Universal school-based mental health programmes in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review and narrative synthesis
Year: 2020
Type: review
Study design: Systematic Review
Abstract: Depression and anxiety pose a significant burden during adolescence, which may have consequences for adulthood and future generations. The mental health needs of children and adolescents in low- and middle-income countries are not adequately addressed due to a lack of availability and access to services, and limited intervention research in these contexts. Universal school-based interventions provide a unique and potentially scalable opportunity to prevent and address mental health concerns amongst children and adolescents in low- and middle-income countries. This systematic review aimed to identify and provide a narrative synthesis of universal school-based programmes delivered to children (aged 6-18 years) in low- and middle-income countries reporting on anxiety and/or depression outcomes. We searched Academic Search Premier, ERIC, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest Dissertations using a pre-specified search strategy. Of the 12,478 articles identified, 12 studies met our inclusion criteria and were included in this review. The included studies report on a variety of interventions differing in approach, format and content. Given the small number of studies and concerns with study quality, we are unable to conclude that universal school-based interventions may reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in children in low- and middle-income countries.
Source: Preventive Medicine
Institutions: Stellenbosch University, University of Bath
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $2,950
Awards: Developing and assessing the acceptability and feasibility of a CBT-based psychoeducational intervention to support psychological well-being amongst adolescents in the Western Cape, South Africa, Developing and assessing the acceptability and feasibility of a CBT-based psychoeducational intervention to support psychological well-being amongst adolescents in the Western Cape, South Africa, Depression in paediatric chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/ME)
OpenAlex ID: W3097373322