Attitudes of Maltese adults towards seeking mental help through digital mental health technology : a quantitative study

Abstract

This study aimed to explore Maltese adults’ attitudes and behaviour towards the use of digital mental health technology (DMHT) by comparing that to their attitudes and behaviours towards conventional mental help-seeking. Following a quantitative methodology, data was collected using an anonymous online survey. It included the standardised Mental Help Seeking Attitudes Scale (MHSAS), with participants also being asked to state whether they had previously sought conventional mental help. Participants were also asked about their attitudes and behaviours towards the use of DMHT. The sample included 360 participants (60% male and 40% female) aged between 18 and 77 years. The findings indicated that attitudes towards both conventional and digital mental help-seeking were positive, even though more individuals had sought help conventionally than digitally. No significant relationship between attitudes and behaviour was identified for both conventional and digital help-seeking; however, participants’ perceptions of benefits associated with DMHT was found to be associated with DMHT usage and preference of DMHT over in-person help. Furthermore, conventional help-seeking was found to be positively associated with digital help-seeking and openness to DMHT use. Finally, no significant association was found between participants’ gender, highest attained education level and their use of both conventional and digital help-seeking attitudes and behaviours. However, although age did not impact conventional help-seeking, it was found to be significantly associated with digital help-seeking behaviour, with younger generations being more likely to have sought DMHT. Regardless, findings indicated that older individuals were still open to the idea of using technology for mental health purposes, irrespective of their lack of prior usage of DMHT. The study has important implications for an ever-increasing digital world and its potential to transform mental healthcare access, quality, and outcomes.