The Development of a Depression surveillance and care Model for High School Students in Banfang District Khonkaen Province

Abstract

     This action research aimed to: 1) analyze the current situation of surveillance and care for adolescents with depression in secondary schools in Ban Fang District, Khon Kaen Province; 2) develop a surveillance and care model; and 3) evaluate the effectiveness of the model implemented through the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) quality cycle. The sample consisted of 80 participants, including teachers, public health personnel, student leaders, and health networks. The study was conducted from December 2024 to May 2025. Data collection tools included general information questionnaires, focus group discussion guidelines, the Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents (PHQ-A), the 8-item Suicide Screening Test (8Q), and a satisfaction assessment form. Quantitative data were analyzed using percentages and means, while qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis.

     The results revealed that the initial situation lacked clear guidelines for the surveillance and care of depressed adolescents. The developed model comprises six key components: 1) multi-disciplinary team building; 2) service system design with explicit treatment and referral pathways; 3) capacity building for teachers and student leaders; 4) a school-based screening and surveillance system; 5) data linkage between schools, hospitals, and health networks; and 6) continuous follow-up care within households and the community. Following the implementation, the screening rate for depression among secondary school students significantly increased from 22.94% to 85.58% (n=594). Screening results identified mild depression in 48.82%, moderate depression in 41.24%, moderately severe depression in 3.20%, and severe depression in 0.51% of the students. Individuals identified with suicide risk were assessed and managed according to the established guidelines, referred for medical diagnosis and treatment, and received continuous monitoring. Consequently, no repeated suicide attempts or completed suicides were reported during the study period. Furthermore, the participants expressed a high level of satisfaction with the developed model.