Recommended Citation
Triemstra J, Bartiss M, Bourassa E, Beltz E, Lickiss S, Lowery L, and Felton J. THE FEASIBILITY AND ACCEPTABILITY OF BEHAVIORAL ACTIVATION IN AN ADOLESCENT CLINICAL SETTING. J Adolesc Health 2022; 70(4):S68-S69.
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publication Date
4-1-2022
Publication Title
Journal of adolescent health
Abstract
Purpose: During the COVID-19 pandemic, estimates of adolescent depression prevalence have significantly increased. Although 80% of youth with mental health problems do not access mental health (MH) services, most interact regularly with pediatricians, suggesting primary care is a promising setting for youth MH service delivery. Behavioral activation (BA) is a straightforward intervention focusing on increasing engagement in meaningful activities and has been shown to be effective in adolescent populations. This study examines the feasibility and acceptability of implementing BA delivered by nurses to adolescents with mild to moderate depressive symptoms in an ambulatory setting.
Methods: We examined the feasibility and acceptability of BA to a sociodemographic-diverse adolescent population. To examine feasibility, we retrospectively analyzed the percentage of patients presenting with mild to moderate depressive symptoms on the patient health questionnaire-9 during a random four week period. We then conducted qualitative interviews with four parent-adolescent dyads, and two additional adolescents. A semi-structured interview guide was iteratively developed to assess perceived acceptability of BA and barriers and facilitators to engaging in the intervention. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded by authors JDT and JF. A thematic analysis was completed to identify whether the program as designed was acceptable to the targeted population.
Results: A records review found that out of 122 unique patients presenting for any clinic visit during the four week period, 44 (35%) met criteria for mild to moderate depressive symptoms. Of those who met criteria, youth were 17.45 years old (range = 12-22) with 61% identified as female. Results of the qualitative interviews suggest that participants perceived BA to be appropriate; themes emerged suggesting that both parents and youth noted nurse-delivered BA was similar to other types of therapies they had engaged with in other settings and that participants experienced nurses’ as able to protect confidentiality and someone they could be “vulnerable” with. Participants were mixed in how feasible they felt regular visits to the pediatrician’s office was, with some noting that transportation and time were major barriers for engaging in treatment. All participants noted that telehealth options (including meeting with a nurse provider over the phone or through web conferencing) were appropriate and would facilitate treatment access. Participants also noted that time, transportation and cost were significant barriers to engaging in valued activities (a central mechanism of BA), and several parents and youth noted that these barriers were exacerbated during the pandemic.
Conclusion: Our data highlights the implementation potential for delivering BA by nurses in an adolescent ambulatory setting. Qualitative themes suggest this approach (especially delivered via telehealth) is feasible and acceptable for youth with mild to moderate depressive symptoms.
Volume
70
Issue
4
First Page
S68
Last Page
S69
