Introduction
In the rapidly evolving landscape of mental health care, the integration of digital interventions has become increasingly vital, especially during unprecedented times like the COVID-19 pandemic. A recent study titled "Pilot randomised controlled trial of a remotely delivered online intervention for adolescent mental health problems in India: lessons learned about low acceptability and feasibility during the COVID-19 pandemic" sheds light on the challenges and potential pathways for enhancing adolescent mental health interventions. This blog explores the study's findings and their implications for practitioners seeking to improve their skills and contribute to better outcomes for children.
Understanding the Study
The study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a gamified problem-solving intervention, POD Adventures, delivered via a smartphone app to secondary school students in India. Conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, the study faced significant barriers, including low recruitment and engagement rates, highlighting the challenges of online delivery in low-resource settings.
Key Findings
- Low Engagement: Despite reaching 1575 students through sensitization sessions, only 11 participants enrolled, and none completed the intervention.
- Technical Barriers: Limited access to smartphones and the internet were significant barriers, affecting both recruitment and intervention completion.
- Contextual Challenges: The pandemic's impact on mental health and the transition to online learning posed additional challenges for engagement.
Implications for Practitioners
For practitioners in the field of speech-language pathology and mental health, these findings underscore the importance of understanding the context and technological capabilities of target populations. Here are some actionable insights:
- Enhance Digital Literacy: Develop programs that improve digital literacy among adolescents to facilitate better engagement with online interventions.
- Hybrid Models: Consider hybrid models that combine online and in-person elements to overcome technological barriers and enhance accessibility.
- Community Engagement: Engage with local communities to understand cultural and contextual factors that may influence the acceptability of digital interventions.
Encouraging Further Research
The study highlights the need for further research to explore innovative solutions that address the challenges of digital intervention delivery in low-resource settings. Practitioners are encouraged to collaborate with researchers to develop and test new models that can effectively reach and engage adolescents.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Pilot randomised controlled trial of a remotely delivered online intervention for adolescent mental health problems in India: lessons learned about low acceptability and feasibility during the COVID-19 pandemic.
