An Online Screening tool for Anxiety in the South African Population: A Systematic Review

Abstract

There has been an increase in Common Mental Disorders (CMDs), such as anxiety, over the past few years, especially following the outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This increase in CMDs has further implications regarding the shortage of mental health professionals and resources, as well as limited access to existing resources in Low-and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). However, access to the internet has also increased in recent years, suggesting the availability of a platform to address mental health issues online, which is in alignment with the move to digitalizing health in South Africa. Therefore, this study aimed to identify what online screening tools for anxiety were available and appropriate for use in the South African general population through a systematic review. Twenty-two screening tools were identified, with the GAD-7 being the most commonly used tool amongst the included studies. The GAD-7 displayed appropriate psychometric properties when administered online, as well as when adapted, suggesting its applicability for use in the South African general population.