Improving mental health literacy using web- or app-based interventions: A scoping review

Lidan Tian, Eliza Wong, Dong Dong, Annie Cheung, Sherry Chan, Yuan Cao, Phoenix Mok, Lingming Zhou, Richard Huan Xu (Corresponding Author)

Research output: Journal article publicationReview articleAcademic researchpeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: Given the rapid advancement in technology, the Internet has grown to play a significant role in the field of healthcare. Individuals can now access a profusion of easily available materials for self-management of their health. The purpose of this review is to describe Web/App-based interventions that are primarily or secondarily designed to improve mental health literacy (MHL) and to investigate the effectiveness of online interventions for improving mental health. Materials and Method: A scoping review was conducted by searching five databases: PsycINFO, EMBASE, PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science. The search was limited to peer-reviewed journals published in English between 2000 and 2022. Studies focusing on enhancements of MHL or its constituent components were included. Results: Twenty-four studies met the inclusion criteria. The interventions primarily targeted patients or individuals exhibiting symptoms of mental disorders, with a higher representation of female participants. All the interventions yielded positive outcomes. The included studies were categorized according to three themes: knowledge, attitude, and self-care skills. Although numerous studies have focused on knowledge improvement, research on interventions targeting self-care skills is scarce. Furthermore, existing literature on knowledge enhancement is limited in terms of the coverage of risk factors. Conclusion: This review indicates gaps in web/app interventions including limited evidence on risk factors, inconsistent help-seeking awareness, and inadequate self-care skills training. Further research is critically needed to address these deficiencies and promote comprehensive MHL.

Original languageEnglish
JournalDigital Health
Volume10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 5 Apr 2024

Keywords

  • attitude
  • knowledge
  • mental health literacy
  • self-care
  • web/app-based interventions

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health Information Management
  • Health Policy
  • Health Informatics
  • Computer Science Applications

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