Engagement with digital platforms and perspectives on WhatsApp based mental health self-help solution for older adults: a qualitative study from India.
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Abstract
Background: The population of older adults is increasing globally and in India. Depression, anxiety, social isolation, and loneliness commonly impact their well-being. Technology is being explored to improve access to mental health resources, with digital self-help platforms emerging as a promising approach. Given WhatsApp's wide use in India, it holds potential for delivering such support to older adults. This study explored the perspectives of urban Indian older adults on mental health and well-being needs, experiences with digital platforms, and views on a proposed WhatsApp-based self-help platform for mental health.
Methods: A qualitative approach was used, involving 19 older adults (aged 55 +), with at least eight years of formal education, and fluency in English/Hindi/Kannada. Individual interviews were conducted, and participants rated potential self-help topics. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4) documented distress levels. Data were analyzed using framework analysis.
Results: Five major themes emerged: 'Changes with Ageing', 'Protective Factors for Mental Health', 'Interactions with Digital Platforms', 'Views on WhatsApp', and 'Additional Suggestions'. Older adults reported using digital platforms for recreation, maintaining health, and socializing. They expressed openness to a WhatsApp-based mental health self-help platform with accurate content, simple interface, integration with health services, and access to support. Over three-fourths of participants rated all proposed self-help topics as important.
Conclusion: The study highlights the potential acceptability and usability of a WhatsApp-based self-help platform for urban Indian older adults, with participants emphasizing the need for credible content, simplicity, support-access, and relevant self-help content. It offers valuable insights for developing WhatsApp based platforms to support mental health and well-being of older adults.
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