Crossing the digital divide: A content analysis of mainstream Australian mental health websites for languages other than English

Abstract

Growth in e-mental health services in the past decade has been significant, corresponding with rising rates of mental health concerns and amplified by social isolation strategies imposed by the COVID-19 global pandemic. Governments, mental health services and practitioners have identified this as a significant area for investment and highlight its capacity for widespread reach, prevention and early intervention. At a time of growth and investment, it is critical to evaluate the extent to which online mental health platforms are effective in reaching the diverse populations they aim to serve. The current study used content analysis to evaluate 33 Australian mental health websites receiving government funding for the availability of translated materials and resources for culturally and linguistically diverse people. The websites analysed covered a range of mental health topics and overall had limited translated materials available. Only four websites (12.12%) provided a translation tool and none of the interactive tools offered, such as web chat services, were available in languages other than English. From a total of 1100 subsections across all websites, eight subsections (0.73%) were specifically targeting populations identifying as culturally and linguistically diverse. Strategic reconsideration and investment are required to enhance the capacity of current mental health platforms to engage and support the mental health needs of the diverse communities they intend to serve. The research and its findings can provide a basis for research and reflection within other health and social services as online platforms proliferate.

Keywords: Australia; diversity issues; health inequalities; language; mental health; mental health services; translation.