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Dambi JM, Cowan FM, Martin F, Sibanda S, Simms V, Willis N, Bernays S, Mavhu W. A conceptualization and psychometric evaluation of positive psychological outcome measures used in adolescents and young adults living with HIV: A mixed scoping and systematic review. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0002255. [PMID: 39133709 PMCID: PMC11318935 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sub-Saharan Africa bears the greatest burden of HIV, with comorbid mental conditions highly prevalent in people living with HIV. It is important to evaluate the mental health of adolescents and young adults living with HIV (AYALHIV) comprehensively by measuring both negative and positive psychological constructs. There has been a proliferation of interest in positive psychological outcome measures, but the evidence of their psychometric robustness is fragmented. This review sought to: 1) Identify positive psychological outcomes and corresponding outcome measures used in AYALHIV in sub-Saharan Africa. 2) Critically appraise the psychometrics of the identified outcome measures. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Two reviewers independently searched articles in PubMed, Scopus, Africa-Wide Information, CINAHL, Psych INFO and Google Scholar. Searches were conducted from November 2022 to February 2023. Two separate reviewers independently reviewed retrieved articles. We applied a narrative synthesis to map the key constructs. The risk of bias across studies was evaluated using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) checklist. The quality of the psychometric properties was rated using the COSMIN checklist and qualitatively synthesized using the modified Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation checklist. RESULTS We identified 15 positive psychological constructs: body appreciation, confidence, coping, flourishing, meaningfulness, personal control, positive outlook, resilience, self-management, self-compassion, self-concept, self-efficacy, self-esteem, self-worth and transcendence, that had been used to assess ALHIV. The most measured constructs were resilience, self-concept, self-esteem, coping and self-efficacy. Construct validity and internal consistency were the properties most frequently considered, while content validity and structural validity were assessed less often. CONCLUSIONS Few studies performed complete validations; thus, evidence for psychometric robustness was fragmented. However, this review shows the initial evidence of the feasibility of using positive psychological outcomes in low-resource settings. Instead of creating new outcome measures, researchers are recommended to leverage the existing measures, adapt them for use and, if appropriate, strive to maintain the factorial structure to facilitate comparisons. REGISTRATION PROSPERO-CRD42022325172.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jermaine M. Dambi
- Rehabilitation Sciences Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Frances M. Cowan
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research (CeSHHAR), Harare, Zimbabwe
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sharon Sibanda
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research (CeSHHAR), Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Victoria Simms
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sarah Bernays
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Webster Mavhu
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research (CeSHHAR), Harare, Zimbabwe
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Cheng LJ, Cheng JY, Yen KY, Lau ST, Lau Y. Global Prevalence and Factors Related to Intimate Partner Violence Amongst People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Meta-Regression. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2023; 24:2466-2485. [PMID: 35524396 DOI: 10.1177/15248380221097436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Reviews of intimate partner violence (IPV) have primarily focused on women and same-sex relationships, but little is known about the global epidemiology of IPV among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). This review employed meta-analytic approaches to determine the worldwide prevalence and factors related to different forms of IPV among PLWHA. Databases including PubMed, Cochrane review, EMBASE, Scopus, PsycINFO, CINAHL, ProQuest, and registers, were systematically reviewed until November 5, 2021. The meta-analysis was conducted using the metafor package in R software. The Newcastle Ottawa Scale and Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool version 1 were used to assess the study quality and risk of bias, respectively. A total of 49 published articles and 42,280 participants, were included in the meta-analysis. Over their lifetime, four in ten PLWHA have experienced some type of IPV. Over a quarter have experienced physical, emotional, or psychological IPV. One in five PLWHA experienced at least one form of IPV during the recall period of last year, with emotional IPV being the most prevalent. Rates of physical and any types of IPV differed substantially between IPV measurements. IPV rates also varied significantly by the study design, with physical (29%) and sexual (18%) IPV rates being more prevalent in cross-sectional studies. Public health measures are critical for preventing and combating IPV among PLWHA. Additional cross-national research using robust sampling methods is required to obtain more representative samples and thus a more reliable prevalence estimate of IPV prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Jie Cheng
