Access, Awareness and Use of Internet Self-Help Websites for Depression in University Students

The prevalence of depression in the young adult University student population is approximately 20%, double that of the general 18-24 year population. Internet self-help websites for mild to moderate depression have been shown to be of some benefit, but can only be beneficial if they are being used. In order to investigate the level of access, awareness and use of Internet self-help in the University student population, a survey was conducted on 2691 18-24 year old students on their access, browsing behavior, familiarity and use of self-help websites. More people without depressive symptoms browse health websites than those with depressive symptoms. However, more students with symptoms visited self-help websites for emotional health more frequently than those without symptoms. This may be an indication of an increase in the access and awareness in students who need self-help. Self-help website content, user-friendliness and interactivity are considered most important characteristics by students.