Treatment Of Mental Health Problems Research Articles

Mapping the Concept, Content, and Outcome of Family-Based Outdoor Therapy for Children and Adolescents with Mental Health Problems: A Scoping Review.

Outdoor therapy and family-based therapy are suggested to be promising interventions for the treatment of mental health problems. The aim of the present scoping review was to systematically map the concept, content, and outcome of combining family- and outdoor-based therapy for children and adolescents with mental health problems. The Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and PRISMA guidelines were applied. Eligible qualitative and quantitative studies were screened, included, and extracted for data. Seven studies were included. Findings from these studies indicated that family-based outdoor therapy programs have a positive impact on family- and peer relationships, adolescent behavior, mental health, self-perceptions (self-concept), school success, social engagement, and delinquency rates. However, participant characteristics, study design, and content and mode of delivery of the interventions varied substantially, hence preventing detailed comparison of outcomes across studies. In addition, most of the studies included few participants and lacked population diversity and comparable control groups. Although important ethical concerns were raised, such as non-voluntary participation in some of the programs, there was a lack of reporting on safety. This review indicates that a combination of family- and outdoor-based therapy may benefit mental health among children and adolescents, but due to the limited number of studies eligible for inclusion and high levels of heterogeneity, it was difficult to draw firm conclusions. Thus, future theory-based studies using robust designs are warranted.

Physical illness comorbidity and its influencing factors among persons with severe mental illness in Rural China.

Comorbid physical illness is a common cause of death in people with severe mental illness (SMI) worldwide. In rural China, the prevalence of physical illness comorbidity among persons with SMI remains unclear. This study aimed to examine non-communicable physical illness comorbidity and its risk factors among people with SMI in a rural area of China. A mental health survey, using the International Classification of Disease (ICD-10), was conducted in six townships of Xinjin District, Chengdu, China in 2015. A total of 724 persons with SMI were included in this study, and 37.8% of them had at least one physical illness. The most common physical illnesses were hypertension (10.5%) and diabetes (5.8%). More physical comorbidity was reported among persons with affective disorders than persons with schizophrenia. Many participants (37.4%) had never received antipsychotic treatment, and of those, 51.6% reported having a physical illness comorbidity. Significant associations were found between physical illness comorbidity and participants' family economic status, family size, age at onset of mental disorder, treatment status, and symptom severity. Our findings indicate the need of an integration of medical and psychiatric care in primary care. It also suggests that poverty and having never received treatment for mental health problems negatively affect the health of persons with SMI, which deserve more attention. Researchers and policymakers can take these findings into account to develop health policies and improve the mental and physical health care in rural China.

Prevalence of mental health problems among primary school students in Chinese mainland from 2010 to 2010:A meta-analysis

<p id="p00005">In recent years, the age of mental health problems shows a descending trend. Primary school students, as a special group in the critical stage of personal growth, are experiencing increased mental health problems that has caught wide attention from society. If the mental health problems of primary school students are not screened, prevented, and intervened in time, they may develop into lifelong mental diseases, which are difficult to redress and treat. Hence, as the basic premise of improving mental health, it is particularly important to find out the prevalence of pupils' mental health problems, so as to understand their real mental health status, and make targeted detection and intervention in the future. <br/>However, the prevalence of primary school students' mental health problems described in literature shows inconsistent results, and the prevalence varied greatly, which has brought confusion to mental health educators and workers. Although some researchers tried to use meta-analysis to quantitatively integrate the existing research findings, avoid the influence of biased samples, demographic characteristics, and other factors, and attempt to explore the detection rate of primary school students’ mental health problems objectively and accurately, there were still some deficiencies. Firstly, it only revealed the prevalence of some mental health problems, and did not cover more comprehensive mental health problems. Secondly, it did not specifically analyze the mental health problems in recent 10 years. Finally, the inclusion and discussion of regulatory variables were not specific enough. Therefore, based on the research results in recent 10 years, it is necessary to integrate the prevalence of primary school students' mental health problems and explore its influencing factors by using meta-analysis method. <br/>In order to clarify the debate on the different prevalence of primary school students' mental health problems, we analyzed and estimated the detection rate of primary school students' mental health problems in mainland China from 2010 to 2020 and investigated its moderation effects. The meta-analysis technology was used to retrieve the research on anxiety, depression, somatization, withdrawal, sleep problems, aggressive and discipline behaviors in Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure database and Web of Science core collection database from 2010 to 2020. Finally, a total of 101 research and 289396 primary school students were obtained: 9 articles about anxiety, 34 articles about depression, 12 articles about somatization, 10 articles about withdrawal, 11 articles about sleep problems, 13 articles about aggressive behavior, and 12 articles about disciplinary behavior. The software Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Version 3.3 and the random effect model was selected for analysis.The results showed that (1) The prevalence of mental health problems in primary school students from high to low were sleep problems (25.2%, 95%CI = [0.16, 0.37]), depression (14.6%, 95%CI = [0.12, 0.18]), anxiety (12.3%, 95%CI = [0.06, 0.23]), aggressive behavior (4.1%, 95%CI = [0.02, 0.10]), withdrawal (3.8%, 95%CI = [0.02, 0.06]), disciplinary behavior (3.7%, 95%CI = [0.02, 0.07]) and somatization (3.6%, 95%CI = [0.02, 0.07]); (2) Measurement tools, measurement standards and detection period were the key factors causing the fluctuation of prevalence of mental health problems among primary school students in China. Generally speaking, the overall mental health status of primary school students in China is acceptable except that the prevalence of sleep problems, depression and anxiety are high. In the future, we should develop mental health assessment tools and detection standards suitable for Chinese primary school students to provide support for the prevention and accurate intervention of mental health problems.

