Smartphone Mental Health Application Use Among Thai Older Adults: A Thematic Analysis Guided by Locsin’s Theory of Technological Competency as Caring in Nursing

The purpose of this study was to describe the perceptions of mental health applications in smartphones use among Thai older adults within the context of Locsin's theory of technological competency as caring in nursing. Participants were 24 older adults living in the community. Two focus groups and semistructured interviews that were tape-recorded were used. Each focus group took 2 to 3 hours with 20-minute break times. Data were transcribed and analyzed using theory-directed thematic analysis. Five major themes emerged: (1) Knowledge about mental health transforms ways of caring for self; (2) Using smartphone enhances relationships with others; (3) Resistance-acceptance of using technology moment to moment; (4) Using technology presents challenges; and (5) Desire for technology to be user friendly. Each theme was linked and interpreted from the perspective of concepts in Locsin's theory. The findings can help to develop the content and functions of mental health applications in smartphones.