NR505NP: Research Summary Assignment Table
Name: _JaneDoe
Date: __4/7/2024_____________________
PICOT Statement
In adolescence populations (P), how does implementing regular mental health assessments in schools (I) compared to standard
care without routine mental health assessments (C) affect the early detection and intervention of major depressive disorder (O)
over a one-year period (T)?
QUANTITATIVE STUDIES
Full reference for Gorfinkel, L., Snell, G., Long, D., Del Casal, M., Wu, J., Schonert‐Reichl, K. A., Guhn, M., &
article (APA 7th
Ed.Format) Samji, H. (2023). Access to mental health support, unmet need and preferences among
adolescents during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Health Promotion and Chronic
, 2
Disease Prevention in Canada, 43(4), 182–190. https://doi.org/10.24095/hpcdp.43.4.03
DOI of article/ https://doi.org/10.24095/hpcdp.43.4.03
article link
Problem-related to This study highlights significant mental health challenges among adolescents, including high rates of
PICOT
depression, anxiety, substance use, and unmet mental health care needs. These findings underscore
the importance of early detection and intervention for mental health conditions in adolescence,
aligning with the outcome (O) specified in the PICOT question. Implementing regular mental health
assessments in schools (I) could potentially address these challenges by facilitating early
identification of depression and anxiety symptoms, leading to timely interventions and support.
Additionally, the study identifies specific characteristics associated with accessing support and unmet
mental health care needs, such as gender minority status, sexual minority status, and anxiety and
alcohol use. This information can inform the implementation of targeted interventions and resources
for vulnerable populations, contributing to improved outcomes in mental health care among
adolescents.
Methods The data collection methods in this study involved conducting the YDI survey among secondary
school students in British Columbia. The study received approval from the UBC Behavioral
Research Ethics Board, ensuring compliance with ethical standards in research involving human
participants. The YDI survey was administered in partnership with select school districts in British
, 3
Columbia, HELP-UBC, and various advisors. The target population comprised secondary school
students enrolled in British Columbia secondary schools. Schools mostly maintained in person
learning during the winter and spring of 2021. Two months before survey delivery, participating
schools received an administration guide for consistency. Passive consent letters were sent to
student’s parents and guardians at least one month before survey was delivered. Most participants
completed the survey online using school or personal devices during class hours. For absent
students, four schools emailed a link to a virtual survey. The survey was administered using the
University of British Columbia Survey Tool hosted by Qualitrics and took approximately 45 minutes
to complete. All data collected were stored with Population Data BC, ensuring privacy,
confidentiality, and security. The survey included questions to assess access to mental health
support, unmet mental health care needs, and preferred delivery format for mental health care. It also
measured mental health and substance use indicators, such as depression, anxiety, alcohol use, and
cannabis use. Demographic characteristics, including gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and
socioeconomic status were also assessed.
Sample and The sample in the study consisted of secondary school students from British Columbia, who
Participants
participated in the YDI survey. The target population for the study was 11th grade students in high
schools within selected school districts. The survey was delivered in person during designated
, 4
delivery days or weeks from February to June of 2021. One independent school surveyed students in
grades 10th and 12th due to small class sizes. The mean age of the participants was 17.1 years, with a
standard deviation of 0.3. Much of the sample fell within the age range of 16 to 18 years, with 99.9%
falling within this range. There were 1928 total adolescents surveyed. The study included students
from various socioeconomic backgrounds and geographic locations within British Columbia.
Major
Findings/Conclusions The study reveals alarming rates of mental health issues among adolescents during the COVID-19
pandemic, with a considerable portion screening positively for depression (39.7%) and generalized
anxiety (43.7%). Substance use is also prevalent, with notable percentages reporting alcohol (26.8%)
and cannabis (16.8%) use in the past month, including near-daily use. Females and gender/sexual
minority students exhibit higher rates of depression and anxiety, emphasizing the vulnerability of
these groups. Despite the need for support, a significant proportion of adolescents report unmet
mental health care needs (40.8%) especially among those with depression, anxiety, and substance
use. Accessing mental health support is associated with anxiety and alcohol use, while depression
and cannabis use are not significantly linked to support-seeking behavior. Identifying and targeting
vulnerable populations, such as gender/sexual minorities, is crucial in addressing these mental health
challenges effectively, underscoring the importance of tailored interventions during this critical