Let’s talk about depression – Ecuador (AEMPPI)

Name of the activity: Let’s talk about depression

Country/NMO: Ecuador (AEMPPI)

Program: Mental Health

Contact information: [email protected]

Type of the activity: Campaign

General description:

Depression is one of the diseases that can affect any person, without respecting socioeconomic position, level of education or personal qualities; causes mental anguish and affects the ability of people to carry out daily tasks, which sometimes has negative effects on relationships with family, friends, and society in general. However, the pathology is more common that it has beginnings in adolescent ages, which in the worst case can cause the suicide. Fortunately, depression is an illness that can be prevented and treated. On the occasion of World Mental Health Day, the SCOPH Public Health Committee of the organizations of AEMPPI UCUENCA and AEMPPI UDLA have decided to replicate the “Let’s Talk about Depression” campaign created by the World Health Organization. The mentioned project will have 3 stages. The first will be training of active members of medical organizations and students on pathology, early diagnosis, prevention and treatment. The second stage will consist of the application of surveys to the population of Cuenca and Quito by those trained for early diagnosis and follow-up of possible cases found in high school students of an educational institution with students aged between 12 and 17 years. The last part of the project aims to promote physical activity as a preventive and treatment method for depression, through a career and a demonstration class of Zumba (ZUMBATHON) in the cities of Cuenca and Quito, respectively; the same that will be open to all the population in general. For the evaluation of the impact of the project will be applied surveys to the people trained in the first stage, who at the end of the activity are able to recognize a possible case of depression and be able to give the respective follow-up and referral to the specialist.

Focus area:

Mental Health among the general population

Problem statement:

Depression is the leading cause of health and disability problems around the world. According to the latest estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 300 million people live with depression, an increase of more than 18% between 2005 and 2015. The lack of support for people with mental disorders, along with the fear of stigma, prevent many from accessing the treatment they need to live healthy and productive lives.

Target groups and beneficiaries:

In the first instance, IFMSA medical students will be trained, who, after being prepared, will work with the community to detect cases of possible depression, who will be given proper follow-up with professionals.

Objectives and indicators of success:

Develop criteria on the prevalence of depression, its prevention, diagnosis and adequate treatment to a minimum of 100 participants through a fair, followed by a sports activity in November, 2017. Additional people will be part of the sport activity and not only medical students, in order to promote physical activity which prevent depression.

Inform the population about preventive measures, ways of early diagnosis and treatment of depression. Participants will be able to detect any case of possible depression and who will know where to attend in order to be helped.

Detect possible causes of depression on teenagers whom seem to be the most affected population for this disease. Prepared medical students will apply surveys in a high school to detect possible depression cases.

Perform a 5k race or ZUMBATHON based on recreational activities – sports focused on the prevention and treatment of depression in November, 2017

Methodology:

Phase 1: Conduct a symposium at university facilities with the help of professionals and experts who train attendees and the general public about depression.
Phase 2: 5k race and ZUMBATHON with dissemination of information in public spaces, through the use of didactic material and talks.

Plans for evaluation:

A meeting will be held at the end of the project so that all participants give their opinion about the experience. A form will be made that will be sent to all participants by the end of the event. This will be a prerequisite for them to be able to acquire the certificate of participation, thus there will be a guarantee that there will be feedback from all the participating public. The form will help to know the quality of the symposium, opinion and qualification that would give the same. This will be achieved by verifying whether the objectives set have been achieved and, in turn, improved for the planning and implementation of upcoming projects.