Preliminary evidence for the use and efficacy of mobile health applications in managing posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms

Abstract

Mobile health applications like PTSD Coach are emerging as tools to help individuals manage post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. However, these applications will not be effective if people do not use them. Using PTSD Coach as the focal application, we address two interrelated questions: (1) what are the primary determinants of PTSD Coach use? and (2) is PTSD Coach use related to changes in PTSD symptomatology? Building on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, we develop and test a research model that addresses these questions. Our results show that performance expectancy and social influence are positively related to PTSD Coach use; however, effort expectancy and facilitating conditions are not related to PTSD Coach use. We also found that PTSD Coach use is positively related to improvements in PTSD symptomatology. Our results provide preliminary evidence for the use and efficacy of mobile health applications in managing PTSD symptoms.

Keywords:

• mobile health application
• health IT
• PTSD Coach
• PTSD symptomatology

Acknowledgements

The authors are thankful for financial support from the Office of Sponsored Awards and Research Support at University of South Carolina Upstate. The views expressed in this manuscript are those of the authors and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, or the United States Government.

Notes

1 See http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/PTSDCoach.asp for more information about PTSD Coach.