ArticleJMIR formative research2021
Acceptability of an mHealth App for Youth With Substance Use and Mental Health Needs: Iterative, Mixed Methods Design.
Article in JMIR formative research, 2021. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 12 papers, 3 of them syntheses that pooled it.
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The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
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Who cites it
12 citing papers in PubMed, 3 syntheses or guidelines pooled it.
- Mobile applications in adolescent psychotherapy during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review.Frontiers in public health · 2024Pooled it
- Promoting mental health in children and adolescents through digital technology: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Frontiers in psychology · 2024Pooled it
- Evidence Base on Outpatient Behavioral Treatments for Adolescent Substance Use, Update 2018-2023: Current Status, Best Practices, and Opportunities for Advancing the Science.Journal of clinical child and adolescent psychology : the official journal for the Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, American Psychological Association, Division 53Pooled it
- Acceptability, Feasibility, and Outcome Responsiveness of the Joint Effort Mobile App for Promoting Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Among Young Adults: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.JMIR mHealth and uHealth · 2026Trial
- Conceptualising and operationalising 'patient and public involvement' (PPI) and 'responsible research and innovation' (RRI) in youth mental health research: a scoping review.Research involvement and engagement · 2026Review
- A Peer-Led, Narrative-Based, and Mobile-Supported Intervention in Opioid Use Disorder: Multiphase Qualitative and Longitudinal Observational Study.JMIR formative research · 2026Observational
- Navigating the Digital Landscape for Potential Use of Mental Health Apps in Clinical Practice: Scoping Review.JMIR mental health · 2026Article
- Advancing access to substance use prevention for foster youth through digital innovation: an open trial of fostrspace with court appointed special advocate programs.BMC health services research · 2025Article
- Experiences of social support and the role of engagement in a digital educational support group for adolescent mothers' health in the Dominican Republic.PLOS digital health · 2025Article
- Development and Usability Testing of an mHealth Tool for Trauma-Informed Prevention of Substance Use, HIV Acquisition, and Risky Sexual Behaviors Among Adolescents: Mixed Methods Study.JMIR formative research · 2024Article
- Using Human-Centered Design Strategies to Identify Unmet Adolescent Sexual Health Wants and Needs.Prevention science : the official journal of the Society for Prevention Research · 2023Article
- Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
9 authors.
Funding
Abstract
backgroundTreating substance use disorders (SUDs) during adolescence can prevent adult addiction and improve youth outcomes. However, it can be challenging to keep adolescents with SUDs engaged in ongoing services, thus limiting potential benefits. Developmentally appropriate tools are needed to improve treatment engagement during and between sessions for youth with SUDs and mental health disorders. Mobile health apps may augment or replace psychotherapy components; however, few have been developed specifically for youth with SUDs following user-guided design principles, which may limit their appropriateness and utility. Formative research on acceptability to intended end users is needed before the efficacy of such tools can be examined.
objectiveThis study involves user-centered, iterative development and initial user testing of a web-based app for adolescents with SUDs and mental health concerns.
methodsAdolescents aged 14 to 17 years with past-year involvement in outpatient psychotherapy and behavioral health clinicians with adolescent SUD treatment caseloads were recruited. Across 2 assessment phases, 40 participants (alpha: 10 youths and 10 clinicians; beta: 10 youths and 10 clinicians) viewed an app demonstration and completed semistructured interviews and questionnaires about app content and functionality.
resultsParticipants expressed positive impressions of the app and its potential utility in augmenting outpatient therapy for youth with SUDs and mental health concerns. Noted strengths included valuable educational content, useful embedded resources, and a variety of activities. Adolescents and clinicians favored the app over conventional (paper-and-pencil) modalities, citing convenience and familiarity. The app was found to be user-friendly and likely to improve treatment engagement. Adolescents suggested the inclusion of privacy settings, and clinicians recommended more detailed instructions and simplified language.
conclusionsThe novel app developed here appears to be a promising, acceptable, and highly scalable resource to support adolescents with SUDs and mental health concerns. Future studies should test the efficacy of such apps in enhancing adolescent behavioral health treatment engagement and outcomes.
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