Efficiency of an Online Health-Promotion Program in Individuals with At-Risk Mental State during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Ching-Lun Tsai, Cheng-Hao Tu, Jui-Cheng Chen, Hsien-Yuan Lane and Wei-Fen Ma
Additional contact information
Ching-Lun Tsai: Department of Public Health (in Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine), China Medical University, No. 100, Sec. 1, Jingmao Rd., Beitun Dist., Taichung 406040, Taiwan
Cheng-Hao Tu: Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, No. 91 Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung 404333, Taiwan
Jui-Cheng Chen: Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Neurology, China Medical University Hospital, No. 2, Yude Road, North District, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
Hsien-Yuan Lane: Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, No. 91 Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung 404333, Taiwan
Wei-Fen Ma: PhD Program for Health Science and Industry and School of Nursing, China Medical University, No. 100, Sec. 1, Jingmao Rd., Beitun Dist., Taichung 406040, Taiwan

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 22, 1-12

Abstract: Mental health issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic greatly impact people’s daily lives. Individuals with an at-risk mental state are more vulnerable to mental health issues, and these may lead to onset of full psychotic illnesses. This study aimed to develop and evaluate an online health-promotion program for physical and mental health of the individuals with at-risk mental state during the COVID-19 pandemic. A single group study with pre- and post-tests was conducted in 39 young adults with at-risk mental state. The participants were provided with the online health-promotion program after completing the pretest. Via social media, the online counseling program released one topic of material (about 15–20 min) every two weeks and provided interactive counseling for specific personal health needs on the platform. Study questionnaires, physiological examination, and blood serum examination were completed at both pre- and post-tests. The participants showed significant improvements in mental risk, anxiety, and physical activity after participating in the program. Furthermore, those who did not complete the program had significantly more severe negative symptoms. These results imply that the online health-promotion program is effective and accessible under certain barriers such as the COVID-19 pandemic, but not for individuals with higher risk of more negative mental health symptoms.

Keywords: at-risk mental state; online health-promotion program; social media; COVID-19 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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