- Health Systems and Behavioural Sciences domain, Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jing Ying Cheng
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kai Yoong Yen
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Siew Tiang Lau
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ying Lau
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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Bandeira M, Graham MA, Ebersöhn L. The significance of feeling safe for resilience of adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1183748. [PMID: 37663363 PMCID: PMC10469746 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1183748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are exposed to several challenges and risk factors, linked to historical legacies. Sub-Saharan Africa has one of the highest rates of poverty and inequality in the world, is one of the regions most negatively affected by climate change, performs poorly on many health measures, and has high rates of different forms of violence, especially gender-based violence. These contextual challenges impact adolescent mental health outcomes, preventing them to access resilience-enabling pathways that support positive outcomes despite adversity. This study aimed to contribute to knowledge generation on resilience of young people in the understudied SSA region by investigating which variables directly (or indirectly) affect the resilience of adolescents. Methods Purposive sampling was used to collect quantitative survey data from 3,312 adolescents (females = 1,818; males = 1,494) between the ages of 12 and 20 years, participating in interventions implemented by a non-governmental organization, the Regional Psychosocial Support Initiative. Data were collected in Angola (385, 11.6%), Eswatini (128, 3.9%), Kenya (390, 11.8%), Lesotho (349, 10.5%), Mozambique (478, 14.4%), Namibia (296, 8.9%), South Africa (771, 23.3%), Uganda (201, 6.1%), and Zambia (314, 9.5%). The survey collected data on socio-demographic status, resilience (CYRM-R), depression (PHQ-9), self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale) and feelings of safety (self-developed scale). Mental health was defined as lower levels of depression, higher levels of self-esteem and higher levels of feeling safe. A mediation analysis was conducted to investigate the relationship between the predictors (the socio-demographic variables) and the output (resilience), with the mediators being depression, self-esteem and feeling safe (which all link to mental health). Results This study contributes to a gap in knowledge on country-level comparative evidence on significant predictors that impact resilience outcomes (directly or indirectly) for adolescents in sub-Saharan African countries. The results indicate that, when considering all countries collectively, feeling safe is the only predictor that has a significant direct effect on overall resilience and personal resilience, but not on caregiver resilience. When considering each country separately, feeling safe has a direct effect on overall, personal and caregiver resilience for all countries; but not for South Africa and Mozambique. Discussion The results provide evidence on which to craft youth development interventions by measuring mediators (depression, self-esteem and feeling safe) and resilience for adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa. The overall results of the present paper point toward a contextually relevant pathway to supporting their resilience, namely, the need to systemically target the creation and/or strengthening of structures that enable adolescents to feel safe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Bandeira
- Centre for the Study of Resilience and Department of Educational Psychology University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Marien A. Graham
- Department of Science, Mathematics and Technology Education, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Liesel Ebersöhn
- Centre for the Study of Resilience and Department of Educational Psychology University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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Steventon Roberts KJ, Smith C, Toska E, Cluver L, Wittesaele C, Langwenya N, Shenderovich Y, Saal W, Jochim J, Chen‐Charles J, Marlow M, Sherr L. Exploring the cognitive development of children born to adolescent mothers in South Africa. INFANT AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT 2023; 32:e2408. [PMID: 38439906 PMCID: PMC10909423 DOI: 10.1002/icd.2408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
This study explores the cognitive development of children born to adolescent mothers within South Africa compared to existing reference data, and explores development by child age bands to examine relative levels of development. Cross-sectional analyses present data from 954 adolescents (10-19 years) and their first-born children (0-68 months). All adolescents completed questionnaires relating to themselves and their children, and standardized child cognitive assessments (Mullen Scales of Early Learning) were undertaken. Cognitive development scores of the sample were lower than USA reference population scores and relative performance compared to the reference population was found to decline with increasing child age. When compared to children born to adult mothers in the sub-Saharan African region, children born to adolescent mothers (human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] unexposed; n = 724) were found to have lower cognitive development scores. Findings identify critical periods of development where intervention may be required to bolster outcomes for children born to adolescent mothers. Highlights An exploration of the cognitive development of children born to adolescent mothers within South Africa utilizing the Mullen Scales of Early Learning.Cognitive development scores of children born to adolescent mothers within South Africa were lower compared to USA norm reference data and declined with child age.Previous studies utilizing the Mullen Scales of Early Learning within sub-Saharan Africa were summarized, and comparisons were made with the current sample.Findings highlight a potential risk of developmental delay among children born to adolescent mothers compared to children of adult mothers in the sub-Saharan African region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn J. Steventon Roberts
- Department of Social Policy and InterventionUniversity of OxfordUK
- Institute for Global HealthUniversity College LondonUK
| | - Colette Smith
- Institute for Global HealthUniversity College LondonUK
| | - Elona Toska
- Department of Social Policy and InterventionUniversity of OxfordUK
- Centre for Social Science ResearchUniversity of Cape TownSouth Africa
- Department of SociologyUniversity of Cape TownSouth Africa
| | - Lucie Cluver
- Department of Social Policy and InterventionUniversity of OxfordUK
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental HealthUniversity of Cape TownSouth Africa
| | - Camille Wittesaele
- Department of Social Policy and InterventionUniversity of OxfordUK
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineUK
| | | | - Yulia Shenderovich
- Department of Social Policy and InterventionUniversity of OxfordUK
- Wolfson Centre for Young People's Mental HealthCardiff UniversityUK
- Centre for the Development and Evaluation of Complex Interventions for Public Health Improvement (DECIPHer), School of Social SciencesCardiff UniversityUK
| | - Wylene Saal
- School of HumanitiesSol Plaatje UniversitySouth Africa
| | - Janina Jochim
- Department of Social Policy and InterventionUniversity of OxfordUK
| | | | - Marguerite Marlow
- Institute of Life Course Health ResearchStellenbosch UniversitySouth Africa
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Tenkorang EY, Owusu AY, Zaami M, Langmagne S, Gyan S. Intimate Partner Violence and Health Outcomes Among Women Living With HIV/AIDS in Ghana: A Cross-Sectional Study. HEALTH EDUCATION & BEHAVIOR 2023; 50:347-358. [PMID: 36744741 DOI: 10.1177/10901981231152425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is known to have negative health consequences for victims. For women living with HIV/AIDS, whose health may be compromised, exposure to IPV can be devastating. Yet few (if any) studies have explored the health implications of exposure to IPV among HIV-positive women. We begin to fill this gap by examining the effects of various dimensions of IPV (physical, sexual, psychological/emotional, and economic) on the cardiovascular, psychosocial, and sexual reproductive health outcomes of HIV-positive women in Ghana. Data were collected from a cross-section of 538 HIV-positive women aged 18 years and older in the Lower Manya Krobo District in the Eastern Region. We used logit models to explore relationships between IPV and health. The findings indicate high prevalence of IPV in our sample: physical violence (61%), sexual violence (50.9%), emotional/psychological violence (79.6%), and economic violence (66.8%). Generally, participants with experiences of IPV reported cardiovascular health problems, unwanted pregnancies and pregnancy loss, and poor psychosocial health. Our findings suggest the importance of screening for IPV as part of HIV care in Ghana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Y Tenkorang
- Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
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Steventon Roberts KJ, Smith C, Cluver L, Toska E, Jochim J, Wittesaele C, Marlow M, Sherr L. Adolescent mothers and their children affected by HIV-An exploration of maternal mental health, and child cognitive development. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0275805. [PMID: 36264898 PMCID: PMC9584392 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Some children born to adolescent mothers may have developmental challenges, while others do not. Research focusing on which children of adolescent mothers are at the highest risk for cognitive delay is still required. Both maternal HIV status and maternal mental health may affect child development. An examination of maternal mental health, especially in the presence of maternal HIV infection may be timely. This study explores the relationship between the mental health of adolescent mothers (comparing those living with and not living with HIV) and the cognitive development performance scores of their children. Additional possible risk and protective factors for poor child development are explored to identify those children born to adolescent mothers who may be at the greatest risk of poor cognitive development. METHODS Cross-sectional data utilised within the analyses was drawn from a large cohort of adolescent mothers and their children residing in South Africa. Detailed study questionnaires were completed by adolescent mothers relating to their self and their child and, standardised cognitive assessments were completed by trained researchers for all