Stakeholder perspectives on public health implementation of a risk calculator for prediction of adolescent depression

• In Event: Novel approaches for identifying and understanding risk for adolescent depression in a global context

Abstract

Aims: A prediction model for adolescent depression has been developed and tested in multiple global settings. This opens the door for implementation of risk calculators for depression to be used in educational, health, and other settings for prediction of which adolescents may develop depression. This qualitative study explores perspectives among youth and other stakeholders about implementation of such a risk calculator. Methods: Theory of change workshops (n=6), key informant interviews (n=180), focus group discussions (n=6), and consultations with youth advisory boards were held in Brazil, Nepal, Nigeria, and the United Kingdom. Participants included youth affected by depression, parents, teachers, social workers, health professionals, and policymakers. Results: Youth affected by depression advocated for implementation of risk calculators to improve early prevention and intervention services. Parents and teachers described potential stigmatization of labeling at-risk youth. Health workers in some settings were concerned about the lack of resources within the health system to accommodate additional screening and prevention services. Data privacy and use of information were concerns for online administration of a risk calculator. All stakeholders recommended that any risk calculator implementation would require strengthening of adolescent mental health services. Conclusions: Risk calculators for prediction of future depression have the potential to improve prevention and early intervention. However, issues of potential stigmatization, misuse of data, and overwhelming under-resourced health systems need to be addressed for effective and ethical use of such a tool.

Authors

• Brandon Kohrt, George Washington University
  Presenting Author

• Syed Shabab Wahid, George Washington University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Abigail Burgess, King's College London
  Non-Presenting Author

• Katherine Ottman, George Washington University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Gloria Pedersen, George Washington University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Thais Martini, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul
  Non-Presenting Author

• Anna Viduani, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul
  Non-Presenting Author

• Olufisayo Momodu, Lagos State University College of Medicine
  Non-Presenting Author

• Crystal Lam, George Washington University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Kamal Gautam, Transcultural Psychosocial Organization Nepal (TPO Nepal)
  Non-Presenting Author

• Abiodun Adewuya, Lagos State University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Valeria Mondelli, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London
  Non-Presenting Author

• Christian Kieling, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS)
  Non-Presenting Author

• Helen L Fisher, King's College London
  Non-Presenting Author