1
|
Inman EM, Nkala-Dlamini B, Violari A, Kidman R. HIV Stigma, Health, and Violence: A Longitudinal Study among Adolescent Boys with HIV in Soweto, South Africa. AIDS Behav 2024:10.1007/s10461-024-04407-x. [PMID: 38856845 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-024-04407-x] [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] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
There are over 1.4 million adolescents living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa, the majority of whom acquired the virus through perinatal transmission (PHIV). HIV stigma is particularly high among adolescents living with HIV and is associated with several outcomes that worsen health and increase the risk of onward HIV transmission. We tested associations between internalized HIV stigma and four of these outcomes over a one-year period among a sample of adolescent boys living with PHIV in Soweto, South Africa. Participants (N = 241) answered questions about internalized HIV stigma at baseline. They completed weekly mobile surveys over the following year to answer questions about their experiences with depression, binge drinking, medication adherence, and violence victimization. Using generalized linear mixed models, we found that baseline internalized HIV stigma was associated with increased odds of depression (OR 1.74), alcohol misuse (OR 2.09), and violence victimization (OR 1.44) and decreased odds of medication adherence (OR 0.60) over the course of a year. These outcomes negatively impact the health and wellbeing of adolescents living with PHIV and increase their risk of transmitting HIV to their partners in the future. Our findings provide novel, longitudinal evidence for the deleterious effects of HIV stigma. To improve health outcomes for adolescents with PHIV, it will be crucial to develop effective HIV stigma reduction interventions that address specific developmental, gendered, and cultural experiences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Inman
- Program in Public Health, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA.
| | - Busisiwe Nkala-Dlamini
- Department of Social Work, Faculty of Humanities, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2000, South Africa
| | - Avy Violari
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 1864, South Africa
| | - Rachel Kidman
- Program in Public Health, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
- Department of Family, Population and Preventive Medicine, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mkhize M, van der Westhuizen C, Sorsdahl K. Prevalence and factors associated with depression and anxiety among young school-going adolescents in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. Compr Psychiatry 2024; 131:152469. [PMID: 38461564 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2024.152469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Between 10 and 20% of children and adolescents globally experience common mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety. Given the dearth of mental health services in low- and middle-income countries, most mental health conditions among adolescents remain undiagnosed and untreated. In South Africa, few studies have explored the prevalence of depression and anxiety among young adolescents aged 10-14 years. This study examined the prevalence of, and factors associated with depression and anxiety among young school-going adolescents in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in 10 schools in the Western Cape Province from February to July 2022. Data were collected using a tablet-based survey and included sociodemographic items, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7), the Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents (PHQ-A) and other psychosocial measures. The prevalence of depression and anxiety was estimated based on cut-off scores for the GAD-7 and PHQ-A. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to investigate the associations between sociodemographic and psychosocial factors, and depression and anxiety. RESULTS Of the 621 adolescents, 33.5% (n = 208) reported experiencing symptoms of depression and 20.9% (n = 130) symptoms of anxiety potentially indicative of a diagnosis. The results of the multivariable logistic regression model indicate that being in a higher grade in school (AOR = 1.65, CI:1.43-1.92), any lifetime alcohol use (AOR = 1.62, CI:1.04-2.64), other drug use (AOR = 2.07, CI:1.06-4.04), and witnessing violence among adults at home (AOR = 2.12, CI:1.07-1.41) were significantly associated with experiencing depressive symptoms. Being in a higher grade in school (AOR = 1.69, CI: 1.42-2.01), poor emotional regulation skills (AOR = 1.03, CI: 1.00-1.07), and the use of cannabis (AOR = 1.03, CI: 1.00-1.07) were significantly associated with experiencing anxiety symptoms. CONCLUSION These findings add to our understanding of school-going adolescents' pressing mental health needs and suggest that mental health adolescent and caregiver interventions may be required to address mental health symptoms and associated risk factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mirriam Mkhize
- Alan J. Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Claire van der Westhuizen
- Alan J. Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Katherine Sorsdahl
- Alan J. Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Steventon Roberts KJ, Du Toit S, Mawoyo T, Tomlinson M, Cluver LD, Skeen S, Laurenzi CA, Sherr L. Protocol for the OCAY study: a cohort study of orphanhood and caregiver loss in the COVID-19 era to explore the impact on children and adolescents. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e071023. [PMID: 37263702 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-071023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Globally, no person has been untouched by the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, little attention has been given to children and adolescents in policy, provision and services. Moreover, there is a dearth of knowledge regarding the impact of COVID-19-associated orphanhood and caregiver loss on children. This study aims to provide early insights into the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents experiencing orphanhood or caregiver loss in South Africa. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Data will be drawn from a quantitative longitudinal study in Cape Town, South Africa. A sample of children and adolescents between the ages of 9 and 18 years, experiencing parental or caregiver loss from COVID-19, will be recruited together with a comparison group of children in similar environments who did not experience loss. The study aims to recruit 500 children in both groups. Mental health and well-being among children will be explored through the use of validated and study-specific measures. Participants will be interviewed at two time points, with follow-up data being collected 12-18 months after baseline. A combination of analytical techniques (including descriptive statistics, regression modelling and structural equation modelling) will be used to understand the experience and inform future policy and service provision. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study received ethical approval from the Health Research Ethics Committee at Stellenbosch University (N 22/04/040). Results will be disseminated via academic and policy publications, as well as national and international presentations including high-level meetings with technical experts. Findings will also be disseminated at a community level via various platforms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn J Steventon Roberts
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Stefani Du Toit
- Institute for Life Course Health Reseach, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch Univeristy, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Tatenda Mawoyo
- Institute for Life Course Health Reseach, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch Univeristy, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Mark Tomlinson
- Institute for Life Course Health Reseach, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch Univeristy, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- School of Nursing & Midwifrey, Queens University, Belfast, UK
| | - Lucie D Cluver
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Psychiatry & Mental Health, Univeristy of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sarah Skeen
- Institute for Life Course Health Reseach, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch Univeristy, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research, Faculty of Social & Behavioural Sciences, Univeristy of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Christina A Laurenzi
- Institute for Life Course Health Reseach, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch Univeristy, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Lorraine Sherr
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hong C, Ochoa AM, Wilson BDM, Wu ESC, Thomas D, Holloway IW. The associations between HIV stigma and mental health symptoms, life satisfaction, and quality of life among Black sexual minority men with HIV. Qual Life Res 2023; 32:1693-1702. [PMID: 36648570 PMCID: PMC10953729 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-023-03342-z] [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: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE With the advancement of antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV/AIDS has become a manageable illness, similar to other chronic conditions. This study examined the associations between HIV stigma and patient-reported outcomes including mental health symptoms, life satisfaction, and quality of life among Black sexual minority men with HIV. METHODS We analyzed baseline data from a randomized comparison trial of a mobile app intervention aimed to address the social work and legal needs of Black sexual minority men with HIV in Los Angeles County. We used validated scales including the Berger HIV stigma scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 & the General Anxiety Disorder-7, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, and the Ladder Scale to assess HIV stigma, depressive symptoms, anxiety, life satisfaction, and quality of life, and we conducted multivariable linear regression to examine their associations. RESULTS Participants experienced HIV stigma especially about disclosure concerns (e.g., 81.9% participants indicated "I am very careful who I tell that I have HIV") and public attitudes (52.3% believed "Most people with HIV are rejected when others find out"). In the multivariable models, higher overall stigma scores were associated with higher likelihood of experiencing depression (adjusted b = 0.235, p < 0.001) and anxiety (adjusted b = 0.188, p = 0.002), and lower life satisfaction (adjusted b = - 0.236, p < 0.001) and quality of life (adjusted b = - 0.053, p = 0.013), adjusting for clinical characteristics including ART initiation, viral load suppression, and medication adherence. In addition, being attacked or harassed in the past year were significantly associated with lower life satisfaction and quality of life (adjusted b = - 3.028, p = 0.046; adjusted b = - 1.438, p = 0.002). CONCLUSION Our findings highlight the need for focused HIV stigma reduction interventions to promote the overall well-being of Black sexual minority men with HIV. Strategies to promote the patient-reported outcomes may benefit from trauma-informed approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chenglin Hong
- Department of Social Welfare, UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, University of California Los Angeles, 3250-Public Affairs Building, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1656, USA.
