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A qualitative content analysis of online public mental health resources for COVID-19

Martin, Faith; Oliver, Thom

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Authors

Faith Martin



Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has far reaching potential public mental health impacts and is linked to higher levels of depression and anxiety. To address these in part, online information resources acted as mass interventions. It is vital to explore the content of these interventions, to consider the framing of the pandemic and to examine the extent to which their content is relevant. In March 2020, a qualitative content analysis was undertaken of 39 easily accessible online resources that offered advice, tips or guidance relating to mental health or mental wellbeing and COVID-19. Their content was compared to subsequent reports of the mental health impact of the pandemic. Resources frequently focused on anxiety. The content of intervention was typically of a cognitive-behavioral nature, with a significant focus on maintaining social contact. Typically, distress related to the situation was normalized and stigmatizing language was not seen. Data revealed a significant impact of the pandemic on depression as well as anxiety measures in the general UK population. A key recommendation is to ensure both depression and anxiety are addressed in these public mental health resources.

Citation

Martin, F., & Oliver, T. (2022). A qualitative content analysis of online public mental health resources for COVID-19. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13, Article 553158. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.553158

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Jan 28, 2022
Online Publication Date Feb 24, 2022
Publication Date Feb 24, 2022
Deposit Date Feb 24, 2022
Publicly Available Date Feb 24, 2022
Journal Frontiers in Psychiatry
Electronic ISSN 1664-0640
Publisher Frontiers Media
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 13
Article Number 553158
DOI https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.553158
Keywords COVID-19, mental health, mass intervention, qualitative, online intervention, online health information, information quality
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/8690453
Publisher URL https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.553158/full

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