School-based strategies to prevent depression in adolescents: An integrative review

Abstract

Background: Adolescents are vulnerable to psychological disorders due to rapid physical, cognitive, and psychosocial changes. Depression affects 20% of adolescents worldwide, making it a leading cause of disability. Schools are the ideal places for preventative strategies for school-aged children.

Aim: To provide a synthesis of effective school-based strategies to prevent depression in adolescents in Qatar.

Methods: The integrative review framework developed by Whittemore and Knafl was utilized to guide this review. The CINAHL, MEDLINE, and Academic Search Complete databases were systematically searched for peer-reviewed primary studies published between 2016 and 2022. Ten articles were included after considering inclusion and exclusion criteria. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Mixed-Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). The Population Health Promotion Model guided the data analysis and presentation of results.

Results: The implementation of school-based strategies at individual and family levels is effective in preventing depression in adolescents. At the individual level, the focus is on creating a supportive environment and developing personal skills (social, behavioural regulation, emotional regulation, cognitive regulation, resilience, and coping). At the family level, the focus is on creating a supportive environment and developing personal skills (parental and social).

Conclusion: Prevention of depression in adolescents requires multidisciplinary school-based strategies that must focus on creating a supportive environment and developing the personal skills of students and their families. National and organizational policies should be developed in support of multidisciplinary school-based strategies to prevent depression in adolescents.