| | - Ayako Miyashita Ochoa
- Department of Social Welfare, UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, University of California Los Angeles, 3250-Public Affairs Building, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1656, USA
| | - Bianca D M Wilson
- The Williams Institute, School of Law, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Elizabeth S C Wu
- Department of Social Welfare, UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, University of California Los Angeles, 3250-Public Affairs Building, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1656, USA
| | | | - Ian W Holloway
- Department of Social Welfare, UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, University of California Los Angeles, 3250-Public Affairs Building, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1656, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mutumba M, Ssewamala F, Namirembe R, Sensoy Bahar O, Nabunya P, Neilands T, Tozan Y, Namuwonge F, Nattabi J, Acayo Laker P, Mukasa B, Mwebembezi A. A Multilevel Integrated Intervention to Reduce the Impact of HIV Stigma on HIV Treatment Outcomes Among Adolescents Living With HIV in Uganda: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2022; 11:e40101. [PMID: 36197706 PMCID: PMC9582915 DOI: 10.2196/40101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV stigma remains a formidable barrier to HIV treatment adherence among school-attending adolescents living with HIV, owing to high levels of HIV stigma within schools, rigid school structures and routines, lack of adherence support, and food insecurity. Thus, this protocol paper presents an evidence-informed multilevel intervention that will simultaneously address family- and school-related barriers to HIV treatment adherence and care engagement among adolescents living with HIV attending boarding schools in Uganda. OBJECTIVE The proposed intervention-Multilevel Suubi (MSuubi)-has the following objectives: examine the impact of M-Suubi on HIV viral suppression (primary outcome) and adherence to HIV treatment, including keeping appointments, pharmacy refills, pill counts, and retention in care; examine the effect of M-Suubi on HIV stigma (internalized, anticipated, and enacted), with secondary analyses to explore hypothesized mechanisms of change (eg, depression) and intervention mediation; assess the cost and cost-effectiveness of each intervention condition; and qualitatively examine participants' experiences with HIV stigma, HIV treatment adherence, and intervention and educators' attitudes toward adolescents living with HIV and experiences with group-based HIV stigma reduction for educators, and program or policy implementation after training. METHODS MSuubi is a 5-year multilevel mixed methods randomized controlled trial targeting adolescents living with HIV aged 10 to 17 years enrolled in a primary or secondary school with a boarding section. This longitudinal study will use a 3-arm cluster randomized design across 42 HIV clinics in southwestern Uganda. Participants will be randomized at the clinic level to 1 of the 3 study conditions (n=14 schools; n=280 students per study arm). These include the bolstered usual care (consisting of the literature on antiretroviral therapy adherence promotion and stigma reduction), multiple family groups for HIV stigma reduction plus family economic empowerment (MFG-HIVSR plus FEE), and Group-based HIV stigma reduction for educators (GED-HIVSR). Adolescents randomized to the GED-HIVSR treatment arm will also receive the MFG-HIVSR plus FEE treatment. MSuubi will be provided for 20 months, with assessments at baseline and 12, 24, and 36 months. RESULTS This study was funded in September 2021. Participant screening and recruitment began in April 2022, with 158 dyads enrolled as of May 2022. Dissemination of the main study findings is anticipated in 2025. CONCLUSIONS MSuubi will assess the effects of a combined intervention (family-based economic empowerment, financial literacy education, and school-based HIV stigma) on HIV stigma among adolescents living with HIV in Uganda. The results will expand our understanding of effective intervention strategies for reducing stigma among HIV-infected and noninfected populations in Uganda and improving HIV treatment outcomes among adolescents living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05307250; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05307250. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/40101.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Massy Mutumba
- Department of Health Behavior & Biological Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Fred Ssewamala
- Brown School, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, United States
| | - Rashida Namirembe
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Ozge Sensoy Bahar
- Brown School, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, United States
| | - Proscovia Nabunya
- Brown School, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, United States
| | - Torsten Neilands
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Yesim Tozan
- Brown School, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, United States
| | - Flavia Namuwonge
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Jennifer Nattabi
- Brown School, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, United States
| | - Penina Acayo Laker
- Sam Fox School of Design and Visual Arts, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, United States
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sevenoaks T, Fouche JP, Phillips N, Heany S, Myer L, Zar HJ, Stein DJ, Hoare J. Childhood Trauma and Mental Health in the Cape Town Adolescent Antiretroviral Cohort. JOURNAL OF CHILD & ADOLESCENT TRAUMA 2022; 15:353-363. [PMID: 35600517 PMCID: PMC9120333 DOI: 10.1007/s40653-021-00362-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the association of childhood trauma, stressful life events and HIV stigma with mental health in South African adolescents from the Cape Town Adolescent Antiretroviral Cohort (CTAAC). The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, Life Events Questionnaire and the HIV Stigma Scale for South African Adolescents Living with HIV was used to assess childhood trauma, stressful life events and stigma in adolescents living with perinatally acquired HIV and healthy controls enrolled in the CTAAC. These measures were associated with mental health outcomes including the Beck-Youth Inventories, Child Behaviour Checklist, Columbian Impairment Scale, Childrens Motivation Scale, Conners Scale for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder using Pearson correlations and self-reported alcohol use, using Spearman-rank correlation. 63.7% of adolescents reported at least one childhood trauma on the CTQ. Significant associations were reported between CTQ measures and Beck-Youth Inventories. Emotional abuse was associated with anxiety, anger, depression and disruptive behaviour. Emotional neglect was associated with poor self-concept and disruptive behaviour. LEQ total score was significantly associated with Beck-Youth Inventories including anxiety, depression, anger and disruptive behaviour scales. HIV stigma was significantly associated with Beck-Youth Inventories including depression, anger and disruptive behaviour. Childhood trauma, stressful life events and HIV stigma in South African adolescents are associated with anxiety, depression, anger, disruptive-behaviour and poor self-concept. This study highlights the importance of enquiring about exposure to a variety of traumas, particularly those commonly experienced by South African adolescents. In addition, it is important to understand the impact of trauma exposure on each individuals mental health and functioning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatum Sevenoaks
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Outpatient Building, H-Floor Research Offices, Circle Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925 South Africa
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jean-Paul Fouche
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Outpatient Building, H-Floor Research Offices, Circle Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925 South Africa
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nicole Phillips
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Outpatient Building, H-Floor Research Offices, Circle Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925 South Africa
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sarah Heany
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Outpatient Building, H-Floor Research Offices, Circle Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925 South Africa
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Landon Myer
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health & Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Heather J Zar
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- SA MRC Unit on Child and Adolescent Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Dan J Stein
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Outpatient Building, H-Floor Research Offices, Circle Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925 South Africa
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- SA MRC Unit on Risk and Resilience in Mental Disorders, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jacqueline Hoare
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Outpatient Building, H-Floor Research Offices, Circle Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925 South Africa
