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Musanje K, Kasujja R, Camlin CS, Hooper N, Hope-Bell J, Sinclair DL, Kibanja GM, Mpirirwe R, Kalyango JN, Kamya MR. Effectiveness of a mindfulness and acceptance-based intervention for improving the mental health of adolescents with HIV in Uganda: An open-label trial. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301988. [PMID: 38722926 PMCID: PMC11081388 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Adolescents with HIV (AWH) face the double burden of dealing with challenges presented by their developmental phase while coping with stigma related to HIV, affecting their mental health. Poor mental health complicates adherence to daily treatment regimens, requiring innovative psychosocial support strategies for use with adolescents. We assessed the effectiveness of a mindfulness and acceptance-based intervention on the mental health of AWH in Uganda. One hundred and twenty-two AWH, mean age 17 ±1.59 (range 15 to 19 years), 57% female, receiving care at a public health facility in Kampala were enrolled in an open-label randomized trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05010317) with assessments at pre-and post-intervention. The mindfulness and acceptance-based intervention involved weekly 90-minute group sessions for four consecutive weeks facilitated by two experienced trainers. Sessions involved clarifying values, skillfully relating to thoughts, allowing and becoming aware of experiences non-judgmentally, and exploring life through trial and error. The control group received the current standard of care. Three mental health domains (depression, anxiety, and internalized stigma) were compared between the intervention and control groups. A linear mixed effects regression was used to analyze the effect of the intervention across the two time points. Results showed that the intervention was associated with a statistically significant reduction in symptoms of depression (β = -10.72, 95%CI: 6.25, -15.20; p < .0001), anxiety (β = -7.55, 95%CI: 2.66, -12.43; p = .0003) and stigma (β = -1.40, 95%CI: 0.66 to -2.15; p = .0004) over time. Results suggest that mindfulness and acceptance-based interventions have the potential to improve the mental health of AWH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khamisi Musanje
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- School of Psychology, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Rosco Kasujja
- School of Psychology, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Carol S. Camlin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, United States of America
| | - Nic Hooper
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Josh Hope-Bell
- School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Wales, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Ruth Mpirirwe
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joan N. Kalyango
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Moses R. Kamya
- School of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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Nabunya P, Migadde H, Namuwonge F, Mugisha J, Kirabo W, Ssentumbwe V, Claire N, Raymond A, Bahar OS, Mwebembezi A, McKay MM, Ssewamala FM. Feasibility and Acceptability of Group-Based Stigma Reduction Interventions for Adolescents Living with HIV and Their Caregivers: The Suubi4Stigma Randomized Clinical Trial (2020-2022). AIDS Behav 2024; 28:1630-1641. [PMID: 38308772 PMCID: PMC11070307 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-024-04284-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
This study examined the feasibility and acceptability of two group-based interventions: group-cognitive behavioral therapy (G-CBT) and a family-strengthening intervention delivered via multiple family group (MFG-FS), to address HIV stigma among adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) and their caregivers. A total of 147 adolescent -caregiver dyads from 9 health clinics situated within 7 political districts in Uganda were screened for eligibility. Of these, 89 dyads met the inclusion criteria and provided consent to participate in the study. Participants were randomized, at the clinic level, to one of three study conditions: Usual care, G-CBT or MFG-FS. The interventions were delivered over a 3-month period. While both adolescents and their caregivers attended the MFG-FS sessions, G-CBT sessions were only attended by adolescents. Data were collected at baseline, 3 and 6-months post intervention initiation. The retention rate was 94% over the study period. Across groups, intervention session attendance ranged between 85 and 92%, for all sessions. Fidelity of the intervention was between 85 and 100%, and both children and caregivers rated highly their satisfaction with the intervention sessions. ALHIV in Uganda, and most of sub-Saharan Africa, are still underrepresented in stigma reduction interventions. The Suubi4Stigma study was feasible and acceptable to adolescents and their caregivers -supporting testing the efficacy of the interventions in a larger trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Proscovia Nabunya
- International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD), Brown School Washington University in St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, Box 1196, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA.
