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Original Articles

A web-based adolescent depression support system: feedback and implications for the future

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ABSTRACT

The aim is to describe feedback from the adolescents on their use of a web-based depression support system. Web-based support systems can serve as an alternative to conventional treatment or to complement the current services. Mixed methods were used to approach the topic from multiple perspectives. Feedback was collected from adolescents with symptoms of depression or anxiety. Adolescents (n = 46) responded to a questionnaire after participating on the support system, and 24 adolescents did not provide feedback. The data were analyzed with quantitative descriptive statistics and qualitative thematic analysis. Out of 45 adolescents, 93% agreed that the web-based support system was targeted at them, and 89% felt it was reliable and safe. It was perceived as a good channel for reflecting thoughts. However, some adolescents felt it was difficult to use or that using it did not help them. Ideas for development were also offered. Depis.Net provided the adolescents with a reliable way to ease their condition at home. Using feedback from the adolescents on the support system makes it possible to identify those who are able to use this kind of system in daily practice.

Authors’ Contribution

K.A. contributed to the design of the study, data analysis and writing the manuscript. M.A. worked as a researcher in the Depis.Net project, contributed to the conception of the study, design of the study, data collection, data analysis, and writing the manuscript. M.V. worked as a leader of the project, contributed to planning and organizing the Depis.Net RCT study, the conception of the study, writing the manuscript and supervised the study.

Declaration of interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by the Hospital District of Southwest Finland (13893), the Academy of Finland (8214245), the Finnish Cultural Foundation, The Paulo Foundation, the Yrjö Jahnsson Foundation (5920), the Foundations’ Professor Pool (granted by Professor Välimäki).

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