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Perez A, Brittain K, Phillips N, Stein DJ, Zar HJ, Myer L, Hoare J. HIV-Related Stigma and Psychological Adjustment Among Perinatally HIV-Infected Youth in Cape Town, South Africa. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:434-442. [PMID: 34318399 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03398-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The effect of chronic HIV-infection on psychological adjustment, including the impact of HIV-related stigma in perinatally HIV-infected (PHIV+) youth across Africa is largely unknown. This study examined psychological adjustment and HIV-related stigma using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and a 10-item stigma questionnaire in a cohort of PHIV+ youth in Cape Town, South Africa. The relationships between SDQ scores, elevated viral load, and suboptimal antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence were also explored. Among 473 PHIV+ youth (aged 9-14 years, on ART > 6 months at enrollment), higher perceived HIV-related stigma was associated with higher scores across all adolescent and caregiver-reported SDQ difficulty subscales. Higher socioeconomic status (SES) was associated with lower scores on adolescent self- and caregiver-reported hyperactivity subscales. Higher adolescent-reported prosocial scores were associated with lower odds of self-reported suboptimal ART adherence, and higher caregiver-reported conduct scores were associated with higher odds of elevated viral load. No associations were observed between perceived HIV-related stigma and treatment outcomes. These findings highlight the potentially detrimental impact of perceived stigma on psychological adjustment in PHIV+ youth. The use of psychosocial metrics and interventions aimed at reducing illness related stigma in PHIV+ youth is also considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Perez
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Research, School of Public Health & Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Kirsty Brittain
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Research, School of Public Health & Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nicole Phillips
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health in the Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council Research Unit on Risk & Resilience in Mental Disorders, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Dan J Stein
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health in the Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council Research Unit on Risk & Resilience in Mental Disorders, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Heather J Zar
- Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Medical Research Council Unit on Child & Adolescent Health, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Landon Myer
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Research, School of Public Health & Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jacqueline Hoare
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health in the Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
- South African Medical Research Council Research Unit on Risk & Resilience in Mental Disorders, Cape Town, South Africa.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kalungi A, Womersley JS, Kinyanda E, Joloba ML, Ssembajjwe W, Nsubuga RN, Seedat S, Hemmings SMJ. The 5-HTTLPR-rs25531 S-A-S-A Haplotype and Chronic Stress Moderate the Association Between Acute Stress and Internalizing Mental Disorders Among HIV+ Children and Adolescents in Uganda. Front Genet 2021; 12:649055. [PMID: 33968131 PMCID: PMC8104030 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.649055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Internalizing mental disorders (IMDs) among HIV-positive (HIV+) children and adolescents are associated with poor disease outcomes, such as faster HIV disease progression. Although it has been suggested that the development of IMDs is moderated by interaction of stressful life events and vulnerability factors, the underlying etiology is largely unknown. Serotonin transporter gene [solute carrier family 6 member A4 (SLC6A4)] and human tryptophan hydroxylase 2 gene (TPH2) polymorphisms have been implicated in the development of IMDs. This study investigated the association between acute stress and IMDs, and moderation by chronic stress and genetic variants in SLC6A4 and TPH2. Hypothesis: Acute stress acts through genetic and environmental vulnerability factors to increase the risk of developing IMDs. Methods: Polymorphisms in SLC6A4 (5-HTTLPR, rs25531, 5-HTTLPR-rs25531, and STin2 VNTR) and TPH2 (rs1843809, rs1386494, rs4570625, and rs34517220) were genotyped in 368 HIV+ children and adolescents (aged 5-17 years) with any internalizing mental disorder (depression, anxiety disorders, or posttraumatic stress disorder), and 368 age- and sex-matched controls, who were also HIV+. Chronic and acute stress categories were derived by hierarchical cluster analysis. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the independent moderating effect of chronic stress and each selected polymorphism on the association between acute stress and IMDs. Results: We observed a statistically significant association between severe acute stress and IMDs (p = 0.001). Children and adolescents who experienced severe acute stress were twice as likely to develop IMDs, compared to children and adolescents who experienced mild acute stress (p = 0.001). Chronic stress interacted with severe acute stress to increase the risk of IMDs (p = 0.033). Acute stress was found to interact with 5-HTTLPR-rs25531 S-A-S-A haplotype to increase the risk for IMDs among Ugandan HIV+ children and adolescents (p = 0.049). We found no evidence for a combined interaction of acute stress, chronic stress, and 5-HTTLPR-rs25531 on IMDs. Conclusion: The odds of having an internalizing mental disorder (IMD) were higher among HIV+ children and adolescents who experienced severe acute stress compared to HIV+ children and adolescents who experienced mild acute stress. Chronic stress and 5-HTTLPR-rs25531 independently moderated the association between acute stress and IMDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Allan Kalungi
- Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- Mental Health Project, MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
- Department of Psychiatry, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jacqueline S. Womersley
- Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council/Stellenbosch University Genomics of Brain Disorders Research Unit, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Eugene Kinyanda
- Mental Health Project, MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
- Department of Psychiatry, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Moses L. Joloba
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Wilber Ssembajjwe
- Mental Health Project, MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Statistics and Data Science Section, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Rebecca N. Nsubuga
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Statistics and Data Science Section, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Soraya Seedat
- Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council/Stellenbosch University Genomics of Brain Disorders Research Unit, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sian M. J. Hemmings
- Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council/Stellenbosch University Genomics of Brain Disorders Research Unit, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ashaba S, Cooper-Vince C, Maling S, Satinsky EN, Baguma C, Akena D, Nansera D, Bajunirwe F, Tsai AC. Childhood trauma, major depressive disorder, suicidality, and the modifying role of social support among adolescents living with HIV in rural Uganda. JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS REPORTS 2021; 4:100094. [PMID: 34841384 PMCID: PMC8623847 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadr.2021.100094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood trauma is associated with mental health problems among adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) in sub-Saharan Africa, but little is known about potential moderating factors. METHODS We enrolled 224 ALHIV aged 13-17 years and collected information on childhood trauma, major depressive disorder, and suicidality. We used modified multivariable Poisson regression to estimate the association between the mental health outcome variables and childhood trauma, and to assess for effect modification by social support. RESULTS Major depressive disorder had a statistically significant association with emotional abuse (adjusted relative risk [ARR] 2.57; 95% CI 1.31-5.04; P=0.006) and physical abuse (ARR 2.16; 95% CI 1.19-3.89; P=0.01). The estimated association between any abuse and major depressive disorder was statistically significant among those with a low level of social support (ARR 4.30; 95% CI 1.64-11.25; P=0.003) but not among those with a high level of social support (ARR 1.30; 95% CI 0.57-2.98; P=0.52). Suicidality also had a statistically significant association with emotional abuse (ARR 2.03; 95% CI 1.05-3.920; P=0.03) and physical abuse (ARR 3.17; 95% CI 1.60-6.25.; P=0.001), but no differences by social support were noted. LIMITATIONS Corporal punishment is used widely in schools and homes as a form of discipline in Uganda; this cultural practice could have biased reporting about physical abuse. CONCLUSIONS Childhood trauma is associated with poor mental health among ALHIV, but its effects may be moderated by social support. More research is needed to develop social support interventions for ALHIV with adverse childhood experiences for improved mental health outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Scholastic Ashaba
- Department of Psychiatry, Mbarara University Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | | | - Samuel Maling
- Department of Psychiatry, Mbarara University Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Emily N. Satinsky
- Department of Psychiatry, Mbarara University Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Center for Global Health and Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Charles Baguma
- Department of Psychiatry, Mbarara University Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Dickens Akena
- Department of Psychiatry, Makerere College of Health Sciences, Makerere, Uganda
| | - Denis Nansera
- Department of Psychiatry, Mbarara University Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Francis Bajunirwe
- Department of Psychiatry, Mbarara University Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Alexander C. Tsai