children using in the Mullen Scales of Early Learning. Chi-square, t-tests (Kruskal Wallis tests, where appropriate), and ANOVA were used to explore sample characteristics and child cognitive development scores by maternal mental health status (operationalised as likely common mental disorder) and combined maternal mental health and HIV status. Multivariable linear regression models were used to explore the relationship between possible risk factors (including poor maternal mental health and HIV) and, child cognitive development scores. RESULTS The study included 954 adolescent mothers; 24.1% (230/954) were living with HIV, 12.6% (120/954) were classified as experiencing likely common mental disorder. After adjusting for covariates, maternal HIV was found to be associated with reduced child gross motor scores (B = -2.90 [95%CI: -5.35, -0.44], p = 0.02), however, no other associations were identified between maternal likely common mental disorder, or maternal HIV status (including interaction terms), and child cognitive development scores. Sensitivity analyses exploring individual maternal mental health scales identified higher posttraumatic stress symptomology scores as being associated with lower child cognitive development scores. Sensitivity analyses exploring potential risk and protective factors for child cognitive development also identified increased maternal educational attainment as being protective of child development scores, and increased child age as a risk factor for lower development scores. CONCLUSIONS This study addresses a critical evidence gap relating to the understanding of possible risk factors for the cognitive development of children born to adolescent mothers affected by HIV. This group of mothers experience a complex combination of risk factors, including HIV, likely common mental disorder, and structural challenges such as educational interruption. Targeting interventions to support the cognitive development of children of adolescent mothers most at risk may be of benefit. Clearly a basket of interventions needs to be considered, such as the integration of mental health provision within existing services, identifying multiple syndemics of risk, and addressing educational and structural challenges, all of which may boost positive outcomes for both the mother and the child.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn J. Steventon Roberts
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Colette Smith
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lucie Cluver
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Elona Toska
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Centre for Social Science Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Sociology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Janina Jochim
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Lorraine Sherr
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Filiatreau LM, Ebasone PV, Dzudie A, Ajeh R, Pence BW, Wainberg M, Nash D, Yotebieng M, Anastos K, Pefura-Yone E, Nsame D, Parcesepe AM. Prevalence of stressful life events and associations with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder among people entering care for HIV in Cameroon. J Affect Disord 2022; 308:421-431. [PMID: 35452755 PMCID: PMC9520993 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.04.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to stressors increases the risk of mental health disorders. People living with HIV (PLWH) are particularly affected by poor mental health which can contribute to adverse HIV treatment outcomes. METHODS We estimated the prevalence of recent stressful life events (modified Life Events Survey) among a cohort of PLWH entering HIV care at three public health care facilities in Cameroon and quantified the association of seven types of stressful life events with symptoms of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scores>9), anxiety (General Anxiety Disorder-7 scores>9), and PTSD (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 scores>30) using separate log-binomial regression models. RESULTS Of 426 PLWH enrolling in care, a majority were women (59%), in relationships (58%), and aged 21 to 39 years (58%). Recent death of a family member (39%) and severe illness of a family member (34%) were the most commonly reported stressful life events. In multivariable analyses, more stressful life event types, a negative relationship change, death or illness of a friend/family member, experience of violence, work-related difficulties, and feeling unsafe in one's neighborhood were independently associated with at least one of the mental health outcomes assessed. The greatest magnitude of association was observed between work-related difficulties and PTSD (adjusted prevalence ratio: 3.1; 95% confidence interval: 2.0-4.8). LIMITATIONS Given the design of our study, findings are subject to recall and social desirability bias. CONCLUSIONS Stressful life events were common among this population of PLWH entering care in Cameroon. Evidence-based interventions that improve coping, stress management, and mental health are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey M Filiatreau
- Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, St. Louis, MO, United States of America; Washington University in St. Louis, Brown School, International Center for Child Health and Development, St. Louis, MO, United States of America; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Carolina Population Center, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America.
