Online anxiety resources for Canadian youth: a systematic environmental scan
Authors: Pohl Megan , Bialy Liza , Scott Shannon D , Hartling Lisa , Elliott Sarah A 
Published: August 2022

Introduction

In a recent child health research priority setting exercise conducted in Alberta (CA), youth identified “mental health” as a priority topic. Specifically, youth were interested in understanding what the early signs and symptoms of anxiety were, and when they should seek help.

Objective

The objective of this study was to understand what information is currently available online for Canadian youth about the signs and symptoms of anxiety, what resources are available for self-assessment, and what are youth’s behaviors, experiences and information needs around seeking help for anxiety.

Methods

We conducted a systematic environmental scan of Internet resources and academic literature. Internet and literature search results (Information Sources) were screened by one reviewer and verified by another. Relevant information (e.g., self-assessment resource features and population characteristics such as age, presence of anxiety, and education) were then extracted and verified. Information Sources were categorized relating to the research concepts regarding; signs and symptoms, self-assessments, information needs and experiences. We complimented our environmental scan with youth consultations to understand how anxiety resources are perceived by youth, and what if anything, could be improved about the information they are receiving. Consultations were conducted over Zoom with three Canadian Youth Advisory Groups (2 provincial, 1 national) and took a semi-structured focus group format.

Results

A total of 99 Information Sources (62 addressing signs and symptoms, 18 self-assessment resources, and 19 reporting on information and help-seeking behaviors) met the inclusion criteria. The majority of Information Sources on signs and symptoms were webpage-based articles, and 36 (58%) specifically stated that they were targeting youth. 72% of anxiety self-assessment resources were provided by private institutions. The resources varied markedly in the post-assessment support provided to youth according to their source (i.e. private, academic, governmental). Regarding information and help-seeking preferences, three main themes were apparent and related to 1) obtaining in-person professional help, 2) searching for online help, and 3) stigma associated with seeking help for anxiety disorders. The Youth Group consultations identified several areas that need to be considered when developing resources for youth. The key considerations highlighted by youth across the consultations suggested resources needed to be; youth friendly, align with a credible institute (e.g. University, Health Institution), and provide useful resources post online assessment and tangible action items to support help seeking.

Conclusion

Awareness of the information and resources available to youth, coupled with an understanding of their help-seeking behaviors and information needs can help support the development and dissemination of appropriate knowledge translation tools around youth anxiety.