Mind Fit: Evaluation of a community-based wellness program for adolescents experiencing depression and/or anxiety
Oral Presentation C14.3
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.733Keywords:
Adolescent, Physical Activity, Mental Health, EvaluationAbstract
Background: Mind Fit is an 8-week, group-based, physical activity and mental wellness program for adolescents experiencing mild-to-moderate symptoms of depression and/or anxiety in British Columbia, Canada offered by the YMCA of Greater Vancouver. Purpose: To conduct an outcome and process evaluation to assess the short-term and 3-month effects on targeted health outcomes and examine the facilitators and barriers related to program implementation. Methods: The sample consisted of 184 adolescents from 10 participating sites (64% female; mean age 15 years). Surveys were administered at baseline, post-program, and 3-months. Interviews were conducted with adolescents and staff post-program. Device-based measures of physical activity were collected at select local sites. Results: There were significant reductions in depression and anxiety from baseline to post-program and 3-month follow-up [PHQ-9 ( p=.001; d=.41), GAD-7 ( p=.000; d=.51) respectively]. Descriptive statistics demonstrated a greater reduction in PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores at high-implementation sites. There was no self-reported increase in physical activity. Eighty interviews were conducted with adolescents and staff. Facilitators included: strong motivation and staff buy-in, uniqueness of Mind Fit in the community/organization, social connections among participants, supportive instructors, and comprehensive curriculum. Barriers included: available space and equipment, staff training, and adolescent recruitment. Conclusions: Findings demonstrate the effectiveness of community-based, early-interventions delivered ‘at-scale’ to improve the mental health of teens. Identified facilitators and barriers of program implementation and success can be used to inform future development of similar interventions. Funding: YMCA of Greater Vancouver.
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Copyright (c) 2021 Mahabhir Kandola, Erica Lau, Peter R.E. Crocker, Guy Faulkner
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