1
|
Trang K, Hiott C, Rahim AK, Rahman S, Wuermli AJ. A qualitative study of cultural concepts of distress among Rohingya refugees in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. Confl Health 2024; 18:48. [PMID: 39080752 PMCID: PMC11290005 DOI: 10.1186/s13031-024-00606-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rohingya refugees residing in Bangladesh have been exposed to profound trauma in addition to ongoing daily stressors of living in the refugee camps. Accurate assessments of mental health burden and their impact among this population require culturally sensitive tools that remain lacking in this context. The purpose of this study was to characterize salient cultural concepts of distress (CCDs), their causes, consequences, and approaches to treatment, among Rohingya refugees living in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, to help inform future measurement and intervention design. METHODS Between December 2020 and March 2022, 106 free-listing interviews and 10 key informant interviews were conducted with community members to identify and better understand common CCDs. Rohingya research staff analyzed the interview transcripts by tabulating the frequency of unique CCDs in the free-listing interviews and the unique attributed causes, signs, consequences, and treatment strategies for each CCD in the key informant interviews. RESULTS In total, five CCDs were identified: tenshon (tension), bishi sinta (excessive thinking), feshar (pressure), gum zai nofara (unable to sleep), and shoit-shoit lagon (feeling restless and/or trapped). Although the five CCDs had overlapping symptoms, they also had unique presentation, consequences, and preferred strategies for treatment that may impact service-seeking behavior. Three out of the five CCDs were considered life-threatening, if severe and left untreated. CONCLUSION The five CCDs identified are culturally salient ways of experiencing and communicating distress within this community but are not adequately captured in existing mental health assessments for this population. This may negatively impact programmatic efforts among the group.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathy Trang
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
| | - Caroline Hiott
- Global TIES for Children, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - A K Rahim
- Global TIES for Children, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Alice J Wuermli
- Global TIES for Children, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
West NS, Nakubulwa R, Murray SM, Ddaaki W, Mayambala D, Nakyanjo N, Nalugoda F, Hutton HE, Surkan PJ, Kennedy CE. Okweraliikirira and Okwenyamira: Idioms of Psychological Distress Among People Living with HIV in Rakai, Uganda. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4656465. [PMID: 39011105 PMCID: PMC11247927 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4656465/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Health and illness experiences are positioned within social and cultural contexts. Understanding the mental health and psychological distress of people living with HIV in highly affected communities is critical to addressing their needs and to ensure programming and interventions are targeted and appropriate. Methods Grounded in the ethnomedical theoretical perspective, we conducted qualitative interviews to understand the experience and expression of psychological distress by people living with HIV in Rakai, Uganda. Participants included adults living with HIV (n=20), health workers (counselors, peer health workers, nurses, n=10), and key informants (n=12). Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed/translated, coded, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Two idioms of distress, okweraliikirira (worry/apprehension) and okwenyamira (deep/manythoughts/lots of thoughts) were described as impacting people living with HIV. Both idioms were said to be alleviated by social support or counseling, but if left unaddressed could lead to more severe mental health problems and poor ART adherence. Conclusion People living with HIV understand their psychological distress through culturally specific idioms; such distress can have deleterious impacts on well-being. Incorporating idioms of distress into screening and treatment for people living with HIV may improve identification of individuals in need and overall health services to address this need.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nora S West
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep Medicine
| | | | - Sarah M Murray
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Mental Health
| | | | | | | | | | - Heidi E Hutton
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Division of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
| | - Pamela J Surkan
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of International Health
| | - Caitlin E Kennedy
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of International Health
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yap AU, Sultana R, Natu VP. Somatic and temporomandibular disorder symptoms - Idioms of psychological distress in Southeast Asian youths. Cranio 2024; 42:364-371. [PMID: 34569454 DOI: 10.1080/08869634.2021.1982496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the prevalence/severity of somatic and temporomandibular disorder (TMD) symptoms in Southeast Asian youths and determine their associations with psychological distress. METHODS Demographic information, Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15), Fonseca Anamnestic Index (FAI), and Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) responses were gathered electronically and analyzed using non-parametric statistical and logistic regression analysis (p < 0.05). RESULTS Of 400 youths (mean age 18.7 ± 1.7 years; 52.3% females), 65.0%/47.0% reported somatic/TMD symptoms, and 10.5% had TMDs. Significant differences in psychological distress were observed among the varying severity of somatic/TMD symptoms. Correlations between PHQ-15/FAI and DASS-21 scores were weak to moderately strong (rs = 0.30-0.61). Stepwise logistic regression indicated that female gender, TMD symptoms, and stress were risk factors for somatic symptoms, while somatic symptoms and stress were probable factors for TMDs. CONCLUSION Somatic and TMD symptoms are common in Southeast Asian youths and may be a manifestation of psychological distress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Ujin Yap
- Department of Dentistry, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, Jurong East, Singapore, Singapore
- Faculty of Dentistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- National Dental Research Institute, National Dental Centre Singapore, Singapore
- School of Health and Social Sciences, Nanyang Polytechnic, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Vaishali Prakash Natu
- Faculty of Dentistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- School of Health and Social Sciences, Nanyang Polytechnic, Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Fennig M. Cross-culturally adapting the GHQ-12 for use with refugee populations: Opportunities, dilemmas, and challenges. Transcult Psychiatry 2024; 61:168-181. [PMID: 38233737 PMCID: PMC10943620 DOI: 10.1177/13634615231223884] [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] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
This article discusses the opportunities, dilemmas, and challenges involved in the cross-cultural adaptation (CCA) of psychological scales for use with refugee populations. It draws on insights derived from an attempt to adapt the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) to the particular culture and context of Eritrean refugees residing in Israel. Multiple techniques including expert translations, a focus-group discussion, a survey, and piloting, were employed to attain a cross-cultural and conceptually equivalent measure. During the CCA process, the research team encountered issues pertaining to conceptual non-equivalence, the structure of the measure's responses and scoring system, and acceptability. These issues required the team to move beyond semantic translation by adapting certain items. This study demonstrates the compromises which need to be made in the adaptation process and indicates the potential bias which each of these compromises introduces. Despite its limitations, CCA does appear to significantly improve detection of mental health symptoms in refugee populations. Overall, the results of the present study provide support for the notion that the sensitive and appropriate assessment of individuals from refugee backgrounds requires adopting a rigorous, systematic, and contextual approach to instrument adaptation, with an emphasis on the integration of idioms of distress as well as the adaptation of Likert-type scales.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maya Fennig
