A Needs Assessment for a Specialised Online Treatment for Childhood OCD

<p dir="ltr">Marginalised populations have been excluded from research assessing childhood OCD treatment. We do not know if existing OCD treatments are accessible and effective for marginalised groups. To overcome the treatment barriers that marginalised groups face, online interventions to deliver OCD treatment may be a cheaper and more accessible solution. The aims of the mixed-methods study were to understand the experiences of parents from marginalised groups in seeking OCD treatment, specifically ethnic and religious minorities, sexual and gender minorities, low SES and families living in rural and remote, and identify their treatment preferences and suggestions for a specialised OCD treatment. Participants (N=45) completed an online, self-report needs assessment to compare OCD phenomenology, treatment experiences, and treatment preferences between marginalised and non-marginalised parents. Marginalised parents (N=10) participated in qualitative interviews to understand their treatment journey and suggestions for an internet-based, self-guided childhood OCD intervention. Results revealed very few differences between marginalised and non-marginalised groups in their treatment experiences and preferences, although marginalised children were more likely to experience sexual obsessions and checking and repeating compulsions. Identified themes from interviews following thematic analysis included OCD in the home, barriers to treatment, disruptions to treatment, and treatment reflections and suggestions. Findings suggest that marginalised and non-marginalised families do not significantly differ in their experiences and needs of OCD treatments. The current study also produced recommendations made by marginalised parents for an online specialised OCD treatment that is appropriate and accessible for all families.</p>