Virtual Reality (VR) Technology for Treatment of Mental Health Problems during COVID-19: A Systematic Review.

There was a surge in psychological distress and emotional burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic. Virtual reality (VR) is helpful as a psychological intervention whilst maintaining physical or social distancing. The present systematic review assessed the role of VR as a psychological intervention tool for mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a systematic review that followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. This study used the search-related terms: (Virtual reality OR simulated-3D-environment OR VR) AND (covid! or corona!) AND (mental* OR psychologic* OR well* OR health*) AND (intervention) on six databases, i.e., MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Ovid Medline, EMBASE, ACM digital library, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) from the inception date until 23 June 2021. We finally included four studies in the systematic review out of the 379 references imported for screening. These studies reveal that VR is beneficial as a psychological tool for intervention in individuals with mental health problems. Immersed in the telepresence, interacting in a 3-D format compared to a 2-D layout, having a sense of enjoyment and engagement, activating an affective-motivational state, “escaping” to a virtual from the real world are pivotal faucets of VR as a psychological tool for intervention.

Psychometric properties of the General Help-Seeking Questionnaire in university students

University students show a high prevalence of mental disorders and low levels of help-seeking for psychological problems. In Chile there are no valid and reliable measures of help-seeking intentions for this group. The aim of this study is to examine the psychometric properties of the General Help Seeking Questionnaire, vignette version (GHSQ-V) in a sample of university students from southern Chile. Results indicate that the GHSQ-V is a valid instrument, with a two-factor structure that reflects the existence of two dimensions of help-seeking sources (formal and informal), for five mental health problems that are prevalent among university students. Adequate levels of internal consistency and evidence of convergent validity were shown, although variability was found between subscales. The current study confirms the importance of an accurate measurement of help seeking intentions in university students, for a better understanding of a highly relevant process for the treatment of mental health problems in this group.

Clinical Features and Differential Diagnosis of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

As psychological literacy increases and people become more acquainted with the availability of effective treatments for mental health problems, psychiatrists tend to see more individuals who would usually avoid clinical contact for reasons including shame, embarrassment, and the fear of stigma. Although a treatment gap is still a problem, individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are probably more common in the psychiatrist's office now than in the previous decades. In this article, we review the epidemiology of OCD, the typical presentation of the OCD patient, and the diagnostic process (including the list of differential diagnoses) involved in the assessment of individuals with OCD. Emphasis is given to how to differentiate obsessions and compulsions from symptoms of other neuropsychiatric conditions, such as schizophrenia, depression, anxiety disorders, post-trauma-related disorders, body dysmorphic disorder, autism spectrum disorders, addictions, and organic mental disorders. The psychiatrist should be mindful of these OCD mimickers, so as to avoid inadequate treatments. [ Psychiatr Ann . 2022;52(4):133–137.]

