Search Results (181)

Background: Physical and mental health issues are increasingly becoming a global focus of attention, and telemedicine is widely attracting academic interest. Objectives: This exploratory study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of immersive virtual blue spaces for individuals with distinct lifestyle backgrounds—specifically, office workers and retirees. The research explores how different virtual waterscapes influence emotional and physiological states in populations with varying stress profiles and life rhythms. Methods: A mixed-methods design was employed, combining quantitative measurements with qualitative interviews. In September 2023, forty participants (20 office workers and 20 retirees) from Hualien, Taiwan, were exposed to 360° VR simulations of three blue environments: a forest stream, a forest waterfall, and a beach scene. Pre- and post-session assessments included physiological indicators (blood pressure and heart rate) and emotional states measured using the Profile of Mood States (POMS) scale. Results: Significant physiological relaxation was observed among retirees. Office workers demonstrated greater emotional improvements, with noticeable variation depending on the type of virtual environment. Comparative analysis highlighted the stream landscape’s unique benefit for reducing depression and enhancing positive mood states. Thematic findings from post-session interviews further indicated that emotional responses were moderated by individual background and prior emotional experiences. Conclusions: These findings underscore the short-term therapeutic potential of virtual blue spaces for diverse user groups and reveal the influence of personal context on their effectiveness. The study supports the integration of VR-based nature exposure into personalized digital healthcare interventions and offers a foundation for future development in immersive therapeutic technologies. Full article

Background: Digital connectivity is essential in modern work environments, enhancing productivity and communication. However, its rapid expansion post-COVID-19 raises concerns about burnout, digital fatigue, and work-related stress. Objective: This PRISMA-based systematic review examines the benefits and challenges of digital work, assessing its impact on occupational health and proposing mitigation strategies. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Cochrane Library identified 40 peer-reviewed studies published since 2020, focusing on digital connectivity, remote work, and employee well-being. Studies on purely technological aspects were excluded. Results: While digital tools improve efficiency and flexibility, they also increase workload, cognitive overload, and stress. Prolonged screen exposure contributes to mental exhaustion and sleep disturbances. Limited digital infrastructure further exacerbates productivity barriers. Conclusions: Digital connectivity offers both opportunities and risks. Organizations should implement structured policies such as offline hours, digital detox initiatives, and mental health support to sustain productivity and well-being. Future research should explore sector-specific interventions and long-term impacts of digital work practices. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dementia involves progressive cognitive and functional deterioration that leads to dependence and overload on family caregivers. This overload has a negative impact on the physical, mental, emotional, and occupational health of caregivers, leading to occupational imbalance and problems arising from an inadequate distribution of time devoted to caregiving. This project aims to evaluate the effects of the technology-based CAREFIT programme, structured around physical activity interventions, education, and psychoemotional and social support, on the health-related quality of life and emotional well-being of informal caregivers. Methods: The experimental group will develop the intervention programme, which will last 8 weeks and combine educational activities, physical activities, and psychoemotional and social support. Before beginning the intervention, the entire experimental group will receive a training session and educational materials on how to access and use the platform. The CAREFIT platform will consist of two educational sessions and two weekly physical sessions, combined with psychoemotional and social support activities that participants must complete. Initial, final, and follow-up evaluations will be conducted. The HRQoL and psychoemotional health (stress, anxiety, depression, and perceived social support and burden) of caregivers of people with dementia will be the main outcome measures. The effects of the intervention on the study variables will be assessed using a repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Conclusions: The proposed protocol for the CAREFIT programme represents an innovative and multidisciplinary initiative that leverages a digital platform to promote the well-being of informal caregivers of people with dementia. This approach combines health literacy and strengthened psychoemotional and social support. Through this integration, the goal is to reduce the levels of burden, stress, anxiety, and depression among primary caregivers, while strengthening their self-care capabilities and social support networks. Full article

Background/Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic and related public health measures significantly disrupted daily life, with profound consequences for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Young adults with ASD faced unique challenges due to disruptions in routines, employment instability, limited access to essential services, and increased social isolation. While some individuals benefited from reduced social pressures and the adoption of remote work, many experienced heightened anxiety, behavioral difficulties, and declines in autonomy. This systematic review examines the impact of the pandemic on young adults with ASD, focusing on key domains such as autonomy, employment, service accessibility, socialization, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. Methods: This review followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, and its protocol was pre-registered in the PROSPERO database. A search was conducted in four databases—PubMed, Scous, Web of Science, and PsycInfo—as well as in specialized journals in the field. Results: Eight studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final synthesis. The findings highlight significant disruptions in daily life, increased dependence on caregivers, and difficulties in maintaining structured activities. However, technology-assisted interventions, including virtual therapies and remote work opportunities, played a role in mitigating some adverse effects. Conclusions: Despite the heterogeneity in methodologies, this review underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to support young adults with ASD during crises. Future research should focus on long-term consequences and developing inclusive policies that enhance resilience, access to services, and social integration. Full article

Background: Law enforcement is a high-stress profession, with officers frequently exposed to traumatic events, leading to mental health challenges such as communication anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anger management difficulties, and mood disorders. Mindfulness meditation (MM), particularly when guided through short video applications, has shown promise in addressing these issues by enhancing emotional regulation and resilience. Objective: This study explores the effects of an 8-week MM intervention, delivered via short video apps, on communication anxiety, PTSD, anger management, and mood disorders in police officers. Methods: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted with 110 full-time police officers aged 25–55 in China. The final 92 eligible participants were divided into two groups: the MM group (n = 46) and the control group (n = 46). The intervention consisted of daily 10–15 min video-guided MM sessions. Pre- and post-intervention measures included validated questionnaires assessing communication anxiety (PRCA-24), PTSD (PCL-5), anger management (STAXI-2), and mood disorders (DASS-21). Data analysis was performed using MANOVA. Results: The intervention group showed significant improvements in communication anxiety (F = 8.505, p = 0.004), PTSD (F = 25.831, p < 0.001), anger management (F = 4.968, p = 0.027), and mood disorders (F = 13.058, p < 0.001) compared to the control group. These improvements were supported by significant interaction effects between group and time, indicating that the MM intervention had a positive impact on these mental health variables. Conclusions: Video-guided MM delivered via short video apps significantly reduced communication anxiety, PTSD symptoms, and mood disorders, and improved anger management among police officers. These findings highlight the potential of digital MM interventions as a scalable and accessible tool for enhancing mental well-being and resilience in law enforcement personnel. Full article

Background/Objectives: Artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled digital interventions are increasingly used to expand access to mental health care. This PRISMA-ScR scoping review maps how AI technologies support mental health care across five phases: pre-treatment (screening), treatment (therapeutic support), post-treatment (monitoring), clinical education, and population-level prevention. Methods: We synthesized findings from 36 empirical studies published through January 2024 that implemented AI-driven digital tools, including large language models (LLMs), machine learning (ML) models, and conversational agents. Use cases include referral triage, remote patient monitoring, empathic communication enhancement, and AI-assisted psychotherapy delivered via chatbots and voice agents. Results: Across the 36 included studies, the most common AI modalities included chatbots, natural language processing tools, machine learning and deep learning models, and large language model-based agents. These technologies were predominantly used for support, monitoring, and self-management purposes rather than as standalone treatments. Reported benefits included reduced wait times, increased engagement, and improved symptom tracking. However, recurring challenges such as algorithmic bias, data privacy risks, and workflow integration barriers highlight the need for ethical design and human oversight. Conclusion: By introducing a four-pillar framework, this review offers a comprehensive overview of current applications and future directions in AI-augmented mental health care. It aims to guide researchers, clinicians, and policymakers in developing safe, effective, and equitable digital mental health interventions. Full article

Excessive use of the Internet and digital devices has become a growing public health concern, contributing to mental health issues, sedentary lifestyles, and decreased well-being. Despite the increasing prevalence of digital overuse, there is no consensus on effective interventions to mitigate its impact. This article aimed to provide an updated perspective on current research into problematic use of digital devices and the Internet, and to explore the potential of physical exercise as a key strategy in prevention and treatment programs aimed at reducing such use. Based on the two previous objectives, this study also aimed to provide author-informed recommendations for digital detox interventions, supporting the inclusion of regular exercise, particularly outdoor exercise in natural environments, as a central component of such programs. Thirteen recommendations for physical exercise programs to be included as core parts of digital detox are suggested: (a) the type of physical exercise selected according to the participant’s motivations, (b) exercise intensity and volume adapted to the participant’s characteristics, (c) the avoidance of digital devices during exercise, (d) a duration of ≥12 weeks and ≥3 days/week, (e) the integration of other physical activities for a more active lifestyle, (f) the enhancement of mental health as a main goal, (g) collaborative and competitive physical exercise and sports, (h) the participant’s awareness of the improvements through feedback and information, (i) mindful activities, (j) outdoor physical activities and exercise, especially in natural environments, (k) conducted by multidisciplinary teams, (l) assessments using validated tests and scales, and (m) evaluation of long-term effects. In summary, this perspective article supports the inclusion of physical exercise as a key strategy in digital detox programs by offering recommendations for intervention designs aimed at reducing problematic digital use and enhancing overall well-being in individuals who have developed maladaptive patterns of digital device use. Full article

