department of Mental Health (DMH) setting. A total of 25 patients at the state DMH clinic also consented for a single time point observation of apps currently installed on their personal mobile phone. Results A total of 113 patients at the private insurance clinic and 73 at the state DMH clinic completed the survey. Those in the private insurance clinic were more likely to download a mental health app compared to the state DMH clinic, but actual rates of reported current app usage were comparable at each clinic, approximately 10%. Verifying current apps on patients’ mobile phones at the state DMH clinic confirmed that approximately 10% had mental health apps installed. Patients at both clinics were most concerned about privacy of mental health apps, although those at the state DMH clinic viewed cost savings as the greatest benefit while those at the private clinic reported time as the greatest benefit. Conclusions High interest in mental health apps does not automatically translate into high use. Our results of low but similar rates of mental health app use at diverse clinics suggests DMH patients with largely psychotic disorders are as interested and engaged with apps as those in a private insurance clinic treating largely mood and anxiety disorders. Results from our study also highlight the importance of understanding how actual patients are using apps instead of relying on internet-based samples, which often yield higher results due to their likelihood of being selected.

scholarly journals Mental Health Mobile Phone App Usage, Concerns, and Benefits Among Psychiatric Outpatients: Comparative Survey Study (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Torous ◽  
Hannah Wisniewski ◽  
Gang Liu ◽  
Matcheri Keshavan
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Private Insurance ◽  
The State ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Health Apps ◽  
Single Time Point ◽  
Time Point

BACKGROUND Despite the popularity of mental health apps, it is unknown if they are actually used by those with mental illness. This study assessed whether differences in clinic setting may influence the use of mental health apps and which factors influence patient perception of apps. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to gain an understanding of how individuals with mental illness use their mobile phones by exploring their access to mobile phones and their use of mental health apps. METHODS A single time point survey study was conducted over a 2-week period in February 2018 at two nearby outpatient psychiatry clinics: one serving largely mood and anxiety disorder patients with private insurance staffed by both faculty and residents and the other serving largely psychotic disorder patients in a state Department of Mental Health (DMH) setting. A total of 25 patients at the state DMH clinic also consented for a single time point observation of apps currently installed on their personal mobile phone. RESULTS A total of 113 patients at the private insurance clinic and 73 at the state DMH clinic completed the survey. Those in the private insurance clinic were more likely to download a mental health app compared to the state DMH clinic, but actual rates of reported current app usage were comparable at each clinic, approximately 10%. Verifying current apps on patients’ mobile phones at the state DMH clinic confirmed that approximately 10% had mental health apps installed. Patients at both clinics were most concerned about privacy of mental health apps, although those at the state DMH clinic viewed cost savings as the greatest benefit while those at the private clinic reported time as the greatest benefit. CONCLUSIONS High interest in mental health apps does not automatically translate into high use. Our results of low but similar rates of mental health app use at diverse clinics suggests DMH patients with largely psychotic disorders are as interested and engaged with apps as those in a private insurance clinic treating largely mood and anxiety disorders. Results from our study also highlight the importance of understanding how actual patients are using apps instead of relying on internet-based samples, which often yield higher results due to their likelihood of being selected.

scholarly journals Mobile Health for All: Public-Private Partnerships Can Create a New Mental Health Landscape

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. e26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dror Ben-Zeev
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Severe Mental Illness ◽  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Mobile Technology ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Assistance Program ◽  
The U.S

