Andrew Tomita1, Ka Muzombo Kandolo2, Ezra Susser3, Jonathan K Burns4. 1. Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, USA tomita@ukzn.ac.za. 2. Department of Entrepreneurial Studies, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa. 3. Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, USA New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, USA. 4. Department of Psychiatry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Few studies in developing nations have assessed the use of short messaging services (SMS) to identify psychological challenges in refugee populations. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of SMS-based methods to screen for depression risk among refugees in South Africa attending mental health services, and to compare its reliability and acceptability with face-to-face consultation. METHODS: Of the 153 refugees enrolled at baseline, 135 were available for follow-up assessments in our cohort study. Depression symptomatology was assessed using the 16-item Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS) instrument. RESULTS: Nearly everyone possessed a mobile phone and utilized SMS. Furthermore, low incomplete item response in QIDS and high perceived ease of interacting via SMS with service providers supported the feasibility of this method. There was a fair level of reliability between face-to-face and SMS-based screening methods, but no significant difference in preference rating between the two methods. CONCLUSION: Despite potential implementation barriers (network delay/phone theft), depression screening using SMS may be viable for refugee mental health services in low-resource settings.
INTRODUCTION: Few studies in developing nations have assessed the use of short messaging services (SMS) to identify psychological challenges in refugee populations. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of SMS-based methods to screen for depression risk among refugees in South Africa attending mental health services, and to compare its reliability and acceptability with face-to-face consultation. METHODS: Of the 153 refugees enrolled at baseline, 135 were available for follow-up assessments in our cohort study. Depression symptomatology was assessed using the 16-item Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS) instrument. RESULTS:Nearly everyone possessed a mobile phone and utilized SMS. Furthermore, low incomplete item response in QIDS and high perceived ease of interacting via SMS with service providers supported the feasibility of this method. There was a fair level of reliability between face-to-face and SMS-based screening methods, but no significant difference in preference rating between the two methods. CONCLUSION: Despite potential implementation barriers (network delay/phone theft), depression screening using SMS may be viable for refugee mental health services in low-resource settings.
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