Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Research Protocols
Date Submitted: Jun 10, 2020
Date Accepted: Sep 8, 2020
The Uprise web-based program for mental health in Australian university students: study protocol for a pilot randomized control trial
ABSTRACT
Background:
University students are vulnerable to poor mental health, psychological distress, and loneliness relative to non-university student peers. However, rate of seeking mental health treatment amongst university students is low. Online psychological interventions may provide an opportunity for supporting vulnerable university students who are unlikely to otherwise seek support.
Objective:
The aim of the current study is to examine the feasibility, acceptability, safety, and efficacy of an existing online trans-diagnostic cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) mental health program for use with Australian university students.
Methods:
This is a pilot randomized control trial comparing a self-directed online CBT-based mental health program with a waitlist control. The recruitment target is 70 university students who do not present with a clinical mental health disorder. Allocation will be made on a 1:1 ratio and will occur after the initial baseline assessment. Assessments will be completed at baseline, upon completion of 4-week waitlist (waitlist group only), upon completion of the program, and at 3-months post-completion of the program. The primary outcomes will be feasibility, acceptability, safety, and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Secondary outcomes will include psychological wellbeing, quality of life, loneliness, self-reported physical health status, emotion regulation, and cognitive and mindfulness processes.
Results:
The acceptability, feasibility, safety, and efficacy of an online mental health program in university students will be evaluated.
Conclusions:
Online mental health programs offer the opportunity to engage university students who may be reluctant to seek support through traditional face-to-face mental health services, and the trans-diagnostic approach of the program has the potential to address the breadth of mental health concerns of university students. Clinical Trial: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry, ACTRN12618001604291
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