Despite growing up with technology and the internet, young New Zealanders still crave direct help when it comes to their mental health.
The study, led by the University of Otago Wellington, looked at the views of people aged 15 to 30 about digital mental health support.
Survey results
The survey was conducted online in 2022 and completed responses were selected from 1,471 participants.
Survey results The study, published in Health Expectations, found that almost half (44%) of participants sought mental health support online, primarily through websites.
”[T]”Hay expressed strong sentiments supporting in-person support and the need for reliable, high-quality, customized support and messaging, whether in-person or digitally,” the researchers said.
Some people looked for them by watching videos on popular video-sharing platforms, using mobile mood trackers, or having video consultations with experts.
Another interesting finding was that participants found text counseling and chatbots to be the least helpful. ”[A]More people were talking to chatbots, using text counseling and self-help apps, but these were perceived as less helpful. “Chatbots were considered the least useful,” research director Sue Garrett said in a media statement.
Meanwhile, the study also noted a high level of interest among participants in seeking mental health support by listening to podcasts. ”[P]”Odocasting may also represent a new area of support to explore for this population group,” the researchers wrote as part of their conclusion.
Why is it important?
In the same year as the above survey, the New Zealand Health Survey found that almost a quarter of young people aged 15 to 21 reported experiencing high or very high levels of psychological distress during the global pandemic. did.
Digitization of support helped expand access to care during a time when social restrictions were imposed to prevent the spread of the deadly coronavirus disease. For example, New Zealand’s Ministry of Health has launched initiatives such as: Online portal for access and choice The program provides core mental health and addiction services.
When implementing digital interventions, research from the University of Otago Wellington suggests a tailored approach, particularly co-design with targeted individuals.
“Digital support must also be transparent and reliable, and security concerns must be addressed clearly and effectively,” it added.
bigger trends
There is also a tendency to prefer face-to-face mental health care. Te Taahu Hauora’s recent findings showed that in-person appointments will “overwhelmingly” predominate in primary care in the post-pandemic era. Telemedicine options are also falling out of favor in New Zealand.
As part of a recalibration of healthcare policy, the New Zealand Government recently increased funding for free telehealth services, including Covid Healthline, provided by the NZ Telehealth Forum. Funding digital health initiatives, including large scale ones such as: Gilapayments were also recalled. Payroll IT Upgrade.
