A pilot study of “AKBAY” self-help intervention for university students with moderate symptoms of depression and anxiety
Abstract
Purpose
Depression and anxiety are common mental health issues among young adults, particularly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Research indicates a notable increase in global prevalence rates, especially in this demographic. Despite their prevalence, factors like stigma, cost and limited accessibility often prevent individuals from seeking professional help. Therefore, there is a pressing need for innovative and accessible interventions to address these challenges. help. Therefore, there is a pressing need for innovative and accessible interventions to address these challenges. This study aims to assess the feasibility and acceptability of newly developed “AKBAY” self-help intervention workbook among university students in managing the symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a pilot study with a single-group design. A total of 33 university students voluntarily participated in the study. The primary outcomes, depressive symptoms and anxiety were measured using the PHQ-9 and GAD-7, respectively, at both pre-intervention and post-intervention (eight weeks following the preintervention assessment).
Findings
Results from Wilcoxon signed rank revealed significant reductions in both depression and anxiety symptoms following the intervention. Qualitative feedback from participants highlighted the perceived benefits of the intervention, including increased self-awareness, improved coping strategies and personal growth. All participants expressed intent to recommend the intervention to others.
Research limitations/implications
However, further research using larger sample sizes, randomized controlled trials and long-term follow-up assessments is warranted to validate these findings and enhance intervention effectiveness.
Practical implications
These findings highlight the potential feasibility and acceptability of self-help interventions in reducing and preventing the worsening of symptoms of depression and anxiety among Filipino young adults.
Originality/value
The “AKBAY” intervention presents a feasible and accessible approach to reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety of Filipino young adults as well as the program’s potential usefulness. The findings of this study can serve as a foundation for a randomized controlled trial of the AKBAY self-help intervention.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Ethical statement: The studies involving participants were reviewed and approved by the Review Ethics Committee of Philippine Normal University (REC-11212022–247). The participants provided their written informed consent to participate in this study.
Data availability statement: The data that supports the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Conflict of interest: The authors declare no competing interest.
Funding statement: No funding was received for conducting this study.
Citation
Bangalan, S. and Agnes, M.C. (2024), "A pilot study of “AKBAY” self-help intervention for university students with moderate symptoms of depression and anxiety", Journal of Public Mental Health, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/JPMH-04-2024-0045
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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