Abstract
BackgroundDespite the growing interest in developing and using mobile health (mHealth) and digital technologies in mental health, little is known about the scope and nature of virtual community inclusion.ObjectiveThe overarching goal of this study was to understand and conceptualize virtual community inclusion of individuals with serious mental illness (SMI). Specific objectives of this study were as follows: (1) mapping the prevalence, trends, and experiences related to mHealth and digital technology use among individuals with SMI; (2) comparing patterns of technology use by individuals with and those without SMI; and (3) examining whether use of mHealth and digital technologies predicts recovery among individuals with SMI.MethodsA web-based survey of technology use and virtual participation was developed and distributed among adults with and those without SMI via social media, national email discussion lists, nonprofit organizations, and advocacy groups.ResultsA total of 381 adults aged 18 years or older participated in the survey, of whom 199 (52%) identified as having a SMI. Participants with SMI reported significantly greater access to technology and significantly fewer days of face-to-face participation in community activities than those without SMI. Among participants with SMI, greater technology use was positively associated with positive emotions and significantly predicted recovery.ConclusionsThis study is the first to explore, map, and conceptualize virtual community inclusion among adults with SMI. Our findings indicate a gap in the literature and research on community inclusion and participation, and emphasize the need for virtual community inclusion, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic and its future implications.
Highlights
The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the necessity of mobile health and the use of digital technology more generally in managing chronic health conditions [1,2,3,4]
In addition to exploring mobile health (mHealth) and digital technology use among adults with serious mental illness (SMI), this study examined whether digital community participation predicted recovery
This study demonstrated the potential of digital community inclusion to recovery and well-being among individuals with SMI
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the necessity of mobile health (mHealth) and the use of digital technology more generally in managing chronic health conditions [1,2,3,4]. In the field of mental health, digital technologies have been integrated for various purposes, including research, intervention development, diagnosis, and prevention [6,7,8,9]. 1 (page number not for citation purposes) help, cope with stigma, access mental health services, and use digital technologies to coordinate among various service providers, especially in peripheral areas [1,10,11,12,13]. A pioneering survey conducted in the United States among individuals who self-identified with schizophrenia [14] indicated that 90% owned more than 1 internet-connected device, smartphones, and frequently used digital technologies. Despite the growing interest in developing and using mobile health (mHealth) and digital technologies in mental health, little is known about the scope and nature of virtual community inclusion
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