Perspectives of e-health interventions for treating and preventing eating disorders: descriptive study of perceived adva
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ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Perspectives of e‑health interventions for treating and preventing eating disorders: descriptive study of perceived advantages and barriers, help‑seeking intentions, and preferred functionality Jake Linardon1 · Mariel Messer1 · Sohee Lee2 · John Rosato1 Received: 31 May 2020 / Accepted: 31 August 2020 © Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020
Abstract Purpose Digital interventions that consider end-user needs, preferences, and concerns may address suboptimal rates of e-health uptake, usage, and engagement. We explored target-user perspectives of e-health treatment and prevention programs for eating disorders (EDs), with a focus on investigating (1) perceived advantages and barriers of e-health; (2) help-seeking intentions; and (3) preferences for different digital functionality, device types, and content-delivery formats. Methods Survey data were analysed from 722 community-based participants. Participants were categorized into one of four groups based on symptom presentation and severity, ranging from low risk to probable bulimia nervosa or binge-eating disorder. Results e-health advantages that received the highest endorsement (~ 84%) were “always there in times of need” and “travel not required”. e-health barriers that received the highest endorsement (~ 50%) were concerns about data privacy and the accuracy of content presented. Nearly three-quarters reported an intention to use an e-health platform for preventing or treating EDs. Preference ratings were highest for programs to be available on all digital devices (relative to restricting the program to one type of device) and for content to be presented via graphics and video tutorials (rather than audio-based). e-health functionality that received highest preference ratings (~ 80%) were added clinician support, tailored feedback, strategies to change unhelpful ED thoughts, screening scales to assess symptoms, ED psychoeducation, and just-in-time intervention prompts. Preference and intention ratings were strikingly similar across all subgroups. Conclusion Findings may inform the development and design of e-health platforms that meet the needs of people at different stages of an ED. Level of evidence Level V, cross-sectional descriptive study. Keywords e-health · Eating disorders · Prevention · Treatment · Digital health
Introduction Eating disorders (EDs) are serious psychiatric conditions that are associated with high rates of mortality, comorbidity, and relapse [1]. Although empirically-validated ED treatment and prevention programs are available [2, 3], the * Jake Linardon [email protected] 1
School of Psychology, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap Street, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
Faculty of Health and Environmental Science, Auckland University of Technology, Private Bag 92006, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
2
reality remains that less than one-quarter of people with – or at risk of – an ED seek or receive help [4]. Many factors are proposed to contribute to this existing treatment gap, including limited therapist av
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