Young adults' perceptions of using wearables, social media and other technologies to detect worsening mental health: A qualitative study

• Published in: PloS one 2019-09, Vol.14 (9), p.e0222655-e0222655
• Main Authors: Dewa, Lindsay H, Lavelle, Mary, Pickles, Katy, Kalorkoti, Caroline, Jaques, Jack, Pappa, Sofia, Aylin, Paul
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acceptability; Adult; Adults; Applications programs; Biology and Life Sciences; Bipolar disorder; Cellular telephones; Computer and Information Sciences; Digital mapping; Digital media; Feasibility; Female; Health care information services; Humans; Male; Medicine and Health Sciences; Mental disorders; Mental Disorders - psychology; Mental Health; Mental Health Services; Mobile Applications; Mobile computing; Mood; Patient safety; Psychological aspects; Qualitative Research; Research and Analysis Methods; Sleep; Social Media; Social networks; Social Sciences; Studies; Technology; Technology - methods; Technology and society; Thematic mapping; Wearable computers; Wearable Electronic Devices - psychology; Young Adult; Young adults; Youth
• ISSN: 1932-6203; 1932-6203
• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0222655

Technological interventions may help support and improve mental health. However young peoples' perspectives on using different technologies to detect deteriorating mental health in those already diagnosed with a mental health condition is lacking. The study aim was to explore the perspectives of young patients on the feasibility and acceptability of using wearables, social media and technologies to detect mental health deterioration. The study was co-produced with young adults with past mental health difficulties. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with young adults with a severe mental health condition in a private room at a community mental health site. Data was triangulated by comparing codes and ideas across the two co-researchers and two researchers over two virtual meetings. Themes were finalised and presented in a thematic map. Sixteen participants were interviewed (81% female). There were four main themes: dealing with mental health symptoms, signs of mental health deterioration, technology concerns and technological applications to identify worsening mental health. Wearables and mobile apps were considered acceptable and feasible to detect mental health deterioration in real-time if they could measure changes in sleep patterns, mood or activity levels as signs of deterioration. Getting help earlier was deemed essential particularly in reference to dissatisfaction with the current non-technological mental health services. However, patients identified issues to consider before implementation including practicality, safeguarding and patient preference. Wearables and mobile apps could be viable technological options to help detect deterioration in young people in order to intervene early and avoid delay in accessing mental health services. However, immediate action following detection is required for the patient to trust and use the intervention.