JMIR Research Protocols (Nov 2022)

Developing an mHealth Intervention to Reduce COVID-19–Associated Psychological Distress Among Health Care Workers in Nigeria: Protocol for a Design and Feasibility Study

  • Adesanmi Akinsulore,
  • Olutayo Aloba,
  • Olakunle Oginni,
  • Ibidunni Oloniniyi,
  • Olanrewaju Ibigbami,
  • Champion Tobi Seun-Fadipe,
  • Tolulope Opakunle,
  • Afolabi Muyiwa Owojuyigbe,
  • Olushola Olibamoyo,
  • Boladale Mapayi,
  • Victor Ogbonnaya Okorie,
  • Abiodun Olugbenga Adewuya

DOI
https://doi.org/10.2196/36174
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 11, no. 11
p. e36174

Abstract

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BackgroundGlobally, COVID-19–related psychological distress is seriously eroding health care workers’ mental health and well-being, especially in low-income countries like Nigeria. The use of mobile health (mHealth) interventions is now increasingly recognized as an innovative approach that may improve mental health and well-being. This project aims to develop an mHealth psychological intervention (mPsyI) to reduce COVID-19–related psychological distress among health care workers in Nigeria. ObjectiveOur objective is to present a study protocol to determine the level of COVID-19–related psychological distress among health care workers in Nigeria; explore health care workers’ experience of COVID-19–related psychological distress; develop and pilot test mPsyI to reduce this distress; and assess the feasibility of this intervention (such as usability, engagement, and satisfaction). MethodsA mixed (quantitative and qualitative) methods approach is used in which health care workers will be recruited from 2 tertiary health care facilities in southwest Nigeria. The study is divided into 4 phases based on the study objectives. Phase 1 involves a quantitative survey to assess the type and levels of psychosocial distress. Phase 2 collects qualitative data on psychosocial distress among health care workers. Phase 3 involves development of the mHealth-based psychological intervention, and phase 4 is a mixed methods study to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention. ResultsThis study was funded in November 2020 by the Global Effort on COVID-19 Health Research, and collection of preliminary baseline data started in July 2021. ConclusionsThis is the first study to report the development of an mHealth-based intervention to reduce COVID-19–related psychological distress among health care workers in Nigeria. Using a mixed methods design in this study can potentially facilitate the adaptation of an evidence-based treatment method that is culturally sensitive and cost-effective for the management of COVID-19–related psychological distress among health care workers in Nigeria. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/36174