Shamiri-Digital Intervention Tested With Kenyan Youths

Research Evidence Section:

Overview of the Research

Our team at Shamiri Health is dedicated to addressing the mental health challenges faced by adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa, a region where treatment options are limited and stigma often hinders help-seeking behaviors. To confront these challenges, we developed "Shamiri-Digital," a brief, computerized single-session intervention (SSI) designed to reduce depressive symptoms in adolescents.

Background and Methodology

The prevalence of adolescent depression and anxiety symptoms in sub-Saharan African countries is alarmingly high. In response, Shamiri-Digital was created as a digital SSI that combines elements of growth mindset, gratitude, and value affirmation, presented through interactive reading and writing activities.

In a randomized control trial, 103 high school students aged 13–18 in Kenya participated in either the Shamiri-Digital intervention or a control condition focusing on study skills. Both interventions were delivered electronically within school settings.

Key Findings

The results of the study were significant and promising:

• Reduction in Depressive Symptoms: Shamiri-Digital participants experienced a greater reduction in depressive symptoms compared to the control group. This effect was observed in the entire sample and was more pronounced in youths with moderate to severe depression symptoms.
• Comparison to Traditional Therapy: Remarkably, the reduction in depressive symptoms surpassed the average effects of full-length, face-to-face psychotherapy for youth depression.
• Anxiety and Well-being: While the intervention did not significantly impact anxiety symptoms, well-being, or happiness, its effectiveness in addressing depression is noteworthy.

Conclusion and Impact

This study is pivotal as it demonstrates that a brief, computerized SSI like Shamiri-Digital can effectively reduce depressive symptoms among adolescents in a region facing a dearth of mental health professionals and high stigma around mental health issues.

Public Health Significance

The public health significance of this research is profound. It provides evidence that a single-session, positive-psychology-based digital intervention can be a viable solution to reduce depressive symptoms among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa. This finding opens up new avenues for mental health interventions in regions with limited access to professional mental health care.

Future Directions

The success of Shamiri-Digital lays the groundwork for further research. Future studies, including replication trials with extended follow-ups, are necessary to fully understand the long-term efficacy and scope of this intervention.