Home alone: Social functioning as a transdiagnostic marker of mental health in youth, exploring retrospective and daily life measurements

PurposeEarly detection and intervention of mental health problems in youth are topical given that mental disorders often start early in life. Young people with emerging mental disorders however, often present with non-specific, fluctuating symptoms. Recent reports indicate a decline in social functioning (SF) as an early sign of specific emerging mental disorders such as depression or anxiety, making SF a favorable transdiagnostic approach for earlier detection and intervention. Our aim was to investigate the value of SF in relation to transdiagnostic symptoms, and as a predictor of psychopathology over time, while exploring traditional retrospective versus innovative daily diary measurements of SF in youth. MethodParticipants (N = 75) were 16–25 years of age and presented early stage psychiatric symptomatology. Psychiatric symptoms, including anxiety and depression, as well as SF -both in retrospect and in daily life- were assessed at two time points and analyzed cross-sectionally and longitudinally. ResultsA significant and negative association between SF and all psychiatric symptoms was found, and SF was a significant predictor of change in general psychiatric symptoms over time. Results were only significant when SF was measured traditionally retrospective. ConclusionThis study confirms a distinct relation between SF and transdiagnostic psychiatric symptoms in youth, even in a (sub)clinical population, and points towards SF as a predictor of transdiagnostic psychiatric symptoms. Further research is needed to learn more about the added value of daily life versus retrospective measurements.

Hands‐on navigators a key component of community care initiative in NYC

A $5 million federal grant is allowing a New York City clinic to apply lessons learned from the COVID‐19 pandemic to a new program emphasizing early intervention for mental health problems. Targeting a diverse and underserved community in Brooklyn, the Enhanced Treatment and Recovery (EnTRy) program is relying heavily on teams of care navigators to ease patient access to services.

The Effectiveness of Murrotal Al-Quran in Third Trimester Pregnant with Maternal Mental Disorder

BACKGROUND: Pregnant women experience physiological and psychological changes during pregnancy. Psychological changes experienced by pregnant women show symptoms of anxiety, worry, and depression. The use of Al-Quran therapy by means of Murottal Al-Quran is one of an intervention for mental health problems of pregnant women. AIM: This research was carried out by aimed to determine the effect of the murottal Al-Quran on pregnant women who experience Maternal Mental Disorder (MMD). METHODS: This was a quantitative study using design pre and post experimental testing without control group. The participants in this study were 25 respondents aged 15-21 years, on the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, are able to read the Al-Quran, routinely carry out pregnancy checks at the health center or posyandu (pos pelayanan terpadu) (integrated healthcare, willing to become respondents, and her ANRQ score which was ≥ 23. Respondents were asked to listen to the murottal every day for 30 minutes on 05.00 and 20.00 WIB for 2 weeks. After two weeks, the respondents were checked for their mental condition using the ANRQ questionnaire through the google form application. The bivariate analysis used was the Wilcoxon test. RESULT: Most of the pregnant women experienced MMD as many as 76% while after being given the intervention, most of the pregnant women who did not experience MMD were 72%. Median pretest 24,76 and posttest 21,88. Giving Murottal Al-Quran therapy to pregnant women in the third trimester had an influence on their MMD status (p &lt; 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: Chanting holy verses that are played can stimulate the hypothalamus to produce endorphins, cortisone, and catecholamine, thus making pregnant women relax. Murottal Al-Quran treatment can be utilized to help pregnant women with mental health issues.

High Social Capital is Associated with Decreased Mental Health Problem Among In-School Adolescents in Eastern Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

PurposeThe importance of social capital for adolescent mental health has not been explored in low resource settings like Ethiopia. In this study, we examined the association between social capital and mental health problems among in-school adolescents in Harari Regional State, eastern Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 3227 in-school adolescents of 13–19 years. A multistage sampling was used to select participants. Guided self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Mental health problem was measured using a self-administered version of the strength and difficulty questionnaire (SDQ), while social capital questionnaire for adolescent students (SCQ-AS) was used to collect data about the condition of social capital. The data were double entered, validated, and cleaned using EpiData 3.1 and analyzed using STATA 14.1. The association between the outcome variable and predictors was analyzed using an ordinal logistic regression model. The result was reported using an odds ratio along with 95% confidence interval (CI) and a p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant association.ResultsA total of 740 (22.93%) students had mental health problem, of which 9.7% (95% CI, 8.7–10.8) and 13.20% (95% CI, 12–14) were classified as “abnormal” and “borderline”, respectively. Factors associated with decreased mental health problem were increased network of friends at school (AOR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.58–0.99), increased trust in school or neighborhood (AOR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.44–0.63), and high social cohesion in the community (AOR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.62–0.89).ConclusionHigher social capital is associated with a decreased mental health problem among in-school adolescents. Prevention and treatment of mental health problems require strengthening social capital at school, household, and in the neighborhood.

