The science of child and adolescent mental health in Greece: a nationwide systematic review of the literature

Abstract

Background Evidence-based information is essential to delivering effective mental health care, yet the extent and accessibility of the scientific literature are critical barriers for professionals and policymakers. To map the necessities and make validated resources accessible, we undertook a comprehensive analysis of scientific evidence on child and adolescent mental health in Greece. Methods This systematic review encompasses three research topics related to the mental health of children and adolescents in Greece: prevalence estimates, assessment instruments, and interventions. We searched Pubmed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Google Scholar, and IATPOTEK from inception to December 16th, 2021. We included studies assessing the prevalence of conditions, reporting data on assessment tools, and experimental interventions. For each area, manuals informed data extraction and the methodological quality was ascertained using validate tools. This review was registered in protocols.io [68583]. Outcomes We included 104 studies reporting 533 prevalence estimates, 138 studies informing data on 179 assessment instruments, and 34 intervention studies. We report the prevalence of conditions according to regions within the country. A repository of locally validated instruments and their psychometrics were compiled. An overview of interventions provided data on their effectiveness. Interpretation Scientific evidence on child and adolescent mental health in Greece has been cataloged and appraised. This timely and accessible compendium of up-to-date evidence-based information offers valuable resources for clinical practice and policy making in Greece and may encourage similar assessments in other countries. Funding The Stavros Niarchos Foundation.

Understanding priorities and needs for child and adolescent mental health in Greece from multiple informants: an open resource

“…This intends to optimize scientific efforts, amplifying its dissemination and thus increasing possible applications. We recently reviewed publications on prevalence estimates, assessment tools, and intervention trials published in Greece (Koumoula et al 2022) and found that most of the datasets were not freely available, hindering progress and reuse of data to answer relevant questions to child mental health in Greece.…”