Choose either quantitative or qualitative- only the proposed approach needs to be addressed. P I C O T question: In Teenagers/ adolescents suffering from depression, will require mental health screenings by a psychiatrist or mental health nurse practitioner when compared to teenagers no screened result in early detection and early prevention.
Title: Examining the Efficacy of Mental Health Screenings in Teenagers with Depression: A Quantitative Approach
Introduction:
Depression among teenagers or adolescents is a significant public health concern, with potential long-term consequences on individuals’ mental well-being and overall functioning. Timely detection and prevention of depression in this population are essential for promoting early intervention and improving treatment outcomes. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to assess whether mental health screenings conducted by either psychiatrists or mental health nurse practitioners in teenagers with depression lead to early detection and prevention compared to teenagers who do not undergo screening.
PICO(T) Question:
In teenagers/adolescents suffering from depression, will requiring mental health screenings by a psychiatrist or mental health nurse practitioner, when compared to teenagers not screened, result in early detection and prevention?
Proposed Quantitative Approach:
To address the PICO(T) question and evaluate the effectiveness of mental health screenings in teenagers with depression, a quantitative research design will be employed. Quantitative research utilizes numerical data to analyze relationships, quantify patterns, and investigate cause-and-effect relationships. This approach will allow for the systematic examination of the variables involved in mental health screenings and their impact on early detection and prevention among depressed teenagers.
Sample:
A representative sample of teenagers aged 13-19 years who have been diagnosed with depression will be recruited from diverse community settings, such as schools, clinics, and support groups. The sample size will be determined using power analysis calculations to ensure adequate statistical power and the ability to detect significant effects between the screening and non-screening groups. Ethical considerations will be adhered to during the recruitment process, ensuring voluntary participation and obtaining informed consent from both participants and their parents.
Intervention:
The intervention in this study will involve mental health screenings conducted by either psychiatrists or mental health nurse practitioners. The screenings will entail a comprehensive evaluation of each participant’s mental well-being, including standardized assessments for depression severity, suicide risk, and other relevant psychosocial factors. The screenings will be performed based on established protocols and guidelines, ensuring consistency and accuracy in the assessment process. Both screening and non-screening groups will receive standard care for depression, including psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy as recommended.
Data Collection:
Data will be collected at various time points throughout the study to capture the changes in depression severity and outcomes between the screening and non-screening groups. The primary outcome measures will include validated instruments for assessing depression severity, such as the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) or the Children’s Depression Rating Scale-Revised (CDRS-R). Secondary outcome measures may include measures of suicide risk, psychosocial functioning, and quality of life. Information regarding the participants’ demographic characteristics, medical history, and treatment adherence will also be collected.
Data Analysis:
Quantitative data analysis will involve the application of appropriate statistical methods to examine the differences between the screening and non-screening groups regarding early detection and prevention of depression. Descriptive statistics will be used to summarize the characteristics of the sample and the variables of interest. Inferential statistics, such as t-tests or analysis of variance (ANOVA), will be employed to compare the mean differences between the screening and non-screening groups. Logistic regression analysis may be conducted to explore the predictors of early detection and prevention. The statistical significance level will be set at p < 0.05. Ethical Considerations: This study will adhere to ethical guidelines and ensure the protection of participants' rights and interests. Informed consent will be obtained from participants and their parents or legal guardians. Privacy and confidentiality will be maintained during data collection, storage, and analysis. Participants will be informed of their right to withdraw from the study at any point without consequences. Additionally, measures will be in place to provide appropriate support and referrals to participants who may require further mental health interventions. Conclusion: This proposed quantitative research study aims to evaluate the efficacy of mental health screenings conducted by psychiatrists or mental health nurse practitioners in teenagers with depression. By employing appropriate research design, data collection, and analysis strategies, this study seeks to provide valuable evidence on the impact of mental health screenings on early detection and prevention. The findings will contribute to the existing knowledge base and help inform clinical practices aimed at improving the overall mental well-being of depressed teenagers.