학술논문

Adapting a transdiagnostic digital mental health intervention for use among immigrant and refugee youth in Seattle: a human-centered design approach
Original Research
Document Type
Academic Journal
Source
Translational Behavioral Medicine. November 2023, Vol. 13 Issue 11, p867, 9 p.
Subject
University of Washington -- Technology application
World Health Organization -- Technology application
Technology application
Psychological aspects
Stress management -- Psychological aspects -- Technology application
Youth -- Psychological aspects -- Technology application
Mental health -- Psychological aspects -- Technology application
Green technology -- Psychological aspects -- Technology application
Immigrants -- Technology application -- Psychological aspects
Identity theft -- Psychological aspects -- Technology application
Phishing -- Technology application -- Psychological aspects
Stress (Psychology) -- Psychological aspects -- Technology application
Teenagers -- Psychological aspects -- Technology application
Language
English
ISSN
1869-6716
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Common mental disorders such as depression and anxiety are highly prevalent among immigrants and refugees: estimates vary, but depression may affect from 16% to 88% of refugees [1, 2], [...]
Digital mental health interventions show promise in addressing mental health needs, especially among youth and marginalized communities. This study adapted the World Health Organization -developed STARS (Sustainable Technology for Adolescents to Reduce Stress] digital mental health intervention for use among youth and young adults aged 14-25 from immigrant and refugee communities in Seattle, Washington. Human-centered design methods centered around qualitative semi-structured interviews were used to contextually and culturally adapt the intervention and prioritize the needs and preferences of the intended end user. Intervention prototypes were modified and then presented to the target groups in iterative cycles until saturation was achieved. Qualitative interviews occurred in three iterations of five participants each. Modifications were documented according to the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications--Expanded (FRAME) implementation science framework. Modifications aligned with the FRAME process elements: (a) tailoring/refining, which included adapting language to less resemble digital phishing scams; (b) changes in packaging or materials, which included naming the chatbot and adopting a corresponding avatar; (c) adding/removing, which included changing existing emojis and adding additional media types including graphics interchange format images, pictures, and voice memos; (d) shortening/condensing, which included shortening the ength of individual text sections as well as deleting redundant language; (e) lengthening/extending, which included allowing the user to choose to receive content catered to teenagers or to adults; and (f) loosening structure, including giving users options to skip parts of modules or to engage with additional material. The modified STARS intervention shows promise for engagement with immigrant and refugee youth in Seattle and can be examined for clinical effectiveness. Adaptations increased the relevance of content to the intended end user, expanded options for personalization and customization of the user experience, and utilized language that was age appropriate, engaging, and did not invoke feelings of stigma or distrust. Adaptations of digital mental health interventions should focus on modifications that maxmize acceptability and appropriateness to intended audiences. Digital mental health interventions like apps and online mental health tools show promise in addressing mental health needs. This study adapted the STARS (Sustainable Technology for Adolescents to Reduce Stress) digital mental health intervention for use among youth and young adults from immigrant and refugee communities in Seattle, Washington. In our study, we adapted the intervention in a way that prioritizes the preferences of the intended end user. Modifications occurred in cycles: each time modifications resulted in a new version, the version was presented to a group of participants for their feedback and further modifications. Modifications in the final version included adapting language to less resemble digital phishing scams; naming the chatbot and adopting a corresponding avatar; changing existing emojis and adding additional media types; shortening the length of individual text sections as well as deleting redundant language; allowing the user to choose content catered to teenagers or to adults; and giving users options to skip parts of modules or to engage with additional material. The modified STARS intervention shows promise for engagement with immigrant and refugee youth in Seattle and can be examined for clinical effectiveness. Keywords Mental health, Digital interventions, Transdiagnostic interventions, Youth and young adults, Immigrant and refugee communities