Executive summary: Kaya Guides ran a pilot in India of a WhatsApp-based guided self-help program to reduce depression, showing promising results including 72% of completers experiencing 50%+ reduction in depression scores, but further research with a control group is needed to establish the program’s true impact.
Key points:
Kaya Guides adapted the WHO’s proven digital guided self-help program to reduce depression in India via WhatsApp, targeting young adults with moderate to severe depression.
In the pilot with 103 participants, 72% of completers had a 50%+ reduction in PHQ-9 depression scores and 36% became depression-free, a strong result compared to therapy benchmarks, but there was no control group.
The pilot’s estimated effect size of 0.54 is promising but likely an upper bound. More research is needed to establish the program’s impact.
The pilot was estimated to be 7x more cost-effective than cash transfers at improving subjective well-being. Cost-effectiveness is projected to increase to 20x next year.
Participants reported major positive life impacts, and the program successfully reached the target demographic of lower-income Indian youth.
Engagement and retention were strong for a digital mental health program. Participants gave positive feedback, especially on the guided support calls.
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Executive summary: Kaya Guides ran a pilot in India of a WhatsApp-based guided self-help program to reduce depression, showing promising results including 72% of completers experiencing 50%+ reduction in depression scores, but further research with a control group is needed to establish the program’s true impact.
Key points:
Kaya Guides adapted the WHO’s proven digital guided self-help program to reduce depression in India via WhatsApp, targeting young adults with moderate to severe depression.
In the pilot with 103 participants, 72% of completers had a 50%+ reduction in PHQ-9 depression scores and 36% became depression-free, a strong result compared to therapy benchmarks, but there was no control group.
The pilot’s estimated effect size of 0.54 is promising but likely an upper bound. More research is needed to establish the program’s impact.
The pilot was estimated to be 7x more cost-effective than cash transfers at improving subjective well-being. Cost-effectiveness is projected to increase to 20x next year.
Participants reported major positive life impacts, and the program successfully reached the target demographic of lower-income Indian youth.
Engagement and retention were strong for a digital mental health program. Participants gave positive feedback, especially on the guided support calls.
This comment was auto-generated by the EA Forum Team. Feel free to point out issues with this summary by replying to the comment, and contact us if you have feedback.