Mobile phone, computer, internet, and social media use among users of psychiatric inpatient services in Berlin, Germany - A cross-sectional patient survey. (Preprint)

Abstract

Few studies and almost exclusively from the US have recently investigated mobile phone and computer use among users of psychiatric services, which is of high relevance regarding the increasing development of digital health applications and services.

In this cross-sectional patient survey, we examined the use of digital devices among psychiatric inpatients and identified possible predictors for not owning and using digital devices.

In a cross-sectional patient survey, we examined a) rates and purposes of mobile phone, computer, internet, and social media use and b) the role of social and clinical predictors on rates of utilization among psychiatric inpatients in Berlin, Germany.

Descriptive analyses showed, that among 496 participants, 84.9% owned a mobile phone, and 59.3% a smartphone. Among 493 participants, 68.4% used a computer regularly. Multivariate logistic regression models revealed being homeless, diagnosis of a psychotic illness,being of older age and a lower level of education to be significant predictors for not owning a mobile phone respective not using a computer regularly or having a social media account.

Users of psychiatric services may have access to mobile phones and computers, although rates are lower than in the general population. However, key barriers that need to be addressed regarding the development of and engagement with digital health interventions, are factors of social exclusion like marginalized housing as well as clinical aspects like psychotic illness.