- Department of Psychiatry, Mbarara University Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Center for Global Health and Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Mthiyane N, Harling G, Chimbindi N, Baisley K, Seeley J, Dreyer J, Zuma T, Birdthistle I, Floyd S, McGrath N, Tanser F, Shahmanesh M, Sherr L. Common mental disorders and HIV status in the context of DREAMS among adolescent girls and young women in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:478. [PMID: 33691665 PMCID: PMC7945212 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10527-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV affects many adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in South Africa. Given the bi-directional HIV and mental health relationship, mental health services may help prevent and treat HIV in this population. We therefore examined the association between common mental disorders (CMD) and HIV-related behaviours and service utilisation, in the context of implementation of the combination DREAMS (Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored and Safe) HIV prevention programme in rural uMkhanyakude district, KwaZulu-Natal. DREAMS involved delivering a package of multiple interventions in a single area to address multiple sources of HIV risk for AGYW. METHODS We analysed baseline data from an age-stratified, representative cohort of 13-22 year-old AGYW. We measured DREAMS uptake as a count of the number of individual-level or community-based interventions each participant received in the last 12 months. CMD was measured using the validated Shona Symptom Questionnaire, with a cut off score ≥ 9 indicating probable CMD. HIV status was ascertained through home-based serotesting. We used logistic regression to estimate the association between CMD and HIV status adjusting for socio-demographics and behaviours. RESULTS Probable CMD prevalence among the 2184 respondents was 22.2%, increasing steadily from 10.1% among 13 year-old girls to 33.1% among 22 year-old women. AGYW were more likely to report probable CMD if they tested positive for HIV (odds ratio vs. test negative: 1.88, 95% confidence interval: 1.40-2.53). After adjusting for socio-demographics and behaviours, there was evidence that probable CMD was more prevalent among respondents who reported using multiple healthcare-related DREAMS interventions. CONCLUSION We found high prevalence of probable CMD among AGYW in rural South Africa, but it was only associated with HIV serostatus when not controlling for HIV acquisition risk factors. Our findings highlight that improving mental health service access for AGYW at high risk for HIV acquisition might protect them. Interventions already reaching AGYW with CMD, such as DREAMS, can be used to deliver mental health services to reduce both CMD and HIV risks. There is a need to integrate mental health education into existing HIV prevention programmes in school and communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Guy Harling
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health & Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Epidemiology & Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Natsayi Chimbindi
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Kathy Baisley
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Janet Seeley
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Jaco Dreyer
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Thembelihle Zuma
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | | | - Sian Floyd
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Nuala McGrath
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Frank Tanser
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
- University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | - Maryam Shahmanesh
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
- University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Lorraine Sherr
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Haas AD, Technau KG, Pahad S, Braithwaite K, Madzivhandila M, Sorour G, Sawry S, Maxwell N, von Groote P, Tlali M, Davies MA, Egger M. Mental health, substance use and viral suppression in adolescents receiving ART at a paediatric HIV clinic in South Africa. J Int AIDS Soc 2020; 23:e25644. [PMID: 33283916 PMCID: PMC7720277 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mental health problems are prevalent in adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV), often remain untreated, and may negatively affect antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence and viral suppression. We implemented routine mental health screening at a paediatric ART clinic to improve the identification and management of mental health problems in ALHIV. In this report, we examine screening outcomes, associated patient characteristics and the odds of unsuppressed viral load in ALHIV screening positive for mental disorders. METHODS Adolescents aged 10 to 19 years attending Rahima Moosa Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa between February 1, 2018, and January 1, 2020, were offered mental health screening at each routine HIV care visit. The screening included four pre-screening questions followed by full screening (conditional on positive pre-screening) for depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [PHQ-9]), suicide (Adolescent Innovations Project [AIP]-handbook), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 [GAD-7]), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Primary Care PTSD Screen [PC-PTSD-5]) and substance use (CAGE Adapted to Include Drugs [CAGE-AID]). We assessed screening outcomes and calculated adjusted odds ratios for associations between positive screening tests at the first screen and unsuppressed viral load (>400 copies/mL) at the measurement taken closest to the date of screening, within hundred days before and one day after screening. RESULTS Out of 1203 adolescents who attended the clinic, 1088 (90.4%) were pre-screened of whom 381 (35.0%) underwent full screening, 48 (4.4%) screened positive for depression (PHQ-9 ≥10), 29 (2.8%) for suicidal concern, 24 (2.2%) for anxiety (GAD-7 ≥10), 38 (3.2%) for PTSD (PC-PTSD-5 ≥3), 18 (1.7%) for substance use (CAGE-AID ≥2) and 97 (8.9%) for any of these conditions. Positive screening for depression (aOR 2.39, 95% CI 1.02 to 5.62), PTSD (aOR 3.18, 95% CI 1.11 to 9.07), substance use (aOR 7.13, 95% CI 1.60 to 31.86), or any condition (aOR 2.17, 95% CI 1.17 to 4.02) were strongly associated with unsuppressed viral load. CONCLUSIONS ALHIV affected by mental health problems have increased rates of unsuppressed viral load and need specific clinical attention. The integration of routine mental health screening in paediatric ART programmes is a feasible approach for identifying and referring adolescents with mental health and adherence problems to counselling and psychosocial support services and if needed to psychiatric care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas D Haas
- Institute of Social & Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Karl-Günter Technau
- Empilweni Services and Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Shenaaz Pahad
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Kate Braithwaite
- Empilweni Services and Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Mampho Madzivhandila
- Empilweni Services and Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Gillian Sorour
- Empilweni Services and Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Shobna Sawry
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Nicola Maxwell
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Per von Groote
- Institute of Social & Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Mpho Tlali
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mary-Ann Davies
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Matthias Egger
- Institute of Social & Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Boyes ME, Pantelic M, Casale M, Toska E, Newnham E, Cluver LD. Prospective associations between bullying victimisation, internalised stigma, and mental health in South African adolescents living with HIV. J Affect Disord 2020; 276:418-423. [PMID: 32871672 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.07.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescents living with HIV may be at elevated risk of psychological problems, which are correlated with negative health outcomes. In cross-sectional research with HIV-affected adolescents, bullying victimisation and internalised HIV stigma have been associated with poorer psychological health. We extended these findings and tested longitudinal associations between bullying victimisation, internalised stigma, and mental health among adolescents living with HIV. We also tested whether relationships between bullying victimisation and psychological symptoms were mediated by internalised stigma. METHOD Adolescents living with HIV (n = 1060, 10-19 years, 55% female), who had ever initiated HIV treatment in 53 public health facilities in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, were interviewed and followed up 18 months later (n = 995, 94% retention). Participants completed well-validated measures of depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress, bullying victimisation, and internalised stigma. RESULTS After adjusting for baseline mental health and sociodemographic characteristics, baseline internalised stigma prospectively predicted poorer outcomes on all psychological measures. Bullying victimisation at baseline was not directly associated with any psychological measures at follow up; however, it was indirectly associated with all psychological measures via internalised stigma. LIMITATIONS Reliance on self-report measures and poor reliability of the depression scale. CONCLUSIONS Bullying victimisation is associated with internalised stigma, which in turn predicts psychological symptoms over time. Interventions reducing internalised stigma and associated psychological distress are needed, and these should be integrated into HIV care to ensure optimal HIV management. The implementation of bullying prevention programs may reduce internalised stigma and promote mental health among adolescents living with HIV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark E Boyes
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia 6845, Australia.
