Retention and effectiveness of group interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT-G) to treat depression at scale in Uganda and Zambia.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Depression is the most common mental disorder in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Group interpersonal therapy (IPT-G) is a recommended first-line treatment for depression, shown to be safe and effective in clinical trials. However, less is known about its real-world retention and effectiveness when delivered at scale in SSA. We describe retention patterns and associated factors in a large IPT-G programme in Uganda and Zambia.

Methods

We analysed routine data from adults (≥18 years) who initiated community-based IPT-G in Uganda and Zambia (2020-2021). Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and individuals with probable depression were offered IPT-G. We classified clients based on their attendance across eight IPT-G sessions usi

SUBMITTER: Assefa FB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12625953 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature