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Preferences for and intention to use an app for premenstrual mental health symptoms using the Health Behaviour Model (HBM)

Published version
Peer-reviewed

Repository DOI


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Authors

Funnell, Erin L 
Martin-Key, Nayra A 
Benacek, Jiri 
Spadaro, Benedetta 
Bahn, Sabine 

Abstract

jats:titleAbstract</jats:title>jats:pPremenstrual symptoms are common, with premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder associated with decreased wellbeing and increased suicidality. Apps can offer convenient support for premenstrual mental health symptoms. We aimed to understand app preferences and Health Belief Model (HBM) constructs driving app use intention. An online survey was delivered. Structural equation modelling (SEM) explored HBM constructs. Data from 530 United Kingdom based participants who reported their mental health was impacted by their menstrual cycle (mean age = 35.85, SD = 7.28) were analysed. In terms of preferred app features, results indicated that symptom monitoring (74.72%, jats:italicn</jats:italic> = 396) and psychoeducation (57.92%, jats:italicn</jats:italic> = 307) were sought after, with 52.64% (jats:italicn</jats:italic> = 279) indicating unwillingness to pay for an app for mental health symptoms related to the menstrual cycle. Regarding HBM results, Satorra–Bentler-scaled fit statistics indicated a good model fit (χjats:sup2</jats:sup>(254) = 565.91, jats:italicp</jats:italic> < 0.001; CFI = 0.939, RMSEA = 0.048, SRMR = 0.058). HBM constructs explained 58.22% of intention to use, driven by cues to action (jats:italicβ</jats:italic> = 0.49, jats:italicp</jats:italic> < 0.001), perceived barriers (jats:italicβ</jats:italic> = −0.22, jats:italicp</jats:italic> < 0.001), perceived severity (jats:italicβ</jats:italic> = 0.16, jats:italicP</jats:italic> = 0.012), and perceived benefits (jats:italicβ</jats:italic> = 0.10, jats:italicp</jats:italic> = 0.035). Results indicate that app developers should undertake co-design, secure healthcare professional endorsement, highlight therapeutic benefits, and address barriers like digital discomfort, privacy concerns, and quality.</jats:p>

Description

Acknowledgements: We wish to extend our thanks to all the participants for taking the time to contribute to the current study. We also wish to thank Stanley Medical Research Institute for their funding which made the current study possible (grant 07R-1888).

Keywords

4203 Health Services and Systems, 42 Health Sciences, Behavioral and Social Science, Brain Disorders, Mental Health, Mental Illness, 3 Good Health and Well Being

Journal Title

npj Women's Health

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

2948-1716
2948-1716

Volume Title

2

Publisher

Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Sponsorship
Stanley Medical Research Institute (07R-1888, 07R-1888, 07R-1888)