Research has already demonstrated that different mHealth approaches are feasible, acceptable, and clinically promising for people with mental health problems. With a robust evidence base just over the horizon, now is the time for policy makers, researchers, and the private sector to partner in preparation for the near future. The Lifeline Assistance Program is a useful model to draw from. Created in 1985 by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Lifeline is a nationwide program designed to help eligible low-income individuals obtain home phone and landline services so they can pursue employment, reach help in case of emergency, and access social services and healthcare. In 2005, recognizing the broad shift towards mobile technology and mobile-cellular infrastructure, the FCC expanded the program to include mobile phones and data plans. The FCC provides a base level of federal support, but individual states are responsible for regional implementation, including engagement of commercial mobile phone carriers. Given the high rates of disability and poverty among people with severe mental illness, many are eligible to benefit from Lifeline and research has shown that a large proportion does in fact use this program to obtain a mobile phone and data plan. In the singular area of mobile phone use, the gap between people with severe mental illness and the general population in the U.S. is vanishing. Strategic multi-partner programs will be able to grant access to mHealth for mental health programs to those who will not be able to afford them—arguably, the people who need them the most. Mobile technology manufacturing costs are dropping. Soon all mobile phones in the marketplace, including the more inexpensive devices that are made available through subsidy programs, will have “smart” capabilities (ie, internet connectivity and the capacity to host apps). Programs like Lifeline could be expanded to include mHealth resources that capitalize on “smart” functions, such as secure/encrypted clinical texting programs and mental health monitoring and illness-management apps. Mobile phone hardware and software development companies could be engaged to add mHealth programs as a standard component in the suite of tools that come installed on their mobile phones; thus, in addition to navigation apps, media players, and games, the new Android or iPhone could come with guided relaxation videos, medication reminder systems, and evidence-based self-monitoring and self-management tools. Telecommunication companies could be encouraged to offer mHealth options with their data plans. Operating system updates pushed out by the mobile carrier companies could come with optional mHealth applications for those who elect to download them. In the same manner in which the Lifeline Assistance Program has helped increase access to fundamental opportunities to so many low-income individuals, innovative multi-partner programs have the potential to put mHealth for mental health resources in the hands of millions in the years ahead.

Supporting partners of mothers with severe mental illness through text – a feasibility study

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (5) ◽  
pp. 548-551
Author(s):  
Richard Fletcher ◽  
Jennifer M StGeorge ◽  
Cate Rawlinson ◽  
Andrea Baldwin ◽  
Paul Lanning ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Severe Mental Illness ◽  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Perinatal Period ◽  
Infant Care ◽  
Perceived Usefulness ◽  
Partner Support ◽  
New Mothers

Objective: During the perinatal period, partners of mothers with severe mental illness (SMI) play an important role in managing the new baby and supporting the mothers’ wellbeing. Providing information via mobile phone on infant care, partner support and self-care may assist partners in their support role. Method: Partners (n = 23) of mothers with SMI were enrolled in a partner-focused SMS service sending brief texts 14 times per month for a maximum of 10 months. Partners (n = 16) were interviewed on exit and their responses analysed for acceptability and perceived usefulness of the texts. Results: Partners remained with the programme and expressed high acceptability of the texts. Participants identified effects such as increased knowledge of and interaction with their baby; effective support for their partner; and reassurance that ‘things were normal’. Few partners sought support for their own mental health. Conclusions: Texts supplied to mobile phones of partners of new mothers with SMI may increase partners’ support. The texts in this study were acceptable to partners and were reported to enhance a partner’s focus on the mother’s needs, raise the partner’s awareness of the infant’s needs, and support the partner’s confidence and competence in infant care.

scholarly journals mHealth for mental health: readiness among perinatal adolescents in Nigeria (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lola Kola ◽  
Dolapo Abiona ◽  
Adeyinka Olufolake Adefolarin ◽  
Dror Ben-Zeev
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Adolescent Mothers ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Health Interventions ◽  
Young Mothers

BACKGROUND There are several barriers that may hamper adolescent mothers’ utilization of available health interventions for perinatal depression. Innovative treatment approaches are needed to increase their access to mental health care for improved maternal and child health outcomes. Mobile phones have the potential to serve as important conduits to mental health care in Africa. However mobile phone pattern of use and needs of young mothers in Nigeria are unknown. OBJECTIVE This study sought to document the prevalence of mobile phone use among perinatal adolescents and report their pattern of use, as well as the openness of young mothers to mHealth mental health interventions. METHODS We surveyed two hundred and sixty (260) adolescent mothers aged between 16 -19 years in their perinatal or postnatal periods of pregnancies in thirty-three (33) primary health care clinics in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria between 24th February and 23rd March 2020. Respondents were included if they were pregnant with gestation age of >4 weeks, or were with babies of not more than 12 months. RESULTS The total study sample consisted of 260 adolescent mothers with a mean age of 18.4 (SD = 0.88). The majority of the respondents (233, 89.6%) owned mobile phones, 22 (8.5%) had access to phones that belonged to relatives who live in the same house with them (for an average of eighty (80) minutes per day), while 5 (1.9) had access only to public paid phones. On average, respondents reported 15.5 (SD = 2.06) years as the age when they first started using a mobile phone. The majority of respondents (222, 85.4%) use their phones averagely for 45 minutes daily for calls to family members. Facebook was the most used social media site among internet users (122, 83.4%), The majority responded being “interested and “very interested in the use of mobile phones for preventive (250, 96.2%) and treatment (243, 93.5%) information on a mental illness such as depression and “hearing voices." Half of the respondents (126, 50.4%) preferred to receive such information as text messages, while very few (26, 10.4%) wanted, such as videos on phone applications. CONCLUSIONS Findings from this study support a broad willingness to engage in mHealth initiatives for the delivery of care for mental illness among perinatal adolescents. A variety of smartphone device supported interventions can be considered as promising in this population because of their high literacy rate. CLINICALTRIAL NA

