Service User Views on Digital Health Promotion in Youth Mental Health
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The role of Digital Technologies for Health Promotion in Youth Mental Health Settings: A Survey of Service User Perspectives
IRAS ID
297661
Contact name
Joseph Firth
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 7 days
Research summary
Summary of Research
There is an increasing amount of investment, research and innovation around using digital technologies in novel ways to improve people’s physical health. However, the extent to which these new digital or “mHealth” solutions are accessible, usable and beneficial for people with mental illness is under-researched. Despite people with mental illness already experience drastic disparities in physical health, having a 2-3 fold risk of cardiovascular diseases and ~15 year reduced life expectancy compared to the general population. Continued efforts towards developing digital health solutions for the general population, while neglecting the needs of those with mental illness, may only serve to increase the extent of these health disparities.
The heightened prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (and resultant premature mortality) associated with mental illness become most evident in older adult, populations. However, physical health risks begin from the onset of mental illness – which, for most people, begins before the age of 25. Preventing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases from arising is more feasible and effective than reversing their long-term consequences. Alongside this, younger people are the prime uses of digital technologies, particularly with regards to smartphones. Therefore, discovering how mHealth interventions can be applied to improve physical health and lifestyles in young people with mental illness could present a novel approach for reducing the health risks faced by this group.
However, there is currently a dearth of research in this area. Thus, this survey study is designed to gain some initial insights into the potential of mHealth approaches towards physical health promotion in youth mental health. In particular, the research will examine if/how young people with mental illness currently use mHealth or ‘apps’ for physical health, what their preferred uses of such technologies would be, and their perspectives on ideal components / features of mHealth interventions for improving their lifestyle and physical well-being.Summary of Results
The study investigated the views of young adults with mental illness on the use of digital technologies, particularly mobile health (mHealth) tools, for promoting physical health. An online survey was conducted withyoung adults aged 16-30, who were diagnosed with mental illnesses and were receiving mental healthcare. In the online survey study, 746 participants completed the initial screening phase in order to gain access to the full survey. Of those, 424 completed it full, and 200 completed it partially. Of the participants, 40% were female and 90.0% were white British. The participants age ranged from 16 to 30 years old, with the average age 24. The majority of patients had a diagnosis of Depression and/or anxiety.
Full analyses of the survey data are still underway, although preliminary examination has indicated that the majority of participants were in favor of digital health technologies for promoting physical health and related behaviors. Features such as health tracking, health coaching, and peer-support were deemed particularly useful.
Almost all participants owned a smartphone or tablet, with iPhones being the most common. Over half of the respondents used apps related to mindfulness or physical activity/exercise, while others used apps for sleep, weight loss and diet. Most found these apps useful, and around a third used them daily.
The study underscores the potential of mHealth in addressing physical health disparities among young people with mental illnesses. By understanding their preferences, more tailored interventions can be designed to promote physical health and prevent cardiometabolic comorbidities. Further research is needed to develop and implement effective digital interventions in mental healthcare settings.REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/NW/0198
Date of REC Opinion
15 Jul 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion