The AfriCAT project is making waves in adolescent mental health in Africa. Recently, it won the Mental Health Data Prize Africa, a competition led by the Wellcome Trust and the African Population and Health Research Centre (APHRC) that aims to boost innovation in mental health data on the continent.
Dr. Bianca Moffett from the Wits-Agincourt Unit leads this initiative. AfriCAT aims to create a unique adaptive testing tool for measuring depression and anxiety among adolescents. This tool uses Computerised Adaptive Testing, which is different from typical assessments that ask the same questions to everyone. Instead, it adapts based on a person’s initial answers, allowing for a more tailored and efficient experience.
Moffett believes this approach could greatly benefit regions with limited resources. She states, “Adaptive Testing has shown success in the USA and UK. It offers a swift way to assess various mental health issues and helps identify young people who need immediate support.” By doing this, mental health workers could focus more on care rather than lengthy assessments.
Statistics highlight the urgency of this work. According to recent studies, 20-30% of adolescents in South Africa struggle with depression and anxiety. If untreated, these issues can lead to serious consequences like disrupted education and increased risky behaviors. Yet, many young people don’t receive the help they need due to various barriers, including stigma and a shortage of mental health professionals.
A standout feature of AfriCAT is that it’s designed with input from adolescents themselves, as well as caregivers and educators in South Africa and Kenya. Engaging these groups ensures that the tool is relevant and user-friendly. Moffett emphasizes the importance of this collaboration: “Their lived experiences guide us, ensuring that AfriCAT is practical and effective.”
This project follows the success of the DoBAt Study, which demonstrated how digital tools and peer support can help overcome access issues in mental health. AfriCAT takes it a step further by providing personalized assessments that inform tailored support.
Ekin Bolukbasi from the Wellcome Trust highlights the broader goal: “We want to create a world where mental health problems don’t hold anyone back. By using data and innovation, we can better manage mental health issues in Africa.”
As AfriCAT rolls out, it symbolizes a promising shift towards better mental health resources for young people in Africa. By addressing the unique needs of adolescents, it aims to create a healthier future for the continent’s youth.
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Newswise, Adolescent Anxiety Disorder;Mental Health;Mental Health Awareness Month;Adolescent, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
