Erbes, C.R., Stinson, R., Kuhn, E., Polusny, M., Urban, J., Hoffman, J., Ruzek, J.I., Stepnowsky, C., & Thorp, S.R. (2014). Access, utilization, and interest in mHealth applications among Veterans receiving outpatient care for PTSD. Military Medicine, 179(11), 1218-1222. PMID: 25373044.
This study evaluated Veterans’ interest and utilization of mHealth applications. The authors surveyed 188 Veterans receiving treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at a Veteran’s Administration Medical Center. Questions asked about Veteran’s accessibility, interest, and utilization of mHealth applications. While younger Veterans were more likely to own a smartphone or tablet with internet capabilities, 76% of all surveyed Veterans had a device capable of running mHealth applications. Twenty-eight percent of device owners had previously used a mHealth application. While 17% had accessed a PTSD-related application, 26% had used a non-PTSD application. Of these device owners, 85% were interested in using or learning more about mHealth applications. Interest was particularly high in mHealth applications to help manage anxiety, monitor mental health and physical health symptoms, improve sleep, and educate family members on mental health issues. Results of this study show that mHealth applications are feasible and acceptable for Veterans with PTSD.