Development and validation of a digital community-based mental health protocol (RELATE-ME) in Malaysia.

ABSTRACT: To bridge the gaps of mental health service in Malaysia, we developed a digital intervention protocol (RELATE-ME) aiming to restore social connectedness and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Co-designed with a cross-disciplinary panel, we integrate principles of digital mental health, support group modality, psychoeducation elements, and community engagement into a 2-week online group program. To validate the protocol, we trained three community health workers (CHWs) to facilitate a briefer version of RELATE-ME with two groups of participants (six elders and six youths) in suburban Malaysia. After 4 days, they were interviewed regarding the feasibility and acceptability of this program. The interview transcripts were coded by the research assistant through an inductive-dedu

SUBMITTER: Ting RS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11879643 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature