Citation:
Abstract:
Adolescent depression and anxiety symptoms remain prevalent in sub-Saharan African countries, yet treatment options remain scarce and inaccessible, and stigma limits help-seeking. Brief, empirically supported treatments that contain stigma-free content and use trained lay-providers can expand access to mental health treatment. We developed and evaluated such an intervention, targeting adolescent depression and anxiety in Kenya, where mental healthcare is limited by social stigma and a paucity of providers. The treatment, called Shamiri (Kiswahili for “thrive”), consisted of growth mindset, gratitude, and value affirmation exercises. The content was delivered by recent high school graduates trained as lay-providers. Adolescents met once a week in groups of 9-12 youths for four weeks. The Shamiri intervention appears to reduce youth depressive symptoms and, to some extent, youth anxiety symptoms. If replicated, the Shamiri intervention may be an effective treatment option for youth depression and anxiety symptoms in sub-Saharan African countries and other low- and middle-income countries.