Barriers to the uptake of digital mental health interventions in low resource settings: perceptions of young people in Uganda

<b>Introduction:</b> One of the benefits of digital mental health is enhanced access to healthcare, particularly in low and middle-income countries where government investment in mental healthcare is low. However, uptake among young people is low. This study aimed to explore young people’s perceptions of the barriers to the uptake of digital mental health interventions in low-resource settings.<b>Methods:</b> A qualitative descriptive approach was used to collect data. Six face-to-face focus group discussions were conducted with 50 purposively selected young people from nine universities in Uganda. A thematic approach was used to interpret the results.<b>Results:</b> Most respondents had a positive attitude towards digital mental health and some of them had used it before. There was a preference for digital interventions that are reliable and have an option for human interaction. The perceived barriers to young people’s uptake of digital mental health included the fear of stigma, affordability, inequitable access, privacy and confidentiality concerns, and app-related challenges. Access and use of digital mental health can be enhanced through public engagement, creating awareness, enhanced training, and access to affordable DMH interventions.<b>Conclusion:</b> Digital mental health was deemed important in extending much-needed healthcare to young people, particularly in health systems where traditional mental health services are not readily available. However, several factors hinder equitable access to digital mental health in low-resource settings. There is a need for long-term investment in digital health technologies aimed at tackling structural barriers that generate health disparities.