JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Mental health disorders are common in Saudi Arabia with 34% lifetime prevalence. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a type of psychotherapy, is an evidence-based intervention for most of the mental disorders. it is in increasing demand but unfortunately, there are few therapists available to meet the demand and high cost. Computerized cognitive behavioral therapy (cCBT) is a new modality that can help in this regard.

Objective:

We aimed to measure the knowledge of computerized cognitive behavioral therapy (cCBT) in mental healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia and to evaluate their attitudes and preferences towards cCBT.

Methods:

The quantitative observational cross-sectional study used a convenience sample, selecting mental health care professionals working in the tertiary hospitals of Saudi Arabia. The participants received a self-administered electronic questionnaire through data collectors measuring their demographics, knowledge, and attitudes about cCBT, and their beliefs about the efficacy of using computers in therapy.

Results:

Of the 121 participating mental healthcare professionals, mean age was 36.55 years, 60.3% were women. Most participants showed uncertainty and a lack of knowledge regarding cCBT. However, the majority of participants indicated a positive attitude toward using computers in therapy. Participants agreed with the principles of cCBT, believed in its efficacy, and were generally confident in using computers. Among the notable results, participants having a clinical license and having cCBT experience had more knowledge of cCBT. Attitude toward cCBT was not affected by demographic nor work-related factors.

Conclusions:

Mental health care professionals in Saudi Arabia need more education and training regarding cCBT; however, their attitude toward its use and their comfort in using computers, in general, show great promise. Further research should be conducted to assess the acceptance of patients