Understanding the usage of mental health apps among post-secondary students

Abstract

University is a period where adolescents are exposed to novel stressors such as extensive academic overwork, familial pressure, financial concerns, and substantial studying, which can lead to psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression. It is well documented that ethnic and racial students experience a high prevalence of mental disorders yet underutilize health services. Culturally relevant mental health apps that incorporate insights from the targeted population can possibly reduce the mental health disparities that exist among marginalized groups. The study uses a semi-structured interview to explore the experiences of three female Sri Lankan students with mental health apps. The main themes that emerged from the study results included: perceived severity of mental illness; cues to action using the mental health app; self-efficacy and coping strategies; barriers to using mental health apps; benefits of using mental health apps; and recommendations for improving the engagement of mental health apps.