- The Bob Shapell School of Social Work, The Gershon H. Gordon Faculty of Social Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
McCarthy MJ, Wicker A, Roddy J, Remiker M, Roy I, McCoy M, Cerino ES, Baldwin J. Feasibility and utility of mobile health interventions for depression and anxiety in rural populations: A scoping review. Internet Interv 2024; 35:100724. [PMID: 38352194 PMCID: PMC10863305 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2024.100724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the potential of mobile health (mHealth) to address high rates of depression and anxiety in underserved rural communities, most mHealth interventions do not explicitly consider the realities of rural life. The aim of this scoping review is to identify and examine the available literature on mHealth interventions that consider the needs of rural populations in order to gauge their feasibility and utility for addressing depression and anxiety. Additionally, we provide an overview of rural users' perceptions about and preferences for mHealth-delivered mental health screening and intervention systems. Out of 169 articles identified, 16 met inclusion criteria. Studies were conducted across a wide range of countries, age groups, and rural subpopulations including individuals with bipolar disorder, anxiety, perinatal depression, PTSD, and chronic pain, as well as refugees, veterans, and transgender and LGBTQ+ individuals. All interventions were in the feasibility/acceptability testing stage for rural users. Identified strengths included their simplicity, accessibility, convenience, availability of support between sessions with providers, and remote access to a care team. Weaknesses included problems with charging phone batteries and exceeding data limits, privacy concerns, and general lack of comfort with app-based support. Based upon this review, we provide recommendations for future mHealth intervention development including the value of developer-user coproduction methods, the need to consider user variation in access to and comfort with smartphones, and potential data or connectivity limitations, mental health stigma, and confidentiality concerns in rural communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. McCarthy
- Department of Social Work, Northern Arizona University, 19 W McConnell Dr., Flagstaff, AZ 86011, United States of America
| | - Alexandra Wicker
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, 1100 S Beaver St., Flagstaff, AZ 86011, United States of America
| | - Juliette Roddy
- Department of Criminology & Criminal Justice, Northern Arizona University, 5 E McConnell Dr., Flagstaff, AZ 86011, United States of America
| | - Mark Remiker
- Center for Health Equity Research, Northern Arizona University, 1395 Knoles Drive, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, United States of America
| | - Indrakshi Roy
- Center for Health Equity Research, Northern Arizona University, 1395 Knoles Drive, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, United States of America
| | - Megan McCoy
- Department of Social Work, Northern Arizona University, 19 W McConnell Dr., Flagstaff, AZ 86011, United States of America
| | - Eric S. Cerino
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, 1100 S Beaver St., Flagstaff, AZ 86011, United States of America
| | - Julie Baldwin
- Center for Health Equity Research, Northern Arizona University, 1395 Knoles Drive, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Withers M, Trop J, Bayalag M, Schriger SH, Ganbold S, Doripurev D, Davaasambuu E, Bat-Erdene U, Gendenjamts B. "They should ask about our feelings": Mongolian women's experiences of postpartum depression. Transcult Psychiatry 2023; 60:1005-1016. [PMID: 37731351 DOI: 10.1177/13634615231187256] [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] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Between 16 and 20% of perinatal women in low- and middle-income countries experience depression. Addressing postpartum depression (PPD) requires an appreciation of how it manifests and is understood in different cultural settings. This study explores postpartum Mongolian women's perceptions and experiences of PPD. We conducted interviews with 35 postpartum women who screened positive for possible depression to examine: (1) personal experiences of pregnancy/childbirth; (2) perceived causes and symptoms of PPD; and (3) strategies for help/support for women experiencing PPD. Unless extreme, depression was not viewed as a disease but rather as a natural condition following childbirth. Differences between a biomedical model of PPD and local idioms of distress could explain why awareness about PPD was low. The most reported PPD symptom was emotional volatility expressed as anger and endorsement of fear- or anxiety-related screening questions, suggesting that these might be especially relevant in the Mongolian context. Psychosocial factors, as opposed to biological, were common perceived causes of PPD, especially interpersonal relationship problems, financial strain, and social isolation. Possible barriers to PPD recognition/treatment included lack of awareness about the range of symptoms, reluctance to initiate discussions with providers about mental health, and lack of PPD screening practices by healthcare providers. We conclude that educational campaigns should be implemented in prenatal/postnatal clinics and pediatric settings to help women and families identify PPD symptoms, and possibly destigmatize PPD. Healthcare providers can also help to identify women with PPD through communication with women and families.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mellissa Withers
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Justin Trop
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Munkhuu Bayalag
- National Center for Maternal and Child Health, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Simone H Schriger
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Solongo Ganbold
- National Center for Maternal and Child Health, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | | | | | - Undral Bat-Erdene
- National Center for Maternal and Child Health, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Yap AU, Lee DZR, Tan SHX. The Physical Symptom Scale-8: Psychometric Characteristics of a Short-Form Version of the PHQ-15 and its Use in TMD-Related Assessment and Research. J Oral Facial Pain Headache 2023; 37:159-165. [PMID: 37698952 PMCID: PMC10664702 DOI: 10.11607/ofph.3187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To describe the development of the Physical Symptom Scale-8 (PSS-8) and to examine its psychometric properties and use in temporomandibular disorder (TMD)-related assessment and research. METHODS An online survey comprising demographic variables, the DC/TMD pain screener (TPS), Short-Form Fonseca Anamnestic Index (SFAI), PSS-8, PHQ-15, and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) was administered to young adults attending a technical college. The PSS-8 adopted the Somatic Symptom Scale-8 (SSS-8) items but maintained the 3-point response scale and 4-week time frame of the PHQ-15. Internal consistency and reliability of the PSS-8 were determined by its Cronbach α value. Known-groups and concurrent/convergent validity were examined using Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman correlation (α = .05), respectively. RESULTS Responses from 400 participants (mean age 18.8 ± 1.5 years; 52.3% women) were evaluated. Pain-related (WPT) and all (WAT) TMDs were present in 8.5% and 17.3% of the sample, respectively. The PSS-8 exhibited good internal consistency (α = 0.82) and sound known-groups validity, with the WPT/WAT groups having significantly higher PSS-8 scores than those without TMDs. Good concurrent and convergent validity were also observed, with moderate to strong correlations with the PHQ-15 (rs = 0.97) and DASS-21 scores (rs = 0.48 to 0.60). Correlations with the TPS and SFAI scores were weaker (rs = 0.28 to 0.34). CONCLUSION The PSS-8 presented good psychometric properties and performed similarly to the PHQ-15. It holds promise as the "de facto" shortened version of the PHQ-15 for TMDs and related work.
