Technology use and attitudes towards digital mental health in people with severe mental health problems: a survey study in China

• DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1261795
• Publication Date: 2023-11-23T15:09:59Z
• Authors: Xiaolong Zhang; Shôn Lewis; Xu Chen; Natalie Berry; Sandra Bucci
• Keywords: Digital Health; Pandemic; Telehealth; Telepsychiatry

Introduction Digital mental health is a promising solution to support people with severe problems (SMI) in China. However, little known about the ownership rate of digital technologies and attitudes towards utilising (DHTs) among SMI Chinese context. The aims this study were understand: (i) technology usage China; (ii) toward DHTs services; (iii) how COVID-19 pandemic has influenced views on health. Methods A cross-sectional survey was given outpatients using REDCap platform. To capture diverse sample SMI, distributed across psychiatric hospitals, general hospitals unit, secondary community healthcare centres. Results In total, 447 respondents completed survey. Relative high rates found, smartphone (95.5%) access internet (82.1%) being highest reported. less than half reported frequent health-related technologies, which may be related lack knowledge DHTs. Most found useful for services during willing use after pandemic. Discussion Our data suggest that, despite training programmes improve literacy China are necessary realise full potential