scholarly journals Mobile Sensing Apps and Self-management of Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Web-Based Survey

10.2196/24180 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. e24180
Author(s):  
Banuchitra Suruliraj ◽  
Kitti Bessenyei ◽  
Alexa Bagnell ◽  
Patrick McGrath ◽  
Lori Wozney ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Interactions ◽  
Daily Life ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Mobile Sensing ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Maladaptive Behaviors ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
Perceived Helpfulness

Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, people had to adapt their daily life routines to the currently implemented public health measures, which is likely to have resulted in a lack of in-person social interactions, physical activity, or sleep. Such changes can have a significant impact on mental health. Mobile sensing apps can passively record the daily life routines of people, thus making them aware of maladaptive behavioral adjustments to the pandemic. Objective This study aimed to explore the views of people on mobile sensing apps that passively record behaviors and their potential to increase awareness and helpfulness for self-managing mental health during the pandemic. Methods We conducted an anonymous web-based survey including people with and those without mental disorders, asking them to rate the helpfulness of mobile sensing apps for the self-management of mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey was conducted in May 2020. Results The majority of participants, particularly those with a mental disorder (n=106/148, 72%), perceived mobile sensing apps as very or extremely helpful for managing their mental health by becoming aware of maladaptive behaviors. The perceived helpfulness of mobile sensing apps was also higher among people who experienced a stronger health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic (β=.24; 95% CI 0.16-0.33; P<.001), had a better understanding of technology (β=.17; 95% CI 0.08-0.25; P<.001), and had a higher education (β=.1; 95% CI 0.02-0.19; P=.02). Conclusions Our findings highlight the potential of mobile sensing apps to assist in mental health care during the pandemic.

scholarly journals Mobile Sensing Apps and Self-management of Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic – an Online Survey (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Banuchitra Suruliraj ◽  
Kitti Bessenyei ◽  
Alexa Bagnell ◽  
Patrick McGrath ◽  
Lori Wozney ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Daily Life ◽  
Mobile Sensing ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Maladaptive Behaviors ◽  
Social Contacts ◽  
The Public ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
Perceived Helpfulness

BACKGROUND In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, people had to adapt their daily life routines to the public health measures in place, which is likely to have resulted in a lack of social contacts in person, physical activity or sleep. Such changes can have a significant impact on mental health. Mobile sensing apps can passively record the daily life routines of people making them aware of maladaptive behavioral adjustments to the pandemic. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore the views of people on mobile sensing apps passively recording behaviors and their potential to increase awareness and helpfulness for self-managing mental health during the pandemic. METHODS We conducted an anonymous online survey including people with and without mental disorders asking them to rate the helpfulness of mobile sensing apps for the self-management of mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey took place in May, 2020. RESULTS The majority of participants particularly those with a mental disorder (72%) perceived mobile sensing apps as very or extremely helpful for managing their mental health by becoming aware of maladaptive behaviors. The perceived helpfulness of mobile sensing apps was further higher among people experiencing a stronger impact of COVID-19 (β = 0.24; 95% CI, 0.16-0.33; P < .001), having a better understanding of technology (β = 0.17; 95% CI, 0.08-0.25; P < .001), and a higher education (β = 0.1; 95% CI, 0.02-0.19; P = .02). CONCLUSIONS The findings highlight the potential of mobile sensing apps to assist in mental health care during the pandemic.

scholarly journals Mobile Sensing Apps and Self-management of Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic – an Online Survey (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Banuchitra Suruliraj ◽  
Kitti Bessenyei ◽  
Alexa Bagnell ◽  
Patrick McGrath ◽  
Lori Wozney ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Daily Life ◽  
Mobile Sensing ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Maladaptive Behaviors ◽  
Social Contacts ◽  
The Public ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
Perceived Helpfulness

BACKGROUND In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, people had to adapt their daily life routines to the public health measures in place, which is likely to have resulted in a lack of social contacts in person, physical activity or sleep. Such changes can have a significant impact on mental health. Mobile sensing apps can passively record the daily life routines of people making them aware of maladaptive behavioral adjustments to the pandemic. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore the views of people on mobile sensing apps passively recording behaviors and their potential to increase awareness and helpfulness for self-managing mental health during the pandemic. METHODS We conducted an anonymous online survey including people with and without mental disorders asking them to rate the helpfulness of mobile sensing apps for the self-management of mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey took place in May, 2020. RESULTS The majority of participants particularly those with a mental disorder (72%) perceived mobile sensing apps as very or extremely helpful for managing their mental health by becoming aware of maladaptive behaviors. The perceived helpfulness of mobile sensing apps was further higher among people experiencing a stronger impact of COVID-19 (β = 0.24; 95% CI, 0.16-0.33; P < .001), having a better understanding of technology (β = 0.17; 95% CI, 0.08-0.25; P < .001), and a higher education (β = 0.1; 95% CI, 0.02-0.19; P = .02). CONCLUSIONS The findings highlight the potential of mobile sensing apps to assist in mental health care during the pandemic.