| | | | - Anastase Dzudie
- Clinical Research Education Networking and Consultancy, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Rogers Ajeh
- Clinical Research Education Networking and Consultancy, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Brian W Pence
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Milton Wainberg
- Columbia University, Department of Psychiatry, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Denis Nash
- City University of New York, Institute of Implementation Science in Population Health, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Marcel Yotebieng
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States of America
| | - Kathryn Anastos
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States of America; Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology & Population Health, Bronx, NY, United States of America
| | | | - Denis Nsame
- Bamenda Regional Hospital, Bamenda, Cameroon
| | - Angela M Parcesepe
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Carolina Population Center, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Department of Maternal and Child Health, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
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Parcesepe AM, Filiatreau LM, Ebasone PV, Dzudie A, Pence BW, Wainberg M, Yotebieng M, Anastos K, Pefura-Yone E, Nsame D, Ajeh R, Nash D. Psychiatric comorbidity and psychosocial stressors among people initiating HIV care in Cameroon. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0270042. [PMID: 35771857 PMCID: PMC9246197 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychiatric comorbidity, the presence of two or more mental health disorders, has been associated with suboptimal HIV treatment outcomes. Little is known about the prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity among people with HIV (PWH) in sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS We conducted interviews with PWH initiating HIV care in Cameroon between June 2019 and March 2020. Depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and harmful drinking were dichotomized to represent those with and without symptoms of each. Psychiatric comorbidity was defined as having symptoms of two or more disorders assessed. Moderate or severe household hunger, high anticipatory HIV-related stigma, low social support, and high number of potentially traumatic events were hypothesized as correlates of psychiatric comorbidity. Bivariable log binomial regression models were used to estimate unadjusted associations between psychosocial stressors and psychiatric comorbidity. RESULTS Among 424 participants interviewed, the prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity was 16%. Among those with symptoms of at least one mental health or substance use disorder (n = 161), the prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity was 42%. The prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity was 33%, 67%, 76%, and 81% among those with symptoms of harmful drinking, depression, anxiety, and PTSD, respectively. Among individuals with symptoms of a mental health or substance use disorder, a high number of potentially traumatic events (prevalence ratio (PR) 1.71 [95% CI 1.21, 2.42]) and high anticipatory HIV-related stigma (PR 1.45 [95% CI 1.01, 2.09]) were associated with greater prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity. CONCLUSION Psychiatric comorbidity was common among this group of PWH in Cameroon. The effectiveness and implementation of transdiagnostic or multi-focus mental health treatment approaches in HIV care settings should be examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela M. Parcesepe
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Lindsey M. Filiatreau
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | | | - Anastase Dzudie
- Clinical Research Education Networking and Consultancy, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Brian W. Pence
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Milton Wainberg
- Department of Psychiatry and New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Marcel Yotebieng
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States of America
| | - Kathryn Anastos
- Departments of Medicine and Epidemiology & Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States of America
| | | | - Denis Nsame
- Bamenda Regional Hospital, Bamenda, Cameroon
| | - Rogers Ajeh
- Clinical Research Education Networking and Consultancy, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Denis Nash
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, City University of New York, New York, NY, United States of America
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Steventon Roberts K, Smith C, Toska E, Cluver L, Haag K, Wittesaele C, Langwenya N, Jochim J, Saal W, Shenderovich Y, Sherr L. Risk factors for poor mental health among adolescent mothers in South Africa. PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2022; 27:67-84. [PMID: 36154770 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2022.2124295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In South Africa, high rates of adolescent pregnancy and HIV pose prominent public health challenges with potential implications for mental wellbeing. It is important to understand risk factors for mental health difficulties among adolescent mothers affected by HIV. This study aims to identify the prevalence of likely common mental disorder among adolescent mothers (both living with and not living with HIV) and explores hypothesised risk factors for likely common mental disorder. Cross-sectional data from adolescent mothers (10-19 years; n=1002) utilised within these analyses are drawn from a cohort of young mothers residing in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. All mothers completed a detailed questionnaire consisting of standardised measures of sociodemographic characteristics, mental health, and hypothesised risk factors. Logistic regression models were utilised to explore associations between hypothesised risk factors and likely common mental disorder. Risk factors were clustered within a hypothesised socioecological framework and entered