Collins AC, Bhattacharya S, Oh JY, et al. Inclusion of Individuals With Lived Experiences in the Development of a Digital Intervention for Co-Occurring Depression and Cannabis Use: Mixed Methods Investigation. JMIR Form Res. 2024;8:e54751. doi:10.2196/54751
Amplification of Positivity—Cannabis Use Disorder (AMP-C) is a digital intervention developed to provide therapeutic support for individuals with co-occurring moderate-to-severe depression and cannabis use disorder. This study reports on the first mixed-method interview of a larger co-design process aimed at the wants and needs of individuals with co-occurring depressive symptoms and cannabis use. The eventual end goal was the development of a digital intervention that targeted the positive valence system. Mixed methods interviews were conducted with ten participants. These interviews were developed using the Integrate, Design, Assess, and Share (IDEAS) framework. This initial round of interviews helped determine the preferences for a digital intervention and generated initial feedback on thirteen potential intervention components. While all participants felt they would be willing and able to use a mental health app in their daily routine, they did not all align on which features would be the most useful. Overall, this highlights the need to allow for individual user customization for many of the potential features. Participants wanted to be engaged by interactive content, but not overwhelmed with push notifications/prompts to engage with the app. Seven main themes emerged when participants were asked what features would make them more interested in using the app. Journaling with prompts, notifications, symptom and mood check-ins, chat features with other users and AI, access to local resources, educational materials, and harm-reduction guidance were all suggested. Of the discussed app components, Capitalizing (P=0.02) was rated the highest, followed by Emotions (P=0.045), Reward Devaluation (P=0.03), Values and Strengths (P=0.009) and Like it’s Your Last Time in the Area (P=0.02). This study provides preliminary evidence that individuals with co-occurring depressive symptoms and cannabis use would be interested in a mobile app designed to increase their experience of positive emotions.