E-governance and women’s mental health: A study of online support systems

Abstract

E-governance platforms have emerged as transformative tools for delivering essential services, including mental health care, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This study investigates the accessibility, usability, and perceptions of online mental health services provided through e-governance platforms among 120 women in Deoria District, India. The demographic analysis revealed that a majority of respondents are aged 26–40 years, with diverse educational and income backgrounds, and 55% reside in rural areas, highlighting potential disparities in access due to socio-economic and infrastructural factors. Questionnaire analysis indicated that while online platforms are perceived to reduce stigma and provide comfort at home, many women still prefer in-person consultations. Key barriers identified include unequal rural–urban access, limited internet connectivity, moderate digital literacy, and insufficient government communication. Socio-economic factors, particularly income, education, and geographic location, significantly influenced engagement with online services, while platform usability emerged as a strong facilitator of adoption. These findings underscore the importance of integrating infrastructure development, digital literacy initiatives, and effective public communication to ensure equitable access. The study also highlights the broader potential of e-governance platforms to deliver essential mental health services in India, other low- and middle-income countries, and rural or underserved regions globally, emphasizing that technological solutions must be complemented by inclusive policies to address systemic inequities in health service delivery.