Cited by 107Digital Mental Health InterventionsMobile Health and mHealth ApplicationsMental Health Treatment and Access

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College student engagement with mental health apps: analysis of barriers to sustained use

Melcher, Jennifer, Camacho, Erica, Lagan, Sarah, Torous, John·2022·Journal of American College Health

DOI 10.1080/07448481.2020.1825225

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Abstract

Objective: College students’demand for mental health resources is straining the services offered by colleges. While mobile apps demonstrate potential to help, students’ engagement with these apps remains low. This study examines why college students show poor engagement with mental health apps and how apps may be adapted to suit this population. Participants: Participants were a convenience sample of 100 college students. Methods: Qualitative data was gathered through individual online interviews concerningattitudes toward mental health apps, and quantitative data was gathered through a survey about phone and app use. Results: Students were interested in mental health apps. 53% haddownloaded an app at one point, but only 19% currently used a mental health app. Stress and costdrove mental health app choices. Responses around engagement centered on: Data privacy, user interface, credibility, and customization. Conclusions: Students have specific wants for mental health apps including safety, simplicity, credibility, and customizability.

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Additional file 2 of Individuals’ attitudes toward digital mental health apps and implications for adoption in Portugal: web-based survey
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Additional file 5 of Individuals’ attitudes toward digital mental health apps and implications for adoption in Portugal: web-based survey
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Additional file 3 of Individuals’ attitudes toward digital mental health apps and implications for adoption in Portugal: web-based survey
Nogueira-Leite, D., Marques-Cruz, M., & Cruz-Correia, R. J. (2024) · Figshare · doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.26708627
Additional file 4 of Individuals’ attitudes toward digital mental health apps and implications for adoption in Portugal: web-based survey
Nogueira-Leite, D., Marques-Cruz, M., & Cruz-Correia, R. J. (2024) · Figshare · doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.26708630
Additional file 1 of Individuals’ attitudes toward digital mental health apps and implications for adoption in Portugal: web-based survey
Nogueira-Leite, D., Marques-Cruz, M., & Cruz-Correia, R. J. (2024) · Figshare · doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.26708621
Additional file 6 of Individuals’ attitudes toward digital mental health apps and implications for adoption in Portugal: web-based survey
Nogueira-Leite, D., Marques-Cruz, M., & Cruz-Correia, R. J. (2024) · Figshare · doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.26708636
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Yang, H., & Li, W. (2026) · Digital Health · doi:10.1177/20552076261437348

Authors: Melcher, J., Camacho, E., Lagan, S., & Torous, J.
Affiliations: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (US)
Corresponding author: Torous, John
ORCID: Camacho, Erica
Lagan, Sarah
Torous, John
Venue: Journal of American College Health
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Published: 2020-10-13
Volume: 70
Issue: 6
Pages: 1819-1825
ISSN: 0164-4300 (ISSN-L)
0744-8481
1940-3208
DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2020.1825225
OpenAlex: W3092511221
Cited by: 106
References: 30
Citations by year: 2026: 15 · 2025: 21 · 2024: 29 · 2023: 19 · 2022: 17 · 2021: 4
FWCI: 9.04
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Locations: Journal of American College Health (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics: Social Sciences › Psychology › Applied Psychology › Digital Mental Health Interventions
Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Mobile Health and mHealth Applications
Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Mental Health Treatment and Access
Keywords: mental health apps, university students, app engagement, data privacy, user interface, credibility, customization, student stress, mobile mental health
MeSH terms: Humans, Mental Health, Surveys and Questionnaires, Students, Universities, Mobile Applications

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College student engagement with mental health apps: analysis of barriers to sustained use

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