Technological Innovations in Enhancing Digital Mental Health Engagement for Low-Income Groups

Abstract

Malaysia, classified as a low-income group, faces a significant burden of mental health problems. Digital Mental Health Interventions (DMHI) offer innovative solutions to address mental disorders (MD) through the application of scientific principles and engineering technologies. This study investigates the digital mental health (DMH) tools used to prevent MD and identifies the factors influencing their adoption among low-income groups (LIG). This study reviews four key articles that highlight three main DMH tools: Mobile Health (mHealth), telehealth, social media platforms, and chatbots. It identifies key factors driving engagement with DMH tools among LIG, including accessibility, communication, affordability, cultural sensitivity, and government policies. Advances in technology are enhancing the accessibility and effectiveness of DMH tools, making them increasingly viable for LIG. By leveraging applied science and engineering technologies, these tools can reduce the cost of mental health care, improve service utilization, and alleviate the burden of mental disorders.