Network Analysis of Depression, Anxiety, Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms, Insomnia, Pain, and Fatigue in Clinically Stable Older Patients With Psychiatric Disorders During the COVID-19 Outbreak.

ObjectivesThe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has profound negative effects on the mental health of clinically stable older patients with psychiatric disorders. This study examined the influential nodes of psychiatric problems and their associations in this population using network analysis.MethodsClinically stable older patients with psychiatric disorders were consecutively recruited from four major psychiatric hospitals in China from May 22 to July 15, 2020. Depressive and anxiety syndromes (depression and anxiety hereafter), insomnia, posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), pain, and fatigue were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire, General Anxiety Disorder, Insomnia Severity Index, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist - Civilian Version, and Numeric Rating Scales for pain and fatigue, respectively.ResultsA total of 1063 participants were included. The network analysis revealed that depression was the most influential node followed by anxiety as indicated by the centrality index of strength. In contrast, the edge connecting depression and anxiety was the strongest edge, followed by the edge connecting depression and insomnia, and the edge connecting depression and fatigue as indicated by edge-weights. The network structure was invariant by gender based on the network structure invariance test (M = .14, P = .20) and global strength invariance tests (S = .08, P = .30).ConclusionsAttention should be paid to depression and its associations with anxiety, insomnia, and fatigue in the screening and treatment of mental health problems in clinically stable older psychiatric patients affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Impact of Long-Term Home Quarantine on Mental Health and Physical Activity of People in Shanghai During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of long-term home quarantine on the mental health of people during the COVID-19 epidemic in Shanghai. We conducted an online questionnaire survey on March 26 2020 and collected data on demographics, level of physical activity (PA), and mental health status of the participants. We assessed the mental health status using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), whereas PA was assessed using International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF). Of all 2,409 valid samples, participants reported performing a total of 2015.20 metabolic equivalent of task (MET)-minutes/week of total PA before the outbreak period and 1720.29 MET-minutes/week of total PA during the outbreak period (p < 0.001). Participants who spent a longer time at home reported to have a better performance on the PHQ-9 (p = 0.087) and GAD-7 (p < 0.001). A high level of PA was considered an protective factor against depression (OR = 0.755, 95% CI 0.603–0.944, p < 0.001). Additionally, a high level of PA had a preventative effect on anxiety (OR = 0.741, 95% CI 0.568–0.967, p < 0.001), and a longer working period during the outbreak was shown to be a risk factor for anxiety (11–29 days, OR 1.455, 95% CI 1.110–1.909; 30–60 days OR 1.619, 95% CI 1.227–2.316). Home confinement during the pandemic might not have a negative effect on mental health provided that people engage in more PA indoors. This study encourages interventions for mental health problems through physical exercise.

Unmet need for mental health care within the Dutch population: exploring the role of GP

General practitioners (GPs) play a crucial role in mental health care. Not only are they tasked with the recognition, but they also play a role in the treatment of mental health problems. The levels of unmet need for mental health are high worldwide. However, there is very little information on unmet needs for mental health in general practices. In this study we assess the prevalence of unmet needs subjectively and objectively and explore the role of the GP. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with questions regarding the patient’s perspective on mental health treatment, obtainment of treatment and the role of the GP, and the General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12). When combining the results of the GHQ-12 with the personal perspective, a total of 21% of the participants (n=538) were found to be in need of mental care. Forty-four percent of the participants with a need for mental care did not receive any form of treatment in the past year. Half of the patients with a need for care had recently visited their GP. Both participants with and without an unmet need would appreciate the GP briefly asking about their mental health (69% vs. 63%, p=0.258) during regular consultations. A significant proportion of patients in need of mental health care do not receive treatment. The GP is in a good position to ask about mental issues, as people with unmet needs regularly visit the GP.

Assessing provider perceptions of training: Initial evaluation of the Acceptability, Feasibility, and Appropriateness Scale.

