Participants' experiences with the hybrid digital psychotherapy intervention-DIGIT for obesity and distress: A qualitative interview study

Abstract

Background Obesity is a major burden for the individual affected and poses major challenges to healthcare systems worldwide. The intricate link between obesity and mental health disorders raises the need for innovative interventions that address the multitude of barriers hindering individuals with obesity from receiving adequate mental health care. Objectives This qualitative study explored participants' experiences of the digital inpatient-like and interprofessional DIGIT intervention, focusing on acceptability, perceived benefits and challenges, as well as perceived changes associated with participation. Methods Fourteen semi-structured interviews were conducted in German following participants' completion of the DIGIT intervention. The data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis, guided by the six-phase framework of Braun and Clarke. Two researchers initially coded the data, while a third researcher contributed to the iterative process and refinement of themes. Team discussions were used to enhance reflexivity and interpretive depth rather than to establish coding reliability. Results The study identified four categories: (1) user experience, (2) participant needs, (3) perceived benefits, and (4) facilitated access to treatment. Participants reported high levels of acceptance and satisfaction with the treatment. Moreover, participants reported subjective symptom relief, improved disease-related coping, and an overarching activating effect that they associated with their participation in DIGIT. Furthermore, participants reported a reduction in barriers to accessing this specific DIGIT intervention compared to conventional treatment options. Conclusion This study highlights the advantages of digital inpatient-like therapy concepts. Patients' high acceptance of and satisfaction with the inpatient-like therapy is an important facilitator for future implementation of innovative treatment concepts. Treatment concepts like DIGIT can contribute to providing individualized therapy options and closing care gaps.