Collapse
|
8
|
Mhango W, Michelson D, Gaysina D. "I felt I needed help, but I did not get any": A multiple stakeholder qualitative study of risk and protective factors, and barriers to addressing common mental health problems among perinatal adolescents in Malawi. Glob Ment Health (Camb) 2023; 10:e73. [PMID: 38024806 PMCID: PMC10663692 DOI: 10.1017/gmh.2023.64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Common mental health problems (particularly depression and anxiety) are common among adolescents during the perinatal period. Previous research has identified the distinctive needs of this group and called for contextually appropriate psychosocial interventions. The current study conducted in Malawi aimed to explore risk and protective factors for common mental health problems, and barriers to accessing mental health care, among perinatal adolescents, to develop a contextually relevant intervention for preventing and treating perinatal depression and anxiety. An exploratory qualitative study was conducted in antenatal and postnatal clinics in Zomba district, Malawi in January-March 2022. In-depth individual interviews were completed with perinatal adolescents aged ≤19 (n = 14); their family members (n = 4); and healthcare workers (n = 8). Interview data were subjected to thematic framework analysis. Data were organised around two themes: "psychosocial risk and protective factors" (potential causes of common mental health problems among adolescents); and "health care services" (maternal and mental health services available, and adolescents' experiences of using these services). Interventions need to go beyond targeting symptoms of depression and anxiety to addressing the wider contextual risk factors and barriers to care at the different socioecological levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wezi Mhango
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
- Department of Psychology and Medical Humanities, University of Malawi, Zomba, Malawi
| | - Daniel Michelson
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Darya Gaysina
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Turchi GP, Bassi D, Agnoletti C, Riva MSD, Iudici A, Orrù L. What Are They Gonna Think About Me? An Innovative Text Analysis on Social Anxiety and Taijin Kyofusho Through MADIT Methodology. HUMAN ARENAS 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s42087-023-00328-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
AbstractMeaning and translation are never-ending issues that constantly challenge researchers who work in cross-cultural settings, especially when the focus is on how people use language to express and interact in relation to their distress experiences. Many efforts have been undertaken in order to try to understand and manage the content variance that can emerge from context and linguistic differences. The present study aims at offering its contribution on this topic by presenting MADIT methodology, an innovative textual analysis that focuses on the processual use of language. Using the theoretical references of Dialogic Science, language is analysed as an interactive process, leading the researchers to observe the modalities through which language is used (the how) instead of the different contents brought by speakers (the what). After discussing the theoretical differences between content and processual analysis, we present MADIT methodology through a comparative explorative study on the discursive production about taijin kyofusho and social anxiety in Japanese and Italian contexts. The results pointed out how, going beyond the content differences and focusing on the processual interactive reality generated through language, it is possible to observe cross-cultural similarities in the use of language to shape distress experiences.
Collapse
|
10
|
Kyrillos V, Bosqui T, Moghames P, Chehade N, Saad S, Abdul Rahman D, Karam E, Karam G, Saab D, Pluess M, McEwen FS. The culturally and contextually sensitive assessment of mental health using a structured diagnostic interview (MINI Kid) for Syrian refugee children and adolescents in Lebanon: Challenges and solutions. Transcult Psychiatry 2023; 60:125-141. [PMID: 35818837 PMCID: PMC9834432 DOI: 10.1177/13634615221105114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Elevated rates of mental health difficulties are frequently reported in conflict-affected and displaced populations. Even with advances in improving the validity and reliability of measures, our knowledge of the performance of assessment tools is often limited by a lack of contextualization to specific populations and socio-political settings. This reflective article aimed to review challenges and share lessons learned from the process of administering and supervising a structured clinical interview. We administered the MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview for Children and Adolescents (MINI Kid) and used the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) severity scale with N = 119 Syrian refugee children (aged 8-17) resident in ITSs in Lebanon. Qualitative data were derived from supervision process notes on challenges that arose during assessments, analyzed for thematic content. Five themes were identified: (1) practical and logistical challenges (changeable nature of daily life, competing demands, access to phones, temporary locations, limited referral options); (2) validity (lack of privacy, trust, perceptions of mental health, stigma, false positive answers); (3) cultural norms and meaning (impact of different meanings on answers); (4) contextual norms (reactive and adaptive emotional and behavioral responses to contextual stress); and (5) co-morbidity and formulation (interconnected and complex presentations). The findings suggest that while structured assessments have major advantages, cultural and contextual sensitivity during assessments, addressing practical barriers to improving accessibility, and consideration for inter-connected formulations are essential to help inform prevalence rates, treatment plans, and public health strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Elie Karam
- Institute for Development, Research, Advocacy and Applied Care
- Saint George Hospital University Medical Center
- Balamand University
| | | | - Dahlia Saab
- Institute for Development, Research, Advocacy and Applied Care
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Cohen F. Cultural idioms of distress among displaced populations: A scoping review. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2023; 69:5-13. [PMID: 35946075 DOI: 10.1177/00207640221114742] [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: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Armed conflicts and natural disasters can cause significant psychological and social challenges for affected populations. Displaced populations are extremely heterogeneous in terms of culture, language, and experiences of crises. Current diagnostic criteria is insufficient when evaluating the symptoms and treatment of mental health issues across contexts. AIM This scoping review presents information about cultural idioms of distress across displaced populations. The review includes aspects of etiology, symptomology, and proposed intervention methods. METHODS I conducted a Boolean search of academic and grey literature for studies that described cultural idioms of distress among displaced populations. Results were analyzed using thematic analysis and grounded theory. RESULTS A shared sense of injustice, spirit possession, and karma are common etiologies for mental distress among displaced populations. Symptoms include somatic complaints, 'thinking a lot', and interpersonal challenges such as social isolation and a fear of others. Potential interventions are likely on a community-level, including the generation of community mechanisms for conflict-resolution, reconciliation, and culturally grounded healing rituals. CONCLUSIONS It is vital to understand the ways displaced communities conceptualize their mental health in order to develop appropriate culturally grounded interventions. Understanding the etiology, symptoms, and proposed interventions can inform and improve humanitarian aid delivery of mental health and psychosocial support services.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Flora Cohen
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, MO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Tan RXR, Goh YS. Community mental health interventions for people with major depressive disorder: A scoping review. Int J Ment Health Nurs 2022; 31:1315-1359. [PMID: 35695678 DOI: 10.1111/inm.13029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
