Improving mental health and wellbeing among sexual and gender minorities using digital interventions: a systematic review

Abstract

Background:High burden of mental disorders among sexual minorities including lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender population is well documented. Digital platforms are increasingly being used by sexual minorities to communicate with each other, but there is no systematic review of digital interventions that can improve mental health among sexual minorities. This systematic review identified and evaluated the digital interventions for mental health among different sexual minorities.Methodology:We searched literature from six major databases and included studies published in the English language, describing interventions that have a component to improve mental health among any of the sexual minorities delivered through any of the digital platforms, and reporting mental health outcomes.Results:Among 1936 citations, only 11 studies fulfilled our criteria. In those studies, most (n=9) interventions were implemented in the U.S. The interventions included varying components including on increasing acceptance and affirmation, increase social support and health education, cognitive behavioral therapy to manage stress, depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions. Only 6 studies had randomized control design. Most of the studies reported reduction in bi/homonegativity and increased affirmation, decreased smoking and substance abuse, improved coping skills, reduced level of depression, anxiety, and stress among participants in the intervention groups.Conclusion:To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review that evaluated digital intervention for mental health among sexual and gender minorities. Despite a low number of studies and heterogeneity across studies, the findings suggest potential improvements in mental health among sexual and gender minorities using digital interventions.

Scope and Effectiveness of Digital Interventions for Psychological Issues Among the LGBTQ Population in India

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Psychosocial Challenges in Palliative Care: Bridging the Gaps Using Digital Health

“…e existing literature on psychosocial interventions leveraging digital technologies shows a growing number of studies from high-income countries. [29][30][31] As low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) have a higher proportion of palliative care needs and associated psychosocial challenges, [32] their under-representation in the scientific evidence shows a critical gap of implementation research in those countries. is lack of evidence may be a result of inadequate digital interventions or integration of digital health in palliative care in those contexts.…”

Psychosocial challenges in palliative care: Bridging the gaps using digital health

“…The existing literature on psychosocial interventions leveraging digital technologies shows a growing number of studies from high-income countries. [29][30][31] As low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) have a higher proportion of palliative care needs and associated psychosocial challenges, [32] their under-representation in the scientific evidence shows a critical gap of implementation research in those countries. This lack of evidence may be a result of inadequate digital interventions or integration of digital health in palliative care in those contexts.…”