Online Multicomponent Program for Mental Health Promotion of Medical Students: An Intervention Study

Background: Youth mental health is a significant public health concern. Mental health issues are increasing in severity and number in college campuses. Improving adolescent mental well-being remains a challenge for most societies. Aim: Promote the well-being and mental health outcomes of Kasr Al-Ainy medical school students. Methods: An intervention study conducted at Kasr Al-Ainy Faculty of medicine. Study Participants (n=664) from 4th and 5th graders were assigned to either of two conditions: Fourth graders (n=325) to intervention (Horizon Egypt) website which provided information across positive psychology domains and Fifth graders (n=312) to control neutral entertainment-based website. Participants were assessed pre- and post-intervention on Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-Short form (DASS-21) and the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS). Results: There was no pre-intervention statistically significant differences between Horizon Egypt and control group on demographic variables, DASS-21, or WEMWBS scores. Qualitative data indicated that all participants reported that Horizon Egypt website was easy to use, 85% agreed the program was fun, 91% agreed the activities were interesting and 77% agreed they would continue to use it after study completion. Compared to the control condition, participants in the Horizon Egypt condition with high levels of adherence reported significant decrease in depression, anxiety, stress and improvements in well-being score. Conclusion & Recommendations: Acceptability of Horizon Egypt website was high. The online delivery of positive psychology programs may be an alternative way to address mental health issues and improve youth well-being.