People with major depressive disorder continue to be marred by chronically pernicious yet preventable outcomes in the biopsychosocial aspects. With the reallocation of healthcare resources towards the fight against the coronavirus 2019 pandemic, much emphasis has been placed on existing community mental health interventions to ameliorate the disruption of mental health services. Moreover, the recent propulsion of community mental health services by the World Health Organization Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2030 ignited the need to bolster existing community interventions by providing comprehensive, responsive and integrated mental healthcare. The enhanced emphasis on mental healthcare in the community and the heightened demands of people with major depressive disorder underscores the need to explore the current state of community mental health interventions. This scoping review examined 51 primary studies published from year 2010 to 2020 using Arskey & O'Malley's five-stage framework and provided an overview of the impact of existing community mental health interventions for people with major depressive disorder. Findings using thematic analysis have recommended the adoption of person-centred community mental healthcare via the biopsychosocial approach for people with major depressive disorder. Enablers of community mental health interventions were driven by culturally appropriate care and augmented by technology-driven modalities. Challenges and gaps of community mental health interventions include the perpetuation of stigma and misconception, complex demands of persons with major depressive disorder and lack of holistic and long-term outcomes. Given the impact of major depressive disorder on the various biopsychosocial aspects, it is envisioned that our insights into the enablers and barriers of community mental health interventions will guide prospective interdisciplinary and nurse-led interventions in holistically improving the care of persons with major depressive disorder in the community settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ronel Xian Rong Tan
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yong Shian Goh
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Nichter M. From idioms of distress, concern, and care to moral distress leading to moral injury in the time of Covid. Transcult Psychiatry 2022; 59:551-567. [PMID: 35938212 DOI: 10.1177/13634615221115540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
In this invited commentary on the thematic issue of Transcultural Psychiatry on idioms of distress, concern, and care, I provide a brief overview of how my research agenda evolved over the years while conducting community and clinic-based research in South and Southeast Asia as well as North America. I then suggest areas where future research on idioms of distress, concern, care, and resilience will be needed among different demographics given social change and shifts in how we communicate face to face and in virtual reality, the impact of medicalization, pharmaceuticalization and bracket creep, changes in indigenous healing systems, and hybridization. I further call attention to the importance of conducting idioms guided research in occupational settings. Toward this end I highlight the moral distress health care workers in the U.S. have experienced during the Covid-19 pandemic and point out the importance of differentiating individual burnout from moral injury related to structural distress. I conclude by discussing the general utility of an idioms of distress perspective in the practice of cultural psychiatry and suggest that this perspective needs to be included in the training of all practitioners regardless of the system of medicine they practice. Doing so may enable the formation of mental health communities of practice in contexts where there are pluralistic health care arenas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark Nichter
- School of Anthropology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Kaiser BN, Weaver LJ. Culture-bound syndromes, idioms of distress, and cultural concepts of distress: New directions for an old concept in psychological anthropology. Transcult Psychiatry 2022; 59:395-398. [PMID: 35980292 DOI: 10.1177/13634615221110665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
|
15
|
White RG, Fay R, Chiumento A, Giurgi-Oncu C, Phipps A. Communication about distress and well-being: Epistemic and ethical considerations. Transcult Psychiatry 2022; 59:413-424. [PMID: 35300551 PMCID: PMC9388952 DOI: 10.1177/13634615221082795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Communication about well-being and distress involves multiple stakeholders, including experts by experience (EBE), researchers, clinical practitioners, interpreters, and translators. Communication can involve a variety of discourses and languages and each of the stakeholders may employ diverging epistemologies to understand and explain experiences. These epistemologies may link to different sources of authority and be articulated using particular linguistic resources. Epistemic injustice can occur when stakeholders, intentionally or unintentionally, fail to recognise the validity of other stakeholders' ways of conceptualising and verbalising their experience of well-being and distress. Language lies at the heart of the risk of epistemic injustice involved in the process of expressing well-being and distress as seen in: 1) the interface between divergent discourses on well-being and distress (e.g., biomedical vs. spiritual); and 2) communications involving multiple linguistic resources, which can be subdivided into multi-language communications involving a) translation of assessment measures, and b) interpreted interactions. Some of the challenges of multi-language communication can be addressed by translators or interpreters who strive for conceptual equivalence. We argue, however, that all stakeholders have an important role as "epistemic brokers" in the languaging of possible epistemological differences. Effective epistemic brokering requires that all stakeholders are reflexively and critically aware of the risks of epistemic injustice inherent in multi-language communication. The article concludes with a set of prompts to help raise stakeholder awareness and reflexivity when engaging in communication about well-being and distress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ross G White
- School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Richard Fay
- Manchester Institute of Education, School of Environment, Education and Development, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Anna Chiumento
- Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Catalina Giurgi-Oncu
- 162271Universitatea de Medicina si Farmacie, Victor Babes din Timisoara, Neuroscience Department, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Alison Phipps
- School of Education, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Kasujja R, Bangirana P, Chiumento A, Hasan T, Jansen S, Kagabo DM, Popa M, Ventevogel P, White RG. Translating, contextually adapting, and pilot testing of psychosocial and mental health assessment instruments for Congolese refugees in Rwanda and Uganda. Confl Health 2022; 16:17. [PMID: 35428341 PMCID: PMC9013053 DOI: 10.1186/s13031-022-00447-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Forcibly displaced people are at elevated risk of experiencing circumstances that can adversely impact on mental health. Culturally and contextually relevant tools to assess their mental health and psychosocial needs are essential to inform the development of appropriate interventions and investigate the effectiveness of such interventions. Methods We conducted two related studies: (1) to translate and contextually adapt the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), a measure of depressive symptomatology, along with assessment instruments measuring levels of daily stress (Checklist for Daily & Environmental Stressors; CDES), social capital (Shortened and Adapted Social Capital Assessment Tool; SASCAT) and perceived social support (Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support; MSPSS) for use with Congolese refugees; (2) to conduct pilot testing of the assessment instruments (including cognitive interviewing about participants’ views of completing them) and a validation of the adapted PHQ-9 using a ‘known group’ approach by recruiting Congolese refugees from refugee settings in Rwanda (n = 100) and Uganda (n = 100). Results Study 1 resulted in the translation and adaptation of the assessment instruments. No substantive adaptations were made to the SASCAT or MSPSS, while notable linguistic and contextual adaptations were made in both sites to the CDES and the PHQ-9. The cognitive interviewing conducted in Study 2 indicated that the adapted assessment instruments were generally well received by members of the refugee communities. Participants recruited on the basis that local informants adjudged them to have high levels of depressive symptoms had significantly higher PHQ-9 scores (M = 11.02; SD = 5.84) compared to those in the group adjudged to have low levels of depressive symptoms (M = 5.66; SD = 5.04). In both sites, the adapted versions of the PHQ-9 demonstrated concurrent validity via significant positive correlations with levels of daily stressors. Each of the four adapted assessment instruments demonstrated at least adequate levels of internal consistency in both sites. Conclusions The adapted versions of the PHQ-9, CDES, SASCAT and MSPSS are appropriate for use amongst Congolese refugees in Rwanda and Uganda. We recommend further application of the approaches used in the current studies for contextually adapting other assessment instruments in humanitarian settings.
