Expressed interest in mobile-delivered life skills education for mental health and psychosocial support among internally displaced persons

Abstract

Internal displacement is associated with impaired social functioning, material deprivation, and limited access to mental health and psychosocial support services. Mobile-delivered life-skills education (mLSE) may expand access to mental health and psychosocial support services; however, its acceptability and uptake may vary by demographic, contextual, and technology-related factors. We examined factors associated with interest in using mLSE among internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Nigeria, using cross-sectional baseline survey data from 231 IDPs residing in Durumi and Wassa camps, Abuja. Participants were asked whether they would use a mobile phone to receive education or training on coping with life challenges. We estimated prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals using modified Poisson regression with robust standard errors. Most participants expressed interest in mLSE (216/231, 93.5%). Interest was more common among participants with secondary education or higher and among Wassa residents, but less common among those who did not use social media. These findings suggest that mLSE may be acceptable to many IDPs, but that delivery should consider education, digital engagement, access to and use of mobile phones, and camp context. Longitudinal and implementation science research are needed to determine whether expressed baseline interest translates into actual uptake and sustained engagement.