Gamified Therapeutic Practices and Efficacy Analysis in Psychological Interventions for Depression: A Research Study from Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64229/0tcdk228Keywords:
Gamification, Digital Health, Psychological Intervention, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Global Mental HealthAbstract
Background: Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide, with a treatment gap exceeding 85% in low-resource settings like Nigeria. Gamified digital interventions, which integrate game design elements into evidence-based therapies, present a promising avenue to enhance engagement and efficacy in mental health care.
Objective: This study aimed to systematically evaluate the implementation, acceptability, and effectiveness of gamified interventions for depression within the Nigerian context.
Methods: A comprehensive systematic review and analysis of studies conducted in Nigeria between 2020 and 2025 was performed. We synthesized data from randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and mixed-methods research, focusing on depression symptom severity (measured by PHQ-9 and HAM-D), treatment adherence, and user engagement metrics.
Results: Findings indicate that gamified interventions are effective in reducing symptoms of depression. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)-based gamified apps significantly reduced PHQ-9 scores (mean reduction: 4.2 points; 95% CI: -5.1 to -3.3). Interventions incorporating social interaction elements demonstrated superior outcomes (β = -0.65, p < 0.01). Furthermore, gamification led to markedly higher intervention completion rates (78% vs. 52% for standard care, p < 0.01) and user satisfaction (85% vs. 62%, p < 0.01). Key facilitators included cultural adaptation and the use of relatable narratives, while barriers were infrastructural limitations and variable digital literacy.
Conclusion: Gamified interventions represent a viable and effective adjunctive treatment for depression in Nigeria. They demonstrate significant potential to bridge the mental health treatment gap by improving accessibility, engagement, and clinical outcomes. Future work should focus on long-term efficacy studies, deeper cultural customization, and sustainable integration into primary healthcare systems.
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