Acceptability and utility of digital well‐being and mental health support for university students: A pilot study
Kurtis Pankow, Nathan King, Melanie Li, Jin Byun, Liam Jugoon, Daniel Rivera, Gina Dimitropoulos, Scott Patten, Jonathan Kingslake, Charles Keown‐Stoneman, Anne Duffy- Biological Psychiatry
- Psychiatry and Mental health
- Pshychiatric Mental Health
Abstract
Aim
To assess the acceptability and explore the utility of a novel digital platform designed as a student‐facing well‐being and mental health support.
Methods
An adapted version of i‐spero® was piloted as a student‐facing well‐being support and as part of routine university‐based mental health care. In both pathways, student participants completed baseline demographics and brief validated measures of well‐being and mental health. Weekly measures of anxiety (GAD‐7) and depression (PHQ‐9) and a Week 8 Experience Survey were also scheduled. Integrated mixed methods analysis was used to assess acceptability and explore the utility of these platforms.
Results
Students in the well‐being (n = 120) and care pathways (n = 121) were mostly female and between 19 and 22 years of age. Baseline screen positive rates for anxiety and depression were high in both the well‐being (68%) and care pathways (80%). There was a substantial drop in adherence over Week 1 (50% well‐being; 40% care) followed by minor attrition up to Week 8. Anxiety and depressive symptom levels improved from baseline in students who dropped out after Week 1 (p ≤ .06). The student experience was that i‐spero® improved their emotional self‐awareness, understanding of progress in care, and knowledge about when to seek help. Most students agreed (>75%) that i‐spero® should form part of regular university student wellness support.
Conclusions
Digital well‐being and mental health support seems acceptable to university students; however, engagement and persistence are areas for further development. Such digital tools could make a positive contribution to an evidence‐based stepped approach to student well‐being and mental health support.