scholarly journals A Digital Intervention for Adolescent Depression (MoodHwb): Mixed Methods Feasibility Evaluation

10.2196/14536 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (7) ◽  
pp. e14536 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rhys Bevan Jones ◽  
Anita Thapar ◽  
Frances Rice ◽  
Becky Mars ◽  
Sharifah Shameem Agha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Health Education ◽  
Young People ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Adolescent Depression ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Assessment Process ◽  
Youth Services ◽  
Psychoeducational Interventions

Background Treatment and prevention guidelines highlight the key role of health information and evidence-based psychosocial interventions for adolescent depression. Digital health technologies and psychoeducational interventions have been recommended to help engage young people and to provide accurate health information, enhance self-management skills, and promote social support. However, few digital psychoeducational interventions for adolescent depression have been robustly developed and evaluated in line with research guidance. Objective We aimed to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and potential impact of a theory-informed, co-designed digital intervention program, MoodHwb. Methods We used a mixed methods (quantitative and qualitative) approach to evaluate the program and the assessment process. Adolescents with or at elevated risk of depression and their parents and carers were recruited from mental health services, school counselors and nurses, and participants from a previous study. They completed a range of questionnaires before and after the program (related to the feasibility and acceptability of the program and evaluation process, and changes in mood, knowledge, attitudes, and behavior), and their Web usage was monitored. A subsample was also interviewed. A focus group was conducted with professionals from health, education, social, and youth services and charities. Interview and focus group transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis with NVivo 10 (QSR International Pty Ltd). Results A total of 44 young people and 31 parents or carers were recruited, of which 36 (82%) young people and 21 (68%) parents or carers completed follow-up questionnaires. In all, 19 young people and 12 parents or carers were interviewed. Overall, 13 professionals from a range of disciplines participated in the focus group. The key themes from the interviews and groups related to the design features, sections and content, and integration and context of the program in the young person’s life. Overall, the participants found the intervention engaging, clear, user-friendly, and comprehensive, and stated that it could be integrated into existing services. Young people found the “Self help” section and “Mood monitor” particularly helpful. The findings provided initial support for the intervention program theory, for example, depression literacy improved after using the intervention (difference in mean literacy score: 1.7, 95% CI 0.8 to 2.6; P<.001 for young people; 1.3, 95% CI 0.4 to 2.2; P=.006 for parents and carers). Conclusions Findings from this early stage evaluation suggest that MoodHwb and the assessment process were feasible and acceptable, and that the intervention has the potential to be helpful for young people, families and carers as an early intervention program in health, education, social, and youth services and charities. A randomized controlled trial is needed to further evaluate the digital program.

scholarly journals A Digital Intervention for Adolescent Depression (MoodHwb): Mixed Methods Feasibility Evaluation (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rhys Bevan Jones ◽  
Anita Thapar ◽  
Frances Rice ◽  
Becky Mars ◽  
Sharifah Shameem Agha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Health Education ◽  
Young People ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Adolescent Depression ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Assessment Process ◽  
Youth Services ◽  
Psychoeducational Interventions

BACKGROUND Treatment and prevention guidelines highlight the key role of health information and evidence-based psychosocial interventions for adolescent depression. Digital health technologies and psychoeducational interventions have been recommended to help engage young people and to provide accurate health information, enhance self-management skills, and promote social support. However, few digital psychoeducational interventions for adolescent depression have been robustly developed and evaluated in line with research guidance. OBJECTIVE We aimed to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and potential impact of a theory-informed, co-designed digital intervention program, MoodHwb. METHODS We used a mixed methods (quantitative and qualitative) approach to evaluate the program and the assessment process. Adolescents with or at elevated risk of depression and their parents and carers were recruited from mental health services, school counselors and nurses, and participants from a previous study. They completed a range of questionnaires before and after the program (related to the feasibility and acceptability of the program and evaluation process, and changes in mood, knowledge, attitudes, and behavior), and their Web usage was monitored. A subsample was also interviewed. A focus group was conducted with professionals from health, education, social, and youth services and charities. Interview and focus group transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis with NVivo 10 (QSR International Pty Ltd). RESULTS A total of 44 young people and 31 parents or carers were recruited, of which 36 (82%) young people and 21 (68%) parents or carers completed follow-up questionnaires. In all, 19 young people and 12 parents or carers were interviewed. Overall, 13 professionals from a range of disciplines participated in the focus group. The key themes from the interviews and groups related to the design features, sections and content, and integration and context of the program in the young person’s life. Overall, the participants found the intervention engaging, clear, user-friendly, and comprehensive, and stated that it could be integrated into existing services. Young people found the “Self help” section and “Mood monitor” particularly helpful. The findings provided initial support for the intervention program theory, for example, depression literacy improved after using the intervention (difference in mean literacy score: 1.7, 95% CI 0.8 to 2.6; <i>P</i>&lt;.001 for young people; 1.3, 95% CI 0.4 to 2.2; <i>P</i>=.006 for parents and carers). CONCLUSIONS Findings from this early stage evaluation suggest that MoodHwb and the assessment process were feasible and acceptable, and that the intervention has the potential to be helpful for young people, families and carers as an early intervention program in health, education, social, and youth services and charities. A randomized controlled trial is needed to further evaluate the digital program.

