METHODOLOGY: Latest telemedicine guidelines of the South Asia Region of the WHO were accessed using the official government websites of the countries. The guidelines that were not in the English language were translated into English using Google Translate. The guidelines were analyzed and presented under the following subheadings: (1) Definitions, Purpose, and Tools of Telemedicine; (2) Clinical Aspects of Telemedicine; and (3) Operational and Technical Aspects of Telemedicine.

RESULTS: Investigating the telemedicine guidelines in the SEAR of the WHO revealed that only 5 out of 11 countries, that is, India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Indonesia and Nepal, have guidelines specifically for telemedicine. Besides Thailand, the other four countries either published (India, Nepal, and Bangladesh) or updated (Indonesia) their telemedicine guidelines after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Guidelines from India and Bangladesh are detailed and robust compared with those from Nepal, Indonesia, and Thailand.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in 4 electronic databases (Ovid Medline, PsycInfo, CINAHL, and Web of Science). Studies conducted in English and including measures on the perception of aging and quality of life were included in this review. A total of 32 observational studies (21 cross-sectional, 8 longitudinal, 2 mixed-method, and 1 qualitative) met the inclusion criteria. Outcomes reported in the included studies were quality of life, physical health and functioning, psychological health, mental health, and general well-being.

RESULTS: Overall, 20 quantitative studies indicated a strong association between positive perception of aging and increased quality of life. Similarly, 9 quantitative studies demonstrated that negative perception of aging is associated with lower quality of life. Results of the mixed-method and qualitative studies indicated that older adults with higher morale and good physical capability had more positive perceptions of health.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study are (1) to evaluate the feasibility of a brief mindfulness-based mobile app (BM-MA) for Indonesian senior high school teachers experiencing anxiety and stress and (2) to examine the effects of using the BM-MA on anxiety, stress, life satisfaction, self-efficacy, trait mindfulness, self-compassion, and physical and social dysfunction among the participants.

METHODS: We followed the SPIRIT (Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials) 2013 statement for this feasibility randomized controlled trial (RCT) protocol. A total of 60 Indonesian senior high school teachers were recruited for this study and randomly assigned to either the intervention group (BM-MA) or a wait-list control group (CG) in a 1:1 ratio. The BM-MA group was required to engage in mindfulness practices using the app for 10-20 minutes per day for 3 weeks. All participants were assessed with a battery of self-report measures at baseline, postintervention, and at 1-month follow-up. Validated scales used to measure the outcome variables of interest included the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SLS), the Teachers' Sense of Efficacy Scale (TSES), the Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form (SCS-SF), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12), and the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ). The practicality and acceptability of the app will be evaluated using the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire-8 (CSQ-8) and structured qualitative interviews. Data from the interviews will be analyzed with the deductive thematic analysis framework as a process of qualitative inquiry. Repeated measures ANOVA with groups (intervention vs control) as a between-subject factor and time as a within-subject factor (baseline, postintervention, and 1-month follow-up) will be used to examine the effects of the BM-MA on the outcome variables. The data will be analyzed using an intent-to-treat approach and published in accordance with CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) recommendations.

RESULTS: Participants were recruited in December 2023, and this pilot RCT was conducted from January through March 2024. Data analysis was conducted from March through May 2024. The results of this study are expected to be published in December 2024. The trial registration of this protocol was submitted to the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry.

CONCLUSIONS: This study aims to determine the feasibility and efficacy of the BM-MA, a digital mental health intervention developed using an existing mindfulness-based app, and assess its potential for widespread use.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2300068085; https://tinyurl.com/2d2x4bxk.