scholarly journals Burden of mental health disability in Kerala: A secondary time trend analysis from 2002 to 2018

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
J Joseph ◽  
H Sankar ◽  
D Nambiar
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Mental Retardation ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
Human Resources ◽  
Mental Health Disorders ◽  
The State ◽  
The Public ◽  
Health Infrastructure ◽  
Health Disorders

Abstract The fourth target of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 advocates for the promotion of mental health and wellbeing. The Indian state of Kerala is recognized for its gains in health and development but has substantial burden of mental health ailments. Historical analysis is vital to understand the pattern of mental health morbidity. The current study focusses on comparable estimates available from three largescale population-based surveys in India to explore trends in prevalence of mental health disorders over the years and map resources and infrastructure available for mental health care in Kerala. We undertook a secondary analysis of national demographic surveys from 2002 to 2018 which reported information on mental health and availability of health infrastructure and human resources. Data were collated and descriptive analyses were conducted. We compared the national and state level estimates over the years to study the trend in the prevalence of mental health disability. The prevalence of mental retardation and intellectual disability in Kerala increased from 194 per hundred thousand persons in 2002 to 300 per hundred thousand persons in 2018, two times higher to the national average. The prevalence of mental illness increased from 272 per hundred thousand people to 400 per hundred thousand people in sixteen years. The prevalence was higher among males (statistical significance was not indicated) in mental illness and mental retardation. 2018 data showed that the public sector had 0.01 hospitals and 5.53 beds per hundred thousand persons available for mental health treatment. Results showed a substantial increase in mental health illness over the 16-year study period that has affected males and females, as well as all social classes of the state. The current health infrastructure and human resources in the public sector of the state are inadequate to meet the current burden of the problem and to ensure universal access to care for its population. Key messages The trend in prevalence of mental health disorders in the state is increasing across the years. There is a mismatch between the extend of the problem and resources available in public sector.

Usability Heuristics for Mobile Phone Applications

2015 ◽  
pp. 143-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thaísa C. Lacerda ◽  
Juliane V. Nunes ◽  
Christiane Gresse von Wangenheim
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Systematic Literature Review ◽  
Mobile Applications ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
The State ◽  
Computer Applications ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Mobile Phone Applications

In this chapter, we discuss the importance of evaluating the usability of mobile applications using tools and technics that consider their specific characteristics. One common way to evaluate usability is using heuristics. However, since many assumptions regarding usability of computer applications are not true for mobile applications, a question arises: does there exist usability heuristics specific for this type of device? To answer this question, we conducted a systematic literature review. We mapped the encountered sets of heuristics to Nielsen's ten heuristics and identified additional ones specifically proposed for this kind of device. Our review indicates that research with respect to usability heuristics for mobile phones are still sparse. Nevertheless, this chapter provides an overview on the state of the art that can guide the design and evaluation of interfaces for mobile applications as well as provide a starting point for the evolution of such customized heuristics.

scholarly journals Substance Use, Homelessness, Mental Illness and Medicaid Coverage: A Set-up for High Emergency Department Utilization

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 902-906 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aimee Moulin ◽  
Ethan Evans ◽  
Guido Xing ◽  
Joy Melnikow
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Health Planning ◽  
Private Insurance ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Emergency Department Utilization ◽  
Public Healthcare ◽  
Frequent Users ◽  
Ed Visits

