Key Points

Question: Does a lay health worker–delivered psychological intervention improve symptoms of depression and anxiety in Zimbabwe?

Findings: In a cluster randomized clinical trial of 573 randomized patients with common mental disorders and symptoms of depression, the group who received the intervention had significantly lower symptom scores after 6 months compared with a control group who received enhanced usual care.

Meaning: The use of lay health workers in resource-poor countries like Zimbabwe may be effective primary care–based management of common mental disorders.

Abstract

I...