Mechanisms and Cost-Effectiveness of Mobile Phone-Based Tele-Support Psychotherapy Delivered by Lay Counselors for Depression Among Youth in Uganda: Secondary Analyses of a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Pilot randomized controlled trial demonstrates cost-effectiveness of tele-support psychotherapy for youth depression, suggesting potential for national mental health strategies.
Key Points
TSP significantly reduced depression in youth through stigma reduction and increased income generation.
In a trial with 300 participants, the total effect on depression was β = -3.736, indicating substantial improvement.
Cost-effectiveness analysis showed an ICER of US$2,293 per DALY averted, more favorable than Uganda’s GDP per capita.
The findings support integrating TSP into Uganda's national mental health strategies, enhancing access to care.
Cite This Study
Nakimuli‐Mpungu et al. (2025) studied this question.