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Barriers to and enhancement of the utilization of digital mental health interventions in low-resource settings: Perceptions of young people in Uganda
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Barriers to and enhancement of the utilization of digital mental health interventions in low-resource settings: Perceptions of young people in Uganda

Erisa Sabakaki Mwaka, Datsun Bazzeketa, Joy Mirembe, Reagan D. Emoru, Adelline Twimukye and Apollo Kivumbi
Digital health, v 11
01 Jan 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/20552076251321698
PMID: 39963503
Featured in Collection :   UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
url
https://doi.org/10.1177/20552076251321698View
Published, Version of Record (VoR)CC BY V4.0,  Open

Abstract

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

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UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

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#3 Good Health and Well-Being

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Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
International collaboration
Web of Science research areas
Health Care Sciences & Services
Health Policy & Services
Medical Informatics
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
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