Investigating the current state of the adoption of e-health tools for digital mental health services in a selected South African higher education institution

Abstract

This study aims to explore the current state of the adoption of e-health tools for digital mental health services (DMHS) at a selected South African higher education institution. A quantitative case study was conducted at a single university in Cape Town, South Africa, surveying 348 voluntary participants. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and exploratory factor analysis through Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28. The results of this study indicate that awareness of freely accessible DMHS, service providers, and Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies are significant factors driving the adoption of e-health tools. However, internet accessibility, internet cost concerns, multiple device use, social media use, searching for services, and preferences for digital over in-person services showed no significant correlation with the current state of adoption factor. The study concludes that awareness of DMHS, service providers, and 4IR technologies are key drivers for the sustainable adoption of e-health tools post-COVID-19. The results inform practical strategies for the sustainable adoption of e-health tools in SA HEIs and may be relevant to similar institutions in global contexts. The findings are potentially applicable to similar contexts globally. Thus, helping to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal 3 of the United Nations of ensuring good health and wellbeing.

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