Assessing the Effectiveness of an E-Coaching Intervention in Improving Family Support for Individuals with Mental Disorders: A Quasi-Experimental Approach

Abstract

Background The increasing number of mental disorders (MDs) requires government, social, and family attention. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of an e-coaching empowerment application in improving families’ abilities to care for individuals with mental disorders (MDs). Methods A quasi-experimental design was used for this study. Totaling 122 individuals selected through purposive sampling from families with (MDs) in six selected community health centers that divided into two groups, intervention and regular mental healthcare. The data collected were analyzed using multiple linear regression. The independent variable was the provision of intervention using the e-coaching application with GROW (Goal, Reality, Option, Will) model, while the dependent variables were the family’s ability to recognize problems, make decisions, take care of people with MDs, modify the environment, and utilize health facilities. Further, multivariate tests were used to evaluate the effect of e-coaching empowerment on families’ ability to care for MDs. Results The results demonstrated a significant impact of e-coaching on the family’s ability to care for individuals with MDs (p<0.01). Education also partially affected the family’s ability to care for individuals with MDs (p<0.01). Additionally, age, gender, occupation, relationship with the individual MDs, and duration of care simultaneously did not significantly affect the family’s ability to care for individuals with MDs (p<0.01). However, educationally background was significantly affect family ability in taking care for MD patients. Overall, e-coaching significantly improved the family’s ability to recognize problems, make decisions, care for patients with MDs, modify the environment, and utilize health facilities. Recommendations The e-coaching empowerment application for families can assist healthcare workers in enhancing the family’s ability to provide assistance for individuals with MDs at home. This application can improve mental health services in the broader location accessible via the internet and can be developed for other health fields. The application can be expanded into a simple game so that families can view their scores for their proficiency in each session to make it more entertaining.