A novel mobile phone-based depression prevention programme for adolescents

Rationale

Depression is increasing as a major cause of the global burden of disease.  Depressive disorders often commence in adolescence, with approximately 9% of male students and 18% of female students reporting depressive symptoms requiring professional assistance in New Zealand.  Rates tend to be higher for Maori and Pacific young people.  The intervention aims to deliver a depression prevention intervention for adolescents, based on the proven effective RAP-Kiwi intervention (developed by Dr Sally Merry).  This programme will be delivered via mobile phones.

Aims

The primary aim of this trial is to determine whether a multimedia mobile phone-based depression prevention programme is effective at reducing depressive symptoms at 12 months compared with adolescents receiving a control programme.

Design

A double-blind randomised controlled trial will be conducted.  The programme developed will be delivered completely over their mobile phones and includes video messages, text messages and animations. The content of the programme is based on cognitive behavioural therapy where students learn how the way they think influences how they feel, and how to restructure their thoughts in order to feel more positively about life. Recruitment will take place via participating high schools in the greater Auckland and Northland region.  Participants will be randomised following a 9-day active run-in phase and will be followed for 12 months.  800 adolescents (Years 9-12) will be recruited via participating schools. Adolescents will be eligible for inclusion in the trial if they have a Vodafone mobile phone able to receive the programme and they are able to give informed consent.

Study Status

Recruitment to the study commenced in June 2009 following consultation with the wider school community (iwi, community groups, churches, cultural networks, others) as appropriate for each school. These groups advised on particular issues for their communities and recommended appropriate methods for recruitment and for assisting any students who may require support during the study.

This study is ongoing.

Funding

Early content development work was funded by the Oakley Mental Health Foundation and also the University of Auckland Research Development Fund.  The main trial is being sponsored by The Health Research Council of New Zealand with a project grant [Grant Number: HRC 08-206R]. Vodafone New Zealand Ltd is supporting this trial by providing access to their mobile phone network.

CTRU Investigators

Robyn Whittaker, Co-Principal Investigator
Enid Dorey
Varsha Parag
Anthony Rodgers, now at the George Institute for International Health

Project Manager

Collaborators

Sally Merry, Werry Centre for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, University of Auckland
Shanthi Ameratunga, Injury Prevention Research Centre, University of Auckland
Heather McDowell, Department of Psychology, University of Auckland
Iain Doherty, Learning Tech Unit FMHS, University of Auckland
Karolina Stasiak, Dept of Psychological Medicine, University of Auckland
Matthew Shepherd, Dept of Psychological Medicine, University of Auckland

Publications

Publication of results is expected in 2012.