Collapse
|
17
|
Im H, Swan LET, Warsame AH, Isse MM. Risk and protective factors for comorbidity of PTSD, depression, and anxiety among Somali refugees in Kenya. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2022; 68:134-146. [DOI: https:/doi.org/10.1177/0020764020978685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
Background: Comorbid common mental disorders (CMDs) are pervasive in refugee populations. However, limited research has explored psychosocial factors for mental disorder comorbidity in Somali refugee samples. Aims: This study aims to explore potential risk and protective factors for comorbid depression-anxiety and comorbid depression-PTSD by examining associations between trauma exposure, psychosocial factors, and mental health symptoms among a sample of Somali refugees displaced in urban Kenya. Methods: We used snowball sampling to recruit Somali youth aged 15 to 35years( N = 250, n = 143 female, n = 88 male, n = 19 unknown gender). We measured 16 common types of trauma exposure and three psychosocial factors (endorsing violence, willingness to share problems, and symptom awareness) and used the HSCL-25 and PCL-C to capture individual and comorbid CMD symptoms, using guided cutoff points and/or algorithms. We then ran a series of logistic regression analyses to examine relationships between trauma exposure, psychosocial factors, and individual and comorbid CMD symptoms. Results: Findings showed that increased trauma exposure predicted symptoms of individual and comorbid CMDs. Increased symptom awareness and endorsement of violence predicted comorbid depression-PTSD and comorbid anxiety-depression symptoms, respectively. Willingness to share problems buffered depressive symptoms but did not predict comorbidity. Conclusions: These findings revealed the high CMD comorbidity prevalence with differential effects of trauma and psychosocial factors on individual or comorbid mental disorders. This study suggests a need for transdiagnostic approaches that cut across Western diagnostic boundaries and consider culturally responsive and relevant items for mental health measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyojin Im
- School of Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA
| | - Laura ET Swan
- School of Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Im H, Swan LE, Warsame AH, Isse MM. Risk and protective factors for comorbidity of PTSD, depression, and anxiety among Somali refugees in Kenya. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2022; 68:134-146. [PMID: 33300411 DOI: 10.1177/0020764020978685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Comorbid common mental disorders (CMDs) are pervasive in refugee populations. However, limited research has explored psychosocial factors for mental disorder comorbidity in Somali refugee samples. AIMS This study aims to explore potential risk and protective factors for comorbid depression-anxiety and comorbid depression-PTSD by examining associations between trauma exposure, psychosocial factors, and mental health symptoms among a sample of Somali refugees displaced in urban Kenya. METHODS We used snowball sampling to recruit Somali youth aged 15 to 35years(N = 250,n = 143 female, n = 88 male, n = 19 unknown gender). We measured 16 common types of trauma exposure and three psychosocial factors (endorsing violence, willingness to share problems, and symptom awareness) and used the HSCL-25 and PCL-C to capture individual and comorbid CMD symptoms, using guided cutoff points and/or algorithms. We then ran a series of logistic regression analyses to examine relationships between trauma exposure, psychosocial factors, and individual and comorbid CMD symptoms. RESULTS Findings showed that increased trauma exposure predicted symptoms of individual and comorbid CMDs. Increased symptom awareness and endorsement of violence predicted comorbid depression-PTSD and comorbid anxiety-depression symptoms, respectively. Willingness to share problems buffered depressive symptoms but did not predict comorbidity. CONCLUSIONS These findings revealed the high CMD comorbidity prevalence with differential effects of trauma and psychosocial factors on individual or comorbid mental disorders. This study suggests a need for transdiagnostic approaches that cut across Western diagnostic boundaries and consider culturally responsive and relevant items for mental health measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyojin Im
- School of Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA
| | - Laura Et Swan
- School of Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Wahid SS, Sarker M, Arafat ASME, Apu AR, Kohrt BA. Tension and Other Idioms of Distress Among Slum Dwelling Young Men: A Qualitative Study of Depression in Urban Bangladesh. Cult Med Psychiatry 2022; 46:531-563. [PMID: 34328610 PMCID: PMC9034992 DOI: 10.1007/s11013-021-09735-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) it is vital to understand acceptable, comprehensive, and culturally appropriate ways of communicating about mental distress. Diagnostic terminology is rarely used, may be stigmatizing, and is subject to misinterpretation. Local terms, such as idioms of distress, can improve mental health literacy and service delivery. Our objective was to examine lived experience and coping connected to distress and depression in an under-researched population: young men from LMIC urban slums. We conducted 60 qualitative interviews with men (ages 18-29) in Bhashantek slum, Bangladesh. Themes were generated using thematic analysis and grounded theory techniques. The heart-mind (mon), mentality (manoshikota), mood (mejaj), head (matha or "brain"), and body (shorir) comprised the self-concept, and were related to sadness, hopelessness, anger, worry, and mental illness. The English word "tension" was the central idiom of distress. "Tension" existed on a continuum, from mild distress or motivational anxiety, to moderate distress including rumination and somatic complaints, to severe psychopathology including anhedonia and suicidality. Respondents connected "tension" to burnout experiences and mental illness which was summarized in an ethnopsychological model. These findings can inform culturally sensitive measurement tools and interventions that are acceptable to the community, potentially increasing engagement and enhancing therapeutic outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Syed Shabab Wahid
- Department of Global Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA. .,Division of Global Mental Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Malabika Sarker
- BRAC James P. Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh ,Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Arifur Rahman Apu
- BRAC James P. Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Brandon A. Kohrt
- Department of Global Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC USA ,Division of Global Mental Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Reporting Cultural Adaptation in Psychological Trials – The RECAPT criteria. CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY IN EUROPE 2021; 3:e6351. [PMID: 36405678 PMCID: PMC9670826 DOI: 10.32872/cpe.6351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
There is a lack of empirical evidence on the level of cultural adaptation required for psychological interventions developed in Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic (WEIRD) societies to be effective for the treatment of common mental disorders among culturally and ethnically diverse groups. This lack of evidence is partly due to insufficient documentation of cultural adaptation in psychological trials. Standardised documentation is needed in order to enhance empirical and meta-analytic evidence.
Process
A “Task force for cultural adaptation of mental health interventions for refugees” was established to harmonise and document the cultural adaptation process across several randomised controlled trials testing psychological interventions for mental health among refugee populations in Germany. Based on the collected experiences, a sub-group of the task force developed the reporting criteria presented in this paper. Thereafter, an online survey with international experts in cultural adaptation of psychological interventions was conducted, including two rounds of feedback.
Results
The consolidation process resulted in eleven reporting criteria to guide and document the process of cultural adaptation of psychological interventions in clinical trials. A template for documenting this process is provided. The eleven criteria are structured along A) Set-up; B) Formative research methods; C) Intervention adaptation; D) Measuring outcomes and implementation.
Conclusions
Reporting on cultural adaptation more consistently in future psychological trials will hopefully improve the quality of evidence and contribute to examining the effect of cultural adaptation on treatment efficacy, feasibility, and acceptability.
