Promoting Mental Health in Generation Z - Co-producing and Evaluating a Digital E-health Solution for Mental Health Literacy and Peer Support

Research problem and specific questions: There is a critical need to develop easily accessible preventive e-health solutions promoting mental health among young adults, as mental illness and suicide are growing problems in this group (also known as Generation Z).

Paradoxically, preventive efforts are sparse, even though 75% of those experiencing long-term mental illness reporting onset before the age of 24.

At its heart this project will be co-produced with young adults (18-29-years old), aiming to promote mental health and prevent mental illness, by empowering young adults with mental health literacy (MHL), i.e., the knowledge and skills to manage their own mental health and recognize and respond to stress and mental health concerns within themselves and their peers.Data and method: The situational analysis undertaken in phase 1 will be co-produced with young adults and stakeholders, underpinning the co-designing of a digital e-health solution for MHL including peer support tailored to the needs of young adults.

In phase 2, the tailored e-health solution will be assessed for feasibility and pilot tested, using a pre/post-test design and interviews enabling understanding of the intervention’s preliminary efficacy, acceptability (design, content, and usability), demand, practicality, and adaptation.Societal relevance and utilisation: With this project we want to meet young adults on their own arena by co- producing an innovative digital e-health solution to promote mental health and prevent mental illness aligning with the goal of increasing digitalization in Swedish healthcare and social services.

Using technology, the program will have the potential to reach many young adults in Sweden and mitigate the onset of mental health problems during the transition to adulthood.Plan for project realization: The Principal investigator (PI) will have the leading role (20% FTE) and will together with a doctoral student (100%) coordinate the operative processes of the project.

Phase 1 will be performed months 1-23 and phase 2 and dissemination of results months 24-36.

These essential phases will establish the groundwork for a randomized controlled trial (RCT) before the digital solution can be fully implemented.

This line of research will thus contribute to a strong evidence-base, underpinning the future roll out of the digital e-health solution to for example youth centers, municipality young adult social services, and university student health services.