Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Formative Research
Date Submitted: Mar 29, 2024
Date Accepted: Jan 28, 2025
Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada Results of a Formative Process Evaluation of Canada’s Student Mental Health Network, a Web-Based Knowledge Mobilization Initiative: A Concurrent Mixed Methods Study
ABSTRACT
Background:
Background:
Prevalence estimates for mental health issues among Canadian post-secondary students, including stress, psychological distress, and symptoms of common mental disorders continue to increase. In tandem, an increased acknowledgement of the need for comprehensive, upstream mental health promotion support for students has been highlighted. While the majority of post-secondary institutions offer some form of mental health promotion, research suggests that students are failing to access available supports due to notable barriers including lack of awareness of available resources, geographical or financial barriers, and/or lack of relevance and student interest in what is offered.
Objective:
Objective:
Canada’s Student Mental Health Network (the Network) was created to fill these gaps, acting as a ‘one-stop shop’ for mental health education and evidence-based resources. This paper describes the results of a formative, process evaluation of the Network after approximately one year of operations.
Methods:
Methods:
A concurrent mixed methods evaluation design was used to assess acceptability and feasibility. Quantitative data collected through Google Analytics were used to assess website reach, engagement, and usership while qualitative, individual interviews provided more detailed insights into user experience and website attributes, as well as feedback on content delivery.
Results:
Results:
Findings from this process evaluation provide preliminary evidence of acceptability and feasibility for the Network. In addition to positive feedback from the target population, opportunities for growth have also been identified.
Conclusions:
Conclusions:
Preliminary results from the formative evaluation show the Network is moving towards meeting its objectives. The upcoming summative assessment of the Network will aim to further evaluate these objectives and provide further evidence of overall impact. Clinical Trial: N/A
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