Digital empowerment in mental health: A meta-analysis of internet-based interventions for enhancing mental health literacy

Background: Poor mental health literacy (MHL) in the global population significantly contributes to the treatment gap associated with mental disorders. In the digital age, leveraging Internet-based MHL interventions offers scalability and broader accessibility. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of Internet-based interventions in improving MHL and mental health. Method: Up to Feb 2024, seven databases were searched for Internet-based interventions on MHL (knowledge, stigma, help-seeking attitudes and intentions) and mental disorders (general distress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms). The random-effects meta-analyses at post-intervention and long-term follow-up assessments were performed. Results: Twenty-nine eligible studies involving 11,582 participants were included. Significant positive effects were observed across various domains: knowledge increase (immediate: g = 0.459, 95 %CI: 0.285 to 0.634; follow-up: g = 0.487, 95 %CI: 0.348 to 0.626), immediate stigma reduction (g g =-0.332, 95 %CI:-0.479 to-0.186), immediate enhancement of help-seeking attitudes (g g = 0.168, 95 %CI: 0.046 to 0.3291) and help- seeking intentions (g g = 0.135, 95 %CI: 0.072 to 0.198), as well as immediate mental health improvements (g g =-0.074, 95 %CI:-0.115 to-0.033). Conclusion: Overall, these findings underscore the promising effects of internet-based interventions in improving MHL and mental health, while maintaining these effects over time remains challenging, particularly in reducing stigma and promoting long-term help-seeking behaviors. Addressing methodological limitations, adopting a more interactive approach, and implementing targeted interventions are crucial to maximizing the effectiveness and advancing mental health care worldwide.