Key affected populations (KAPs), including women who use drugs, engage in sex work, or live with HIV, are disproportionately affected by HIV, gender-based violence, substance use, and mental health. In Kazakhstan, they face significantly higher rates of intimate partner violence (IPV), with prevalence ranging from 45% to 75% compared to the national average of 27%, alongside barriers to accessing IPV services. This community-level implementation trial with a waitlist control group evaluated the effectiveness, safety, and acceptability of a self-paced mobile health intervention (UMAI-WINGS) for women from KAPs in Kazakhstan. The study enrolled 508 women, with 306 in Almaty City (intervention) and 200 in Almaty Oblast (waitlist control). IPV rates (physical, sexual, and psychological) were assessed at baseline and 6-months post-intervention. Participants in the intervention community were significantly less likely to report psychological (−23.0%), sexual (−27.0%), and physical IPV (−29.0%) at the 6-month follow-up compared to the control group. These results demonstrate the potential of digital, community-driven interventions to reduce IPV among marginalized women and offer a scalable, evidence-based model for implementation. The success of the UMAI-WINGS underscores the value of community-based, mobile health approaches for advancing trauma-informed, survivor-centered care and closing critical service gaps for underserved populations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a chronic genetic disease that impacts both physical and psychological health, increasing vulnerability to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life (QoL). Psychological interventions, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), have demonstrated promising results in enhancing emotional resilience, treatment adherence, and QoL. This systematic review aims to evaluate the role and effectiveness of psychological interventions in improving the QoL among individuals with CF. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across the PubMed, Scopus, and PsycINFO databases for studies published between 2014 and 2024, in line with PRISMA guidelines and a registered PROSPERO protocol. Out of 162 initially identified articles, six clinical studies met the inclusion criteria. Intervention included cognitive behavioral therapy-based interventions, employing several digital or telehealth formats such as fibrosis-specific cognitive behavioral therapy (CF-CBT) and the coping and learning to manage stress (CALM) program, often delivered via telehealth. Results: Most interventions demonstrated significant reductions in depression, anxiety, and perceived stress, alongside improvements in coping self-efficacy and vitality. Cohen’s d-effect sizes ranged from moderate to large for core psychological outcomes. QoL measures, particularly vitality and emotional functioning, were significantly enhanced in most studies. Conclusions: Psychological interventions, particularly CBT and ACT, significantly improve mental health and QoL in individuals with CF, supporting their integration into routine care. Full article

Mental illness has emerged as a widespread global health concern, often unnoticed and unspoken. In this era of digitization, social media has provided a prominent space for people to express their feelings and find solutions faster. Thus, this area of study with a sheer amount of information, which refers to users’ behavioral attributes combined with the power of machine learning (ML), can be explored to make the entire diagnosis process smooth. In this study, an efficient ML model using Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) is developed to determine the kind of mental illness a user may have using a random text made by the user on their social media. This study is based on natural language processing, where the prerequisites involve data collection from different social media sites and then pre-processing the collected data as per the requirements through stemming, lemmatization, stop word removal, etc. After examining the linguistic patterns of different social media posts, a reduced feature space is generated using appropriate feature engineering, which is further fed as input to the LSTM model to identify a type of mental illness. The performance of the proposed model is also compared with three other ML models, which includes using the full feature space and the reduced one. The optimal resulting model is selected by training and testing all of the models on the publicly available Reddit Mental Health Dataset. Overall, utilizing deep learning (DL) for mental health analysis can offer a promising avenue toward improved interventions, outcomes, and a better understanding of mental health issues at both the individual and population levels, aiding in decision-making processes. Full article

This study introduces a novel artificial intelligence system for detecting and addressing psychological manipulation in digital communications, with a focus on adolescents. The system integrates a hybrid neural network model with emotion analysis capabilities specifically designed for Korean language contexts. Our approach combines text analysis with emotion recognition to enhance detection accuracy while implementing a tiered intervention strategy based on risk levels. The system demonstrated significant improvements over baseline models in detecting various forms of psychological manipulation, particularly in identifying subtle patterns. Our expert evaluation suggests the system’s potential effectiveness in protecting adolescent mental health in digital environments. While primarily focused on adolescents, the findings indicate broader applicability across age groups. This research contributes to the field by offering a culturally adapted framework for psychological manipulation detection, a multimodal analytical approach, and an ethically designed intervention system. Full article