Promoting health in a virtual world: Impressions of health communication messages delivered in Second Life

First Monday ◽  
2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joan Cowdery ◽  
Jeannette Kindred ◽  
Anna Michalakis ◽  
L. Suzanne Suggs
Keyword(s):  
Health Education ◽  
Health Communication ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Second Life ◽  
Virtual World ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Education Intervention ◽  
Nutrition Research ◽  
Health Education Intervention

The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine the use of the online virtual world Second Life (SL) for the delivery of health communication messages designed to encourage individuals to make healthy lifestyle choices regarding physical activity and nutrition. Research questions addressed participants’ impressions of the usefulness and relevance of health information received via an online virtual world and participants’ overall impressions of an online health education intervention program. Forty individuals participated in a health education intervention and completed a post-test survey. Four focus groups were also held, one in real life and three in Second Life and included a total of 28 participants. Overall, participants rated the health intervention positively, found the information useful in helping them think about changing their health behaviors, and reported finding the information easy to understand and personally relevant. Participants were also consistent in reporting they found the use of Second Life to be a unique and novel approach for the delivery of health information.

scholarly journals Perception, Attitudes, and Experiences Regarding Mental Health Problems and Web Based Mental Health Information Amongst Young People with and without Migration Background in Germany. A Qualitative Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 81
Author(s):  
Ümran Sema Seven ◽  
Mendy Stoll ◽  
Dennis Dubbert ◽  
Christian Kohls ◽  
Petra Werner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Young People ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Migration Background ◽  
Adolescents And Young Adults ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions

Mental illnesses in adolescence and young adulthood are steadily increasing. Thus, mental disorders represent an individual and societal challenge and an enormous health economic burden, creating an urgent need for research and action. Mental health problems are omnipresent in the life of young people and the internet is the first resource, which helps them to understand their situation. Young people with migration background often have more difficulties accessing health care services. Digital technologies offer an ideal opportunity for a low-threshold platform that addresses the needs of young people. The current project “GeKo:mental” aims to design a multilingual website for Cologne-based adolescents and young adults that will enable them to obtain comprehensive information about mental illness and health, treatment options and first contact points. To design this website, this study aims to find out what kind of health information is needed and how it should best be presented. Nine focus group discussions with adolescents and young adults with and without migration background (N = 68) were conducted; the focus group discussions took place at schools, in an association for social youth work and in an cultural association, which is linked to a mosque in Cologne, Germany. A qualitative content analysis was conducted on the gathered material. The participants reported concrete challenges and needs. The results will form the basis for the development and design of a website.

scholarly journals Establishing Patient Perceptions and Preferences for a Journal Authenticator Tool To Support Health Literacy: A Mixed-Methods Survey and Focus Group Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alicia Ricketts ◽  
Manoj M. Lalu ◽  
Laurie Proulx ◽  
Michael Halas ◽  
Gisell Castillo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Health Information ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Thematic Content Analysis ◽  
Predatory Journals ◽  
Thematic Content ◽  
Online Focus Groups

Abstract Background Predatory journals are illegitimate journals that do not meet expected publication best practices. Many of these journals can be found using Google, making them readily available to patients searching online for health information. The goal of this study was to obtain information about how patients use the internet to get health information and to determine patient preferences and needs for a journal authenticator tool which would highlight journal transparency practices. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey of Canadian-based adult patients and caregivers and then a series of online focus groups to further explore the survey responses. Descriptive statistics (counts and percentages) were reported for all quantitative survey items. For text-based responses, we used thematic content analysis. Online focus groups asked patients about the content they would like to see in a journal authenticator tool, how they would like the content visually displayed, how to best share the tool with patients, and how to determine whether the tool was successful over time. Thematic content analysis was conducted to identify core themes discussed. Focus group participants completed a follow-up survey in which they rank ordered the themes identified by perceived importance. Results 183 participants completed our online survey. A total of 146 (82%) participants indicated they use the internet most often when looking for health information. Sixty-six (37%) indicated they sometimes read original research articles when searching for health information and 92 (52%) participants indicated they sometimes have difficulty knowing if the information they read online is reliable. Eighty-six (49%) participants had never heard of predatory journals. Thirty-nine survey participants indicated their willingness to contribute to subsequent focus groups and a total of 29 participated. Four key topic areas were discussed and 32 themes were identified. Conclusions Our findings suggest that patients have expressed a need for a journal authenticator tool and that this tool may provide value to them. The results from this study will help inform the tool’s development to help ensure that it meets the needs of patients. Trial registration: This mixed-methods study has been registered on the Open Science Framework: https://osf.io/56ead/

scholarly journals A Web-Based Psychoeducational Intervention for Adolescent Depression: Design and Development of MoodHwb (Preprint)

