Codesigning a user-centred digital psychoeducational tool for youth mental well-being with families in Canada: study...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Adolescent Psychology
• Digital Health

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted youth mental well-being through social isolation and disrupted routines.
• Existing youth mental health services were already strained, underfunded, and fragmented prior to the pandemic.
• Youth are often excluded from mental health initiatives, necessitating targeted support and research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To codesign a user-centered digital tool for youth mental well-being.
• To develop recommendations for supporting youth mental health during pandemic recovery.
• To partner with youth and families to improve mental health outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A national research study involving three phases: expert consultation, digital tool codesign with youth and families, and usability/acceptability assessment.
• Utilizing foundational research on the pandemic's implications for youth mental health.
• Ethical approval obtained from Dalhousie and Conjoint Health Research Ethics Boards.

Main Results:

• Protocol for codesigning a digital tool for youth mental well-being developed.
• Catalogue of recommendations for supporting youth mental health during pandemic recovery planned.
• Focus on user-centered design through youth and family collaboration.

Conclusions:

• There is a critical need for co-designed, youth-focused mental health tools and strategies.
• Partnership with youth and families is essential for effective mental health interventions.
• This research protocol addresses the gap in youth mental health support and pandemic recovery.