| | - Marija Pantelic
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Marisa Casale
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, 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
| | - Elizabeth Newnham
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia 6845, Australia; FXB Center for Health and Human Rights, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, United States
| | - Lucie D 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
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Bhana A, Abas MA, Kelly J, van Pinxteren M, Mudekunye LA, Pantelic M. Mental health interventions for adolescents living with HIV or affected by HIV in low- and middle-income countries: systematic review. BJPsych Open 2020; 6:e104. [PMID: 32886056 PMCID: PMC7488323 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2020.67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental health difficulties and mental disorders are common in adolescents living with HIV or who are affected by HIV because of living in HIV-affected households in low- and middle-income (LMICs) countries, but little is known about the interventions that target these individuals and whether they are effective. AIMS This systematic review aims to address these gaps by examining what has worked and what has not worked to support the mental health of adolescents living with HIV or affected by HIV in low- and middle-income contexts (PROSPERO Number: CRD42018103269). METHOD A systematic literature review of online databases from the year 2000 to 2018, using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, included English-language publications of quantitative evaluations of psychosocial interventions aiming to improve mental health among adolescents living with HIV and adolescents from HIV-affected households (aged 10-24 years) in LMICs. RESULTS Out of 2956 articles, 16 studies from 8 LMICs met the inclusion criteria. Thirteen studies focused on adolescents affected by HIV and only three studies on adolescents living with HIV. Only five studies included were from Sub-Saharan Africa. Interventions most often used a family-strengthening approach strengthening caregiver-adolescent relationships and communication and some problem-solving in groups or individually. Five studies reported statistically significant changes in adolescent and caregiver mental health or mental well-being, five among adolescents only and two among caregivers only. CONCLUSIONS Research on what works to improve mental health in adolescents living with HIV in LMIC is in its nascent stages. Family-based interventions and economic strengthening show promise.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arvin Bhana
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, South Africa; and Centre for Rural Health, School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Melanie Amna Abas
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Jane Kelly
- Policy and Research Directorate, Department of Community Safety, Western Cape Government, South Africa
| | - Myrna van Pinxteren
- Division of Social and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Marija Pantelic
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, Oxford University, UK; Frontline AIDS, UK; and Department of Medical Education, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, UK
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Jiang Y, Li X, Zilioli S, Zhao J, Zhao G. Effects of Peer Victimization and Perceived Social Support on Daily Negative Affect and Sleep Outcomes. JOURNAL OF CHILD AND FAMILY STUDIES 2020; 29:1374-1384. [PMID: 36872950 PMCID: PMC9979617 DOI: 10.1007/s10826-019-01656-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of peer victimization-measured at the daily and cumulative levels-on daily negative affect and multiple sleep parameters including subjective sleep quality, sleep duration, and sleep continuity (i.e., night awakening) among children affected by parental HIV from rural China. This study also aimed to test the moderation effects of perceived social support and sex in these associations. METHODS A total of 637 children (50.4% boys, 8-15 years of age) affected by parental HIV self-reported measures on cumulative peer victimization (i.e., the experience of victimization during the past 6 months) and perceived social support. They were also asked to report daily peer victimization, daily negative affect, and sleep outcomes over three consecutive days. RESULTS Multilevel models showed that cumulative peer victimization was associated with both daily negative affect and night awakenings, whereas these associations became statistically nonsignificant after controlling for trait negative affect. Daily peer victimization was significantly related to daily negative affect. All these associations were consistent for boys and girls. There were no buffering effects of perceived social support on these associations. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that peer victimization may contribute to daily negative emotional experiences among children affected by parental HIV. Interventions targeting psychological wellbeing among children affected by parental HIV may need to incorporate peer victimization component.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Jiang
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Xiaoming Li
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Samuele Zilioli
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Junfeng Zhao
- International Research Center for Psychological Health of Vulnerable Populations, Henan University, Henan, China
| | - Guoxiang Zhao
- Department of Psychology, Henan Normal University, Henan, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Yuchang J, Junyi L, Junxiu A, Jing W, Mingcheng H. The Differential Victimization Associated With Depression and Anxiety in Cross-Cultural Perspective: A Meta-Analysis. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2019; 20:560-573. [PMID: 29333963 DOI: 10.1177/1524838017726426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Traditional bullying and cyberbullying have become serious worldwide issues. The meta-analysis in this article took a cross-cultural perspective to explore whether there were any differences between the effects of cyber victimization and traditional victimization on the presence of depression and anxiety in children and adolescents and to examine the effects of moderators in explaining these differences/similarities. Fifty-six empirical studies (generating 148 independent samples) were included with a total sample size of 214,819 participants. The results indicated that the effects of cyber victimization and the subtypes of traditional victimization on anxiety were significantly different, and there was a marginally significant difference for depression. The moderating effects of country of origin were found to be significant for depression, with the mean effect size in North America being significantly higher than in China and Europe, which suggested that culture was an important factor. The moderating effects of age were also found to be significant for the relationships between traditional victimization and depression, traditional victimization and anxiety, cyber victimization and depression, and cyber victimization and anxiety. In addition, the effect size for cyber victimization and depression has increased in more recent publication years.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jin Yuchang
- 1 School of Teacher Education and Psychology, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, China
| | - Li Junyi
- 2 School of Psychology, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
- 3 Graduate School of Education, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - An Junxiu
- 4 School of Software Engineering, Chengdu University of Information Technology, Chengdu, China
| | - Wu Jing
- 5 Department of Psychology, Capital Normal University, China
| | - He Mingcheng
- 6 College of Psychology, South China Normal University, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Jiang Y, Li X, Zhao J, Zhao G. Subtypes of peer victimization, depressive symptoms, and self-harm behaviors among children affected by parental HIV. JOURNAL OF CHILD AND FAMILY STUDIES 2019; 28:2522-2530. [PMID: 31607774 PMCID: PMC6788860 DOI: 10.1007/s10826-019-01352-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Peer victimization is a salient stressor contributing to self-harm behaviors in children. However, the psychological mechanisms underlying this process are not well understood. The aim of this study was to examine the role of depressive symptoms in the relationships between subtypes of peer victimization and self-harm behaviors among children affected by parental HIV using a prospective design. METHODS Participants in this study consisted of a subsample (N = 521, 6-12 years of age at baseline) of a larger research project on the psychological adjustment of children affected by parental HIV. Children self-reported subtypes of peer victimization including physical, verbal, and relational forms, depressive symptoms, and self-harm behaviors. RESULTS Structural equation models showed that verbal victimization, but not physical or relational victimization, was associated with increases in self-harm behaviors over a 24-month period (β = 0.18, p = .029). Moreover, the association between verbal victimization and self-harm behaviors was mediated by increases in depressive symptoms (indirect effect = 0.04, 95%CI [0.01, 0.08]), controlling for baseline self-harm behaviors, depressive symptoms, gender, AIDS orphan status, and age. In addition, such a mediation pathway was consistent across gender. CONCLUSIONS Depressive symptoms might be a psychological mechanism linking verbal victimization to self-harm behaviors among children affected by parental HIV. The findings highlight the importance of detection of depressive symptoms as a potential way to prevent self-harm behaviors among victimized children or those at high risk of experiencing peer victimization such as children affected by parental HIV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Jiang
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Xiaoming Li
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Junfeng Zhao
- International Research Center for Psychological Health of Vulnerable Populations, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, China
| | - Guoxiang Zhao