Collapse
|
21
|
Rosenberg J, McDonough Ryan P, O'Brien C, Ganjavi F, Sharifi M. Pilot Wellness Program With Adapted Social-Emotional Learning and COVID-19 Curriculum for Refugee Youth. HEALTH EDUCATION & BEHAVIOR 2021; 49:17-25. [PMID: 34628978 DOI: 10.1177/10901981211048830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Refugee children are less likely than their non-refugee peers to receive timely diagnoses and treatment for mental and/or behavioral health problems, despite facing multiple risk factors including potential exposure to trauma during premigration, migration, and postmigration experiences. Social-Emotional Learning offers preventive mental health education for children through well-established, evidenced-based curricula. Although there are clear benefits of Social-Emotional Learning curricula, which can help children achieve long-term success emotionally and academically, Social-Emotional Learning curricula are not easily accessible for refugee children, often because of language and socioeconomic barriers. In this pilot study, we evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of an adapted Social-Emotional Learning program that included culturally specific, multilingual, trauma-informed wellness, and physical education during the COVID-19 pandemic: EMPOWER (Emotions Program Outside the Clinic With Wellness Education for Refugees). We used the Intervention Mapping framework which guided the (1) planning, (2) program development, and (3) mixed-method evaluation of the feasibility and acceptability of the EMPOWER pilot. We found that this adaptation was well-received by Afghan refugee families and that COVID-19 safety measures were well-understood after participation. Challenges emerged around videoconferencing connectivity and around finding a common language for discussing emotions. Future iterations of the program and evaluations will require continued partnerships with community members and organizations. As we continue and expand EMPOWER, we aim to evaluate short-term improvement in Social-Emotional Learning competence as well as long-term mental and behavioral health outcomes for children and their families.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Mona Sharifi
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Task sharing in psychotherapy as a viable global mental health approach in resource-poor countries and also in high-resource settings. GLOBAL HEALTH JOURNAL 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.glohj.2021.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
|
23
|
Jordans MJD, Kohrt BA, Sangraula M, Turner EL, Wang X, Shrestha P, Ghimire R, van’t Hof E, Bryant RA, Dawson KS, Marahatta K, Luitel NP, van Ommeren M. Effectiveness of Group Problem Management Plus, a brief psychological intervention for adults affected by humanitarian disasters in Nepal: A cluster randomized controlled trial. PLoS Med 2021; 18:e1003621. [PMID: 34138875 PMCID: PMC8211182 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, 235 million people are impacted by humanitarian emergencies worldwide, presenting increased risk of experiencing a mental disorder. Our objective was to test the effectiveness of a brief group psychological treatment delivered by trained facilitators without prior professional mental health training in a disaster-prone setting. METHODS AND FINDINGS We conducted a cluster randomized controlled trial (cRCT) from November 25, 2018 through September 30, 2019. Participants in both arms were assessed at baseline, midline (7 weeks post-baseline, which was approximately 1 week after treatment in the experimental arm), and endline (20 weeks post-baseline, which was approximately 3 months posttreatment). The intervention was Group Problem Management Plus (PM+), a psychological treatment of 5 weekly sessions, which was compared with enhanced usual care (EUC) consisting of a family psychoeducation meeting with a referral option to primary care providers trained in mental healthcare. The setting was 72 wards (geographic unit of clustering) in eastern Nepal, with 1 PM+ group per ward in the treatment arm. Wards were eligible if they were in disaster-prone regions and residents spoke Nepali. Wards were assigned to study arms based on covariate constrained randomization. Eligible participants were adult women and men 18 years of age and older who met screening criteria for psychological distress and functional impairment. Outcomes were measured at the participant level, with assessors blinded to group assignment. The primary outcome was psychological distress assessed with the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). Secondary outcomes included depression symptoms, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, "heart-mind" problems, social support, somatic symptoms, and functional impairment. The hypothesized mediator was skill use aligned with the treatment's mechanisms of action. A total of 324 participants were enrolled in the control arm (36 wards) and 319 in the Group PM+ arm (36 wards). The overall sample (N = 611) had a median age of 45 years (range 18-91 years), 82% of participants were female, 50% had recently experienced a natural disaster, and 31% had a chronic physical illness. Endline assessments were completed by 302 participants in the control arm (36 wards) and 303 participants in the Group PM+ arm (36 wards). At the midline assessment (immediately after Group PM+ in the experimental arm), mean GHQ-12 total score was 2.7 units lower in Group PM+ compared to control (95% CI: 1.7, 3.7, p < 0.001), with standardized mean difference (SMD) of -0.4 (95% CI: -0.5, -0.2). At 3 months posttreatment (primary endpoint), mean GHQ-12 total score was 1.4 units lower in Group PM+ compared to control (95% CI: 0.3, 2.5, p = 0.014), with SMD of -0.2 (95% CI: -0.4, 0.0). Among the secondary outcomes, Group PM+ was associated with endline with a larger proportion attaining more than 50% reduction in depression symptoms (29.9% of Group PM+ arm versus 17.3% of control arm, risk ratio = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.2, 2.4, p = 0.002). Fewer participants in the Group PM+ arm continued to have "heart-mind" problems at endline (58.8%) compared to the control arm (69.4%), risk ratio = 0.8 (95% CI, 0.7, 1.0, p = 0.042). Group PM+ was not associated with lower PTSD symptoms or functional impairment. Use of psychosocial skills at midline was estimated to explain 31% of the PM+ effect on endline GHQ-12 scores. Adverse events in the control arm included 1 suicide death and 1 reportable incidence of domestic violence; in the Group PM+ arm, there was 1 death due to physical illness. Study limitations include lack of power to evaluate gender-specific effects, lack of long-term outcomes (e.g., 12 months posttreatment), and lack of cost-effectiveness information. CONCLUSIONS In this study, we found that a 5-session group psychological treatment delivered by nonspecialists modestly reduced psychological distress and depression symptoms in a setting prone to humanitarian emergencies. Benefits were partly explained by the degree of psychosocial skill use in daily life. To improve the treatment benefit, future implementation should focus on approaches to enhance skill use by PM+ participants. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03747055.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Adaptation, Psychological
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Depression/diagnosis
- Depression/etiology
- Depression/psychology
- Depression/therapy
- Female
- Functional Status
- Humans
- Male
- Mental Health
- Middle Aged
- Natural Disasters
- Nepal
- Problem Solving
- Psychotherapy, Brief
- Psychotherapy, Group
- Relief Work
- Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/diagnosis
- Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/etiology
- Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/psychology
- Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/therapy
- Stress, Psychological/diagnosis
- Stress, Psychological/etiology
- Stress, Psychological/psychology
- Stress, Psychological/therapy
- Time Factors
- Treatment Outcome
- Young Adult
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark J. D. Jordans
- Center for Global Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Transcultural Psychosocial Organization (TPO) Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Brandon A. Kohrt
- Transcultural Psychosocial Organization (TPO) Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Division of Global Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Manaswi Sangraula
- Transcultural Psychosocial Organization (TPO) Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Elizabeth L. Turner
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics and Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Xueqi Wang
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics and Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Pragya Shrestha
- Transcultural Psychosocial Organization (TPO) Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Renasha Ghimire
