Randomized Controlled Trial of Universal vs. Targeted School Screening for Adolescent Major Depressive Disorder
Overview
- Phase
- N/A
- Intervention
- Not specified
- Conditions
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Sponsor
- Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
- Enrollment
- 12909
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) Composite: Positive Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9; Universal Arm) or MDD Concern Prompting Student Assistance Program (SAP) Referral, Confirmed MDD Symptoms by SAP, Engage With One SAP Recommended Service/Treatment
- Status
- Completed
- Last Updated
- 2 years ago
Overview
Brief Summary
The primary goal of the proposed study is to compare the effectiveness of universal school based screening for adolescent major depressive disorder to the current school process of targeted screening based on concerning behavior.
Detailed Description
The prevalence of annual major depressive disorder (MDD) episodes has increased by greater than 50% from 2008 to 2015 among US adolescents. Paralleling the rise in MDD, suicide is now the 2nd leading cause of adolescent deaths. Despite the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) 2009 endorsement of universal screening for adolescent MDD in primary care, MDD screening occurs in less than 2% of office visits. The primary goal of the proposed study is to compare the effectiveness of universal versus targeted adolescent MDD screening in a school setting. Universal screening was chosen to be conducted in schools because, compared to medical settings; schools are more likely to regularly engage with adolescents. The hypothesis is that universal school-based screening with the validated Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) will result in increased rates of MDD screening, identification and treatment engagement. The Penn State team brings a breadth of experience in pediatrics, community-engaged research, adolescent health, psychiatry and engagement with minority populations.
Investigators
Deepa Sekhar
Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics
Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •Students in grades 9-12 at 14 public schools in Pennsylvania. This is a change from the originally anticipated 16 schools, as 2 were unable to continue participation. Anticipated enrollment numbers will be updated once the data are finalized.
- •HRSA funding for primarily rural school districts (only one is urban). PCORI funding for urban school districts.
Exclusion Criteria
- •Students whose parents complete the opt-out consent
- •Students not enrolled in one of the participating schools
- •Students not in grades 9-12
- •Students with disabilities that are deemed unable to participate by the school district
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) Composite: Positive Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9; Universal Arm) or MDD Concern Prompting Student Assistance Program (SAP) Referral, Confirmed MDD Symptoms by SAP, Engage With One SAP Recommended Service/Treatment
Time Frame: up to 9 months
Universal 1) Adolescents with PHQ-9 score \>10 or who at any point in the year exhibit behavior concerning for MDD prompting a SAP triage request (PHQ-9 score: min 0, max 27, higher scores=greater depression symptoms), 2) Adolescents identified with MDD by SAP triage, and 3) Adolescents who successfully engage with at least one SAP recommendation. Prior Sept-Nov screening adjusted per school preference. Targeted 1) Adolescents with behavior concerning for MDD prompting a SAP triage request, 2) Adolescents identified with MDD by SAP triage, and 3) Adolescents who successfully engage with at least one SAP recommendation Concern for MDD based on a primary or secondary potentially MDD related SAP "incoming referral reason" SAP triage is not diagnostic, so MDD identified based on recommendations for MDD related school or community services (e.g. mental health treatment services) HRSA funds mostly rural schools (all rural but one school) and PCORI funds urban schools
Secondary Outcomes
- MDD Screen Positive/Concern: Adolescents Who Screen Positive for MDD Either by PHQ-9 (Universal Screening Arm Only) or by Concern for MDD Prompting a Request for SAP Triage(up to 9 months)
- Suicidal Adolescent(up to 9 months)
- Student School Policy Violations and Suspensions Based on School District Data(up to 9 months)
- Grade Advancement/Graduation: This Measure Represents the Percent of Students Promoted in Each Grade for the School (Grades 9-12, School District Data)(up to 9 months)
- MDD Identification: Adolescents Confirmed With MDD Symptoms in Need of Follow-up Based on Triage by the School SAP Team(up to 9 months)
- Missed School Days(up to 9 months)
- Grade Point Average (Gpa)(up to 9 months)
- MDD Treatment Engagement: Successful Engagement With at Least One SAP Recommendation(up to 9 months)