A web-based supportive intervention for families living with depression: Content analysis and formative evaluation

Background: relatives of people with a mental illness who live together can experience additional burdens that may require support. a web-based tool including a psychoeducation module,a diary,and a password-protected forum was developed to support relatives of a person with depression. objective: the objective of our study was to explore participants' use of the web-based tool,with focus on the forum,and to assess its potential health and psychosocial benefits. methods: twenty-five people participated in this explorative open trial. self-rating instruments assessing caregiver burden,stigma,and the tool's usability were analyzed with carer qol7-d,disc-12,and a system usability scale. a summary measure of subjective burden was assessed with carerqol-vas. the forum posts were studied using content analysis. results: the majority reported fulfillment from their caregiving tasks (84%,21/25),and had relational problems (76%,19/25),their own mental health problems (72%,18/25),support (72%,18/25),and difficulties coordinating daily activities with caregiving (56%,14/25). most (72%,18/25) reported having been able to use their inner strength to cope with stigma and discrimination,64% (16/25) had concealed or hidden the person's condition,and 40% (10/25) reported having been avoided or shunned by people who knew about the illness. forty-eight percent (12/25) reported unfair treatment from family; 40% (10/25) in marriage or divorce and 36% (9/25) from mental health staff. almost one-third (28%,7/25) reported having stopped themselves from having a close personal relationship. participants' subjective assessment of the tool's usability resulted in a mean of 61.5 (range,22.5-90; possible total value 0-100;>70=good). ten people participated in the forum; content analysis resulted in five categories describing relatives' situations: balancing the caregiver's role and relationship to the patient; their own lives and need for support; resources and patient advocacy; a looming shadow on leisure,social,and professional life; and interaction and social support. conclusions: further studies are needed to explore optimal ways of using web-based tools to address support for relatives of a person with mental illness. professional feedback may enhance the use and value of online communities.