Digital mental health interventions for adolescents in low- and middle-income countries: insights from South Sudan

Introduction: In the rapidly evolving digital health landscape, there is an increasing focus on digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) for adolescents in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)[1]. Globally, 14% of adolescents face mental health challenges[2], exacerbated by adversities like human rights violations, social exclusion, and stigma, notably amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic and humanitarian emergencies. This abstract highlights recent research in South Sudan, showing the significance of DMHIs for post-conflict and crisis-affected adolescents. These insights will guide the next phase of research, which includes co-designing a digital solution tailored to meet the distinctive mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) needs of adolescents in South Sudan. Aligned with mental health objectives within the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)[1], this research seeks to enhance well-being and reduce inequalities.

Method: Using a qualitative approach, professionals in South Sudan were interviewed regarding their perspectives on digital solutions for adolescent mental health. Recruitment involved an advertisement that reached out to potential participants, with eighteen respondents. Interviews occurred face-to-face in Juba (16) and via MS Teams (2) due to distance from the capital, exploring topics such as the country's digital transformation, data protection laws, DMHI feasibility, and facilitators and barriers in South Sudan. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Data analysis was guided by Braun and Clarke's[3] reflexive thematic analysis.

Results: Interviewees highlighted the potential of DMHIs to improve MHPSS and narrow the digital divide for South Sudanese adolescents, primarily through mobile technology. However, challenges like limited device access, language barriers, low network coverage, inadequate education, poor digital skills, cultural appropriateness, stigma, data protection and funding gaps pose significant barriers.

Discussion: The findings stress the urgency of leveraging digital technologies to address MHPSS needs for adolescents in post-conflict and crisis-affected areas. It provides insights into tailored DMHIs to promote long-term mental health resilience and well-being for vulnerable populations. This work can guide strategies for similar initiatives in conflict-affected regions, which is critical for supporting adolescent mental health amidst ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises.