No prediction without prevention: A global qualitative study of attitudes toward using a prediction tool for risk of developing depression during adolescence

Brandon A. Kohrt, Center for Global Mental Health Equity, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
Syed Shabab Wahid, Department of Global Health, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA.
Katherine Ottman, Center for Global Mental Health Equity, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
Abigail Burgess, Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
Anna Viduani, Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
Thais Martini, Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
Silvia Benetti, Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
Olufisayo Momodu, Department of Psychiatry, Lagos Island General Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria.
Jyoti Bohara, Transcultural Psychosocial Organization Nepal (TPO Nepal), Baluwatar, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Vibha Neupane, Transcultural Psychosocial Organization Nepal (TPO Nepal), Baluwatar, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Kamal Gautam, Center for Global Mental Health Equity, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
Abiodun Adewuya, Department of Behavioural Medicine, Lagos State University College of Medicine, Lagos, Nigeria.
Valeria Mondelli, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
Christian Kieling, Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
Helen L. Fisher, Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

1-1-2024

Journal

Global mental health (Cambridge, England)

Volume

11

DOI

10.1017/gmh.2024.136

Keywords

adolescents; depression; developing countries; health risk behaviors; preventive health services; qualitative research

Abstract

Given the rate of advancement in predictive psychiatry, there is a threat that it outpaces public and professional willingness for use in clinical care and public health. Prediction tools in psychiatry estimate the risk of future development of mental health conditions. Prediction tools used with young populations have the potential to reduce the worldwide burden of depression. However, little is known globally about adolescents' and other stakeholders' attitudes toward use of depression prediction tools. To address this, key informant interviews and focus group discussions were conducted in Brazil, Nepal, Nigeria and the United Kingdom with 23 adolescents, 45 parents, 47 teachers, 48 health-care practitioners and 78 other stakeholders (total sample = 241) to assess attitudes toward using a depression prediction risk calculator based on the Identifying Depression Early in Adolescence Risk Score. Three attributes were identified for an acceptable depression prediction tool: it should be understandable, confidential and actionable. Understandability includes depression literacy and differentiating between having a condition versus risk of a condition. Confidentiality concerns are disclosing risk and impeding educational and occupational opportunities. Prediction results must also be actionable through prevention services for high-risk adolescents. Six recommendations are provided to guide research on attitudes and preparedness for implementing prediction tools.

Department

Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS