Internet Interventions-The Application of Information Technology in Mental and Behavioural Health最新文献

{"title":"Augmented reality exposure treatments in anxiety and related disorders: A systematic review","authors":"Jorge Grimaldos ,&nbsp;Sara Fernández-Buendía ,&nbsp;Juana Bretón-López ,&nbsp;Clara Miguel ,&nbsp;Pim Cuijpers ,&nbsp;Soledad Quero","doi":"10.1016/j.invent.2025.100812","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.invent.2025.100812","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Numerous controlled trials have been conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) in exposure treatment for different anxiety disorders. Additionally, several meta-analyses focusing on VR studies are now available. In contrast, the number of studies that focus exclusively on augmented reality (AR) is smaller, and, to the best of our knowledge, there are currently no systematic reviews or meta-analyses available on this topic. The aim of this work is to conduct a systematic review focused exclusively on studies that evaluate the effectiveness of AR in the exposure treatment of anxiety and related disorders. Systematic searches were carried out in PubMed, PsycINFO, and Embase in January 2025. After the screening of 622 references, thirteen studies were included, twelve of which focused on phobic disorders. Overall, the results of the included studies are promising for the use of AR for conducting the exposure treatment, especially for specific phobias. Furthermore, AR achieved high satisfaction rates and was perceived as less aversive than in vivo exposure based on participants' experiences. However, some limitations should be noted regarding the state of this field of research, especially regarding the small number of included articles and the lack of sufficient RCTs to draw firm conclusions about the efficacy of AR, highlighting the need for further research in this field.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48615,"journal":{"name":"Internet Interventions-The Application of Information Technology in Mental and Behavioural Health","volume":"39 ","pages":"Article 100812"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143276976","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"“A one-stop shop”: Real-world use and app-users' experiences of a psychoeducational smartphone app for adults with ADHD","authors":"Christina Seery ,&nbsp;Rachel Hannah Cochrane ,&nbsp;Martha Mulcahy ,&nbsp;Ken Kilbride ,&nbsp;Margo Wrigley ,&nbsp;Jessica Bramham","doi":"10.1016/j.invent.2025.100807","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.invent.2025.100807","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Smartphone apps have the potential to be accessible tools to provide psychoeducation for adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The Adult ADHD App aims to provide psychoeducation about ADHD and supports available in Ireland. The present study aimed to investigate acceptability and user engagement of the Adult ADHD App by auditing real-world use data and gaining qualitative feedback from app users.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>App analytical data was audited from the Google Analytics platform. Fourteen app-users, nine of whom identified as women and five as men, with an age range of 26–65 (<em>M</em> = 40.29, <em>SD</em> = 11.14), participated in semi-structured interviews. Reflexive thematic analysis was employed to develop themes on app-users' experiences.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The audit of app analytics indicated that over a period of one year, 12,000 people actively used the app and 6400 users returned after their initial use. We developed four themes from the interviews: ‘An evidence-based tool for understanding adult ADHD’ highlighted that the Adult ADHD App provides trustworthy psychoeducation on ADHD. ‘Recommendations for ADHD-friendly adaptations’ identified modifications to improve usability of the app. ‘Meeting the needs of different stages in the ADHD journey’ showed that while the app significantly benefitted adults new to their ADHD, adults who were familiar with their ADHD sought an app that would help them in moments of challenge. ‘Perception of public services impacts app experience’ suggested that people's attitudes and experiences of the public health system in Ireland affected their views of app content.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The Adult ADHD App appears to meet its aims of providing psychoeducation on adult ADHD. Elements can be modified to improve usability. Digital health tools created by public health organisations should consider how people's previous experiences with healthcare services can impact how they perceive the information in the tools.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48615,"journal":{"name":"Internet Interventions-The Application of Information Technology in Mental and Behavioural Health","volume":"39 ","pages":"Article 100807"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143276848","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Chatting your way to quitting: A longitudinal exploration of smokers' interaction with a cessation chatbot","authors":"Linwei He ,&nbsp;Erkan Basar ,&nbsp;Reinout W. Wiers ,&nbsp;Marjolijn L. Antheunis ,&nbsp;Emiel Krahmer","doi":"10.1016/j.invent.2025.100806","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.invent.2025.100806","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Cigarette smoking poses a major public health risk, requiring scalable and accessible interventions. Chatbots offer a promising solution, given their potential in providing personalized, long-term interactions. Despite their promise, limited research has examined their efficacy and the intertwined relationship between user experience and effectiveness over an extended period of time.