Extrait

Background and study aims This study investigates whether an internet website can help students reduce symptoms of common mental health problems, such as low mood, anxiety, drug and alcohol use and eating disorders. Although other websites of this kind already exist, they usually focus on symptoms of one disorder and are not targeted at students. In university students, however, symptoms of different mental health problems often go hand in hand. Our aim is to determine whether students will use this website and whether their low mood, anxiety and self-esteem problems decrease. In addition, we are interested in how much students like the website and to get feedback from them on how to improve it. Who can participate? All university students aged 18 or older and studying at a university in the UK were eligible to take part in this study. What does the study involve? Students visit the study website and after giving consent complete a set of baseline questionnaires. They receive automated feedback on these questionnaires and are randomised into the intervention or control group. Student in the intervention get access to a series of intervention modules, whereas the control group get access to general information relevant to students. These modules can be completed in any order and speed. After 6 weeks and 12 weeks, students are asked to complete a series of questionnaires again. The questionnaires assess symptoms of mental health problems (low mood, anxiety, drug and alcohol use and eating disorders), self esteem and personality. What are the possible benefits and risks of participating? To compensate students for their time and as an incentive to participate in the study, participants are offered a £15 shopping voucher for completing all three assessments. Participation in this study is not associated with any risk for physical harm. It is possible that some students find it difficult or upsetting to answer questions on their mental health. However, students do not have to answer all questions unless they want to and they can withdraw from the study at any time by leaving the website. In addition, students contact details of the primary investigator as well as telephone numbers for national helplines are provided on the website. Where is the study run from? The study was run from the Section of Eating Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London. When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for? The study started in September 2011 and ran for 6 months. Each participants’ involvement in the study lasted approximately 12 weeks, beginning with registering on the website and ending with completion of the final set of questionnaire. Students registered at different times during this period. Who is funding the study? The study has been funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). Who is the main contact? Dr. Peter Musiat ([email protected]) Prof Ulrike Schmidt, [email protected] (Supervisor)

Critère d'inclusion

• Depression, anxiety, substance use, eating disorders

Liens

• isrctn
• ictrp