Abstract
<sec> <title>BACKGROUND</title> <p>Community access to mental health information and early support remains limited in Vietnam because specialist services are scarce, service coverage is uneven, and stigma continues to hinder help-seeking. Digital platforms may offer a scalable, low-intensity entry point, but their content and design must be scientifically sound, culturally relevant, understandable, and acceptable to intended users.</p> </sec> <sec> <title>OBJECTIVE</title> <p>This study aimed to describe the participatory formative development, content structure, and key functions of a community-oriented digital mental health support platform for use in Vietnam.</p> </sec> <sec> <title>METHODS</title> <p>A 3-phase formative study was conducted from March 2023 to March 2025. Phase 1 synthesized published evidence, technical guidance, and previous local studies to develop a preliminary content and functional framework. In phase 2, 11 multidisciplinary experts reviewed the platform for scientific accuracy, cultural relevance, accessibility, safety, and feasibility. In phase 3, 8 focus group discussions involving 40 adult community members assessed comprehensibility, relevance, acceptability, navigation, and referral needs. Feedback was analyzed using a matrix-based framework approach and used to refine the platform.</p> </sec> <sec> <title>RESULTS</title> <p>Five initial content domains were organized into 4 components: a mental health information library, standardized self-assessment tools, practical self-care resources, and a directory of professional support services. Expert feedback led to simpler terminology, more practical examples, and the removal or simplification of overly complex content. Community feedback resulted in shorter, action-oriented guidance, more relatable scenarios, additional content on family communication and social support, and improved content organization and navigation.</p> </sec> <sec> <title>CONCLUSIONS</title> <p>A community-oriented digital mental health support platform was developed using scientific evidence, multidisciplinary expertise, and potential end-user feedback. Further evaluation of usability, feasibility, safety, and effectiveness is needed before broader implementation.</p> </sec>