The use and impact of digital interventions on mental health of forced migrants: a systematic review of empirical studies

Abstract

An estimated 130 million people were forcibly displaced due to natural disasters, war, and conflict, with about one-third experiencing high rates of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorders in 2023. Despite challenging living conditions, many displaced individuals have access to affordable technology, such as smartphones and laptops, which can enhance their mental health literacy and resilience while maintaining crucial social connections. This systematic review synthesises current research on how technology can mitigate the mental health impacts of war trauma on displaced communities. Following PRISMA guidelines, 31 studies were included, highlighting that technological interventions address the unique needs of trauma survivors in forced migration contexts. The review identifies a range of structural and individual barriers that hinder access to digital mental health services. However, the interventions studied targeted both mental health and non-mental health literacies, focusing on accessibility, personalization, cultural adaptation, and collaborative design. Positive clinical and non-clinical outcomes (e.g., affective, behavorial, and cognitive) were reported among participants. The review proposes a set of design considerations and strategies for effective digital mental health interventions to improve the lives of forced migrants.

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ORCID for Nora McIntyre: orcid.org/0000-0003-4626-3298

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