Publications by authors named "Mariana Mendes de Sa Martins"
A self-help mobile messaging intervention to improve subthreshold depressive symptoms among older adults in a socioeconomically deprived region of Brazil (PRODIGITAL): a pragmatic, two-arm randomised controlled trial.
Carina Akemi Nakamura Nadine Seward Tim J Peters Thiago Vinicius Nadaleto Didone Felipe Azevedo Moretti Mariana Mendes de Sá Martins
Lancet Reg Health Am
November 2024
Background: Subthreshold depression is a risk factor for major depression and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, especially in older adults. There is emerging evidence that digital interventions, including self-help interventions, may reduce depressive symptoms. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a mobile messaging intervention at reducing subthreshold depressive symptoms among older adults in Brazil.
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- A study called PRODIGITAL-D tested a mobile messaging intervention aimed at reducing depression in older adults (60+) living in low-income areas of Brazil.
- Participants either received the 6-week "Viva Vida" intervention focused on psychoeducation and behavior activation or a single message with no additional support.
- Results showed that 42.4% of those in the intervention group improved their depressive symptoms compared to 32.2% in the control group, suggesting that digital messaging can be an effective tool for mental health treatment without needing professional support.
Digital psychosocial intervention for depression among older adults in socioeconomically deprived areas in Brazil (PRODIGITAL-D): protocol for an individually randomised controlled trial.
Carina Akemi Nakamura Marcia Scazufca Felipe Azevedo Moretti Thiago Vinicius Nadaleto Didone Mariana Mendes de Sá Martins
Trials
September 2022
Article Synopsis
- Depression in older adults in low- and middle-income countries is a significant health concern, and there is a growing interest in digital strategies for treatment, though their effectiveness remains uncertain.
- A study in Guarulhos, Brazil, aims to evaluate a 6-week digital psychosocial intervention called Viva Vida, delivered via WhatsApp to older adults with depressive symptoms, comparing it against a control group receiving minimal information.
- The trial will measure depression recovery rates after 3 months and assess cost-effectiveness after 5 months, with the potential for this intervention to provide a viable, low-contact option for depression treatment in resource-limited settings.