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In this prospective, single-arm study, we developed and evaluated <em>Roby</em>, a 5-session chatbot intervention incorporating motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy to help smokers quit. <em>Roby</em> engaged Dutch adult smokers (<em>N</em> = 102) in conversations covering topics such as setting a quit date, managing withdrawal and cravings, and relapse prevention. The primary outcome was the continuous abstinence rate at the end of the intervention, and secondary outcomes included 7-day point prevalence abstinence, self-efficacy, and cravings. User engagement, therapeutic alliance, and interaction satisfaction were measured weekly, and the trajectory was analyzed using Linear Mixed Models.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Following an intention-to-treat principle, 18.6 % of participants achieved continuous abstinence, and 37.3 % achieved 7-day point prevalence abstinence. Self-efficacy significantly improved over the intervention, and cravings decreased over time. A slight decreasing trend was observed in engagement and satisfaction, likely due to a novelty effect. However, the decrease did not affect the intervention's outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study demonstrates the feasibility and initial usefulness of <em>Roby</em>, highlighting the potential for chatbots in long-term cessation support. Future research should further validate these findings with randomized controlled trials. Additional efforts should focus on monitoring and maintaining user experience in the long term to enhance effectiveness.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48615,"journal":{"name":"Internet Interventions-The Application of Information Technology in Mental and Behavioural Health","volume":"39 ","pages":"Article 100806"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143276977","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Current trends in e-mental health interventions: Health care providers' attitudes and usage patterns","authors":"Elena Caroline Weitzel ,&nbsp;Katja Schladitz ,&nbsp;Maria Schwenke ,&nbsp;Franziska Dinah Welzel ,&nbsp;Georg Schomerus ,&nbsp;Peter Schönknecht ,&nbsp;Markus Bleckwenn ,&nbsp;Anja Mehnert-Theuerkauf ,&nbsp;Steffi G. Riedel-Heller ,&nbsp;Margrit Löbner","doi":"10.1016/j.invent.2025.100808","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.invent.2025.100808","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div><em>E</em>-mental health interventions can usefully supplement mental health care. Health care providers are important to the routine implementation. Until now, little has been known about their attitudes about e-mental health and its use in treatment. This study aims to comprehensively examine health care providers' attitudes and experiences regarding e-mental health interventions over time.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Data for this explorative analysis derive from a longitudinal study of <em>N</em> = 335 health care providers from four professional groups in German mental health care (GPs, specialist doctors, psychotherapists, and clinicians). In two surveys conducted one year apart, usage as well as advantages of and barriers to e-mental health interventions were assessed. Usage patterns based on self-report were examined according to socio-demographic correlates. In a binary logistic regression, correlations between use at follow-up and baseline variables were analyzed.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>At follow-up, the inclusion of e-mental health interventions in treatment was increased to 40 % compared to baseline (28.4 %). Also, more participants reported having better knowledge and having received information about e-mental health. Gender, age, and knowledge about e-mental health interventions were significantly associated with usage patterns. In the regression analysis, gender, age, and professional group were relevant predictors of use at follow-up.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Our results show that increasingly health care providers are including e-mental health interventions in treatment. This is presumably related to better knowledge. However, it is clear that e-mental health interventions are not yet an established component of health care. Rather, implementation efforts, particularly the dissemination of informational materials, are required to promote the use.