scholarly journals A Web-Based Mental Health Intervention to Improve Social and Occupational Functioning in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes (The Springboard Trial): 12-Month Outcomes of a Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Andrew Baldwin ◽  
Samineh Sanatkar ◽  
Janine Clarke ◽  
Susan Fletcher ◽  
Jane Gunn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Social Functioning ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Diabetes Distress ◽  
Healthy Lifestyles ◽  
Occupational Functioning ◽  
Web Based

BACKGROUND People with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) often experience mental health symptoms that exacerbate illness and increase mortality risk. Access to psychological support is low in people with T2DM. Detection of depression is variable in primary care and can be further hampered by mental health stigma. Electronic mental health (eMH) programs may provide an accessible, private, nonstigmatizing mental health solution for this group. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the efficacy over 12 months of follow-up of an eMH program (myCompass) for improving social and occupational functioning in a community sample of people with T2DM and self-reported mild-to-moderate depressive symptoms. myCompass is a fully automated and self-guided web-based public health program for people with depression or anxiety. The effects of myCompass on depressive symptoms, diabetes-related distress, anxiety symptoms, and self-care behavior were also examined. METHODS Adults with T2DM and mild-to-moderate depressive symptoms (N=780) were recruited via online advertisements, community organizations, and general practices. Screening, consent, and self-report questionnaires were administered online. Eligible participants were randomized to receive either myCompass (n=391) or an attention control generic health literacy program (Healthy Lifestyles; n=379) for 8 weeks. At baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months postintervention, participants completed the Work and Social Adjustment Scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 item, the Diabetes Distress Scale, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire-7 item, and items from the Self-Management Profile for Type 2 Diabetes. Glycosylated hemoglobin measurements were obtained at baseline and 6 and 12 months postintervention. RESULTS A total of 38.9% (304/780) of the trial participants completed all postintervention assessments. myCompass users logged in on an average of 6 times and completed an average of 0.29 modules. Healthy Lifestyles users logged in on an average of 4 times and completed an average of 1.37 modules. At baseline, the mean scores on several outcome measures, including the primary outcome of work and social functioning, were close to the normal range, despite a varied and extensive recruitment process. Intention-to-treat analyses revealed slightly greater improvement at 12 months in work and social functioning for the Healthy Lifestyles group relative to the myCompass group. All participants reported equivalent improvements in depression anxiety, diabetes distress, diabetes self-management, and glycemic control across the trial. CONCLUSIONS The Healthy Lifestyles group reported higher ratings of social and occupational functioning than the myCompass group, but no differences were observed for any secondary outcome. Although these findings should be interpreted in light of the near-floor symptom scores at baseline, the trial yields important insights into how people with T2DM might be engaged in eMH programs and the challenges of focusing specifically on mental health. Several avenues emerge for continued investigation into how best to deal with the growing mental health burden in adults with T2DM. CLINICALTRIAL Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry Number (ACTRN) 12615000931572; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=368109&amp;isReview=true

scholarly journals Digital Health Literacy in Bipolar Disorder: International Web-Based Survey (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma Morton ◽  
Kendall Ho ◽  
Steven J Barnes ◽  
Erin E Michalak
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Bipolar Disorder ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Health Resources ◽  
Postgraduate Education ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Web Based

BACKGROUND Web-based resources can support people with bipolar disorder (BD) to improve their knowledge and self-management. However, publicly available resources are heterogeneous in terms of their quality and ease of use. Characterizing digital health literacy (the skillset that enable people to navigate and make use of health information in a web-based context) in BD will support the development of educational resources. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to develop understanding of digital health literacy and its predictors in people with BD. METHODS A web-based survey was used to explore self-reported digital health literacy (as measured by the e-Health Literacy Scale [eHEALS]) in people with BD. Multiple regression analysis was used to evaluate potential predictors, including demographic/clinical characteristics and technology use. RESULTS A total of 919 respondents (77.9% female; mean age 36.9 years) completed the survey. Older age (β=0.09; <i>P</i>=.01), postgraduate education (β=0.11; <i>P</i>=.01), and current use of self-management apps related to BD (β=0.13; <i>P</i>&lt;.001) were associated with higher eHEALS ratings. CONCLUSIONS Levels of self-reported digital health literacy were comparable or higher than other studies in the general population and specific physical/mental health conditions. However, individuals with BD who are younger, have completed less education, or are less familiar with mental health apps may require extra support to safely and productively navigate web-based health resources. Relevant educational initiatives are discussed. Future studies should evaluate skill development interventions for less digitally literate groups.

Spreading HOPE

2017 ◽  
pp. 58-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andy Turner ◽  
Faith Martin
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Positive Psychology ◽  
Daily Life ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Hope Theory ◽  
Cognitive Set ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Mood Management ◽  
Management Interventions ◽  
The Future

Self-management interventions focus on components such as information, medication taking, mood management, and practical strategies for support in daily life. This chapter argues that, in addition to these strategies, fostering hope is important to effective self-management in both physical and mental health. Hope is a cognitive set, focused on the future, and is operationalized as cross-situational goals and behaviors to achieve these goals. A unique intervention, built on positive psychology and hope theory, is described to exemplify the evidence and application of these concepts. The “Help to Overcome Problems Effectively” (HOPE) program’s design, content, and outcomes are provided. Further research is suggested, focusing on exploring hope as a mechanism for change.