Introduction: Frequent users of emergency departments (ED) account for 21–28% of all ED visits nationwide. The objective of our study was to identify characteristics unique to patients with psychiatric illness who are frequent ED users for mental health care. Understanding unique features of this population could lead to better care and lower healthcare costs. Methods: This retrospective analysis of adult ED visits for mental healthcare from all acute care hospitals in California from 2009–2014 used patient-level data from California’s Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development. We calculated patient demographic and visit characteristics for patients with a primary diagnosis of a mental health disorder as a percentage of total adult ED visits. Frequent ED users were defined as patients with more than four visits in a 12-month period. We calculated adjusted rate ratios (aRR) to assess the association between classification as an ED frequent user and patient age, sex, payer, homelessness, and substance use disorder. Results: In the study period, 846,867 ED visits for mental healthcare occurred including 238,892 (28.2%) visits by frequent users. Patients with a primary mental health diagnosis and a co-occurring substance use diagnosis in the prior 12 months (77% vs. 37%, aRR [4.02], 95% confidence interval [CI] [3.92-4.12]), homelessness (2.9% vs 1.1%, odds ratio [1.35], 95% [CI] [1.27-1.43]) were more likely to be frequent users. Those covered by Medicare (aRR [3.37], 95% CI [3.20-3.55]) or the state’s Medicaid program Medi-Cal (aRR [3.10], 95% CI [2.94-3.25]) were also more likely to be frequent users compared with those with private insurance coverage. Conclusion: Patients with substance use disorders, homelessness and public healthcare coverage are more likely to be frequent users of EDs for mental illness. Substance use and housing needs are important factors to address in this population.

Disability and socio-economic impact of mental disorders in the state of Punjab, India: Findings from national mental health survey, 2015–2016

2018 ◽  
Vol 64 (6) ◽  
pp. 589-596 ◽  
Author(s):  
BS Chavan ◽  
Subhash Das ◽  
Rohit Garg ◽  
Sonia Puri ◽  
Aravind BA Banavaram
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Economic Impact ◽  
Health Survey ◽  
The State ◽  
Perceived Disability ◽  
Mental Health Survey ◽  
Socio Economic Impact ◽  
National Mental Health ◽  
The Individual

Background: Mental illness results in a plethora of distressing issues, has tremendous socio-economic impact and causes socio-occupational dysfunction in the individual as well as the caregivers. There is a felt need to explore the disability caused by mental illness and the associated socio-economic impact at the population level in a developing nation like India. Aims: To elucidate the disability and socio-economic impact associated with mental illness at the individual and household levels for the state of Punjab in India. Method: This was a multisite cross-sectional study carried out during 2015–2016 (as a part of the National Mental Health Survey of India) in three districts and one urban metro area of Punjab. The sample was selected using multi-stage, stratified, random cluster sampling technique, with random selection based on Probability Proportionate to Size (PPS) at different stages. A validated set of questions was used to assess the socio-economic impact of mental illness and the Sheehan Disability Scale was used to document self-perceived disability among individuals with mental morbidity. Median (IQR) and proportions were used to summarize quantitative and qualitative data, respectively Results: Subjects with any mental morbidity reported disability of varying severities across different domains of life; family life was affected the most (70.1%). One in every six persons reported that their mental illness interfered with their daily activities to a large extent. Economic burden was high and a typical family would spend about INR 1500/month (US$23) towards the treatment of its member with mental morbidity. Family members had to forego their work for at least 7 days in 3 months to take care of their relative with mental illness. Conclusion: Mental illness causes disability in the individual and has tremendous socio-economic impact on the family, incapacitating a family’s productivity to a large extent and thus affecting the society.

scholarly journals Pozbawienie wolności w celu zbadania stanu psychicznego w prawie polskim

2020 ◽  
Vol 55 ◽  
pp. 11-20
Author(s):  
Teresa Gardocka
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Criminal Procedure ◽  
Civil Procedure ◽  
The State ◽  
Legal Institutions ◽  
Main Subject ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Polish Law

The subject of these considerations is the deprivation of freedom ordered to diag-nose the state of an individual’s/person’s mental health. Polish law provides for such a diagnostic deprivation of freedom in the event of a suspected offense with a simultaneous doubt as to the person’s sanity at the time of the committing the act (Code of Criminal Procedure), doubt as to mental illness beings a cause of behavior threatening one’s own life or health, or the lives of others (Act on the Protection of Mental Health) and the exist-ence of a mental illness as a reason for incapacitation (Code of Civil Procedure). These legal institutions differ as for constitutional justification (Article 31 point 3) of the Polish Constitution) and their permissible duration. These differences are the main subject of the analysis. Particularly doubtful seems the possibility of diagnostic deprivation of freedom provided for in the proceedings on incapacitation, as to its duration (it may last up to 3 months).

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