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48615,"journal":{"name":"Internet Interventions-The Application of Information Technology in Mental and Behavioural Health","volume":"39 ","pages":"Article 100808"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143172557","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Feasibility, acceptability and preliminary clinical outcomes of a brief coping-focused intervention for delusions blended with smartphone-based ecological momentary assessment and intervention in persons with schizophrenia spectrum disorders: A pilot single-arm trial","authors":"Kerem Böge ,&nbsp;Niklas Bergmann ,&nbsp;Inge Hahne ,&nbsp;Laura Emde ,&nbsp;Sharla Cartner ,&nbsp;Imogen Bell ,&nbsp;Matthias Pillny ,&nbsp;Neil Thomas","doi":"10.1016/j.invent.2025.100804","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.invent.2025.100804","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Delusions are one of the core symptoms of schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD), associated with distress and impaired functioning. Traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approaches are less effective for delusions, require significant resources, and specialized staff training. Symptom-specific therapy approaches, which target factors involved in the development and maintenance of psychotic symptoms, provide a valid alternative. Recent research demonstrates the efficacy of coping strategies as an intervention element, however, so far, only in the context of auditory hallucinations. Digital technologies, such as ecological momentary assessment (EMA) and ecological momentary intervention (EMI), are gaining attention in mental health, providing enhanced assessment and intervention opportunities. The present single-arm trial aimed to investigate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary outcomes of a smartphone-based blended EMA/I psychological therapy approach focusing on improving coping strategies for delusions in SSD. In total, <em>N</em> = 10 participants received four face-to-face therapy sessions alongside German university-level treatment-as-usual over an intervention period of four to six weeks. Feasibility was assessed by completion rates of the EMA/I questionnaires, use of the application between sessions and recruitment rates. Acceptability was assessed by a satisfaction questionnaire, open feedback, and analysis of adverse effects. Clinical outcomes included self-rated and rater-based intensity and distress of delusions and comorbid symptoms at pre- and post-intervention. Findings supported the feasibility and acceptability of the DICE (DICE - Delusion Ideation in the Context of Everyday life intervention) intervention, with high retention (10/13 participants, 77 %) and completion rates for the EMA- (59 %) and EMI-questionnaires (72 %), as well as a high protocol adherence (90–97 %), exceeding all predefined benchmarks. Open feedback indicated good satisfaction, with all participants using the application between sessions, reflecting a high engagement level. Clinical outcomes displayed relevant changes in ameliorating the intensity of delusions when being measured by the Psychotic Symptom Rating Scales as well as by the Green Paranoid Thought Scale, and self-rated improvements in distress and depressive symptoms. Changes in the intensity and distress of delusions might be explained by improved coping behaviour. Further research with control conditions is needed to validate findings and analyze the efficacy as well as mechanisms of actions of the intervention in a fully powered trial.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48615,"journal":{"name":"Internet Interventions-The Application of Information Technology in Mental and Behavioural Health","volume":"39 ","pages":"Article 100804"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143172558","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Efficacy of a process-based, Mobile-delivered personalized CBT for anxiety disorders: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial","authors":"Lizu Lai ,&nbsp;Ying Li ,&nbsp;Ziyi Zhao ,&nbsp;Zhihong Ren","doi":"10.1016/j.invent.2025.100805","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.invent.2025.100805","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Internet-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (ICBT) is effective in treating anxiety disorders, yet there is room for improvement in treatment response and reduction in dropout rates. This study proposes a personalized, modular ICBT intervention that leverages the extended evolutionary meta-model to provide a dynamic and adaptive treatment approach, aiming to enhance usability and efficacy.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The trial will be conducted in two phases. Phase I involves 182 participants who will undergo a 30-day ecological momentary assessment to record functional processes and anxiety levels three times a day. The data collected will help in identifying key functional predictors of anxiety for each participant through group iterative multiple model estimation. In Phase II, participants who complete Phase I will be randomized into three groups: personalized CBT, standard CBT, and a waiting list. Outcome measures will include Brief Symptom Inventory, specific measures of anxiety, usability metrics, and dropout rates. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, immediately post-treatment, and at 1- and 3-month follow-ups. A linear mixed model will be utilized to analyze the data and determine the intervention's efficacy.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>Anticipated outcomes from this study include advancements in personalized CBT for anxiety disorders, contributing valuable insights into their potential benefits and addressing existing challenges in the field.