Adolescence, frequently thought of as 10 to 19 years, is a critical period during which individuals develop their self-identity and make decisions that can affect their long-term health, education, relationships, and employment prospects. It is also a period of heightened vulnerability to mental health conditions such as depression, the leading cause of disability worldwide. More than 90% of the world’s adolescents live in low- and middle-income countries, where less than 5% of those needing treatment can access minimally adequate care. Digital delivery of psychological treatments offers a potential solution to bridge the gap in adolescent mental health services. However, there is markedly less evidence for their effectiveness among school-aged adolescents in LMICs. The DoBAt Study in South Africa adapted Behavioral Activation for digital delivery. The Kuamsha app, supported by telephone guidance from trained peer mentors, was assessed for feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy in reducing depressive symptoms.
Authors: Moffett, Bianca; Pozuelo, Julia R.; Musenge, Eustasius; Makhanya, Zamakhanya; O’Mahen, Heather A.; Craske, Michelle G.; van Heerden, Alastair; Lund, Crick; Orkin, Kate; Sodi, Tholene; Blakemore, Sarah-Jayne; Makhubela, Princess; Maritze, Meriam; Mayindi, Nokhutula; Chiswo, Ruvimbo; Chierchia, Gabriele; Kilford, Emma J.; Fielmann, Sophie L.; Sulaiman, Munshi; Kinyanda, Eugene; Mahmud, Mahreen; Davis, Megan; Nabulumba, Christine; Sikoti, Doreen; Gumikiriza-Onoria, Joy Louise; Kahn, Kathleen; and Stein, Alan
Type: Journal Article
Year: 2025
