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Effectiveness of School-Based Mental Health Interventions on Adolescent Depression: A Cluster Randomized Trial

Authors: Janne Estill¹, Aimin Yang², De Luo³*


Affiliations:

¹ University of Geneva, Geneva 1211, Switzerland

² Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China

³ The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China


*Corresponding Author:De Luo, Email: luode2019@swmu.edu.cn

Abstract

This cluster randomized trial evaluated the effectiveness of a school-based mental health intervention on depressive symptoms among 3,245 adolescents from 42 secondary schools. The intervention included cognitive-behavioral therapy sessions, mental health literacy education, and teacher training. After 12-month follow-up, intervention schools showed significantly greater reduction in depressive symptoms compared to control schools. Subgroup analysis revealed stronger effects for students with baseline depressive symptoms and those from low-income families. School-based mental health programs represent an effective strategy for addressing the growing burden of adolescent depression.

Keywords: Adolescent Depression; School-Based Intervention; Mental Health; Cluster Randomized Trial; Public Health; Prevention

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