Akzeptanz und Nutzung von E-Mental-Health-Angeboten unter Studierenden: Sekundäranalyse eines Experiments

OBJECTIVE: Despite the effectiveness of various e‑mental health interventions, relatively low usage rates have been identified, even among digital natives like university students. The aim of this study is therefore to examine the relationship between the general acceptance, the specific interest and actual registration rates for selected targeted e‑mental health programs. METHODS: We conducted a secondary analysis of a survey study with n = 451 students (89% distance-learning students) that was embedded in an online experiment targeting information effects on the acceptance of e‑mental health services, including the investigation of usage intentions and interest in relation to objective data in terms of registrations regarding selected e‑mental health services for stress prevention and health promotion. RESULTS: A hierarchical regression analysis showed the stress level, perceived similarity with information sources and attitudes as determinants of usage intentions (R(2) = 0.49). Less than one-third of the sample (31%) reported current interest in participating in one specific e‑mental health service. Furthermore, the intention–behavior gap at the follow-up assessment (n/N in %) was lower for the program for employees (85% registered) than for the program for students (69% registered; 77% overall). CONCLUSION: More than three quarters of interested students have registered for a program, which calls for providing simple, direct access options. Future studies should examine the determinants of use and adherence to e‑mental health services depending on the acceptance in various subgroups of students in order to develop tailored acceptance-facilitating measures.