Background: The impact of social media on adolescent mental health has become a critical area of research as social media usage has surged among youth. Despite extensive research, findings on this relationship remain inconsistent, with various studies reporting both negative and positive effects. This scoping review aims to clarify the multifaceted nature of this relationship by analyzing the recent literature. Objective: This review aims to analyze the current evidence regarding the effects of social media use on adolescent mental health, identify consistent patterns and discrepancies in the findings, identify gaps in our knowledge, and highlight opportunities for further research. Methods: A scoping review was conducted following Arksey and O’Malley’s five-stage approach. Searches were performed in PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus for articles published between July 2020 and July 2024. Inclusion criteria were systematic reviews, umbrella reviews, narrative reviews, and meta-analyses written in English focusing on youth/adolescents’ mental health and social media. The search strategy identified 1005 articles, of which 43 relevant articles survived the reviewer selection process, from which data were extracted and analyzed to inform this review. Results: The majority of studies linked social media use to adverse mental health outcomes, particularly depression and anxiety. However, the relationship was complex, with evidence suggesting that problematic use and passive consumption of social media were most strongly associated with adverse effects. In contrast, some studies highlighted positive aspects, including enhanced social support and reduced isolation. The mental health impact of social media use, specifically during the COVID-19 pandemic, was mixed, with the full range of neutral, negative, and positive effects reported. Conclusions: The nature of social media’s impact on adolescent mental health is highly individualistic and influenced by moderating factors. This review supports the notion that social media’s effects on adolescent mental health can be context specific and may be shaped by patterns of usage. A focus on longitudinal studies in future research will be useful for us to understand long-term effects and develop targeted interventions in this context. Enhancing digital literacy and creating supportive online environments are essential to maximizing the benefits of social media while mitigating its risks. Full article

Women with schizophrenia have distinct health and social needs compared to men. The Mutua Terrassa Functional Unit for Women with Schizophrenia has designed a new intervention called the Community Therapeutic Space (CTS), which is based on individual and group interventions focused on physical and mental health, and social factors. We carried out a narrative review focusing on green and blue spaces, climate change, light, digitalization and health, and gynecological screening in women with schizophrenia, to propose content for seven topics of the CTS. The personalized space offers individual appointments with mental health professionals with particular attention to pharmacological and social issues. The health space focuses mainly on groups of healthy habits, and links women to community activities. The interaction space focuses mainly on social connections, and the connection with nature. The content of these three spaces has been divided into seven colors: green and blue corners (related to green and blue spaces), red corner (climate change), yellow corner (light and health), white corner (mainly focused on mindfulness), black corner (digitalization in healthcare), and purple corner (related to gynecological screening). In the future, peer-to-peer and volunteer programs may help our healthcare unit to ensure and maintain the positive effects of these interventions. Full article

Mental health among higher education students is a growing public health concern in Chile, where 58 universities host a diverse student population facing significant academic and emotional challenges. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of suicidal risk, ideation, and attempts, as well as associated risk factors in Chilean university students. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1511 participants (72.3% women, 27.7% men; mean age = 25.7 ± 7.82 years), using a digital self-administered questionnaire that included the Okasha’s Suicidality Scale (OSS), Depression, the Anxiety, and Stress Scale—21 items (DASS-21), the Emotional Exhaustion Scale (ECE), and sociodemographic variables. Logistic regression identified key factors associated with suicide attempts, such as being female (OR = 1.418, 95% CI [1.037, 1.939]), belonging to sexual minorities (OR = 2.539, 95% CI [1.899, 3.396]), being aged 26–30 (OR = 1.952, 95% CI [1.344, 2.836]), and being in the third year of university (OR = 1.483, 95% CI [1.097, 2.005]). Depression (OR = 7.065, 95% CI [5.307, 9.407]) and anxiety (OR = 1.895, 95% CI [1.400, 2.565]) were the strongest predictors, while substance use, including marijuana (OR = 2.107, 95% CI [1.620, 2.740]), cocaine (OR = 1.575, 95% CI [1.193, 2.078]), and non-prescribed antidepressants (OR = 6.383, 95% CI [1.524, 26.733]), significantly increased risk. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted mental health interventions and policy actions in Chilean higher education to address post-pandemic increases in suicide-related behaviors. Full article

Mental health disorders have a high prevalence in Latin America (LATAM), with an estimated 6.7% of the population suffering from anxiety and 4% from depression. Digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) have been implemented to address these issues. However, there has yet to be a clear picture of these interventions in the region. This scoping review aims to analyze DMHIs’ characteristics and the barriers and facilitators for their implementation in five LATAM countries (Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru). To achieve this goal, four databases (PubMed, APA PsycNet, Scielo, and LILACS) were searched using relevant search terms in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. A total of 484 references were identified and narrowed down to 15 articles included in the final analysis. The studies mostly consisted of RCTs and mixed-methods studies. Most of the DMHIs were designed for individuals, with a focus on targeted communication and personal health tracking. Interventions targeting healthcare professionals were less common, primarily focusing on decisional support. The most prominent barriers to the successful implementation of DMHIs included insufficient healthcare professional training (40%) and resistance from clinicians and organizational culture (40%), while common facilitators included easy access to the interventions (46.7%) and increased training and support for clinical teams (46.7%). Positive outcomes were reported in terms of both effectiveness (33.3%), with many interventions showing results equal to or better than traditional methods (33.3%), and patient satisfaction (33.3%). Full article