into models using a stepwise sequential approach. Interaction effects with maternal HIV status were additionally explored. The prevalence of likely common mental disorder among adolescent mothers was 12.6%. Adolescent mothers living with HIV were more likely to report likely common mental disorder compared to adolescent mothers not living with HIV (16.2% vs 11.2%, X2=4.41, p=0.04). Factors associated with likely common mental disorder were any abuse exposure (OR=2.54 [95%CI:1.20-5.40], p=0.01), a lack of perceived social support (OR=4.09 [95%CI:2.48-6.74], p=<0.0001), and community violence exposure (OR=2.09 [95%CI:1.33-3.27], p=0.001). There was limited evidence of interaction effects between risk factors, and maternal HIV status. Violence exposure and a lack of perceived support are major risk factors for poor mental health among adolescent mothers in South Africa. Violence prevention interventions and social support may help to reduce risk. Identified risk factors spanning individual, interpersonal, and community levels have the potential to impact adolescent maternal mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Steventon Roberts
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Colette Smith
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Elona Toska
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Centre for Social Science Research, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
- Department of Sociology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
| | - Lucie Cluver
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
| | | | - Camille Wittesaele
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Nontokozo Langwenya
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Janina Jochim
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Wylene Saal
- Centre for Social Science Research, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
| | - Yulia Shenderovich
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Wolfson Centre for Young People's Mental Health, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
- Centre for the Development and Evaluation of Complex Interventions for Public Health Improvement (DECIPHer), Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Lorraine Sherr
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
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Belay EA, Deressa BG. Rape Survivors' Sorrow: Major Depressive Symptoms and Sexually Transmitted Infection Among Adolescent Girls, Southwest Ethiopia. ADOLESCENT HEALTH MEDICINE AND THERAPEUTICS 2021; 12:91-98. [PMID: 34754258 PMCID: PMC8568697 DOI: 10.2147/ahmt.s331843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Rape is one of the sexual violence acts against women globally. Adolescent girls are vulnerable to this event and experience more severe and long-standing adverse effects. Thus, this study aimed to examine major depressive symptoms and associated factors and the level of sexually transmitted infection among female adolescents evaluated for rape cases at Jimma Medical Center. Patients and Methods Institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescent girls assessed for rape cases in Jimma Medical Center. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and entered into Epi Data version 3.1 then exported to SPSS version 21.0 for analysis. Descriptive statistics and regression analyses were carried out. Results A total of 174 raped adolescent females took part in the study. Of the total participants, 155 (89.1%) of these individuals had major depressive symptoms (95 CI %, 84.5–93.7%), while 85 (48.9%) of them had an STI (95% CI, 41.1–56.9%). From logistic regression, place of residence (AOR 14.65, 95%, (p=0.002)), attending school currently (AOR 9.01, 95%, p=0.004), raped by hitting (AOR 17.67, 95%, p<0.001) and unwanted pregnancy (AOR 14.68, 95%, p=0.001) were the variables associated with major depression. Conclusion This study indicates that adolescents were suffering from several encumbrances like major depressive symptoms, sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancy. It also indicated that place of residence, school attending, and unwanted pregnancy had an association with major depressive symptoms. Therefore, the need for a comprehensive approach while treating this vulnerable group is highly recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eyob Asefa Belay
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
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Too EK, Abubakar A, Nasambu C, Koot HM, Cuijpers P, Newton CRJC, Nyongesa MK. Prevalence and factors associated with common mental disorders in young people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review. J Int AIDS Soc 2021; 24 Suppl 2:e25705. [PMID: 34164931 PMCID: PMC8222842 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Common mental disorders (CMDs) particularly depression and anxiety, are highly comorbid with HIV also in young people living with HIV (YLWH). In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) where most YLWH reside, there are limited summary data on CMDs among these youths, yet there are previous systematic reviews summarizing data on CMDs among adults living with HIV. We conducted a systematic literature review on the prevalence and correlates of CMDs among YLWH, aged 10 to 24 years, from SSA. METHODS We searched African Index Medicus, African Journals Online and five other electronic databases (from database inception up to 31 December 2020) for relevant studies published in English. The key search terms applied were as follows: "Depression OR Anxiety", "Young people", "HIV infections" and "sub-Saharan Africa". RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Out of 3989 articles, 31 studies were included in the review. The prevalence of CMDs in YLWH widely varied ranging between 16.0% and 40.8% for major depression, 4.4% and 52.6% for depressive symptoms and 2.2% and 25.0% for anxiety symptoms. Anxiety disorder was estimated at 45.6%. Four of the five included studies with a comparison group of HIV-negative young people reported significantly higher prevalence estimates of depressive disorders among YLWH. Several sociodemographic, psychosocial