- Transcultural Psychosocial Organization (TPO) Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | | | | | | | - Kedar Marahatta
- World Health Organization Country Office for Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Harrington BJ, Klyn LL, Ruegsegger LM, Thom A, Jumbe AN, Maliwichi M, Stockton MA, Akiba CF, Go V, Pence BW, Maselko J, Gaynes BN, Miller WC, Hosseinipour MC. Locally contextualizing understandings of depression, the EPDS, and PHQ-9 among a sample of postpartum women living with HIV in Malawi. J Affect Disord 2021; 281:958-966. [PMID: 33272687 PMCID: PMC7855608 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.10.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) are widely used depression screening tools, yet perceptions and understandings of their questions and of depression are not well defined in cross-cultural research. METHODS 30 postpartum women living with HIV in Malawi were recruited from a cohort study and participated in in-depth cognitive interviews. Transcripts were evaluated following an inductive approach to identify common themes. RESULTS Participants most frequently described looking sad or different than usual, self-isolation, 'thinking too much,' and anger as key symptoms of being depressed. HIV-associated stigma was commonly identified as a cause of depression. The EPDS and PHQ-9 were generally well understood but did not capture all the important symptoms of depression that women described. Participants sometimes requested clarification or rephrasing of certain EPDS and PHQ-9 questions when asked to explain the questions' meanings in their own words, and requested rephrasing more often for EPDS questions than PHQ-9 questions. Few women believed either tool was sufficient to detect depression. LIMITATIONS Our results may not be generalizable, but are locally contextualized. Women suffering with depression may have been more or less likely to agree to the qualitative interview depending on their comfort level discussing any current depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Researchers and practitioners who use the EPDS and PHQ-9 should be aware of the tools' limitations in their context and population. New instruments may need to be developed or adaptations to existing tools made to improve accuracy of depression screening and diagnosis in different cultural contexts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bryna J Harrington
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Dept. of Gynecology and Obstetrics, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Melissa A Stockton
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons Dept. of Psychiatry, USA
| | | | - Vivian Go
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Straw I, Callison-Burch C. Artificial Intelligence in mental health and the biases of language based models. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0240376. [PMID: 33332380 PMCID: PMC7745984 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the healthcare field has occurred with little communication between computer scientists and doctors. The impact of AI on health outcomes and inequalities calls for health professionals and data scientists to make a collaborative effort to ensure historic health disparities are not encoded into the future. We present a study that evaluates bias in existing Natural Language Processing (NLP) models used in psychiatry and discuss how these biases may widen health inequalities. Our approach systematically evaluates each stage of model development to explore how biases arise from a clinical, data science and linguistic perspective. DESIGN/METHODS A literature review of the uses of NLP in mental health was carried out across multiple disciplinary databases with defined Mesh terms and keywords. Our primary analysis evaluated biases within 'GloVe' and 'Word2Vec' word embeddings. Euclidean distances were measured to assess relationships between psychiatric terms and demographic labels, and vector similarity functions were used to solve analogy questions relating to mental health. RESULTS Our primary analysis of mental health terminology in GloVe and Word2Vec embeddings demonstrated significant biases with respect to religion, race, gender, nationality, sexuality and age. Our literature review returned 52 papers, of which none addressed all the areas of possible bias that we identify in model development. In addition, only one article existed on more than one research database, demonstrating the isolation of research within disciplinary silos and inhibiting cross-disciplinary collaboration or communication. CONCLUSION Our findings are relevant to professionals who wish to minimize the health inequalities that may arise as a result of AI and data-driven algorithms. We offer primary research identifying biases within these technologies and provide recommendations for avoiding these harms in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Straw
- Department of Public Health, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Chris Callison-Burch
- Computer and Information Science Department, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Ishimwe AB, Kaufman J, Uwamahoro D, Wall JT, Herth K, Chang E, Ngirabega JDD, Leonard W. Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the Herth Hope Index in Kinyarwanda: adapting a positive psychosocial tool for healthcare recipients and providers in the Rwandan setting. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2020; 18:286. [PMID: 32831084 PMCID: PMC7444040 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-020-01537-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The lack of culturally appropriate instruments to measure hope across cultural settings is a barrier to assessing and addressing the relationship between hope and health outcomes. The study aim was to adapt and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Herth Hope Index (HHI) in Kinyarwanda in a population of healthcare recipients and healthcare workers in Rwanda. Methods A transcultural translation and adaptation of the HHI was conducted using qualitative methods (n = 43) to achieve semantic, content, and technical equivalence. The adapted instrument was administered to a purposive sample (n = 206) of Rwandan healthcare patients and providers. Temporal reliability, internal reliability using Cronbach’s alpha, and construct validity using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were assessed. Results The Herth Hope Index-Kinyarwanda (HHI-K) was found to have strong internal consistency (α = 0.85) and test-retest reliability (r = 0.85). The original HHI three-factor structure fit the data well in CFA (normed chi-square = 1.53; root mean square error of approximation = 0.05; standardized root mean square residual = 0.05; comparative fit index = 0.96; Tucker-Lewis Index = 0.95). Conclusion This article presents the first rigorous cultural adaptation of the HHI in a low-income country. The HHI-K has acceptable psychometric properties, resulting in a new useful tool for research, program development, and evaluation in Rwandan healthcare settings. The HHI-K instrument can be used to assess the effectiveness of programs that aim to promote hope and health outcomes across health system- and individual-levels. The process also provides a feasible model for adaptation of a positive psychosocial tool for both patients and providers in low-resource settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Julia Kaufman
- TIP Global Health, PO Box 1285, KN 4 St, Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | - Jonathan Taylor Wall
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, 310 Trent Dr, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Kaye Herth
- Minnesota State University, Mankato, 228 Wiecking Center, Mankato, MN, 56001, USA
| | - Emery Chang
- UCLA Health, 757 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Jean de Dieu Ngirabega
- East African Health Research Commission, Quartier Kigobe, Avenue des Etats Unis, no. 71, B.P, 350, Bujumbura, Burundi
| | - Wendy Leonard
- TIP Global Health, PO Box 1285, KN 4 St, Kigali, Rwanda
