Use of the Internet and Digital Devices Among People With Severe Mental Ill Health During the Covid-19 Pandemic Restrictions
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 15528116 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Panagiotis Spanakis (0000-0002-2732-8300, University of York, corresponding author), Paul Heron (0000-0003-3529-5737, University of York), Lauren Walker (0009-0006-1817-8706, University of York), Suzanne Crosland (0000-0001-6658-6815, University of York), Ruth Wadman (0000-0003-4205-0631, University of York), Elizabeth Newbronner (0000-0003-2366-9981, University of York), Gordon Johnston (0000-0003-4483-8932), Simon Gilbody (0000-0002-8236-6983, University of York), Emily Peckham (0000-0002-9377-1968, University of York) |
| Year | 2021 |
| Volume | 12 |
| Pages | 732735-732735 |
| Publication date | 2021-09-24 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Frontiers in Psychiatry (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1664-0640 • E-ISSN: 1664-0640 |
| Publisher | Frontiers Media (PUBLISHER • CH) |
| DOI | 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.732735 |
| PMID | 34630183 |
| OpenAlex | W3202771083 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 6 |
| References cited | 23 |
Background: Restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic have led to everyday reliance on digitalisation of life, including access to health care services. People with severe mental ill health (SMI-e.g., bipolar or psychosis spectrum disorders) are at greater risk for digital exclusion and it is unknown to what extent they adapted to online service delivery. This study explored use of the Internet and digital devices during the pandemic restrictions and its association with physical and mental health changes. Methods: Three hundred sixty seven adults with an SMI diagnosis completed a survey (online or offline) and provided information on access to Internet connexion and devices, internet knowledge, online activities, and barriers to using the Internet. They also self-reported changes in mental and physical health since the beginning of the pandemic restrictions. Results: During the pandemic restrictions 61.6% were limited or non-users of the Internet. The majority had access to the Internet and digital devices but around half reported knowledge deficits. Most common activities were accessing information and entertainment (88.9%), staying in touch with friends and families (84.8%), and purchasing goods (other than food) (84.3%). Most common barriers were finding the Internet "not interesting" (28.3%) or "too difficult" (27.9%), as well as "security concerns" (22.1-24.3%). Using the Internet "a lot" (vs. "just a bit or not at all") during the pandemic was associated with younger age (18-30: Adj ORs 4.76; 31-45: 6.39; Ps P P = 0.01). Conclusion: Most people with SMI were limited or non-users of the Internet during the pandemic, which seems to be mainly attributable to lack of interest and skills, rather than lack of devices or connectivity. Older adults with psychosis should be the focus of interventions to support digital engagement in people with SMI
Business · Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19 · Digital health · Disease · Health care · Internet access · Internet privacy · Mental health · Pandemic · Political science · Psychiatry · Telemedicine · The Internet · World Wide Web · Computer Science · COVID-19 and Mental Health · Digital Mental Health Interventions · Impact of Technology on Adolescents · Medicine · Psychology
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Digital Transformation in Healthcare
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Use of the Internet and Digital Devices Among People With Severe Mental Ill Health During the Covid-19 Pandemic Restrictions
Lifestyles and Quality of Life of People with Mental Illness During the Covid-19 Pandemic
| Citations per year | 1.2 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2021 - 2023 (3) |
| Highly cited | No |