Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare
Volume 22, Issue 6, 2016, Pages 369-377

Use of short messaging services to assess depressive symptoms among refugees in South Africa: Implications for social services providing mental health care in resource-poor settings (Article)

Tomita A.* , Kandolo K.M. , Susser E. , Burns J.K.
  • a Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, United States
  • b Department of Entrepreneurial Studies, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
  • c Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, United States, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, United States
  • d Department of Psychiatry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa

Abstract

Introduction: Few studies in developing nations have assessed the use of short messaging services (SMS) to identify psychological challenges in refugee populations. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of SMS-based methods to screen for depression risk among refugees in South Africa attending mental health services, and to compare its reliability and acceptability with face-to-face consultation. Methods: Of the 153 refugees enrolled at baseline, 135 were available for follow-up assessments in our cohort study. Depression symptomatology was assessed using the 16-item Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS) instrument. Results: Nearly everyone possessed a mobile phone and utilized SMS. Furthermore, low incomplete item response in QIDS and high perceived ease of interacting via SMS with service providers supported the feasibility of this method. There was a fair level of reliability between face-to-face and SMS-based screening methods, but no significant difference in preference rating between the two methods. Conclusion: Despite potential implementation barriers (network delay/phone theft), depression screening using SMS may be viable for refugee mental health services in low-resource settings. © 2015, © The Author(s) 2015.

Author Keywords

SMS South Africa Depression Refugees Mobile phone

Index Keywords

depression refugee developing country Developing Countries human Refugees middle aged rural population South Africa Young Adult Humans psychology male female psychological rating scale Psychiatric Status Rating Scales patient satisfaction health care delivery Cell Phones adult text messaging Health Services Accessibility mobile phone
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84983048357&doi=10.1177%2f1357633X15605406&partnerID=40&md5=a19de929da008def04a66d2cd9575408
DOI: 10.1177/1357633X15605406
ISSN: 1357633X
Cited by: 11
Original Language: English