Feasibility and preliminary findings of the digital self-management program for people with schizophrenia in Indonesia

Background: Individuals with schizophrenia often experience self-management challenges due to the symptoms and mental health problems that impact the recovery process. Currently, digital interventions have shown potential effectiveness for people with schizophrenia in low- and middle-income countries. However, no such studies have been undertaken in Indonesia. We developed HOPE4Schizophrenia, a 6-week co-created digital self-management program. This study aimed to examine the feasibility of HOPE4Schizophrenia for people with schizophrenia.

Methods: A total of 35 participants enrolled in the intervention. The primary outcomes were to investigate recruitment rates, adherence rates, engagement rates, progression criteria, and participants’ satisfaction with the intervention. The secondary outcomes measured hope, recovery, and mental well-being at pre-, post-, and 3-month follow-up.

Results: The results showed that the recruitment, adherence, and engagement rates were high (50.7 %, 79 %, and 85 %, respectively). All the predetermined progression criteria were met. Most participants (90 %) reported that they found the course useful. There was a significant difference in recovery between pre-course and post-course and follow-up (F(2, 48) = 4.997, p = 0.011). There were no significant differences in hope and mental well-being at the three time points.

Conclusions: All progression criteria for a definitive trial were met, as supported by high recruitment, adherence, and engagement rates. While this study was not powered to detect effectiveness, preliminary findings indicated that HOPE4schizophrenia has the potential to support recovery in individuals with schizophrenia. This study presents a novel and promising finding for HOPE4schizophrenia. A future trial is needed to test the clinical effectiveness of this intervention.