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Examining the initial usability, acceptability and feasibility of a digital mental health intervention for college students in India
Author(s) -
Kanuri Nitya,
Arora Prerna,
Talluru Sai,
Colaco Bona,
Dutta Rohan,
Rawat Abhimanyu,
Taylor Barr C.,
Manjula M.,
Newman Michelle G.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
international journal of psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.75
H-Index - 62
eISSN - 1464-066X
pISSN - 0020-7594
DOI - 10.1002/ijop.12640
Subject(s) - usability , psychological intervention , mental health , psychology , intervention (counseling) , anxiety , digital health , applied psychology , medical education , stigma (botany) , focus group , clinical psychology , medicine , health care , psychiatry , computer science , business , human–computer interaction , marketing , economics , economic growth
Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is prevalent among college students in India; however, barriers like stigma, treatment accessibility and cost prevent engagement in treatment. Web‐ and mobile‐based, or digital, mental health interventions have been proposed as a potential solution to increasing treatment access. With the ultimate goal of developing an engaging digital mental health intervention for university students in India, the current study sought to understand students' reactions to a culturally and digitally adapted evidence‐based cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for GAD intervention. Specifically, through theatre testing and focus groups with a non‐clinical sample of 15 college students in India, the present study examined initial usability, acceptability and feasibility of the “Mana Maali Digital Anxiety Program.” Secondary objectives comprised identifying students' perceived barriers to using the program and eliciting recommendations. Results indicated high usability, with the average usability rating ranking in the top 10% of general usability scores. Participants offered actionable changes to improve usability and perceived acceptability among peers struggling with mental health issues. Findings highlight the benefits of offering digital resources that circumvent barriers associated with accessing traditional services. Results build on existing evidence that digital interventions can be a viable means of delivering mental healthcare to large, defined populations.