Effectiveness of the Adolescent Depression Awareness Program (ADAP) on Depression Literacy and Mental Health Treatment

Mary Beth Beaudry, Karen Swartz, Leslie Miller, Barbara Schweizer, Kara Glazer, Holly Wilcox

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Analysis of data from a NIMH-supported study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the Adolescent Depression Awareness Program (ADAP) in promoting depression literacy and help-seeking behavior. METHODS: Eighteen Pennsylvania schools were matched on size, sex, race, test scores, median income, and free/reduced lunch status. Schools randomized to the intervention implemented ADAP as a compulsory part of the schools health curriculum, while control schools collected study measures. RESULTS: Post-randomization analysis revealed no significant differences by sex on the pre-assessments between intervention and control schools. In the intervention schools, a total of 1427 students received ADAP. Written parental consent and adolescent assent was obtained from 33.7% students. The online REDCap survey was completed by 41.78% of the consenting students. The Adolescent Depression Knowledge Questionnaire (ADKQ) findings suggest that ADAP significantly improved depression knowledge (Est. =1.07, SE =.25, p <.001), compared to those in the control group. ADAP was found to facilitate help-seeking behavior by student report in those participating in the REDCap survey 4 months following the ADAP curriculum. CONCLUSIONS: Results of the survey suggests that ADAP facilitates help-seeking behaviors in teens. This study supports the efficacy of a teacher delivered school-based universal prevention program, ADAP, on depression literacy.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)165-172
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of School Health
Volume89
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2019

Keywords

  • child & adolescent health
  • curriculum
  • depression literacy
  • health communications
  • mental health
  • public health

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Education
  • Philosophy
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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