Abstract
Objectives: To review empirical evaluations of individual-level interventions intended to improve mental health or well-being for vulnerable adolescents. Study design: This is a systematic mapping review. Methods: Thirteen databases covering academic and gray literature were searched for published reviews and randomised controlled trials, and gray literature (2005-2016) and the results quality-assessed to prioritise best available evidence. We aimed to identify well-conducted systematic reviews and trials that evaluated individual-level interventions, for mental health/well-being outcomes, where the population was adolescents aged 10-24 years in any of 12 vulnerable groups at high risk of poor health outcomes (e.g. homeless, offenders, 'looked after', carers). Results: Thirty systematic reviews and 16 additional trials were identified. There was insufficient evidence to identify promising individual-level interventions that improve the mental health/well-being of any of the vulnerable groups. Conclusions: Despite Western policy to promote health and well-being among vulnerable young people, the dearth of evidence suggests a lack of interest in evaluating interventions targeting these groups in respect of their mental health/well-being outcomes.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 29-32 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Public Health |
Volume | 161 |
Early online date | 30 May 2018 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Aug 2018 |
Keywords
- vulnerable populations/psychology
- health promotion
- humans
- adolescent
- program evaluation
- randomized controlled trials as topic
- Health inequalities
- Mental health
- Systematic review
- Mapping review
- Vulnerable adolescents
- At-risk adolescents
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health