SynthesisJournal of medical Internet research2025
Exploring Engagement With and Effectiveness of Digital Mental Health Interventions in Young People of Different Ethnicities: Systematic Review.
Synthesis in Journal of medical Internet research, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 8 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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
8 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.
- Therapeutic Interaction Features of AI Chatbots in Depression Interventions: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Journal of medical Internet research · 2026Pooled it
- Advancing equity in routine-care internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy: Representativeness, outcomes, engagement, and satisfaction.Internet interventions · 2026Article
- A Randomized Clinical Trial of the Acceptability and Preliminary Effectiveness of an Online CBT Platform in Diverse Youth.Brain sciences · 2026Article
- Using Digital Mental Health and Measurement-Based Care With Youth Experiencing Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors: Qualitative Study of Clinician Barriers and Facilitators.JMIR human factors · 2026Article
- Bridging access and impact: primary care parenting intervention reduces early behavior problems in both virtual and in-person delivery modes.Frontiers in pediatrics · 2026Article
- Gender Differences in Trajectories of Depressive Symptoms Among Talkspace Clients: Naturalistic Observational Study.JMIR formative research · 2025Observational
- Intersectional Disparities in Digital Health and Mental Health Service Use Among US Youth During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-Sectional Analysis of a National Survey.Journal of medical Internet research · 2025Article
- Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
6 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundThe prevalence of mental health difficulties among young people has risen in recent years, with 75% of mental disorders emerging before the age of 24 years. The identification and treatment of mental health issues earlier in life improves later-life outcomes. The COVID-19 pandemic spurred the growth of digital mental health interventions (DMHIs), which offer accessible support. However, young people of different ethnicities face barriers to DMHIs, such as socioeconomic disadvantage and cultural stigma.
objectiveThis review aimed to summarize and evaluate the engagement with and effectiveness of DMHIs among young people of different ethnicities.
methodsA systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO for studies published between January 2019 and May 2024, with an update in September 2024. The inclusion criteria were participants aged <25 years using DMHIs from various ethnic backgrounds. Three reviewers independently screened and selected the studies. Data on engagement (eg, use and uptake) and effectiveness (eg, clinical outcomes and symptom improvement) were extracted and synthesized to compare findings. Studies were assessed for quality using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.
resultsThe final search yielded 67 studies, of which 7 (10%) met inclusion criteria. There were 1853 participants across the 7 studies, all from high-income countries. Participants were predominantly aged 12 to 25 years, with representation of diverse ethnic identities, including Black, Asian, Hispanic, mixed race, and Aboriginal individuals. Engagement outcomes varied, with culturally relatable, low-cost interventions showing higher retention and user satisfaction. Linguistic barriers and country of origin impeded the effectiveness of some interventions, while near-peer mentorship, coproduction, and tailored content improved the effectiveness of DMHIs. While initial results are promising, small sample sizes, heterogeneity in outcome assessments, and a paucity of longitudinal data impeded robust comparisons and generalizability.
conclusionsDMHIs show potential as engaging and effective mental health promotional tools for young people of different ethnicities, especially when coproduced and culturally relatable. Initial data suggest that interventions facilitating near-peer mentoring, linguistic adaptation, low cost, and cultural relatability have improved engagement and effectiveness. Future research should focus on developing a consensus definition of DMHIs, exploring DMHIs in children aged <12 years, and conducting detailed qualitative and quantitative research on use factors and treatment efficacy of DMHIs for young people of different ethnicities.
trial registrationPROSPERO CRD42024544364; https://tinyurl.com/yk5jt8yk.
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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.