Integrating Digital Health Model to Prevent Mental Disorders among Low-Income Citizens: A Roadmap

Abstract

Malaysia population faces a variety of health issues, majority of Malaysians' second-most urgent health concern is their mental health. 40% of the 500,000 Malaysians who are depressed come from the low-income category. Numerous studies have shown that persons with the most severe mental health needs frequently encounter considerable obstacles when trying to receive the required services. A sustained intervention paradigm is therefore urgently needed to address these problems. WHO emphasizes the need to ensure that all people, regardless of their socioeconomic or social standing, have better access to high-quality mental health care services. The use of digital mental health services during the COVID-19 pandemic significantly decreased the incidence of psychological distress among the population. Global health authorities are now issuing urgent appeals for individuals to avail themselves of digital mental health care, as it provides a more readily accessible and cost-effective approach. Thus, this study aims to examine influencing factors that encourage low-income groups to engage in digital mental health and recommend the best approach to prevent mental disorders among low-income. This paper presents the roadmap to formulate the Integration of a Digital Health Model to Prevent Mental Disorders Among low-income citizens. The study's targeted sample consists of individuals who are 18 years and above and belong to low-income groups. This study conduct interviews with medical practitioners from public health care, non-governmental organizations, and low-income groups. This research significantly contributes to the Malaysian government in addressing mental health and achieving Malaysia’s shared prosperity vision (SPV2030) and 10-10 MySTIE framework to the national plan and SDG goal 3 of good health and well-being for all.