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rhys Bevan Jones ◽  
Anita Thapar ◽  
Frances Rice ◽  
Harriet Beeching ◽  
Rachel Cichosz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Young People ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Adolescent Depression ◽  
Psychoeducational Intervention ◽  
Design And Development ◽  
Web Based ◽  
User Input ◽  
Treatment And Prevention ◽  
Psychoeducational Interventions

BACKGROUND Depression is common in adolescence and leads to distress and impairment in individuals, families and carers. Treatment and prevention guidelines highlight the key role of information and evidence-based psychosocial interventions not only for individuals but also for their families and carers. Engaging young people in prevention and early intervention programs is a challenge, and early treatment and prevention of adolescent depression is a major public health concern. There has been growing interest in psychoeducational interventions to provide accurate information about health issues and to enhance and develop self-management skills. However, for adolescents with, or at high risk of depression, there is a lack of engaging Web-based psychoeducation programs that have been developed with user input and in line with research guidelines and targeted at both the individual and their family or carer. There are also few studies published on the process of development of Web-based psychoeducational interventions. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to describe the process underlying the design and development of MoodHwb (HwbHwyliau in Welsh): a Web-based psychoeducation multimedia program for young people with, or at high risk of, depression and their families, carers, friends, and professionals. METHODS The initial prototype was informed by (1) a systematic review of psychoeducational interventions for adolescent depression; (2) findings from semistructured interviews and focus groups conducted with adolescents (with depressive symptoms or at high risk), parents or carers, and professionals working with young people; and (3) workshops and discussions with a multimedia company and experts (in clinical, research, and multimedia work). Twelve interviews were completed (four each with young people, parents or carers, and professionals) and six focus groups (three with young people, one with parents and carers, one with professionals, and one with academics). RESULTS Key themes from the interviews and focus groups were: aims of the program, design and content issues, and integration and context of the program. The prototype was designed to be person-centered, multiplatform, engaging, interactive, and bilingual. It included mood-monitoring and goal-setting components and was available as a Web-based program and an app for mobile technologies. CONCLUSIONS MoodHwb is a Web-based psychoeducational intervention developed for young people with, or at high risk of, depression and their families and carers. It was developed with user input using qualitative methods as well as user-centered design and educational and psychological theory. Further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of the program in a randomized controlled trial. If found to be effective, it could be implemented in health, education, youth and social services, and charities, to not only help young people but also families, carers, friends, and professionals involved in their care.

scholarly journals A Web-Based Psychoeducational Intervention for Adolescent Depression: Design and Development of MoodHwb

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. e13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rhys Bevan Jones ◽  
Anita Thapar ◽  
Frances Rice ◽  
Harriet Beeching ◽  
Rachel Cichosz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Young People ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Adolescent Depression ◽  
Psychoeducational Intervention ◽  
Design And Development ◽  
Web Based ◽  
User Input ◽  
Treatment And Prevention ◽  
Psychoeducational Interventions

Background Depression is common in adolescence and leads to distress and impairment in individuals, families and carers. Treatment and prevention guidelines highlight the key role of information and evidence-based psychosocial interventions not only for individuals but also for their families and carers. Engaging young people in prevention and early intervention programs is a challenge, and early treatment and prevention of adolescent depression is a major public health concern. There has been growing interest in psychoeducational interventions to provide accurate information about health issues and to enhance and develop self-management skills. However, for adolescents with, or at high risk of depression, there is a lack of engaging Web-based psychoeducation programs that have been developed with user input and in line with research guidelines and targeted at both the individual and their family or carer. There are also few studies published on the process of development of Web-based psychoeducational interventions. Objective The aim of this study was to describe the process underlying the design and development of MoodHwb (HwbHwyliau in Welsh): a Web-based psychoeducation multimedia program for young people with, or at high risk of, depression and their families, carers, friends, and professionals. Methods The initial prototype was informed by (1) a systematic review of psychoeducational interventions for adolescent depression; (2) findings from semistructured interviews and focus groups conducted with adolescents (with depressive symptoms or at high risk), parents or carers, and professionals working with young people; and (3) workshops and discussions with a multimedia company and experts (in clinical, research, and multimedia work). Twelve interviews were completed (four each with young people, parents or carers, and professionals) and six focus groups (three with young people, one with parents and carers, one with professionals, and one with academics). Results Key themes from the interviews and focus groups were: aims of the program, design and content issues, and integration and context of the program. The prototype was designed to be person-centered, multiplatform, engaging, interactive, and bilingual. It included mood-monitoring and goal-setting components and was available as a Web-based program and an app for mobile technologies. Conclusions MoodHwb is a Web-based psychoeducational intervention developed for young people with, or at high risk of, depression and their families and carers. It was developed with user input using qualitative methods as well as user-centered design and educational and psychological theory. Further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of the program in a randomized controlled trial. If found to be effective, it could be implemented in health, education, youth and social services, and charities, to not only help young people but also families, carers, friends, and professionals involved in their care.