Clinician training in evidence-based practices is often used to increase implementation of evidence-based practices in mental health service settings. However, one barrier to evaluating the success of clinician trainings is the lack of measures that reliably and accurately assess clinician training outcomes. This study was the initial evaluation of the Acceptability, Feasibility, Appropriateness Scale (AFAS), a measure that assesses the immediate outcomes of clinician trainings. This study found some evidence supporting the AFAS reliability and its three subscales. With additional item refinement and psychometric testing, the AFAS could become a useful measure of a training's immediate impact on providers.

Commentary: Timely recognition of mental health needs in young children - parental perception as a way for professionals to understand child, parent, and family needs? - a commentary on McGinnis et al. (2021).

There is a growing awareness that identification and intervention of mental health problems in early childhood are effective and have a preventive effect. Nevertheless, the use of mental health services in early childhood is still limited. Investigating parental perception of mental health needs in young children is highly relevant, as parents are the primary informants for young children. In this commentary, we discuss the findings reported by McGinnis et al. on child and parent factors associated with parent perception of mental health needs in young children. We agree with their plea for a shift from the individual child to the family in assessment and intervention, and elaborate on the relevance of endorsing a transdiagnostic, relationship-based approach to early detection, assessment, and intervention. We propose beginning with the acknowledgment and deeper understanding by professionals of parental perception of young children's mental health problems and needs, and the realization that the young child's symptoms and needs are connected with the family and broader (relational) context.

Effectiveness of a Videoconferencing-Delivered Psychological Intervention for Mental Health Problems during COVID-19: A Proof-of-Concept Randomized Clinical Trial

Introduction: Anxiety and depression have increased markedly during the COVID-19 pandemic. There is a lack of evidence-based strategies to address these mental health needs during the pandemic. Objective: We aim to conduct a proof-of-concept trial of the efficacy of a brief group-based psychological intervention delivered via videoconferencing for adults in Australia distressed by the pandemic. Methods: In this single-blind, parallel, randomised controlled trial, adults who screened positive for COVID-related psychological distress across Australia were randomly allocated to either a 6-session group-based program based on behavioural principles (n = 120) or enhanced usual care (EUC, n = 120). Primary outcome was total score on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HADS) anxiety and depression subscales assessed at baseline, 1 week posttreatment, 2 months (primary outcome time point), and 6 months after treatment, as well as secondary outcome measures of worry, sleep impairment, anhedonia, mood, and COVID-19-related stress. Results: Between May 20, 2020, and October 20, 2020, 240 patients were enrolled into the trial. Relative to EUC, at 2 months participants receiving intervention showed greater reduction on anxiety (mean difference, 1.4 [95% CI, 0.3 to 2.6], p = 0.01; effect size, 0.4 [95% CI, 0.1 to 0.7]) and depression (mean difference, 1.6 [95% CI, 0.4 to 2.8], p = 0.009; effect size, 0.4 [95% CI, 0.2 to 0.7]) scales. These effects were maintained at 6 months. There were also greater reductions of worry, anhedonia, COVID-19-related fears, and contamination fears. Conclusions: This trial provides initial evidence that brief group-based behavioural intervention delivered via videoconferencing results in moderate reductions in common psychological problems arising during the COVID-19 pandemic. This program may offer a viable and scalable means to mitigate the rising mental health problems during the pandemic.

Prevalence of virtual reality (VR) games found through mental health categories on STEAM: a first look at VR on commercial platforms as tools for therapy

Background Immersive virtual reality (VR) games are increasingly becoming part of everyday life. Several studies support immersive VR technology as a treatment method for mental health problems. There is however little insight into the prevalence of commercially available VR games for treatment of mental health problems on commercial platforms such as STEAM, and to what extent they can be used as tools for treatment or add-on treatment of mental health problems. Objective The aim of this study was to take a first look at the prevalence and overview of content of commercially available games. The games were found using search words related to psychiatric diagnosis or care. Methods We performed a search for keywords related to symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment strategies of mental health problems. The search was performed November 2020 on STEAM. A scheme was created for elimination and inclusion of games, eliminating those games which were irrelevant to mental health or had triggering elements such as violence, excessive movement which could trigger nausea, horror and pornographic imagery. Results In total, 735 hits were found, 565 unique games. After the games were reviewed for content via trailers, descriptions and screenshots, 32%, i.e. 182 games passed the inclusion criteria. Majority of the games which were excluded were either not connected to mental health, contained violence, adult content or were in other ways irrelevant or inappropriate. Conclusions Commercial platforms are only at the beginning of the development towards therapeutic content. Currently the quality and usability for therapeutic use is scarce but holds great potential.

