Barriers to and enhancement of the utilization of digital mental health interventions in low-resource settings: Perceptions of young people in Uganda DOI Creative Commons
Erisa Mwaka,

Datsun Bazzeketa,

Joy Mirembe

et al.

Digital Health, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 11

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

Introduction Digital mental health (DMH) enhances access to healthcare, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where investment healthcare is low. However, utilization among young people (YP) This study aimed explore YP's perceptions of the barriers using DMH interventions low-resource settings. Methods A qualitative descriptive approach was used. Six face-to-face focus group discussions were conducted with 50 YP from nine universities Uganda. The median age 24 years (range 21–25 years) respondents drawn diverse academic programmes majority being medical students (54%). thematic used interpret results. Results Three themes identified data including services, perceived utilization, suggestions for enhancement Most had a positive attitude towards DMH. included fear stigma, affordability, inequitable access, privacy confidentiality concerns, app-related challenges. Access use can be enhanced through public engagement, creating awareness, training, affordable interventions. Conclusion deemed important extending YP, systems traditional services are not readily available. several factors hinder equitable There need long-term digital technologies.

Language: Английский

Barriers to and enhancement of the utilization of digital mental health interventions in low-resource settings: Perceptions of young people in Uganda DOI Creative Commons
Erisa Mwaka,

Datsun Bazzeketa,

Joy Mirembe

et al.

Digital Health, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 11

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

Introduction Digital mental health (DMH) enhances access to healthcare, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where investment healthcare is low. However, utilization among young people (YP) This study aimed explore YP's perceptions of the barriers using DMH interventions low-resource settings. Methods A qualitative descriptive approach was used. Six face-to-face focus group discussions were conducted with 50 YP from nine universities Uganda. The median age 24 years (range 21–25 years) respondents drawn diverse academic programmes majority being medical students (54%). thematic used interpret results. Results Three themes identified data including services, perceived utilization, suggestions for enhancement Most had a positive attitude towards DMH. included fear stigma, affordability, inequitable access, privacy confidentiality concerns, app-related challenges. Access use can be enhanced through public engagement, creating awareness, training, affordable interventions. Conclusion deemed important extending YP, systems traditional services are not readily available. several factors hinder equitable There need long-term digital technologies.

Language: Английский

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