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. 2011 May;16(2):86-91.
doi: 10.1111/j.1475-3588.2010.00584.x. Epub 2010 Nov 18.

Preventing Adolescent Depression in Mauritius: A Universal School-Based Program

Emilie Rivet-Duval  1 , Sandra Heriot  1 , Caroline Hunt  1
Affiliations

Preventing Adolescent Depression in Mauritius: A Universal School-Based Program

Emilie Rivet-Duval et al. Child Adolesc Ment Health. 2011 May.

Abstract

Background: This study evaluated the efficacy of a universal prevention program for adolescent depresssion implemented by school teachers in Mauritius.

Method: 160 adolescents were randomly assigned to the prevention program or wait-list.

Results: Decreased depressive symptoms for the intervention condition were found post-intervention, but not at follow-up. Significant changes in self-esteem and coping skills were seen both post-intervention and at the follow-up.

Conclusions: The results, drawing from a culturally diverse population, suggest that universal programs such as RAP-A may be better seen as promoting positive mental health, rather than having direct prevention or intervention effects on clinical problems.

Keywords: Depression; adolescents; prevention; universal school-based programs.

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