Mental health in context: structural vulnerability and support in primary care.

In 2018, the British Medical Association drew attention to the increasing concern of GPs about the scale of mental health problems in the UK in light of insufficient resources.1 Due to the influence of social factors on mental health, the document highlights the importance of coordinating a public mental health response to address social determinants such as poverty, unemployment, housing, social environments, and relationships, and the symbiosis between physical and mental health.1 Three years on, the above issues have been compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic and its socioeconomic consequences, including poverty, isolation, and the political alienation of entire communities. These are known risk factors for the development of mental health problems.2 At present, structural factors rarely feature in assessment and treatment of mental health problems in the NHS. Instead, psychotropic prescriptions — and the risks associated with their use — increase year on year. Data from England indicate a 6.8% yearly increase in psychotropic prescriptions, with antidepressants increasing by 10% annually,3 and the number of antidepressant prescriptions has almost doubled over the past decade from 36 million in 2008 to 70.9 million in 2018.4 So why is this? The reasons are multifactorial but, we argue, chief among these is the ongoing conceptualisation of mental health within a biomedical model. New insights on the physiological basis of distress, and its impact on the brain and nervous system, are changing clinical practice. Brain structures such as the amygdala and the limbic system are key in our experience of emotion, memory, and autonomic function.5 The clinical application of this understanding is most apparent in the treatment of anxiety and selective memory resulting from traumatic experiences. Autonomic responses (for example, increased heart rate, dizziness, difficulty breathing), cognitive appraisal (for example, negative automatic thoughts, flashbacks), and ensuing emotions (for …

A feasibility study on a novel well-being intervention for university students.

Challenging transitions, increased stress and mental ill health can affect students' academic performance and their capacity to remain in higher education. Prevention and early treatment of mental health problems in college students is therefore a key public health priority, nationally and internationally. Developing a range of evidence-based interventions targeting the mental health of students is critical. We examined the feasibility and acceptability of a new universal time use and well-being intervention, the 'Everyday Matters: Healthy Habits for University Life' digital badge (EMDB), a co-curricular micro-credential for first-year college students. This study used a single-arm, pre-post design for first-year undergraduate students. The EMDB comprised eight 1-hour lunchtime sessions on brain development and time-use habits across the 24 hours of the day including sleep, self-care, leisure, study and work. Validated measures of occupational competence and value, mental well-being, sleep health, mindset, self-compassion and gratitude were completed, along with an evaluation questionnaire. Eight first-year undergraduate students completed the demographic questionnaire and pre- and post- measures, with one additional student completing only the evaluation questionnaire.There was significantly improved levels of well-being, self-compassion and growth mindset following the intervention. Many of the challenges reported by participants related to occupational issues such as managing finances and having a satisfying routine. Participants appreciated the practical relevance and scientific underpinnings of the programme content. The sense of belonging within the group and having insightful conversations with other group members were particularly valued by participants. This study offers preliminary evidence that an occupational therapy based universal time-use and well-being intervention was feasible to deliver and acceptable to first-year undergraduate students. The results of this study and the participant acceptability support further development and evaluation of the EMDB intervention.

Impact of guidance on intervention adherence in computerised interventions for mental health problems: a meta-analysis.

Web-based interventions are increasingly used for the prevention, treatment and aftercare of mental disorders. A crucial factor to the efficacy of such online programmes is adherence to the intervention content and procedure. It has been frequently suggested that adherence in web-based interventions is low and little is known about which factors influence adherence. To increase intervention uptake and completion, studies increasingly include interventions with some form of guidance. Guided interventions have been shown to have higher efficacy, however, evidence for the impact on adherence is limited and mixed. This meta-analysis explored the impact of human guidance on intervention completion in web-based mental health interventions. A total of 22 studies were included with interventions primarily targeting symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders. Results showed that guidance significantly increases the average amount of intervention completion [g = 0.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.18-0.40] and the proportion of intervention completers [log odds ratio (OR) = 0.50, 95% CI 0.34-0.66] with small effects. On average, full completion rates were 12% higher in guided intervention groups. This meta-analysis demonstrated that guidance in web-based mental health interventions does increase adherence, but more research is required to better understand the specific mechanisms between guidance, adherence and outcomes.