Perceptions, beliefs, and attitudes toward mental health and the implementation of digital mental health interventions in a university community in an Andean region
A qualitative study
Bibliographic Data
The design and implementation of digital mental health interventions (DMHI) requires understanding users' attitudes and perceptions to enhance acceptance in practice. In Peru’s university settings, this remains underexplored. To identify coping strategies, attitudes toward mental health, and perceptions of implementing DMHI among members of a public university in Peru. A qualitative phenomenological study with purposive sampling was conducted with 34 participants: 10 students, 10 faculty members, 10 administrative staff, and 4 institutional policy decision-makers from a public university in Peru. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data, and thematic and content analysis was performed to identify patterns and categories. Participants reported various coping strategies, most commonly seeking professional help and social interaction. Although most consider mental health essential, economic barriers and negative experiences hinder adherence to services. Virtual care during the pandemic was positively valued for continuity and convenience, although some expressed doubts about its effectiveness compared to in-person care. In a public Andean university, there is openness to digital solutions for managing mental health, yet barriers persist related to cost, privacy, and connectivity. Universities should strengthen workforce training and advance context-tailored DMHI efforts within the campus setting. • Explores coping and attitudes in a public Andean university • Includes students, faculty, administrative staff, and decision-makers • Challenges: stigma, costs, connectivity, and data privacy • ICT-based care valued during COVID-19 despite doubts about effectiveness • Proposes short- and longer-term actions for Andean universities
Mental health · Nonprobability sampling · Openness to experience · Psychological intervention · Public health · Qualitative research · Thematic analysis · Workforce · Digital Mental Health Interventions · Mental Health Research Topics · Mental Health Treatment and Access
Mental Illnesses
Prevalence and risk factors for mental health problems in university undergraduate students
Evaluating barriers to adopting telemedicine worldwide
Is teachers’ mental health and wellbeing associated with students’ mental health and wellbeing?
What is the impact of mental health-related stigma on help-seeking? A systematic review of quantitative and qualitative studies
Social Support
Perceived barriers and facilitators to mental health help-seeking in young people
The Effectiveness of Telemental Health
Development and validation of the Working Alliance Inventory.
Barriers to mental health treatment
Sample size for saturation in qualitative research
How to plan and perform a qualitative study using content analysis
Experiencias de telesalud en un hospital especializado en salud mental durante la pandemia de Covid-19 en Perú
| Highly cited | No |
|---|