Implementing a Peer-to-peer, Self-management Intervention for Young People with Depression and Anxiety in Denmark

Background: Depressive and anxiety disorders share major risk factors and can often be effectively prevented or treated with similar interventions. However, less than half of young people with mental health problems seek professional help and hence innovative approaches to support this group are needed. To this end, Coping with Anxiety and Depression, a peer-to-peer and group-based psycho-social programme aimed at improving self-efficacy and self-management among adolescents with symptoms of anxiety and depression, shows promise.The aim of this paper was to evaluate the implementation of Coping with Anxiety and Depression for young people aged 15-25 years showing symptoms of anxiety and/or depression in a Danish community setting. Methods: To evaluate the implementation of the programme, we collected quantitative and qualitative data simultaneously and subsequently we triangulated it in the data analysis. We conducted semi-structured interviews in seven case municipalities and carried out a baseline and post-intervention survey. Interview data was coded via an inductive and deductive analysis approach. Survey data was analysed via descriptive statistics in the statistical software programme STATA 16. Results: The evaluation showed that the implementation of the programme is feasible, and that most participants (76%) were satisfied with the programme to a high/very high extent. In total, 78% of the participants reported that it was advantageous that instructors themselves had experience with anxiety and depression. Qualitative data showed that the participants were very positive about the group format that allowed them to meet other people with similar challenges. Thus, while this paper has not addressed the effectiveness of the programme, our findings suggest that it can be implemented in a way that is useful and beneficial for young people. Conclusion: Coping with Anxiety and Depression constitutes a feasible peer-to-peer, group-based community programme that is well-received by its target group. Participants appreciate that the instructors of the programme have personal experience with anxiety and/or depression and were in general satisfied with the programme. Recruitment and retention of participants and instructors is challenging but doable.