- Department of Psychology, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Ashaba S, Cooper-Vince CE, Vořechovská D, Rukundo GZ, Maling S, Akena D, Tsai AC. Community beliefs, HIV stigma, and depression among adolescents living with HIV in rural Uganda. AJAR-AFRICAN JOURNAL OF AIDS RESEARCH 2019; 18:169-180. [PMID: 31339461 DOI: 10.2989/16085906.2019.1637912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The availability of and increased access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) has significantly reduced the morbidity and mortality associated with HIV. As a result, perinatally infected youth are increasingly able to reach adolescence. There is limited information about the psychosocial challenges facing adolescents living with HIV (ALWH) in rural settings of sub-Saharan Africa. We sought to understand psychosocial challenges facing ALWH in rural Uganda and their effects on mental health and HIV treatment outcomes. We conducted 5 focus group discussions and 40 one-on-one in-depth interviews in Mbarara, Uganda with adolescents (aged 13-17 years) and adult women caregivers. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed directly into English, and coded using thematic analysis to identify themes related to psychosocial adversities and mental health. Adversities faced by adolescents included negative community perceptions (perceived aggression, presumed early mortality), HIV stigma (enacted and internalized), vulnerability factors (loss of parents, poverty), and health challenges (depression, ART non-adherence). In the conceptual model that emerged from the findings, negative community perceptions (about perceived aggression or presumed early mortality) predisposed ALWH to experience enactments and internalization of stigma that led to depression and ART non-adherence. The data also identified several protective factors, including counselling, family and religious support, and timely serostatus disclosure. Interventions to correct community misperceptions about HIV can potentially reduce stigma and thereby improve physical and mental health outcomes of ALWH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Scholastic Ashaba
- Department of Psychiatry, Mbarara University of Science and Technology , Mbarara Uganda
| | | | | | - Godfrey Zari Rukundo
- Department of Psychiatry, Mbarara University of Science and Technology , Mbarara Uganda
| | - Samuel Maling
- Department of Psychiatry, Mbarara University of Science and Technology , Mbarara Uganda
| | - Dickens Akena
- Department of Psychiatry, Makerere College of Health Sciences , Makerere , Uganda
| | - Alexander C Tsai
- Department of Psychiatry, Mbarara University of Science and Technology , Mbarara Uganda.,Massachusetts General Hospital , Boston , MA , USA.,Harvard Medical School , Boston , MA , USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Harrison SE, Li X, Zhang J, Zhao J, Zhao G. A cluster randomized controlled trial to evaluate a resilience-based intervention for caregivers of HIV-affected children in China. AIDS 2019; 33 Suppl 1:S81-S91. [PMID: 31397726 PMCID: PMC7189639 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000002181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The Child-Caregiver-Advocacy Resilience (ChildCARE) intervention aims to enhance the psychosocial wellbeing of children affected by parental HIV by providing programing at three levels: child, caregiver, and community. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the intervention's efficacy in improving mental health and parenting outcomes for participating caregivers. DESIGN A cluster randomized controlled trial was used to evaluate initial efficacy of the intervention. METHODS A total of 790 caregivers of children affected by parental HIV were recruited from Henan, China. Caregivers and their children were randomly assigned to one-of-four intervention arms (control, child-only, child + caregiver, child + caregiver + community) to evaluate the multiple components of ChildCARE. Those assigned to receive the caregiver intervention participated in five 2-h intervention sessions designed to improve their parenting skills and enhance their ability to cope with daily stressors. Caregivers reported on their mental health and parenting behaviors at baseline, 12, 24, and 36 months, with mixed effect modeling used to examine intervention effects. RESULTS Caregivers who participated in the intervention reported decreased anxiety and parental stress at 12 months (P < 0.05). Participants also reported increased use of structured parenting skills (i.e., parental demandingness) at 12 and 24 months (P < 0.05). However, by 36 months, they reported significantly lower levels of parental competence (P < 0.01) than those assigned to the control condition. CONCLUSION Preliminary findings suggest that the caregiving component of ChildCARE yields initial improvements in some key parenting and mental health outcomes. However, the challenges of caring for children affected by HIV are complex and may require more intensive intervention to yield marked, positive changes across key caregiver outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Xiaoming Li
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior
| | - JiaJia Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Junfeng Zhao
- International Research Center for Physical and Psychological Health of Vulnerable Populations, College of Educational Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng
| | - Guoxiang Zhao
- Department of Psychology, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Kalembo FW, Kendall GE, Ali M, Chimwaza AF. Prevalence and factors associated with emotional and behavioural difficulties among children living with HIV in Malawi: a cross-sectional study. BMC Psychiatry 2019; 19:60. [PMID: 30736758 PMCID: PMC6368705 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-019-2046-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately 84,000 children under the age of 15 years are living with HIV in Malawi. Although the survival rate of children living with HIV in Malawi has improved due to the increased availability of antiretroviral medications, these children continue to experience numerous challenges negatively impacting on their mental health. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of, and factors associated with, emotional and behavioural difficulties in children aged between 6 and 12 years living with HIV in Malawi. METHODS A random sample of 429 primary caregivers of children living with HIV drawn from the three main administrative regions of Malawi was recruited in a cross-sectional study. They completed a questionnaire about family socio-demographic characteristics, HIV disclosure, and child demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, Life Stress Scale, Support Function Scale, and Impact on Family Scale which were pre-tested and translated into the local Chichewa language. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. FINDINGS Using the newer band categorisations of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, parent version, 31% of primary caregivers reported that their child had a slightly raised to very high level of total difficulties. Factors that were associated with difficulties were: primary caregivers' young age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.6; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4-9.5); low level of education (aOR 2.6; 95% CI: 1.2-5.7); lack of employment (aOR 2.7; 95% CI: 1.2-5.9); the report of a substantial impact of the child's illness on the family (3.1; 95% CI: 1.5-6.5); and a low level of family functional support (aOR 2.0; 95% CI: 1.1-4.1). Neither non-disclosure of HIV status nor any of the child demographic or clinical factors were significant in multivariate analysis (p > .0.05). CONCLUSION Close to one-third of children living with HIV in this study had high scores indicative of emotional and behavioural difficulties. Emotional and behavioural difficulties in children living with HIV were associated with family demographic and psychosocial factors, but not HIV disclosure. Effective policies and programs that promote the mental wellbeing of children living with HIV in Malawi are indicated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fatch W. Kalembo
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
- Mzuzu University, Mzuzu, Malawi
| | - Garth E. Kendall
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Mohammed Ali
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Mason S, Sultzman VO. Stigma as experienced by children of HIV-positive parents: a narrative review. AIDS Care 2019; 31:1049-1060. [PMID: 30704274 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2019.1573968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
This narrative review examines the effects on children of stigma by association with an HIV-positive parent. It expands on previous reviews by including all HIV-affected children, whether orphaned or living with a parent with HIV, and considers the broad effects of stigma-by-association (SBA), including but not limited to the psychological impact. Studies met the following criteria - sample included children, ages 6-19 years old, who were not HIV-positive but were currently living with or had lived with a parent who was HIV-positive (i.e., AIDS orphans). Study findings included children's perspectives on stigma and were available in English. Studies for inclusion were identified by searches in Psychinfo, Proquest, and PubMed from 1996 through 2016. This review substantiates that children across countries and cultures experience HIV SBA. SBA is associated with psychological or emotional problems, disrupted peer and adult relationships, and poor school outcomes for children. Orphans were more likely than children living with positive parents to experience negative outcomes, which can have a long-term impact. Felt stigma was as prevalent as enacted stigma and may become the focus of intervention as HIV disease increasingly becomes a concealable disease. The review findings also point to the complexity of relationships between SBA and variables such as poverty and mental health and the bi-directional relationship between SBA and depression. We adapt a stigma framework developed for people living with HIV (PLWHIV) to structure the results of this review. With these findings, we can develop interventions that support stigma reduction with children and their parents, responding to the wide range of stigma consequences and customized to the children's family and cultural context.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sally Mason
- a Institute for Juvenile Research, University of Illinois at Chicago , Chicago , IL , USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Ashaba S, Cooper-Vince C, Vořechovská D, Maling S, Rukundo GZ, Akena D, Tsai AC. Development and validation of a 20-item screening scale to detect major depressive disorder among adolescents with HIV in rural Uganda: A mixed-methods study. SSM Popul Health 2018; 7:100332. [PMID: 30560198 PMCID: PMC6289958 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2018.100332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Depression is a major cause of disability among children and adolescents and is associated with elevated risks for substance abuse, HIV transmission risk behavior, and suicide. Among adolescents living with HIV (ALWH), depression undermines adherence to antiretroviral treatment, leading to poorer health outcomes. However, there are few instruments available for depression screening among ALWH in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods Using mixed methods we developed and validated a 20-item depression screening scale to be used among ALWH in rural Uganda. First, we conducted focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with adolescents and adult caregivers (n = 80) to elicit participant perspectives about mental health challenges facing HIV-affected children and adolescents. We generated an initial pool of 40 items, pilot tested it with ALWH and adolescents of unknown serostatus (n = 40), and then administered the items to a validation sample of ALWH (n = 224). Exploratory factor analysis was used to examine the factor structure of the scale. We evaluated the scale for its reliability, and validity. Results The mean age of the participants in the validation sample was 14.9 years (standard deviation [SD] 1.4), 131 (58%) were girls and 48 (21%) were orphans. Exploratory factor analysis revealed two factors related to affective and cognitive symptoms of depression. The 20-item depression scale was internally consistent (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.91) with moderate test-retest and inter-rater reliability. Construct validity was excellent, as demonstrated through correlation with related constructs like stigma (P< 0.001) and bullying (P< 0.001). At the optimized cutoff score, 64 (29%) participants screened positive for probable depression. Using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview for Children and Adolescents, we found that 37 participants (17%) were diagnosed with major depressive disorder. In reference to the criterion standard, the depression scale showed excellent discrimination (c-statistic = 0.84). Conclusion This new 20-item depression scale was reliable and valid for detecting major depressive disorder among ALWH in rural Uganda. There are few culturally- and age-appropriate screening scales for use among adolescents with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. We used qualitative methods to generate new scale items, and adapted items from previously published depression screening scales. The items in the newly developed scale consist of well-known affective and cognitive symptoms of depression. The scale has adequate internal consistency, test-retest, and inter-rater reliability, and adequate evidence of construct and criterion-related validity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Christine Cooper-Vince
