Barriers and Facilitators for Implementing Digital Interventions for Anxiety and Depression in Latin America: A Scoping Review

Bárbara Battistotti Vieira (), Léa Savoy, Kathya Acuña Luna, Antoine Flahault and Jennifer Hasselgard-Rowe
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Bárbara Battistotti Vieira: Global Studies Institute, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
Léa Savoy: Global Studies Institute, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
Kathya Acuña Luna: Global Studies Institute, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
Antoine Flahault: Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Global Health, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
Jennifer Hasselgard-Rowe: Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Global Health, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 4, 1-21

Abstract: Mental health disorders have a high prevalence in Latin America (LATAM), with an estimated 6.7% of the population suffering from anxiety and 4% from depression. Digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) have been implemented to address these issues. However, there has yet to be a clear picture of these interventions in the region. This scoping review aims to analyze DMHIs’ characteristics and the barriers and facilitators for their implementation in five LATAM countries (Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru). To achieve this goal, four databases (PubMed, APA PsycNet, Scielo, and LILACS) were searched using relevant search terms in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. A total of 484 references were identified and narrowed down to 15 articles included in the final analysis. The studies mostly consisted of RCTs and mixed-methods studies. Most of the DMHIs were designed for individuals, with a focus on targeted communication and personal health tracking. Interventions targeting healthcare professionals were less common, primarily focusing on decisional support. The most prominent barriers to the successful implementation of DMHIs included insufficient healthcare professional training (40%) and resistance from clinicians and organizational culture (40%), while common facilitators included easy access to the interventions (46.7%) and increased training and support for clinical teams (46.7%). Positive outcomes were reported in terms of both effectiveness (33.3%), with many interventions showing results equal to or better than traditional methods (33.3%), and patient satisfaction (33.3%).

Keywords: digital health interventions; Latin America; mental health (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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