TY - GEN
T1 - Mental Health Professionals' Insights on Digital Health Solutions for Anxiety in the UAE
AU - Al Meqbaali, Mariam
AU - Ouhbi, Sofia
AU - Jan, Reem K.
AU - Amiri, Leena
AU - Al Mugaddam, Fadwa
AU - Serhani, Mohamed
AU - Zaki, Nazar
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 IEEE.
PY - 2024
Y1 - 2024
N2 - In recent years, anxiety disorders have become more prevalent worldwide, leading to an increased demand for mental healthcare services. Barriers such as stigma and cost, limit access to these services, prompting the exploration of alternative solutions. Digital technology shows significant promise in improving access to mental healthcare services. This study aims to explore the preferences, and concerns of Mental Health Professionals (MHPs) regarding digital health solutions for self-management of anxiety disorders in the UAE via an online survey. Participation was voluntary and anonymous, with 18 MHPs taking part. The survey included 12 questions covering demographics and key design elements. Most respondents displayed positive attitudes toward integrating digital anxiety solutions in the UAE, providing feedback and highlighting considerations. 61% endorsed the use of digital technology in anxiety disorder treatment, while 94% favored mindfulness exercises for anxiety management. 72% expressed interest in utilizing technology for therapy. Notable concerns raised included privacy and dependency. Guided by MHPs insights, we propose a conceptual framework for the design of digital anxiety solutions in the UAE. This framework prioritizes cultural appropriateness and language accessibility, offering solutions in Arabic and English. It encompasses diverse features, including a blended approach, treatment approaches, and relaxation techniques, to address anxiety disorders and ensures user safety through risk assessment and management. This framework can assist developers of digital anxiety solutions by highlighting the features and elements that MHPs deem most important.
AB - In recent years, anxiety disorders have become more prevalent worldwide, leading to an increased demand for mental healthcare services. Barriers such as stigma and cost, limit access to these services, prompting the exploration of alternative solutions. Digital technology shows significant promise in improving access to mental healthcare services. This study aims to explore the preferences, and concerns of Mental Health Professionals (MHPs) regarding digital health solutions for self-management of anxiety disorders in the UAE via an online survey. Participation was voluntary and anonymous, with 18 MHPs taking part. The survey included 12 questions covering demographics and key design elements. Most respondents displayed positive attitudes toward integrating digital anxiety solutions in the UAE, providing feedback and highlighting considerations. 61% endorsed the use of digital technology in anxiety disorder treatment, while 94% favored mindfulness exercises for anxiety management. 72% expressed interest in utilizing technology for therapy. Notable concerns raised included privacy and dependency. Guided by MHPs insights, we propose a conceptual framework for the design of digital anxiety solutions in the UAE. This framework prioritizes cultural appropriateness and language accessibility, offering solutions in Arabic and English. It encompasses diverse features, including a blended approach, treatment approaches, and relaxation techniques, to address anxiety disorders and ensures user safety through risk assessment and management. This framework can assist developers of digital anxiety solutions by highlighting the features and elements that MHPs deem most important.
KW - anxiety disorders
KW - cultural appropriateness
KW - design elements
KW - digital solutions
KW - e-mental health
KW - mental health professionals
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85203105563&partnerID=8YFLogxK
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U2 - 10.1109/REW61692.2024.00057
DO - 10.1109/REW61692.2024.00057
M3 - Conference contribution
AN - SCOPUS:85203105563
T3 - Proceedings - 32nd IEEE International Requirements Engineering Conference Workshops, REW 2024
SP - 362
EP - 369
BT - Proceedings - 32nd IEEE International Requirements Engineering Conference Workshops, REW 2024
A2 - Liebel, Grischa
A2 - Hadar, Irit
A2 - Spoletini, Paola
PB - Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
T2 - 32nd IEEE International Requirements Engineering Conference Workshops, REW 2024
Y2 - 24 June 2024 through 28 June 2024
ER -