What was done for young people aged 10 to 24 in Singapore? A systematic review on mental health interventions

While Singapore is celebrated for its world-class economy and education system, it still grapples with mental health challenges among young people, highlighting the urgent need for early intervention and effective treatment for this population. Hence, this systematic review aimed to identify mental health interventions for young people aged 10 to 24 in Singapore. Databases including PubMed, CINAHL Complete, APA PsycArticles, APA PsycInfo, and Scopus were searched until September 23, 2023, resulting in the identification of five studies (N = 397) conducted between 2017 and 2023. They were analysed following the latest Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline, with the risk of bias and levels of evidence assessed. The studies covered diverse populations ranging from students to youth offenders, addressing various mental health concerns such as autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, social withdrawal, and mental health literacy. While three studies reported positive outcomes but two of them too raised concerns about measurement validity, intervention rigor, and sample size. Overall, the review revealed significant heterogeneity in both intervention outcomes and delivery methods among mental health interventions for young people in Singapore, making comparisons challenging and definitive conclusions difficult to draw. Additionally, the review underscored the scarcity of published interventions for this demographic, highlighting the urgent need for more tailored and evidence-based approaches. Nonetheless, it emphasizes the importance of addressing this gap and advocates for more research to inform evidence-based practices and policies, providing valuable insights for mental health professionals, policymakers, and researchers aiming to enhance the well-being of Singapore's young population.