Sub-task 6.3.2 Validate and prepare for up-scaling of a web-based self-report questionnaire of mental health problems and risk factors for youth

Summary

Several screening instruments currently exist to assess mental health problems in children and youth via self-reports. These include the SDQ, YSR, DAWBA, BCFPI, and the Kiddie-SADS, which vary in length, accuracy, and accessibility. However, a user-friendly screening instrument that is widely accessible across Europe does not currently exist. Drawing on work from Norway, MENTOR aims to develop a web-based assessment tool that strikes a balance between brevity and precision in measuring common mental health issues like Anxiety, Depression, and ADHD. We will focus particularly on ensuring the tool’s accessibility for individuals from marginalized populations. Our plan involves two main initiatives: (a) employing AI to provide cost-efficient translations, thus facilitating the tool’s expansion to various countries and demographic groups within Europe, and (b) increasing accessibility by using AI to create low-literacy versions of the tool. In such versions, AI-generated talking heads could read questions to the users, if desired. To ensure the transferability of the assessment tools to different MS, we will use existing validated versions of questionnaires where possible and otherwise complement AI based translations by quality assurance with local experts in MS. The input of mental health experts from JA member organizations and the involvement of young people in the design process will be crucial for quality assurance and the development of a tool that is appropriate for the target group.

We implement an evidence-based assessment of adolescents’ mental health by relying on validated instruments, like e.g. the YSR or BCFPI which are brief and yet allow identification of different types of mental health problems. Using tools that identify a broader range of mental health problems also supports the transferability to different MS which may differ in the prevalence of different mental health problems. As an additional building block for transferability, the assessment tool will consist of a core-section and supplementary sections that allow MS to customize the assessment to fit their specific needs. We will ensure scalability of the developed solution by hosting the assessment-tool on a platform that can be accessed in all member states. This includes especially also using a data-storage solution that is compliant with data-protection laws in different countries and with GDPR regulations. If possible, we will use existing EU solutions, like EUSurvey (https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/ ) as a platform. Data and information about mental health can only have an impact if it can be communicated well. Therefore, the assessment-platform will also be able to generate automated reports that users (e.g. health authorities) can access and communicate with relevant policy and decision makers

In addition to providing an additional implementation of the platform, we will also pilot the assessment tool in MSs, such that the end-result of the work package will be an internationally tested assessment-tool that can be accessed from member states. We will specifically pilot the platform by using it to assess mental health of displaced Ukrainian youth in Europe, thus explicitly covering the call’s objective to address mental health in refugees and persons displaced from Ukraine.