Computer and website-based interventions to improve common mental health problems in university students: a meta-analysis

Davies, E. Bethan; Morriss, Richard K.; Glazebrook, Cris

Abstract

Website-based and computer-delivered interventions could improve common mental health problems experienced by university students, as their help-seeking is limited. This review analysed RCT trials of these interventions to improve depression, anxiety and psychological well-being in university students. Studies aimed to trial computer-delivered/website-based interventions to improve symptoms of depression, anxiety, psychological distress and stress in university students. Seventeen trials of fourteen distinct interventions were identified – nine were CBT-based. Compared to inactive controls, interventions were supported in improving anxiety (SMD-0.56, CI -0.77 - -0.35, P=<.00001); depression (SMD-0.43, CI -0.63 - -0.22, P=<.0001) and stress (SMD-0.73, CI -1.27 - -0.19, P=<.008). In comparison to active controls and comparison interventions, analyses did not support either condition for anxiety or depression (all P=>.05). Website-based and computer-delivered interventions can be effective in improving students’ mental health when compared to inactive controls, but caution is needed when compared to other conditions and methodological issues require consideration.

Citation

Davies, E. B., Morriss, R. K., & Glazebrook, C. Computer and website-based interventions to improve common mental health problems in university students: a meta-analysis. Presented at eMind Conference

• Conference Name: eMind Conference
• Publication Date: Jun 6, 2014
• Deposit Date: Jul 7, 2015
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 7, 2015
• Peer Reviewed: Not Peer Reviewed
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/731023