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48615,"journal":{"name":"Internet Interventions-The Application of Information Technology in Mental and Behavioural Health","volume":"39 ","pages":"Article 100805"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143104956","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Patient experiences of internet-based enhanced cognitive behavior therapy for eating disorders","authors":"Anne-Charlotte Wiberg ,&nbsp;Ata Ghaderi ,&nbsp;Thomas Parling ,&nbsp;Magdalena Jansson ,&nbsp;Elisabeth Welch","doi":"10.1016/j.invent.2025.100801","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.invent.2025.100801","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Internet-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (ICBT) has shown promise in addressing the treatment gap for eating disorders (EDs), with evidence indicating moderate to large effect sizes. However, some individuals experience no improvement or deterioration in their condition, highlighting the need to understand both successful and unsuccessful outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>This study aimed to explore patients' experiences undergoing Internet-based guided self-help treatment based on Enhanced Cognitive Behavior Therapy (ICBT-E) for bulimia nervosa (BN) and binge eating disorder (BED), focusing on both those who benefited from the treatment and those who did not.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>Sixteen participants with a diagnosis of full or subthreshold BN or BED, including eight non-responders and eight responders, participated in a semi-structured telephone interview. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Responders strongly identified with the content, facilitating treatment implementation, while non-responders found the content less relevant to their symptoms. The treatment was overall perceived as time-consuming, but non-responders found it overwhelming and struggled with motivation and self-discipline. Non-responders preferred synchronous communication, while responders valued the flexibility of asynchronous contact. Overall, participants acknowledged the importance of ICBT-E, though non-responders felt it was not tailored to their specific needs.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The study highlighted considerations for designing and implementing ICBT-E, including tailoring content to diverse patient symptoms, managing time demands, and considering motivation and self-discipline when assigning this treatment. While ICBT-E shows promise for the widespread dissemination of treatment for EDs, ongoing evaluation of progress during treatment and timely referral to alternative interventions for non-responders are crucial for optimizing outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48615,"journal":{"name":"Internet Interventions-The Application of Information Technology in Mental and Behavioural Health","volume":"39 ","pages":"Article 100801"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143172556","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Long-term outcomes of smartphone-delivered cognitive behavior therapy for body dysmorphic disorder: A one-year naturalistic follow-up","authors":"Ivar Snorrason ,&nbsp;Susanne S. Hoeppner ,&nbsp;Dalton Klare ,&nbsp;Hilary Weingarden ,&nbsp;Jennifer L. Greenberg ,&nbsp;Rebecca M. Berger-Gutierrez ,&nbsp;Emily E. Bernstein ,&nbsp;Rachel C. Vanderkruik ,&nbsp;Oliver Harrison ,&nbsp;Sabine Wilhelm","doi":"10.1016/j.invent.2025.100803","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.invent.2025.100803","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is an often chronic and impairing psychiatric condition. Research shows that smartphone-delivered cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) with coaching may be a scalable and effective treatment for BDD. However, evidence for long-term gain maintenance is limited.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>The aim of the current study was to examine the long-term outcomes of a smartphone-based CBT for BDD.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>Adults with a primary diagnosis of BDD who completed a 12-week course of smartphone-delivered CBT with coach support were evaluated 3- and 12-months posttreatment. Symptom severity, remission and responder status were assessed with the clinician-rated Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale modified for BDD (BDD-YBOCS). Secondary outcomes were also evaluated and included BDD-related insight, depression, functioning and quality of life. Data were analyzed using four different approaches to missing data, with maximum likelihood estimation as the main approach.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>There was significant attrition from posttreatment (<em>n</em> = 57) to 3-month (<em>n</em> = 49) and 12-month (<em>n</em> = 33) follow-up. The mean BDD-YBOCS severity score remained stable during the follow-up period [Estimated Mean (SE) at posttreatment, 3-months, and 12-months = 18.7(1.1), 18.9(1.2) and 18.8(1.3), respectively]. The proportion of participants responding to treatment and in remission remained relatively unchanged as well (63 % responders and 46 % remitters at posttreatment, 54 % and 35 % at 3-month follow-up, and 61 % and 37 % at 12-month follow-up, respectively). Posttreatment gains in BDD-related insight, functioning, and quality of life were maintained; there were small increases in depression (ES = 0.36) from posttreatment to 12-month follow-up.