School-based curriculum to improve depression literacy among US secondary school students: A randomized effectiveness trial

Karen Swartz, Rashelle J. Musci, Mary Beth Beaudry, Kathryn Heley, Leslie Miller, Clarissa Alfes, Lisa Townsend, Graham Thornicroft, Holly C. Wilcox

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives. To determine the effectiveness of a universal school-based depression education program. Methods. In 2012–2015, we matched 6679 students from 66 secondary schools into pairs by state (Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Oklahoma) and randomized to the Adolescent Depression Awareness Program (ADAP; n = 3681) or to a waitlist control condition (n = 2998). Trained teachers delivered ADAP as part of the health education curriculum to students aged 14 to 15 years. The primary outcome was depression literacy. Secondary outcomes included mental health stigma and, in a subset of the sample, the receipt of mental health services. Follow-up was at 4 months. Results. ADAP resulted in significantly higher levels of depression literacy among participating students than did waitlist controls, after adjusting for pretest assessment depression literacy (P < .001). Overall, ADAP did not significantly affect stigma (P = .1). After ADAP, students approached 46% of teachers with concerns about themselves or others. Of students who reported the need for depression treatment, 44% received treatment within 4 months of ADAP implementation. Conclusions. ADAP is an effective public health intervention for improving depression literacy among students.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1970-1976
Number of pages7
JournalAmerican journal of public health
Volume107
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2017

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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