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Samuel Maling
- Mbarara University Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | | | - Dickens Akena
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Alexander C Tsai
- Mbarara University Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda.,Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Besthorn F, Kalomo EN, Lightfoot E, Liao M. The relationship between social support and anxiety amongst children living with HIV in rural northern Namibia. AJAR-AFRICAN JOURNAL OF AIDS RESEARCH 2018; 17:293-300. [PMID: 30466364 DOI: 10.2989/16085906.2018.1534748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This study examined how HIV-related stigma and social support are related to anxiety among children living with HIV in rural northern Namibia. This is a cross-sectional exploratory study with a sample of 132 caregiver-child dyads. Our study found that higher levels of social support was correlated with lower levels of anxiety among children living with HIV, but higher levels of HIV-related stigma was not correlated with higher levels of anxiety. These findings point to the need for the development of more culturally and age specific interventions that enhance social support among children living with HIV, especially those in high-prevalence and socio-economically deprived settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fred Besthorn
- a Wichita State University , School of Social Work , Wichita , Kansas , USA
| | - Eveline N Kalomo
- a Wichita State University , School of Social Work , Wichita , Kansas , USA
| | - Elizabeth Lightfoot
- b University of Minnesota , School of Social Work , St Paul , Minnesota , USA
| | - Minli Liao
- c Morgan State University , School of Social Work , Baltimore , Maryland , USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Boyes ME, Cluver LD, Meinck F, Casale M, Newnham E. Mental health in South African adolescents living with HIV: correlates of internalising and externalising symptoms. AIDS Care 2018; 31:95-104. [PMID: 30241443 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2018.1524121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Although declining in all other age groups, AIDS-related deaths among adolescents are increasing. In the context of HIV, mental health problems are associated with negative health outcomes, including non-adherence to life-saving ART. For effective programming it is essential to identify factors associated with psychological outcomes in this population. Adopting a socioecological perspective, we aimed to identify correlates of internalising and externalising symptoms in a large, representative sample of South African adolescents living with HIV. HIV-positive adolescents (n = 1060), who received care in public health facilities in South Africa's Eastern Cape, completed measures of internalising and externalising symptoms. Hypothesised correlates included HIV and health-related factors (physical health, mode of infection, medication side-effects, disclosure, stigma), health-service related factors (negative interactions with clinic staff, clinic support group), interpersonal factors (abuse, bullying victimisation, social support), parenting-related factors (orphanhood, positive parenting, parental monitoring, parent communication), as well as individual and demographic-related factors (self-efficacy, age, gender, urban/rural location, poverty). Correlates operating across a variety of contexts were identified. Bullying victimisation, self-efficacy, and positive parenting may be particularly salient intervention targets as they were associated with better outcomes on most or all mental health measures, can be addressed without directly targeting adolescents living with HIV (reducing the chances of accidental exposure and stigma), and are associated with better adolescent mental health in South Africa more generally.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark E Boyes
- a School of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences , Curtin University , Perth , Australia.,b Centre for Evidence-Based Intervention, Department of Social Policy and Intervention , University of Oxford , Oxford , UK
| | - Lucie D Cluver
- b Centre for Evidence-Based Intervention, Department of Social Policy and Intervention , University of Oxford , Oxford , UK.,c Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health , University of Cape Town , Cape Town , South Africa
| | - Franziska Meinck
- b Centre for Evidence-Based Intervention, Department of Social Policy and Intervention , University of Oxford , Oxford , UK.,d Faculty of Health Sciences , North-West University , Vanderbijlpark , South Africa
| | - Marisa Casale
- b Centre for Evidence-Based Intervention, Department of Social Policy and Intervention , University of Oxford , Oxford , UK.,e School of Public Health , University of the Western Cape , Cape Town , South Africa
| | - Elizabeth Newnham
- a School of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences , Curtin University , Perth , Australia.,f FXB Center for Health and Human Rights , Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health , Boston , United States
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Internalized HIV stigma, bullying, major depressive disorder, and high-risk suicidality among HIV-positive adolescents in rural Uganda. Glob Ment Health (Camb) 2018; 5:e22. [PMID: 29997894 PMCID: PMC6036650 DOI: 10.1017/gmh.2018.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Revised: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies conducted in sub-Saharan Africa suggest a high prevalence of depression and suicidality among adolescents living with HIV (ALWH). This is an important public health issue because depression is known to compromise HIV treatment adherence. However, the drivers of depression and suicidality in this population are unclear. We conducted a cross-sectional study to estimate the associations between internalized stigma, bullying, major depressive disorder, and suicidality. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey between November 2016 and March 2017, enrolling a consecutive sample of 224 ALWH aged 13-17 years. We collected information on demographic characteristics, internalized HIV-related stigma (using the six-item Internalized AIDS-Related Stigma Scale), bullying victimization (using the nine-item Social and Health Assessment Peer Victimization Scale), major depressive disorder [using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview for Children and Adolescents (MINI-KID)], and suicidality (also using the MINI-KID). We fitted multivariable logistic regression models to estimate the associations between stigma, bullying, major depressive disorder, and suicidality. RESULTS Thirty-seven participants (16%) had major depressive disorder, 30 (13%) had suicidality, and nine (4%) had high-risk suicidality. Ninety-one participants (41%) had high levels of internalized stigma, while 97 (43%) reported two or more bullying events in the past year. In multivariable logistic regression models, major depressive disorder had a statistically significant association with bullying (AOR = 1.09; 95% CI 1.00-1.20; p = 0.04); while suicidality (low, moderate, high risk) had statistically significant associations with both bullying (AOR = 1.09; 95% CI 1.01-1.17; p = 0.02) and stigma (AOR = 1.30; 95% CI 1.03-1.30; p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS Among ALWH in rural Uganda, stigma and bullying are strongly associated with major depressive disorder and suicidality. There is a need to incorporate psychological interventions in the mainstream HIV care to address these challenges for optimal management of HIV among ALWH.
Collapse
|
25
|
Kagotho N, Patak-Pietrafesa M, Ssewamala FM, Kirkbride G. Assessing the Association Between Depression and Savings for Kenyan Youth Using a Validated Child Depression Inventory Measure. J Adolesc Health 2018; 62:S21-S28. [PMID: 29273114 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2017.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Revised: 10/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The Child Depression Inventory (CDI) is a commonly used measure of depression among youth and has been used in studies conducted in sub-Saharan Africa demonstrating positive effects of financial asset-building interventions on physical and mental health outcomes. However, before we can be certain that asset building does indeed improve mental health functioning, we must first be sure that the instruments used to measure mental health in this population are valid and culturally appropriate. METHODS This two-part study used baseline data from a sample of youth (N = 1,348, 13-18 years) participating in the YouthSave-Impact Study Kenya to clarify the psychometric properties of the 10-item CDI (study A), and then used the 10-item CDI to assess the relationship between financial assets and mental health functioning among this sample of adolescents (study B). RESULTS Factor analysis on the 10-item CDI indicated a one-factor eight-item measure with excellent model fit. Invariance testing indicated that the measure performed differently for male and female respondents. Finally, using the latent structure as the dependent variable, the second part of the analysis established that cash savings were associated with depression. Female and male adolescents with savings reported lower depression (female β = -.17, p ≤ .003; male β = -.12, p ≤ .020) than other youth. CONCLUSION This study identified a reasonable one-factor eight-item depression measure that was noninvariant across gender. This validated measure was used to confirm the association between financial assets and mental health outcomes, hence, supporting the hypothesis that financial assets are associated with mental health outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Njeri Kagotho
- The Ohio State University College of Social Work, Columbus, Ohio.
