Access, utilization, and interest in mHealth applications among veterans receiving outpatient care for PTSD.
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Date
2014-11-06
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Abstract
Mobile health mHealth refers to the use of mobile technology e g smartphones and software i e applications to facilitate or enhance health care Several mHealth programs act as either stand alone aids for Veterans with post traumatic stress disorder PTSD or adjuncts to conventional psychotherapy approaches Veterans enrolled in a Veterans Affairs outpatient treatment program for PTSD N 188 completed anonymous questionnaires that assessed Veterans access to mHealth capable devices and their utilization of and interest in mHealth programs for PTSD The majority of respondents n 142 76 reported having access to a cell phone or tablet capable of running applications but only a small group n 18 reported use of existing mHealth programs for PTSD Age significantly predicted ownership of mHealth devices but not utilization or interest in mHealth applications among device owners Around 56 to 76 of respondents with access indicated that they were interested in trying mHealth programs for such issues as anger management sleep hygiene and management of anxiety symptoms Findings from this sample suggest that Veterans have adequate access to and interest in using mHealth applications to warrant continued development and evaluation of mobile applications for the treatment of PTSD and other mental health conditions