and HIV-related correlates of CMDs were reported but most lacked consensus across studies. Nevertheless, female sex, older age, fewer schooling years, HIV-positive status, bullying, sexual abuse, HIV-related stigma, social support and poor antiretroviral therapy adherence were frequently reported (in ≥2 studies) as significant correlates of depressive symptoms among YLWH. Higher social support was the only frequent significant correlate of anxiety symptoms. CONCLUSIONS The burden of CMDs among YLWH from SSA is substantial and appears to be significantly higher when compared with HIV-negative peers, particularly for depressive disorders. However, more comparative research is needed. Importantly, screening for CMDs at the youth HIV-clinics should be prioritized especially for YLWH at high risk of CMDs, to facilitate early management or referral for treatment. Furthermore, youth-friendly psychological interventions addressing CMDs in YLWH should urgently be piloted in SSA, incorporating contextual components that may directly or indirectly reduce symptoms of CMDs among YLWH, such as social support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezra K Too
- KEMRI‐Wellcome Trust Research ProgrammeCentre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast)KilifiKenya
- Department of Public HealthPwani UniversityKilifiKenya
| | - Amina Abubakar
- KEMRI‐Wellcome Trust Research ProgrammeCentre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast)KilifiKenya
- Department of Public HealthPwani UniversityKilifiKenya
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Institute for Human DevelopmentAga Khan UniversityNairobiKenya
| | - Carophine Nasambu
- KEMRI‐Wellcome Trust Research ProgrammeCentre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast)KilifiKenya
| | - Hans M Koot
- Department of ClinicalNeuro‐ and Developmental PsychologyAmsterdam Public Health Research InstituteVrije Universiteit AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Pim Cuijpers
- Department of ClinicalNeuro‐ and Developmental PsychologyAmsterdam Public Health Research InstituteVrije Universiteit AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Charles RJC Newton
- KEMRI‐Wellcome Trust Research ProgrammeCentre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast)KilifiKenya
- Department of Public HealthPwani UniversityKilifiKenya
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Moses K Nyongesa
- KEMRI‐Wellcome Trust Research ProgrammeCentre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast)KilifiKenya
- Department of ClinicalNeuro‐ and Developmental PsychologyAmsterdam Public Health Research InstituteVrije Universiteit AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
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Filiatreau LM, Giovenco D, Twine R, Gómez-Olivé FX, Kahn K, Haberland N, Pettifor A. Examining the relationship between physical and sexual violence and psychosocial health in young people living with HIV in rural South Africa. J Int AIDS Soc 2021; 23:e25654. [PMID: 33340267 PMCID: PMC7749553 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Experiences of violence during youth contravene young people’s rights and increase the risk of depression and poor human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) care outcomes among youth living with HIV (YLWH). Intervention targets for mitigating the negative psychosocial effects of violence are needed, particularly in areas like rural South Africa where violence remains pervasive and mental healthcare is limited. This study aims to quantify the associations between physical and sexual violence and depressive symptoms in YLWH in rural South Africa and explore the modification of these associations by key measures of psychosocial well‐being. Methods We conducted a cross‐sectional survey among 362 YLWH ages 12 to 24 in rural South Africa to ascertain participants’ history of physical and sexual violence, current depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiological Studies‐Depression Scale) and levels of social support (Medical Outcomes Social Support Scale), resilience (Conner‐Davidson Resilience Scale) and self‐esteem (Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale). Log‐binomial regression was used to estimate the association between history of physical or sexual violence and clinically meaningful depressive symptoms (scores ≥16). Effect measure modification by high versus low resilience, social support and self‐esteem was assessed using likelihood ratio tests (α = 0.20). Results A total of 334 individuals with a median age of 21 (interquartile range: 16 to 23) were included in this analysis. Most participants were female (71.3%), single (81.4%) and attending school (53.0%). Ninety‐four participants (28.1%) reported a history of physical or sexual violence and 92 individuals (27.5%) had clinically meaningful depressive symptoms. Meaningful depressive symptoms were significantly higher among participants with a history of physical or sexual violence as compared to those with no history of violence (adjusted prevalence ratio: 2.01; 95% CI: 1.43, 2.83). However, this association was significantly modified by social support (p = 0.04) and self‐esteem (p = 0.02). Conclusions In this setting, the prevalence of meaningful depressive symptoms was significantly higher among YLWH with a history of physical or sexual violence as compared to those without a history of violence. However, higher levels of self‐esteem or social support appeared to mitigate this association. Programmes to improve self‐esteem and social support for youth have the potential to minimize depressive symptoms in YLWH who have experienced physical or sexual violence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey M Filiatreau
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Danielle Giovenco
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Rhian Twine
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - F Xavier Gómez-Olivé
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Kathleen Kahn
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Audrey Pettifor
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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