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Pedersen GA, Lakshmin P, Schafer A, Watts S, Carswell K, Willhoite A, Ottman K, van 't Hof E, Kohrt BA. Common factors in psychological treatments delivered by non-specialists in low- and middle-income countries: Manual review of competencies. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 30:165-186. [PMID: 34308387 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbct.2020.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Delivery of psychological and psychosocial treatments by non-specialists in low-and middle-income countries (LMIC) is a growing strategy to address the global mental health treatment gap. However, little is known about which competencies are essential for non-specialists to effectively deliver treatment. Psychotherapy research in high-income countries suggests that effective treatment requires competency in common factors. Therefore, our objective was to identify how common factors are described in evidence-supported non-specialist interventions in LMICs. To meet this objective, we identified and coded common factors by reviewing 16 evidence-supported manuals for psychological treatments delivered by non-specialists in LMICs. World Health Organization (WHO) manuals and other non-proprietary manuals, with positive randomized control outcomes, were included in the review. Fifteen common factors were identified and described in most manuals: 'promoting hope and realistic expectancy of change' and 'confidentiality' were described in 15 manuals (94%), followed by 'giving praise' and 'psychoeducation' (88% of manuals), and 'rapport building' (81% of manuals). Descriptions of common factors were similar across manuals, suggesting that training and competency evaluation approaches can be harmonized across interventions. Compiling these descriptions from the manuals can inform foundational training in common factors for diverse cadres of non-specialists around the world.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gloria A Pedersen
- Division of Global Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, George Washington University, 2120 L St NW, Suite 600, Washington, D.C. 20037, USA
| | - Pooja Lakshmin
- Division of Global Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, George Washington University, 2120 L St NW, Suite 600, Washington, D.C. 20037, USA
| | - Alison Schafer
- World Health Organization, Department of Mental Health and Substance Use, Avenue Appia 20, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Watts
- World Health Organization, Department of Mental Health and Substance Use, Avenue Appia 20, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland
| | - Kenneth Carswell
- World Health Organization, Department of Mental Health and Substance Use, Avenue Appia 20, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland
| | - Ann Willhoite
- United States Agency for International Development, DCHA/DRG, Empowerment & Inclusion Division, Washington, D.C., USA.,Child Protection in Emergencies, Child Protection, Programme Division, UNICEF Headquarters, 3 UN Plaza, 10017 New York, NY, USA
| | - Katherine Ottman
- Division of Global Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, George Washington University, 2120 L St NW, Suite 600, Washington, D.C. 20037, USA
| | - Edith van 't Hof
- World Health Organization, Department of Mental Health and Substance Use, Avenue Appia 20, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland
| | - Brandon A Kohrt
- Division of Global Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, George Washington University, 2120 L St NW, Suite 600, Washington, D.C. 20037, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Miner AS, Haque A, Fries JA, Fleming SL, Wilfley DE, Terence Wilson G, Milstein A, Jurafsky D, Arnow BA, Stewart Agras W, Fei-Fei L, Shah NH. Assessing the accuracy of automatic speech recognition for psychotherapy. NPJ Digit Med 2020; 3:82. [PMID: 32550644 PMCID: PMC7270106 DOI: 10.1038/s41746-020-0285-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Accurate transcription of audio recordings in psychotherapy would improve therapy effectiveness, clinician training, and safety monitoring. Although automatic speech recognition software is commercially available, its accuracy in mental health settings has not been well described. It is unclear which metrics and thresholds are appropriate for different clinical use cases, which may range from population descriptions to individual safety monitoring. Here we show that automatic speech recognition is feasible in psychotherapy, but further improvements in accuracy are needed before widespread use. Our HIPAA-compliant automatic speech recognition system demonstrated a transcription word error rate of 25%. For depression-related utterances, sensitivity was 80% and positive predictive value was 83%. For clinician-identified harm-related sentences, the word error rate was 34%. These results suggest that automatic speech recognition may support understanding of language patterns and subgroup variation in existing treatments but may not be ready for individual-level safety surveillance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam S. Miner
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA USA
- Department of Health Research and Policy, Stanford University, CA, USA
- Center for Biomedical Informatics Research, Stanford University, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Albert Haque
- Department of Computer Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Jason A. Fries
- Center for Biomedical Informatics Research, Stanford University, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Scott L. Fleming
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Denise E. Wilfley
- Departments of Psychiatry, Medicine, Pediatrics, and Psychological & Brain Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA
| | - G. Terence Wilson
- Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey USA
| | - Arnold Milstein
- Clinical Excellence Research Center, Stanford University, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Dan Jurafsky
- Department of Computer Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA USA
- Department of Linguistics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Bruce A. Arnow
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA USA
| | - W. Stewart Agras
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Li Fei-Fei
- Department of Computer Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Nigam H. Shah
- Center for Biomedical Informatics Research, Stanford University, Stanford, CA USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Miller AP, Kintu M, Kiene SM. Challenges in measuring depression among Ugandan fisherfolk: a psychometric assessment of the Luganda version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). BMC Psychiatry 2020; 20:45. [PMID: 32024472 PMCID: PMC7003345 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-020-2463-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression is a prevalent and serious mood disorder and a major source of disability adjusted life years (DALY) in Uganda. Furthermore, evidence from Uganda and other countries throughout sub-Saharan Africa suggests that nearly a third of persons living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) suffer from depression and it adversely affects healthcare seeking behavior. The high burden of disease attributable to depression makes data on the prevalence of depression in Uganda, a country with a generalized HIV epidemic, a public health priority. This paper describes the psychometric properties of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression (CES-D) measure when administered to men and women residing in three fishing communities along the shore of Lake Victoria. METHODS We applied methods based on item response theory and classical test theory approaches to assess individual item characteristics, conducted exploratory factor analysis and assessed internal reliability, and construct and content validity of the measure. All analyses were performed in R Studio. RESULTS The study sample consisted of 300 residents of fishing communities in Wakiso District, Uganda. Fifty-six percent of the sample was female and 19.7% reported being HIV positive. Seven items of the measure that did not perform well, either because they could not differentiate between levels of the latent trait or because they did not map onto the primary factor, were removed from the scale. A single factor structure best fit our final set of 13-items and we found an overall coefficient alpha of 0.89, indicating high internal consistency in this population. CONCLUSIONS Based on our findings, we recommend that future use of the CES-D in this population utilize our revised scale with the final set of 13-items. The addition of other measures that can improve the rigor of CES-D validation efforts, such as inclusion of a clinical depression measure and administration in both a clinical and a general population sample in this setting are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda P. Miller
- Division of Infectious Disease and Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA ,0000 0001 0790 1491grid.263081.eDivision of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, San Diego State University School of Public Health, 5500 Campanile Drive (MC-4162), San Diego, CA 92182 USA
| | - Michael Kintu
- Wakiso Integrated Rural Development Association, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Susan M. Kiene
- 0000 0001 0790 1491grid.263081.eDivision of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, San Diego State University School of Public Health, 5500 Campanile Drive (MC-4162), San Diego, CA 92182 USA ,0000 0004 1936 9094grid.40263.33Alcohol Research Center of HIV, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI USA
| |
Collapse
|