| | | | - Fred M Ssewamala
- Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri; International Center for Child Health and Development, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Gwyneth Kirkbride
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Pantelic M, Boyes M, Cluver L, Meinck F. HIV, violence, blame and shame: pathways of risk to internalized HIV stigma among South African adolescents living with HIV. J Int AIDS Soc 2017; 20:21771. [PMID: 28853517 PMCID: PMC5577824 DOI: 10.7448/ias.20.1.21771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Internalized HIV stigma is a key risk factor for negative outcomes amongst adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV), including non-adherence to anti-retroviral treatment, loss-to-follow-up and morbidity. This study tested a theoretical model of multi-level risk pathways to internalized HIV stigma among South African ALHIV. METHODS From 2013 to 2015, a survey using total population sampling of ALHIV who had ever initiated anti-retroviral treatment (ART) in 53 public health facilities in the Eastern Cape, South Africa was conducted. Community-tracing ensured inclusion of ALHIV who were defaulting from ART or lost to follow-up. 90.1% of eligible ALHIV were interviewed (n = 1060, 55% female, mean age = 13.8, 21% living in rural locations). HIV stigma mechanisms (internalized, enacted, and anticipated), HIV-related disability, violence victimization (physical, emotional, sexual abuse, bullying victimization) were assessed using well-validated self-report measures. Structural equation modelling was used to test a theoretically informed model of risk pathways from HIV-related disability to internalized HIV stigma. The model controlled for age, gender and urban/rural address. RESULTS Prevalence of internalized HIV stigma was 26.5%. As hypothesized, significant associations between internalized stigma and anticipated stigma, as well as depression were obtained. Unexpectedly, HIV-related disability, victimization, and enacted stigma were not directly associated with internalized stigma. Instead significant pathways were identified via anticipated HIV stigma and depression. The model fitted the data well (RMSEA = .023; CFI = .94; TLI = .95; WRMR = 1.070). CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the complicated nature of internalized HIV stigma. Whilst it is seemingly a psychological process, indirect pathways suggest multi-level mechanisms leading to internalized HIV stigma. Findings suggest that protection from violence within homes, communities and schools may interrupt risk pathways from HIV-related health problems to psychological distress and internalized HIV stigma. This highlights the potential for interventions that do not explicitly target adolescents living with HIV but are sensitive to their needs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marija Pantelic
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
- International HIV/AIDS Alliance, Brighton, UK
| | - Mark Boyes
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
- School of Psychology and Speech Pathology, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Lucie Cluver
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Franziska Meinck
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
- OPTENTIA, School of Behavioural Sciences, North West University, Vanderbeijlpark, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Roush N. Annie Bunting, Benjamin N. Lawrance, and Richard L. Roberts (Eds): Marriage by Force? Contestation over Consent and Coercion in Africa. J Youth Adolesc 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s10964-017-0651-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
28
|
Schmid J, Chiba J. The intersection of abandonment, HIV-positive status and residential care for a group of perinatally infected adolescents. AJAR-AFRICAN JOURNAL OF AIDS RESEARCH 2017; 16:47-56. [PMID: 28367745 DOI: 10.2989/16085906.2017.1296476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Although anti-retroviral treatments have significantly reduced the incidence of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and AIDS, there remains, for the foreseeable future, a group of adolescents who have been perinatally infected. Noting the paucity of information regarding the impact of paediatric AIDS and its intersection with residential care, this paper investigates the lived realities of 20 South African adolescents who were vertically infected with HIV and AIDS, were abandoned, and have been raised in residential care. The exploratory study highlights that for these youth the dimensions of their adolescence, HIV-positive status and associated abandonment as well as life in residential care are mutually reinforcing and interconnected. Issues of race and class also interact with these social dimensions. Ultimately, these dimensions intersect to create a particular form of social exclusion. Intentional, critical intervention is required on the micro level to support these teens develop a coherent identity. On the meso level, the residential facility should actively facilitate community integration, particularly with the adolescents' communities (and where possible, families) of origin. Governments need to strengthen intersectoral, rights-based responses and in particular, address the consequences of cognitive impairment associated with perinatal transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeanette Schmid
- a Centre for Social Development in Africa , University of Johannesburg , Auckland Park , South Africa.,b Grandview Court , Nanaimo , British Columbia , Canada
| | - Jenita Chiba
- a Centre for Social Development in Africa , University of Johannesburg , Auckland Park , South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Skeen S, Macedo A, Tomlinson M, Hensels IS, Sherr L. Exposure to violence and psychological well-being over time in children affected by HIV/AIDS in South Africa and Malawi. AIDS Care 2016; 28 Suppl 1:16-25. [PMID: 27002770 PMCID: PMC4828604 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2016.1146219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Many of the risk factors for violence against children are particularly prevalent in families and communities affected by HIV/AIDS. Yet, in sub-Saharan Africa, where HIV rates are high, efforts to prevent or address violence against children and its long-lasting effects are hampered by a lack of evidence. We assessed the relationship between violence exposure and mental health among HIV-affected children attending community-based organisations in South Africa (n = 834) and Malawi (n = 155, total sample n = 989) at baseline and 12-15-month follow-up. Exposure to violence in the home and in the community was high. HIV-negative children who lived with an HIV-positive person experienced most violence overall, followed by HIV-positive children. Children unaffected by HIV experienced least violence (all p < .05). Interpersonal violence in the home predicted child depression (β = 0.17, p < .001), trauma symptoms (β = 0.17, p < .001), lower self-esteem (β = -0.17, p < .001), and internalising and externalising behavioural problems (β = 0.07, p < .05), while exposure to community violence predicted trauma symptoms (β = 0.16, p < .001) and behavioural problems (β = 0.07, p < .05). Harsh physical discipline predicted lower self-esteem (β = -0.18, p < .001) and behavioural problems for children (β = 0.24, p < .001). Exposure to home (OR: 1.89, 95% CI: 1.23-2.85) and community violence predicted risk behaviour (OR: 2.39, 95% CI: 1.57-3.62). Over time, there was a decrease in depressed mood and problem behaviours, and an increase in self-esteem for children experiencing different types of violence at baseline. This may have been due to ongoing participation in the community-based programme. These data highlight the burden of violence in these communities and possibilities for programmes to include violence prevention to improve psychosocial well-being in HIV-affected children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S. Skeen
- Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - A. Macedo
- Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - M. Tomlinson
- Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - I. S. Hensels
- Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - L. Sherr
- Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Sharp C, Jardin C, Marais L, Boivin M. Orphanhood by AIDS-Related Causes and Child Mental Health: A Developmental Psychopathology Approach. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 1. [PMID: 27668289 DOI: 10.16966/2380-5536.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
While the number of new HIV infections has declined, the number of orphans as a result of AIDS-related deaths continues to increase. The aim of this paper was to systematically review empirical research on the mental health of children affected by HIV/AIDS in the developing world, specifically with an eye on developing a theoretical framework to guide intervention and research. Articles for review were gathered by following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systemic Reviews and Meta Analyses (PRISMA standards), reviewed and then organized and synthesized with a Developmental Psychopathology framework. Results showed that the immediate and longterm effects of AIDS orphanhood are moderated by a number of important risk and protective factors that may serve as strategic targets for intervention. Research and clinical implications are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carla Sharp
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77024, USA
| | - Charles Jardin
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77024, USA
| | - Lochner Marais
- Centre for Development Support, University of the Free State, South Africa
| | - Michael Boivin
- Department of Neurology & Ophthalmology, Michigan State University, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Factors associated with depression among adolescents living with HIV in Malawi. BMC Psychiatry 2015; 15:264. [PMID: 26503291 PMCID: PMC4624356 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-015-0649-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2015] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior research suggests that a high prevalence of depression, with a detrimental impact on treatment outcomes exists among HIV-infected youth. Data on potential risk factors of depression among HIV-infected youth in sub-Saharan Africa are scarce. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify contributory/protective factors associated with depression in Malawian adolescents 12-18 years old living with HIV. METHODS Depression was measured by a validated Chichewa version of the Beck Depression Inventory version-II (BDI-II) and the Children's Depression Rating Scale-Revised (CDRS-R). Data on variables thought to potentially be contributory/protective were collected and included: socio-demographics, past traumatic events/stressors, behavioural factors/social support, and bio-clinical parameters. Chi-square test or two-sample t-test was used to explore associations between factors and depression. Additional testing via linear/logistic regression, adjusting for age and sex, identified candidate variables (p < 0.1). Final regression models included variables with significant main effects and interactions. RESULTS Of the 562 participants enrolled (mean age, 14.5 years [SD 2.0]; 56.1% female), the prevalence of depression was 18.9%. In multivariate linear regression, the variables significantly associated with higher BDI-II score were female gender, fewer years of schooling, death in the family/household, failing a school term/class, having a boyfriend/girlfriend, not disclosed or not having shared one's HIV status with someone else, more severe immunosuppression, and bullied for taking medications. Bullying victimization was reported by 11.6% of respondents. We found significant interactions: older participants with lower height-for-age z-scores and dissatisfied with their physical appearance had higher BDI-II scores. In multivariate logistic regression, factors significantly associated with depression were: older age, OR 1.23 (95% CI 1.07-1.42); fewer years of schooling, OR 3.30 (95% CI 1.54-7.05); and bullied for taking medications, (OR 4.20 (95% CI 2.29-7.69). CONCLUSION Having fewer years of schooling and being bullied for taking medications were most clearly associated with depression. Programmes to support the mental health needs of HIV-infected adolescents that address issues such as disclosure, educational support, and, most notably, bullying may improve treatment outcomes and are recommended.
Collapse
|