Enhancement of Knowledge and Attitude level on Depression via Knowledge, Depression and Adolescents (KDA)Puzzles

Abstract

Background: In Malaysia, mental health issues among individuals aged 16 years and above have an upward trend. It was also found to be highest among adolescents aged between 16 to 19 years old compared to other age groups. Their knowledge about the causes was inaccurate, and deficiency of understanding about depression makes this mental health issue remain untreated. A person’s good attitude toward seeking treatment for this problem was related to their knowledge of mental health too. Objectives: To enhance knowledge and improve attitude on depression via a newly-developed puzzle-based education program among adolescents in Kuala Selangor. Methods: An interventional study involved convenience sampling. It was performed on 100 adolescents aged between 15 to 19 years old from Kuala Selangor tuition centres. The Adolescents Depression Knowledge Questionnaire (ADKQ) was used to assess knowledge and attitudes concerning depression at pre and post-intervention. This research began with ethical approval, pre-intervention, intervention, and post-intervention. KDA-Puzzles intervention consisted of eight sets of modules designed as jigsaw puzzles to improve depression and attitude level knowledge. Result: Mean age was 16.70±1.42 years. The level of knowledge at post-intervention (0.99±0.04) was higher than pre-intervention (0.45±0.14), and also a significant improvement in attitude level was found at post-intervention (p-value < 0.001). Conclusion: KDA-Puzzles intervention could potentially improve the knowledge and attitude toward depression. The findings offer an alternative solution in tackling depression issues among adolescents via knowledge empowerment.