Understanding the Potential of Mental Health Apps to Address Mental Health Needs of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community: Mixed Methods Study

Abstract

Background Mental health concerns are a significant issue among the deaf and hard of hearing (D/HH) community, but community members can face several unique challenges to accessing appropriate resources. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the mental health needs of the D/HH community and how mental health apps may be able to support these needs. Methods A total of 10 members of the D/HH community participated in a focus group and survey to provide their perspectives and experiences. Participants were members of the Center on Deafness Inland Empire team, which comprises people with lived experience as members of and advocates for the D/HH community. Results Findings identified a spectrum of needs for mental health apps, including offering American Sign Language and English support, increased education of mental health to reduce stigma around mental health, direct communication with a Deaf worker, and apps that are accessible to a range of community members in terms of culture, resources required, and location. Conclusions These findings can inform the development of digital mental health resources and outreach strategies that are appropriate for the D/HH community.

Insights Into Needs and Preferences for Mental Health Support on Social Media and Through Mobile Apps Among Black Male University Students: Exploratory Qualitative Study

“…The men discussed that seeing themselves in advertisements or components would make the resources more relatable. This design consideration aligns with the need for targeted design efforts in mental health research, which can diverge from research focused on inclusive design among other minority populations [ 75 ]. In our study, this preference for representative components and relatable content aligns more with targeted design in which these men prefer visual representations that are made for them and reflect Black men’s mental health needs.…”

Double Tragedy: Examining the Effects of Mental Health Stigma on Help Seeking Behaviour among Deaf People in Ghana

“…Several studies have confirmed that mental health problems are more prevalent among deaf people than the general population [21] [22] [23]. Mental health disorders among deaf people are higher than the hearing population; about 40% of deaf children have mental health conditions compared to 25% of hearing children.…”

“…Anxiety, schizophrenia, depression, phobias, psychoses, antisocial behaviours, and low self-esteem and wellbeing have been found to be very common among deaf people [6] [25] [26]. Open Journal of Psychiatry Even though the stigma associated with mental illness is prevalent among both the deaf and the general population, stigma among deaf people with mental illness is likely to be severer and more pervasive [21] [27] [28]. They experienced simultaneous stigmatization of mental illness and deafness, which is intensified by concerns about their privacy and confidentiality when seeking mental health services.…”