Self-help: a Systematic Review of the Efficacy of Mental Health Apps for Low- and Middle-Income Communities

Abstract

Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are tasked with providing adequate and accessible mental health care. However, this has been a slow process due to the lack of resources. With the recent advances in technology, mental health apps offer the opportunity to provide mental health care that is accessible and affordable. This study explored the efficacy of mental health apps in LMICs using the AAAQ framework. A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines explored studies published from 2015 to 2021. Seven studies met the inclusion criteria and were analysed using content analysis and thematic synthesis. Themes centred around the availability of mental health care systems in LMICs, some of the barriers to accessing mental health care, the need for mental health apps to be congruent with the communities that they are used in and quality criteria for apps. The study offers valuable insight towards mediating some of the struggles faced in the implementation of appropriate mental health care in LMICs using mental health apps.