Going global: do consumer preferences, attitudes, and barriers to using e-mental health services differ across...

Area of Science:

• Global Mental Health
• Digital Health Interventions
• Health Services Research

Background:

• e-Mental health services can overcome access barriers and unmet needs for psychological care, especially in developing nations.
• Acceptability of e-mental health interventions in diverse populations remains largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate consumer attitudes towards e-mental health.
• To identify perceived barriers to e-mental health utilization.
• To compare these factors across Australia, Iran, the Philippines, and South Africa.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was administered to 524 adults across four countries.
• The survey assessed prior e-mental health service contact, willingness to use, and perceived barriers/needs.
• Data were collected on demographics and specific concerns regarding e-mental health programs.

Main Results:

• Previous e-mental health service contact was low across all samples.
• A majority of respondents expressed willingness to use e-mental health services.
• Barriers were more pronounced in developing countries compared to Australia, primarily related to information and assurance needs.

Conclusions:

• Widespread willingness to engage with e-mental health programs was observed globally.
• e-Mental health holds significant potential for enhancing mental healthcare in developing countries with proper research and implementation.
• Addressing information and assurance needs is crucial for successful e-mental health adoption.