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Proposed model for the cultural adaptation of an Internet-based depression prevention intervention (CATCH-IT) for Arab adolescents

  • Zach Abuwalla , Zaynab Kadhem , Tracy Gladstone , Ereny Mikhael , Amir Bishay and Benjamin W. Van Voorhees EMAIL logo
Published/Copyright: July 18, 2017
International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health
From the journal International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health Volume 31 Issue 1

Abstract

Background

Evidence-based Internet depression prevention intervention programs are not readily available for Arab youth, but may be effective in this group. Cultural adaptation of evidence-based Western psychotherapy is an important step toward better prevention and treatment of depressive illness in the Arab community. Project CATCH-IT is an Internet-based depression prevention intervention tool that is tailored for adolescents and young adults.

Methods

The PEN-3 theoretical framework was used for the cultural adaptation of Project CATCH-IT for Arab adolescents. First, a narrative review of existing research about depression in Arab nations was performed. Next, expert opinions about applicability and societal values were obtained. This model was then used to suggest relevant changes to the CATCH-IT modules. These modifications were applied to create sample webpages from the culturally adapted version of CATCH-IT for Arab youth.

Results

The narrative review, expert opinions and resultant PEN-3 analysis suggest that Internet-based depression interventions are effective, private and confidential. To be most effective, religious leaders and fathers should be the stakeholders approached for dissemination and adequate usage of the service. Arab themes, quotes, language and relevant stories must be incorporated.

Conclusion

This study sets the background for future studies and research for implementation of the Arabic version of CATCH-IT for the prevention of depression. Using the contextual information provided in this paper to make the necessary changes, huge strides can be made in providing cost-effective and accessible Internet-based interventions to Arab youth.

Keywords: adolescent; Arab; depression; Internet; mental health

Appendix

A Expert opinion questionnaire based on PEN-3 framework

A.1 Cultural identity

Persons

  1. What is the point of entry and who are the stakeholders? Who needs to be approached for dissemination of the intervention?

  2. How do you think Imams, religious leaders, clan leaders, social workers, and primary physicians would respond to this website? Referrals?

  3. How would stakeholders view the Internet as a tool for providing depression interventions in Arab nations?

  4. What symbols, themes, colors or general visuals should be included in the modules? Is it appropriate to include photographs of Arab youth?

Extended family

  1. What values are important in Arab families?

  2. How would Arab families think about having a depressed family member?

  3. How would Arab families and Arab youth view each of the therapeutic approaches? Interpersonal therapy (social skills support, confronting interpersonal styles)? Cognitive behavioural therapy (problem-solving, the relation between thoughts and feelings)? Behavioural activation (activity scheduling, etc.)?

Neighbourhood

  1. What are the risk factors for depression in Arab countries?

  2. What stressors are commonly experienced by Arab youth? By Arab families?

  3. What protective factors can you identify in Arab families and communities?

  4. Please comment on the male-female relationships depicted in the sample stories.

A.2 Relationships and expectations and cultural empowerment

Perceptions

  1. What are culturally acceptable terms for depression?

  2. What kinds of treatments are commonly used for depression?

  3. What are some goals that would be appealing to Arab youth that can be achieved by overcoming depression?

  4. Can you think of any religious verses that might forgive lapses of faith or promote self-discovery and questioning?

  5. Can you think of any prominent religious figures that have had lapses of faith?

Enablers

  1. How is depression viewed in relation to religion?

  2. How can religion be a protective factor?

  3. What kind of impact might religion have on someone with depression?

  4. Please comment on the use of social workers or psychologists by depressed individuals in Arab societies.

  5. What is the availability of social workers, psychiatrics and psychologists for the population?

  6. Can you think of any religious verses that address the issue of mental health treatment? Or that mandate the treatment of mental illnesses, or advise against negative labelling of sick people?

  7. Please describe how mental health treatment is viewed in Arab countries?

Nurturers

  1. How do families support treatment for depression or care for depressed individuals?

  2. How do you think Arab individuals might respond to the privacy provided by the web-based modules? How would this approach to mental health intervention address the confidentiality concerns surrounding psychotherapy in Arab nations?

A.3 Additional comments

  1. What suggestions do you have for changes to the CATCH-IT modules to better suit Arab audiences?

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Received: 2016-11-22
Accepted: 2017-03-10
Published Online: 2017-07-18

©2019 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston

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https://doi.org/10.1515/ijamh-2016-0147
Keywords for this article
adolescent; Arab; depression; Internet; mental health

Articles in the same Issue

  1. Editorial
  2. Infectious mononucleosis: be aware of its lethality!
  3. Original Articles
  4. Is there a link between self-perceived stress and physical activity levels in Scottish adolescents?
  5. Does verruca vulgaris affect social anxiety and self-esteem in adolescents?
  6. Smart phone usage and addiction among dental students in Saudi Arabia: a cross sectional study
  7. Review
  8. Health policy making for street children: challenges and strategies
  9. Original Articles
  10. Menarche as a predictor of risk-taking behavior in a sample of Hungarian adolescent girls
  11. Level of Internet use among Greek adolescents with type 1 diabetes
  12. Clinical outcomes of an inpatient pediatric obesity treatment program in the USA
  13. Obesity prevalence and contributing factors among adolescents in secondary schools in Pemagatshel district, Bhutan
  14. Contraception usage among young adult men of a Nigerian university
  15. Monitoring screen use: a qualitative exploration of family strategies in Swiss homes
  16. Proposed model for the cultural adaptation of an Internet-based depression prevention intervention (CATCH-IT) for Arab adolescents
  17. Physical fitness and obesity levels during an academic year followed by summer holidays: an issue of insufficient time for physical activity
  18. Differences in physical activity, eating habits and risk of obesity among Kuwaiti adolescent boys and girls: a population-based study
  19. Cardiac anomalies and associated comorbidities in a large adolescent population
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