| | - Herbert Migadde
- International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD) Field Office, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Flavia Namuwonge
- International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD), Brown School Washington University in St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, Box 1196, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - James Mugisha
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Winnie Kirabo
- International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD) Field Office, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Vicent Ssentumbwe
- International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD), Brown School Washington University in St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, Box 1196, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Najjuuko Claire
- Division of Computational & Data Sciences, McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, USA
| | - Atwebembere Raymond
- International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD), Brown School Washington University in St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, Box 1196, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Ozge Sensoy Bahar
- International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD), Brown School Washington University in St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, Box 1196, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | | | - Mary M McKay
- Office of the Vice Provost, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, USA
| | - Fred M Ssewamala
- International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD), Brown School Washington University in St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, Box 1196, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
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Nabunya P, Cavazos-Rehg P, Mugisha J, Kasson E, Namuyaba OI, Najjuuko C, Nsubuga E, Filiatreau LM, Mwebembezi A, Ssewamala FM. An mHealth Intervention to Address Depression and Improve Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence Among Youths Living With HIV in Uganda: Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2024; 13:e54635. [PMID: 38457202 PMCID: PMC10960218 DOI: 10.2196/54635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People living with HIV often struggle with mental health comorbidities that lower their antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. There is growing evidence that depression treatment may improve ART adherence and result in improved HIV outcomes. Given that mental health services are severely underequipped in low-resource settings, including in Uganda, new solutions to increase access to mental health care and close the treatment gap are urgently needed. This protocol paper presents the Suubi-Mhealth study, which proposed to develop a mobile health (mHealth) intervention for use among Ugandan youths (14-17 years) with comorbid HIV and depression, taking into account their unique contextual, cultural, and developmental needs. OBJECTIVE The proposed study is guided by the following objectives: (1) to develop and iteratively refine an intervention protocol for Suubi-Mhealth based on formative work to understand the needs of youths living with HIV; (2) to explore the feasibility and acceptability of Suubi-Mhealth on a small scale to inform subsequent refinement; (3) to test the preliminary impact of Suubi-Mhealth versus a waitlist control group on youths' outcomes, including depression and treatment adherence; and (4) to examine barriers and facilitators for integrating Suubi-Mhealth into health care settings. METHODS Youths will be eligible to participate in the study if they are (1) 14-17 years of age, (2) HIV-positive and aware of their status, (3) receiving care and ART from one of the participating clinics, and (4) living within a family. The study will be conducted in 2 phases. In phase 1, we will conduct focus group discussions with youths and health care providers, for feedback on the proposed intervention content and methods, and explore the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention. In phase II, we will pilot-test the preliminary impact of the intervention on reducing depression and improving ART adherence. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, 1-, 2-, and 6-months post intervention completion. RESULTS Participant recruitment for phase 1 is completed. Youths and health care providers participated in focus group discussions to share their feedback on the proposed Suubi-Mhealth intervention content, methods, design, and format. Transcription and translation of focus group discussions have been completed. The team is currently developing Suubi-Mhealth content based on participants' feedback. CONCLUSIONS This study will lay important groundwork for several initiatives at the intersection of digital therapeutics, HIV treatment, and mental health, especially among sub-Saharan African youths, as they transition through adolescence and into adult HIV care settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05965245; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05965245. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/54635.
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Affiliation(s)
- Proscovia Nabunya
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Patricia Cavazos-Rehg
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - James Mugisha
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Erin Kasson
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | | | - Claire Najjuuko
- Division of Computational & Data Sciences, McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Edward Nsubuga
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Lindsey M Filiatreau
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | | | - Fred M Ssewamala
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
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Nabunya P, Byansi W, Bahar OS, Namuwonge F, Atwebembere R. Emotional and Behavior Difficulties and the Mental Health of Caregivers of Adolescents Living with HIV. JOURNAL OF CHILD AND FAMILY STUDIES 2023; 32:3766-3774. [PMID: 37362624 PMCID: PMC10256973 DOI: 10.1007/s10826-023-02609-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the relationship between child emotional and behavioral difficulties, parenting stress and the mental health of caregivers of adolescents living with HIV. Caregiver data from a two-year pilot study for adolescents and their caregivers (N = 89 dyads) in Uganda, were analyzed. Ordinary Least Square regression models were conducted to examine the association between child difficulties reported by caregivers using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire on parenting stress (measured by Parenting Stress Index) and caregiver mental health (measured by the Brief Symptoms Inventory). Results indicate that 12.36% of caregivers reported child difficulty scores within the borderline range and 8.99% reported scores within the abnormal range. Child difficulties (b = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.18, 0.85) were associated with parenting stress. Similarly, the perceived impact of child difficulties was associated with both parenting stress (b = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.24, 1.54) and caregiver mental health (b = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.09, 2.37). Study findings have important implications for developing effective psychosocial interventions targeting children and adolescents living with HIV and their caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Proscovia Nabunya
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA
| | - William Byansi
- Boston College, School of Social Work, Chestnut Hill, MA USA
| | - Ozge Sensoy Bahar
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA
| | - Flavia Namuwonge
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA
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