A1 Journal article (refereed)
The qualities of patients interested in using a game-based digital mental health intervention for depression : a sequential mixed methods study (2023)


Lukka, L., Salonen, A., Vesterinen, M., Karhulahti, V.-M., Palva, S., & Palva, J. M. (2023). The qualities of patients interested in using a game-based digital mental health intervention for depression : a sequential mixed methods study. BMC Digital Health, 1, Article 37. https://doi.org/10.1186/s44247-023-00037-w


JYU authors or editors


Publication details

All authors or editors: Lukka, Lauri; Salonen, Antti; Vesterinen, Maria; Karhulahti, Veli-Matti; Palva, Satu; Palva, J. Matias

Journal or series: BMC Digital Health

eISSN: 2731-684X

Publication year: 2023

Publication date: 07/09/2023

Volume: 1

Article number: 37

Publisher: Biomed Central

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s44247-023-00037-w

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/88985


Abstract

Background
Digital interventions are typically evaluated by their effectiveness and engagement, while the characteristics of patients who perceive them to be attractive have remained poorly understood. This challenges user-centered intervention development but also presents an avenue to improve intervention efficacy and engagement. Our objective was to characterize people to whom game-based interventions appeal to with a focus on their mental health backgrounds and prior digital game experiences.
Methods
We performed a sequential mixed methods study with adults suffering from major depressive disorder (MDD) who participated in a randomized controlled clinical trial studying the effectiveness of a game-based digital intervention for depression. First, randomly chosen participants were interviewed (N = 22), and the transcribed data were analyzed inductively. Then, focusing on the themes established through the interview data, we triangulated the findings using complementary questionnaire data (N = 445).
Results
The interview data yielded four themes that we illuminated with quantified questionnaire data. (T1) The participants had enduring and diverse psychiatric symptomology: 73% had been diagnosed with a comorbid disorder in addition to depression. (T2) Participants had received at least some treatments that had not led to full remission of depression. 92% currently received therapeutic support, psychiatric medication, or both. (T3) Many participants had close relationships with digital gaming and played actively: on average, for 13 h a week on various gaming platforms and in various genres. (T4) Some participants used gaming to manage their psychiatric symptoms, and 76% found that playing helped them feel better.
Conclusions
Identifying and characterizing people attracted to game-based therapeutic interventions can catalyze intervention development and improve their efficacy. We found that game-based interventions have appealing potential across diverse psychiatric symptoms and for people with prior or existing treatments. Game-based interventions may appeal particularly to active players and offer a promising alternative to the self-treatment usage of entertainment games.


Keywords: mental health; user-centered design; serious games; intervention; depression (mental disorders)

Free keywords: digital mental health interventions; user-centered design; mixed methods study; serious games; intervention development; depression


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Ministry reporting: Yes

VIRTA submission year: 2023

JUFO rating: 0


Last updated on 2025-14-03 at 12:23