YOUTH WELLBEING IN SOUTH AFRICA: WHAT DIMENSIONS SHOULD WE MEASURE?

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dabesaki Mac-Ikemenjima
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Health Education ◽  
Young People ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
South African ◽  
Time Use ◽  
Economic Relationships ◽  
African Cities ◽  
South African Cities ◽  
Selection Of

There is growing interest in the development of measures and indexes of youth wellbeing. However, there has been a limited discussion on indicators to measure and select them. This paper reports on the results of a qualitative study on the selection of indicators to measure the wellbeing of young people in South Africa, and reflects on the relevance of the content of their values in choosing indicators for measuring their wellbeing. The data used in this analysis is based on telephone (9) and email (6) interviews conducted with 15 young people (male=5, female=10) aged 22 to 32 from five South African cities during July 2010. In the interviews, participants were asked to identify five issues they considered important to their lives, after which they were asked to rank them in order of importance. The issues indicated by the participants are described and discussed in six dimensions: economic, relationships, spiritual and health, education, time use and material. The indicators developed from this study are discussed in terms of their relevance for use in a measure of youth wellbeing in South Africa.

Quality Evaluation of Health Information Systems: A Systematic Literature Review (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
René Noël ◽  
Carla Taramasco ◽  
Gastón Márquez
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Systematic Literature Review ◽  
Quality Evaluation ◽  
Health Information System ◽  
Care Quality ◽  
Assessment Process ◽  
Current Scenario ◽  
Patient Care Quality ◽  
Critical Components

BACKGROUND Evaluating Health Information System (HIS) quality is strategically advantageous for improving patient care quality. Nevertheless, there is little research evidence identifying and describing what standards, processes, and tools are used to evaluate HIS quality. OBJECTIVE This study aims to illustrate, detail, and discuss the current scenario regarding the standards, norms, processes, and tools used to evaluate HIS quality. METHODS We conduct a systematic literature review (SLR) using review guidelines focused on software and systems. We examined seven electronic databases (Scopus, ACM, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, IEEE Xplorer, the Web of Science and PubMed) to search and select primary studies. Three researchers and three collaborators participated in the review and quality assessment process of the studies. RESULTS We identified 17 primary studies that have been published in journals and conferences. We found that most of the primary studies address quality evaluation from a management perspective. Second, there is little explicit and pragmatic evidence on the processes and tools that allow evaluation of HIS quality. CONCLUSIONS To promote quality evaluation of HISs, it is necessary to define mechanisms and methods that operationalize the standards and norms of HISs. Additionally, it is necessary to create metrics that measure the quality of the most critical components and processes of HISs. CLINICALTRIAL Does not apply to our study

scholarly journals Brief Behavioural Activation (Brief BA) for Adolescent Depression: A Pilot Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
pp. 182-194 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Pass ◽  
Carl W. Lejuez ◽  
Shirley Reynolds
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Young People ◽  
Adolescent Depression ◽  
Psychological Intervention ◽  
Clinical Effectiveness ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Behavioural Activation ◽  
Evidence Based Treatments ◽  
The Uk

Background: Depression in adolescence is a common and serious mental health problem. In the UK, access to evidence-based psychological treatments is limited, and training and employing therapists to deliver these is expensive. Brief behavioural activation for the treatment of depression (BATD) has great potential for use with adolescents and to be delivered by a range of healthcare professionals, but there is limited empirical investigation with this group. Aims: To adapt BATD for depressed adolescents (Brief BA) and conduct a pilot study to assess feasibility, acceptability and clinical effectiveness. Method: Twenty depressed adolescents referred to the local NHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health service (CAMHs) were offered eight sessions of Brief BA followed by a review around one month later. Self- and parent-reported routine outcome measures (ROMs) were collected at every session. Results: Nineteen of the 20 young people fully engaged with the treatment and all reported finding some aspect of Brief BA helpful. Thirteen (65%) required no further psychological intervention following Brief BA, and both young people and parents reported high levels of acceptability and satisfaction with the approach. The pre–post effect size of Brief BA treatment was large. Conclusions: Brief BA is a promising innovation in the treatment of adolescent depression. This approach requires further evaluation to establish effectiveness and cost effectiveness compared with existing evidence-based treatments for adolescent depression. Other questions concern the effectiveness of delivery in other settings and when delivered by a range of professionals.

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