Understanding the Potential of Mental Health Apps to Address Mental Health Needs of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community: Mixed Methods Study (Preprint)

Abstract

BACKGROUND Mental health concerns are a significant issue among the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community, but community members can face several unique challenges to accessing appropriate resources. OBJECTIVE This study investigated the mental health needs of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community, and how mental health digital therapeutics, such as apps, may be able to support these needs. METHODS Ten members of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community participated in a focus group and survey to provide their views. Participants were members of the Center on Deafness Inland Empire team, which comprises people with lived experience as members of and advocates for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community. RESULTS Findings identified a spectrum of needs for digital therapeutics including offering American Sign Language and English support, increased education of mental health to reduce stigma around mental health, direct communication with a Deaf worker, and apps that are accessible to a range of community members in terms of culture, resources required and location. CONCLUSIONS These findings can inform the development of digital mental health interventions and outreach strategies that are appropriate for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community.