Acceptability of a Brief Web-Based Theory-Based Intervention to Prevent and Reduce Self-harm: Mixed Methods...

Area of Science:

• Mental Health
• Psychology
• Digital Health

Background:

• The volitional help sheet (VHS) is a tool designed to help individuals with self-harm manage triggers using coping strategies.
• While evidence suggests efficacy, enhancing user acceptability and accessibility through a web-based format is key to broader impact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the acceptability of the VHS using the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA).
• To identify factors influencing VHS acceptability across different demographics and circumstances.
• To generate recommendations for optimizing the VHS for self-harm reduction.

Main Methods:

• Two-phase study: patient/public involvement evaluation of the original VHS, followed by a web-based survey (N=514) of UK adults who self-harmed.
• Acceptability rated using the seven TFA constructs: affective attitude, burden, perceived effectiveness, ethicality, intervention coherence, opportunity costs, and self-efficacy.
• Quantitative analysis included t-tests and logistic regression; qualitative data analyzed via directed content analysis.

Main Results:

• High acceptability ratings for affective attitude, self-efficacy, opportunity costs, intervention coherence, and perceived effectiveness.
• Perceived burden was a key factor; lower burden was associated with younger adults (18-24), White ethnicity, and those without long-term conditions.
• Suggested improvements included formatting, customization features, and clearer instructions.

Conclusions:

• The web-based VHS demonstrates high acceptability among specific demographics, including younger adults and White individuals without long-term health conditions.
• Future research should focus on increasing acceptability in older adults, ethnic minority groups, and individuals with chronic health issues.
• Optimizing the VHS based on user feedback is crucial for its wider adoption and effectiveness in self-harm reduction.