Research has established that referral practices is poor among religious leaders who have been established to be the first point of call for mental health related needs in the society. Findings have also revealed that there are few educational interventions geared towards improvement in referral practices among religious leaders who are major health decision influencers in Nigeria. Hence, this study evaluated the effect of digital app intervention on mental health referral practices among religious leaders in Ogun State, Nigeria. Quasi experimental research design was utilized for this study. Three Local Government Areas (LGAs) were selected through balloting. A sample size of 85 religious leaders was purposively selected using predefined selection criteria. The interventions were implemented for six weeks. A validated structured questionnaire was used for data collection for the study. Data on referral practices were collected at baseline, immediate post-intervention and at 12^th week follow-up. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the socio-demographic variables of the study groups. At baseline, there was no significant difference in referral practice (EG=0.05±0.32, CG=0.00±0.00). At immediate post-intervention, experimental group scored significantly higher than CG in referral practices (EG=1.28±0.55, CG=0.00±0.00). Similarly, at 12^th week follow-up, experimental group scored significantly higher than CG for referral practice (EG=2.85±1.41 and CG=0.00±0.00). Digital training intervention was effective in referral practices of religious leaders. It was recommended among others that the use of validated mental health literacy digital application should be promoted for use among religious leaders and other key populations by relevant mental health promotion programs.

Keywords: Digital Application, Mental Health Referral Practice, Religious Leaders,

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