Preventing common mental health problems in war-affected populations : the role of digital interventions

The full-scale Russian Federation invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 has profoundly impacted the lives of millions, and resulting in numerous losses, including the loss of loved ones, health, possessions, social status, and security (1, 2). In addition, over 5 million Ukrainians are now displaced within the country and over 6 million have sought refuge in the European Union. This causes immense stress, uncertainty and significant mental health challenges among both adults and children. These stressors contribute to mental health issues such as insomnia, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Refugee and migrant populations have been shown to be more susceptible to mental health problems compared to the general population, with estimated prevalence rates of up to 32% for depression, 31% for PTSD, and 11% for anxiety disorders. However, the mental health care system in Ukraine is overwhelmed and unable to meet the increased demand especially due staff and recourses shortage. In addition, countries hosting many Ukrainian refugees, such as Ukraine's bordering countries, may not be able to provide assistance to all Ukrainians in need of mental health care. Scalable interventions such as digital mental health interventions have the potential to enhance access to mental health care and improve mental health conditions. There is evidence that digital interventions are as effective as face-to-face alternatives in direct comparisons, and the use of mobile, online and other remote technologies for the treatment and prevention of mental disorders in low- and middle-income countries has been reported.

While digital mental health interventions are effectively utilized for treatment, this paper aims to focus on the implementation in the field of prevention. E-mental health tools hold significant potential to address various challenges immediately after the onset of a complex emergency. They offer a scalable, timely, and cost-effective approach to fostering resilience and empowering individuals to cope with stress and trauma and allowing emergency services to address the basic needs of survivors. However, little is known about the implementation and effectiveness of digital mental health tools aiming to prevent common mental health issues in the context of complex emergencies and for population affected by war.