The Utility of a Mental Health App in Apprentice Workers: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: Young people are at heightened risk for mental health problems. Apprenticeships are common pathways into the workforce at a critical developmental period. However, in some cases the working conditions for apprentices present significant challenges to mental wellness. As apprentices are unlikely to utilize traditional services, eHealth and mHealth interventions are a useful means of delivering interventions to this group. The aim of the current paper is to: (1) qualitatively explore the utility of an existing mental health app within an apprentice population; and (2) evaluate the usability, acceptability, feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a modified version of the app (HeadGear Apprentice), designed to reduce depressive symptoms in an apprentice working population. Methods: Study One: Twenty-six apprentices (aged 18-30) took part in one of eight (90-min) focus groups. Participants explored the HeadGear app, took part in group discussions, and completed uMARS questionnaires. Modifications were made to the app based on feedback. Study Two: In the follow-up pilot testing, 47 apprentices downloaded and used the modified app over 30 days. Assessment occurred online at baseline, 5-weeks, and 3-months post-baseline. Feasibility was evaluated using consent rates, adherence and attrition. Acceptability was assessed using questionnaires and a post-study interview. Depression, anxiety, well-being, and work performance scores were used to assess preliminary efficacy. Results: Overall, the app was well-received in both studies, with high self-reported scores for acceptability and utility. However, engagement-both in terms of self-report and adherence-was an issue in both studies. In Study Two, users completed approximately one-third of the app's therapeutic content, with increased usage associated with improved outcomes. This had implications for the preliminary effectiveness of the app [depression as measured by the PHQ-9 Cohen's d = 0.27 (95%CI:-0.16-0.69)]. At follow-up users reported improvements in all outcomes, but overall only change in well-being reached statistical significance [Cohen's d = −0.29 (95%CI:-0.72-0.14)]. Deady et al. Apprentice M-Health App: Pilot Study Conclusion: Overall, findings from the two studies suggest that an eHealth tool, HeadGear Apprentice, was an acceptable and well-received intervention when adapted to young apprentices. However, questions remain regarding how to improve engagement and adherence to the program. These questions appear critical to effectiveness. The two studies also have implications for awareness raising in this population. Whilst preliminary results were encouraging, these improvements, along with a full-scale efficacy trial, are needed to better understand the utility of smartphone applications for mental health in this population. Trial registration: ACTRN12618001475235 https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/ Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=375875&isReview=true.

Apprentices’ Attitudes Toward Using a Mental Health Mobile App to Support Healthy Coping: Mixed Methods Study

“…A mixed methods study was conducted with 54 apprentices from September to November 2017. This study was part of a larger qualitative study exploring the mental health challenges of apprentices in the workplace [8], their healthy coping strategies, and their attitudes toward using an app to support their mental health (the focus of this paper); the larger study also included focus testing of the Headgear smartphone app (a behavioral activation and mindfulness app that was initially designed to improve the mental health of workers in male-dominated industries) [29]. All participants were reimbursed with an Aus $40 (US $27.97) Visa gift card for their time.…”

“…While apprentices were asked about their smartphone and well-being app use, we did not explore other aspects of digital literacy in this study. Finally, expectations of a mental health app and preferred features were not directly explored during the focus groups, but were instead explored during the user-testing phase of the Headgear app [29].…”

Mental Health of Apprentices during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Austria and the Effect of Gender, Migration Background, and Work Situation

“…Therefore, although there are similarities with school students, being part of the work force rather than taking part in a purely educational environment means apprentices face some different experiences. For example, the transition from school to work is a developmental challenge that may present risk factors to mental health [21,22]. Indeed, a survey of Austrian apprentices from 2015 showed that apprentices assess their current state of health as significantly worse than high school students [23].…”

The impact of social welfare and COVID-19 stringency on the perceived utility of food apps: A hybrid MCDM approach

“…Consequently, the utility of apps has been largely explored, although most of the studies aim to access the usability of specific apps using qualitative approaches and surveys. For instance [ 23 ], explore the utility of an existing mental health app through group discussions and surveys [ 24 ]. examine the usability and inter-rater reliability of an app for the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities using observers to collect data [ 25 ].…”

“… [ 19 ] Identify the barriers to mask-wearing in Spain Survey Young, educated, unconcerned with being infected, and an introverted personality – the typical profile of citizens resistant to face-masking. [ 23 ] Explore the utility of an existing mental health app within an apprentice population and evaluate the usability, acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of a modified version of the app. Group discussions and survey The app was a well-received intervention when adapted to young apprentices.…”