Abstract
BackgroundSelf-guided web-based mental health programs are effective in treating and preventing mental health problems. However, current engagement with these programs in the community is suboptimal, and there is limited evidence indicating how to increase the use of existing evidence-based programs.ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the views of people with lived experience of depression and anxiety on factors influencing their engagement with self-guided web-based mental health (e–mental health) programs and to use these perspectives to develop an engagement-facilitation intervention (EFI) to increase engagement (defined as both uptake and adherence) with these programs.MethodsA total of 24 community members (female=21; male=3) with lived experience of depression and anxiety or depression or anxiety alone participated in 1 of 4 focus groups discussing the factors influencing their engagement with self-guided e–mental health programs and the appearance, delivery mode, and functionality of content for the proposed EFI. A subsequent evaluation survey of the focus group participants (n=14) was conducted to evaluate the resultant draft EFI. Data were thematically analyzed using both inductive and deductive qualitative methods.ResultsParticipants suggested that the critical component of an EFI was information that would challenge personal barriers to engagement, including receiving personalized symptom feedback, information regarding the program’s content or effectiveness and data security, and normalization of using e–mental health programs (eg, testimonials). Reminders, rewards, feedback about progress, and coaching were all mentioned as facilitating adherence.ConclusionsEFIs have the potential to improve community uptake of e–mental health programs. They should focus on providing information on the content and effectiveness of e–mental health programs and normalizing their use. Given that the sample comprised predominantly young females, this study may not be generalizable to other population groups. There is a strong value in involving people with a lived experience in the design and development of EFIs to maximize their effectiveness.
Highlights
Common mental disorders such as depression and generalized anxiety disorders are experienced by 5% to 10% of the population each year [1,2,3]
engagement-facilitation intervention (EFI) have the potential to improve community uptake of e–mental health programs. They should focus on providing information on the content and effectiveness of e–mental health programs and normalizing their use
This study presents the development and preliminary evaluation of an EFI based on the results of a series of consumer focus groups
Summary
Common mental disorders such as depression and generalized anxiety disorders are experienced by 5% to 10% of the population each year [1,2,3]. Depression and anxiety can cause high levels of disability and burden [4,5]; only one-third of those experiencing a disorder seek professional help [6]. Mental health programs delivered on the web (e–mental health programs) have been proposed as a lower-cost alternative to face-to-face therapy [7]. Web-based programs may be appropriate for those identified as at risk for mental health problems or those with mild-to-moderate symptoms [8]. These programs are evidence-based, often as effective as face-to-face therapy, and have the potential to lessen the impact of many of the key barriers to seeking professional help, including cost, stigma, and accessibility [9]. Current engagement with these programs in the community is suboptimal, and there is limited evidence indicating how to increase the use of existing evidence-based programs
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