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Improvements after coach-supported smartphone-based CBT for BDD are maintained one year after treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48615,"journal":{"name":"Internet Interventions-The Application of Information Technology in Mental and Behavioural Health","volume":"39 ","pages":"Article 100803"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143172559","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of COVID-19 e-mental health interventions: A systematic review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses","authors":"Romy RW ,&nbsp;Xiaoli Nan","doi":"10.1016/j.invent.2025.100802","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.invent.2025.100802","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on global mental health. E-mental health has the potential to enhance the quality of care and can be swiftly implemented on a large scale. We performed a systematic review of systematic reviews, including meta-analyses, to assess the effects of COVID-19 e-mental health interventions. We followed an established search, screening, coding, and reporting protocol. Methodological quality was evaluated using the Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR-2) checklist. The searches resulted in a total of 2341 articles. Of these, twelve systematic and meta-analytic reviews were included. The findings indicated that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychoeducation were the most used mental health intervention types. E-mental health interventions were delivered via various communication channels including videoconferencing, telephone-based approaches, and mobile applications. E-mental health interventions have demonstrated their effectiveness in addressing prevalent mental health issues, particularly anxiety, depression, and stress. This study underscores the importance of e-mental health interventions in enhancing accessibility and efficiency to reduce mental health symptoms, providing valuable insights for policymakers and clinicians addressing mental health challenges exacerbated by global pandemics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48615,"journal":{"name":"Internet Interventions-The Application of Information Technology in Mental and Behavioural Health","volume":"39 ","pages":"Article 100802"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143171557","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cultural adaptation of a self-help app for grieving Syrian refugees in Switzerland. A feasibility and acceptability pilot-RCT","authors":"Anaïs Aeschlimann ,&nbsp;Eva Heim ,&nbsp;Clare Killikelly ,&nbsp;Nesrin Mahmoud ,&nbsp;Farhad Haji ,&nbsp;Rilana Tanja Stoeckli ,&nbsp;Monia Aebersold ,&nbsp;Myriam Thoma ,&nbsp;Andreas Maercker","doi":"10.1016/j.invent.2025.100800","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.invent.2025.100800","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The global refugee population has significantly increased, with Syrian refugees being one of the largest displaced groups. Bereavement represents a major challenge. However, access to mental health care is limited by structural and cultural barriers. Internet-based interventions (IBIs) offer a promising solution, but most are developed in Western contexts, limiting their cultural relevance. This study aimed to evaluate the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of a culturally adapted self-help IBI for bereaved Syrian refugees in Switzerland.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In a mixed-methods pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT), 30 bereaved Syrian refugees were randomly assigned to a 5-week app-based intervention or a waitlist control group. Semi-structured interviews with the intervention group provided qualitative insights on feasibility and acceptability and were analyzed with framework analysis. Quantitative data assessed treatment satisfaction, adherence, and preliminary efficacy on grief, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, well-being, disability, post-migration difficulties, and social support. Descriptive statistics were used for feasibility and acceptability, while linear mixed-effects models assessed efficacy.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>High treatment satisfaction, a low dropout rate and adherence of 40 % were found. Qualitative interviews indicated the intervention was relevant and beneficial, further adaptations were suggested. No significant group differences were found on bereavement or secondary outcomes. However, trends indicated reduced grief, anxiety, PTSD, and depression, with improved well-being and social support in the intervention group.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The results suggest that this culturally adapted IBI is both feasible and acceptable for Syrian refugees. While trends are promising, a larger RCT is needed to investigate efficacy. This intervention shows potential as meaningful support for bereaved Syrian refugees.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48615,"journal":{"name":"Internet Interventions-The Application of Information Technology in Mental and Behavioural Health","volume":"39 ","pages":"Article 100800"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143104957","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}