Dr. Saurabh Kumar
MBBS, M.D. (Psychiatry) 15 years experience overall Psychiatrist , Neuropsychiatrist , Sexologist
Is India ready for mental health apps (MHApps)? A quantitative-qualitative exploration of caregivers’ perspective on smartphone-based solutions for managing severe mental illnesses in low resource settings
Published In: PLOS ONE
About PLOS ONE: PLOS ONE is a reputable open-access, peer-reviewed journal that disseminates high-quality, multidisciplinary research across a broad spectrum of scientific disciplines. Known for its commitment to transparency and accessibility, the journal is particularly valuable for groundbreaking studies that cross traditional boundaries of medical, social, and behavioral sciences.
Abstract
Co-authored by Dr. Saurabh Kumar and his colleagues, this insightful study explores the readiness and feasibility of using mobile health apps (MHApps) to manage severe mental illnesses (SMIs) in low-resource settings such as India. Published in PLOS ONE, the article blends quantitative and qualitative methods to understand how caregivers and patients perceive and use smartphone-based health technology for psychiatric care. The study addresses the technology’s potential to bridge treatment gaps, mitigate caregiver burdens, and deliver mental health interventions, specifically in low-resource contexts where traditional mental health services are sparse.
Key Findings of the Research:
- Smartphone Ownership and Usage: The study found that smartphone ownership among patients (31.8%) and caregivers (38.6%) in the sample mirrored national averages, indicating that digital solutions could potentially reach a large segment of the population. However, the actual usage of health apps was notably low, with significant barriers including cost, unfamiliarity with technology, and language issues.
- Barriers to Adoption: Participants expressed apprehension about smartphone usage for mental health management, citing concerns about patients misusing technology, damaging devices, or becoming addicted to the internet. Caregivers, in particular, raised concerns over the high costs of smartphones and internet access, making these solutions less feasible in low-income settings.
- Potential Benefits of MHApps: Caregivers showed interest in using apps to access information about services, government schemes, and resources for managing SMIs. They believed that apps could help automate routine caregiving tasks, monitor medication adherence, and reduce the overall burden on caregivers. Moreover, participants emphasized the need for trustworthy and culturally relevant information delivered in local languages.
- Importance of a Ground-Up Approach: The study highlights the need for MHApps to be developed in collaboration with end-users, particularly caregivers, to ensure that the design meets their specific needs. A one-size-fits-all solution is unlikely to be successful in India’s diverse socio-economic landscape, where digital literacy and access to technology vary widely.
- Use of Alternative Technology: Given the limited access to smartphones and the internet, the study recommends exploring other outreach strategies, such as Interactive Voice Response Systems (IVRS), which may provide a more accessible alternative for delivering mental health services in low-resource settings.
Applicability to the General Population:
This study is particularly relevant for policymakers, healthcare providers, and technology developers interested in mental health solutions for low- and middle-income countries. It suggests that while mobile technology has immense potential to improve mental health care in resource-constrained settings, the success of such interventions depends heavily on addressing barriers such as cost, digital literacy, and cultural adaptability.
For the general population, especially caregivers of individuals with SMIs, this research offers hope for more accessible and supportive mental health care options. By reducing the burden on overworked caregivers and providing real-time, actionable information, MHApps could significantly enhance the quality of care and improve outcomes for both patients and their families.
In conclusion, this article provides a comprehensive exploration of the opportunities and challenges associated with mobile health technology for managing severe mental illnesses in India. Dr. Saurabh Kumar and his colleagues offer valuable insights into how digital solutions can be tailored to meet the unique needs of underserved populations, ultimately contributing to closing the mental health treatment gap.
Author Information: Sinha Deb, Koushik, Anupriya Tuli, Mamta Sood, Rakesh Chadda, Rohit Verma, Saurabh Kumar, Ragul Ganesh, and Pushpendra Singh. "Is India ready for mental health apps (MHApps)? A quantitative-qualitative exploration of caregivers’ perspective on smartphone-based solutions for managing severe mental illnesses in low resource settings." PloS one 13, no. 9 (2018): e0203353.
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