Expressions of Identity and Self in Daily Life at a Group Home for Older Persons With Dementia in Japan

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 64-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Els-Marie Anbäcken ◽  
Kayoko Minemoto ◽  
Miwa Fujii
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Interactions ◽  
Older Persons ◽  
Daily Life ◽  
Group Home ◽  
Meaning Of Life ◽  
Sociocultural Perspective ◽  
Specific Point ◽  
Explorative Study ◽  
Self And Identity

This study focuses on expressions of identity and self among residents at a group home for older persons with dementia in Japan—a study, which started as an explorative study on spirituality—and how residents make meaning of life. Although aware of stages of dementia illness and briefly commenting on these, the analysis does not make any specific point of it. This article views dementia from a sociocultural perspective and is based on participant observations at a group home with 19 residents, combined with interviews with 6 of them. Two central concepts for the study are discussed and drawn on in the analysis: ie, meaning home and family, and dementia and boke, senility. The study examines how the group home is ie and concludes that it is “home enough” in the sense that one’s identity and self are honored here. The old word boke represents a state in which one has “given up” any attempts to keep one’s mental health. This concept was used by some residents to mark the line between those who were “helpless” with boke and those who could manage by themselves without boke. Identities are analyzed in different terms: as profession, as feeling secure, as being physically close, in social interactions, and as being cared for properly also after death. The analysis of self and identity showed that contentment in life was expressed in various ways, as a whole or as a patchwork with light and dark colors, and that it is still in process. Here, the supportive but discreet scaffolding of staff seems to matter. Life is lived until death, and the farewell ceremonies are analyzed as existential closures for many—and for life finalized here at Ie, the group home.

scholarly journals Digital mental health apps for self-management of depression: a scoping exploration on awareness, attitude, and user experience among professional course students

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (9) ◽  
pp. 3594
Author(s):  
Sree T. Sucharitha ◽  
Aravind Manoharan ◽  
Velusamy Dhanuraja ◽  
Arunadevi Kasi ◽  
Suganya Ezhilarasan
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
Self Management ◽  
User Experiences ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Health Apps ◽  
Care Services

Background: Globally, depressive disorders are ranked as the single largest contributor to non-fatal health loss (7.5% of all years lost due to disability-YLD). In India, provision of quality mental health care services remains a challenge due to severe deficiency of qualified care givers. Harnessing the potential of digital technologies and smart phone apps need to be explored to address the existing gaps in mental health care services. This study aims to describe the awareness, attitudes and user experiences of mental health apps among professional course students.Methods: A mixed-methods study methodology was adapted involving medical professional students of a tertiary teaching hospital in South India. A web-based survey assessed the awareness, attitudes and usage of mental health apps. Further, in-depth interviews (30) were conducted among selective app users (20) and non-users (10) to gain insights about the user experiences.  Results: Among 898 respondents for the web-based survey, majority were female (513,57.1%), aged between 18-25 years (801,89.2%) undergraduates (673,74.9%), undertaking professional courses in medicine and allied health sciences (633,70.6%). 273 (30.4%) respondents were aware of apps and 86 (9.6%) were ever users. Novel interactive platforms, privacy and agency for self-care are the major factors for using the apps however data confidentiality and authenticity of the app-based information were identified as major concerns limiting app usage.Conclusions: The study found the utilization of mental health apps as self-management tool for depression gaining slow traction among professional course students.

scholarly journals Digital Health Literacy in Bipolar Disorder: International Web-Based Survey

10.2196/29764 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. e29764
Author(s):  
Emma Morton ◽  
Kendall Ho ◽  
Steven J Barnes ◽  
Erin E Michalak
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Bipolar Disorder ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Health Resources ◽  
Postgraduate Education ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Web Based

Background Web-based resources can support people with bipolar disorder (BD) to improve their knowledge and self-management. However, publicly available resources are heterogeneous in terms of their quality and ease of use. Characterizing digital health literacy (the skillset that enable people to navigate and make use of health information in a web-based context) in BD will support the development of educational resources. Objective The aim of this study was to develop understanding of digital health literacy and its predictors in people with BD. Methods A web-based survey was used to explore self-reported digital health literacy (as measured by the e-Health Literacy Scale [eHEALS]) in people with BD. Multiple regression analysis was used to evaluate potential predictors, including demographic/clinical characteristics and technology use. Results A total of 919 respondents (77.9% female; mean age 36.9 years) completed the survey. Older age (β=0.09; P=.01), postgraduate education (β=0.11; P=.01), and current use of self-management apps related to BD (β=0.13; P<.001) were associated with higher eHEALS ratings. Conclusions Levels of self-reported digital health literacy were comparable or higher than other studies in the general population and specific physical/mental health conditions. However, individuals with BD who are younger, have completed less education, or are less familiar with mental health apps may require extra support to safely and productively navigate web-based health resources. Relevant educational initiatives are discussed. Future studies should evaluate skill development interventions for less digitally literate groups.

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