Exploring the relationship between mental health, functional impairment and the use of digital mental health applications

Mental health and functional impairment have significant implications for the emerging adulthood population, particularly as they begin taking on more autonomous responsibility. Research demonstrates digital mental health apps can be efficacious in reducing symptoms of mental health. They are a promising tool in reducing the cost of mental health services and increasing accessibility to treatment. This study explored the relation between mental health, functional impairment, and the use of digital mental health apps among emerging adult college-age students. The goal was to provide insights into functional impairment and mental health as they relate to the use of mental health apps among emerging adults. The study examined app uptake, frequency, and duration of use and seek to identify factors influencing app use among this population. Participants (N = 733) were primarily women (58.9%), with a mean age of 19.07 (SD = 1.35), and 76.1% identified as White. Chi-square results indicated that levels of depression and anxiety both yielded significant associations with use of mental health apps and use of technology for mental health. Similar significant associations were found for level of impairment and use of mental health apps as well as use of technology for mental health. However, results regarding functional impairment need to be interpreted with caution due to certain sample size limitations. MANOVA analyses yielded non-significant results regarding mental health, functional impairment and the frequency and duration of app use. Overall, the study provides insights into the use of mental health apps among individuals who reported varying levels of depression, anxiety, and functional impairment.

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Work Title Exploring the relationship between mental health, functional impairment and the use of digital mental health applications
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Open Access
Creators
  1. Lerato Rametse
Keyword
  1. Digital mental health applications
  2. Mental health apps
  3. Depression
  4. Anxiety
  5. Functional impairment
  6. Emerging adulthood
License In Copyright (Rights Reserved)
Work Type Research Paper
Publication Date August 2023
Deposited August 11, 2023

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Version 1
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  • Added Creator Lerato Rametse
  • Added Lerato Rametse Final MRP.pdf
  • Updated Keyword, License Show Changes
    Keyword
    • Digital mental health applications, Mental health apps, Depression, Anxiety, Functional impairment, Emerging adulthood
    License
    • https://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/
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Version 2
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  • Deleted Lerato Rametse Final MRP.pdf
  • Added Lerato Rametse Final MRP August 2023_1.pdf
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