Development of a Surveillance System for Depression and Suicide Prevention in Adolescents in the Tenth Health Region
Keywords:
surveillance system, depression, adolescents, suicide preventionAbstract
ฺBackground and Objectives: To develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a surveillance system for adolescent depression and suicide prevention in the tenth Health Region to improve access to mental health services for adolescents with depression
Methods: This research and development research using mixed-methods was condueted and divided into three phases: (1) assessing the current situation and designing a prototype surveillance system, (2) preliminary efficacy testing, and (3) system refinement and expansion for suicide prevention. The study involved four target groups: (1) secondary school teachers, (2) healthcare professionals in network hospitals, (3) stakeholders including juvenile detention centers, juvenile courts, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, and (4) early adolescents. The study was conducted from the year 2018 to 2024.
Results: The study found that access to mental health services among adolescents with depression was low due to incomplete screening, a lack of appropriate tools, and unclear referral system. Additionally, physicians lacked confidence in diagnosing and treating depression After develop the surveillance system for depression and suicide prevention in adolescents, comprising: (1) depression screening using the PHQ-A and suicide risk assessment with the 8Q questionnaire, (2) medical diagnosis and treatment of depression by psychiatric team (3) continuous monitoring by school teams and other networks, with a well-connected communication and referral system linking the community, schools, and hospitals. As a result, access to mental health services for adolescents with depression increased progressively.
Conclusion: The adolescent depression and suicide surveillance system in the tenth Health Region consists of four key activities: (1) screening to identify and assess the severity of individuals at risk of depression and suicide in the community using PHQ-A, 8Q, and the Mental Health Check-In; (2) medical diagnosis; (3) treatment and care according to the severity of symptoms; and (4) monitoring for recurrence and suicide prevention.
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