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Published: 2026-03-02
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.52163/yhc.v67i2.4353
Issue
Vol. 67 No. 2
Section
Articles
How to Cite
Hường, P. T. T., Tâm, N. T., Tân, L. B., Giang, C. L. H., Hồng, T. V., Lý, T. T., Phương, L. T., Phương, N. T., Hưng, N. Q., Anh, N. T. L., Trung, T. Q., Sơn, N. T., Chung, N. T., Anh, N. T., & Anh, L. C. (2026). THE EFFECTIVENESS OF GROUP BEHAVIORAL ACTIVATION THERAPY INTERVENTION FOR PATIENTS WITH DEPRESSION IN THANH HOA PROVINCE. Vietnam Journal of Community Medicine, 67(2). https://doi.org/10.52163/yhc.v67i2.4353

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF GROUP BEHAVIORAL ACTIVATION THERAPY INTERVENTION FOR PATIENTS WITH DEPRESSION IN THANH HOA PROVINCE

Pham Thi Thu Huong1, Nguyen Thanh Tam2, Le Bat Tan3, Chu Le Huong Giang3, Trinh Van Hong3, Tran Thi Ly3, Le Thi Phuong3, Nguyen Thi Phuong3,4, Nguyen Quang Hung3, Nguyen Thi Lan Anh1, Truong Quang Trung5, Nguyen Thi Son1, Nguyen Thanh Chung4, Nguyen Thuy Anh4, Le Chau Anh1
1 Hanoi Medical University
2 BasicNeeds Vietnam
3 Thanh Hoa Mental Hospital
4 Hanoi Medical University, Thanh Hoa branch
5 Vinmec Healthcare System

Main Article Content

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of group-based behavioral activation therapy at the community level for patients with depression in Thanh Hoa province.


Subject and methods: A controlled intervention study was conducted among 242 participants aged 18-65 years with a PHQ-9 score of ≥ 10 in 6 communes of Quang Xuong district, Thanh Hoa province, from August 2024 to January 2025.


Results: After 8 weeks of group behavioral activation intervention, the intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in depression (PHQ-9), psychological distress (BSRS-5), behavioral activation (BADS-SF), and resilience (BRCS), whereas the control group exhibited little or no change. Specifically, PHQ-9 scores decreased from 15.86 ± 3.68 to 7.00 ± 3.94 (p < 0.001), and BSRS-5 scores decreased from 13.77 ± 3.28 to 6.56 ± 3.94 (p < 0.001) in the intervention group. Meanwhile, BADS-SF scores increased from 24.22 ± 7.91 to 34.87 ± 6.92 (p < 0.001), and BRCS scores increased from 12.62 ± 4.03 to 15.81 ± 2.54 (p < 0.001). In contrast, the control group showed a tendency toward decline or non-significant changes.


Conclusion: These findings confirm the effectiveness of group-based behavioral activation therapy in reducing depressive symptoms, enhancing behavioral activation, and improving resilience among patients with depression.

Article Details

Keywords

Effectiveness, group intervention, behavioral activation, depression.

References

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