African Youth in Mind (Y-MIND) - Pilot Feasibility Trial of a Brief Psychological Intervention for Young People With Depression in Zimbabwe

African Youth in Mind (Y-MIND) - Pilot Feasibility Trial of a Brief Psychological Intervention for Young People Aged 15-24 With Depression in Zimbabwe

The overarching aim of this single-arm pilot study is to assess the feasibility of implementing a psychological intervention (Y-MIND), delivered by lay counsellors, for the treatment of depression among young people aged 15-24 in in Harare Province, Zimbabwe. The study aims to assess the feasibility, acceptability and fidelity of delivering the six-session Y-MIND intervention, and collect preliminary clinical outcomes for depression at 5-month follow up.

The overarching aim of this single-arm pilot study is to assess the feasibility of implementing a psychological intervention (Y-MIND) for the treatment of depression among young people aged 15-24 in in Harare Province, Zimbabwe. The six session problem solving therapy intervention will be delivered by trained and supervised lay counsellors. 50 young people will be recruited aged 15-24 through primary care clinics to receive the Y Mind intervention. The study aims to assess the feasibility, acceptability and fidelity of delivering the six-session Y-MIND intervention, and collect preliminary clinical outcomes for depression at 5-month follow up.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Young people aged 15-24 years
• Scoring 11 or more on the locally validated Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for those aged 18+ and 10 or more on the Patient Health Questionnaire Adolescent (PHQ-A) for those < 18 years.
• Willing and able to be followed up for 5 months.
• Willing and able to provide informed consent if aged 18+, or, if aged below 18, willing and able to give informed assent and to approach a caregiver for informed consent procedures

Exclusion Criteria:

• Currently receiving any psychological treatment for any common mental disorder through formal health care services
• Active major mental disorder, advanced physical illness which would interfere with their ability to take part in the study or are actively suicidal (assessed through screening using the P4 screener).
• Those with visual and/or hearing impairment; defined as being unable to see and read the intervention manual or hear the interventionist sitting approximately 1 metre away. This will be assessed at informed consent procedures.