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Mkubwa B, Angwenyi V, Nzioka B, Newton CR, Sijbrandij M, Abubakar A. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices on child and adolescent mental health among healthcare workers in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review. Int J Ment Health Syst 2024; 18:27. [PMID: 39014469 PMCID: PMC11253363 DOI: 10.1186/s13033-024-00644-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Child and adolescent mental health is a global priority. In sub-Saharan Africa, despite the high burden, there is a gap in health services for children and adolescents with mental health disorders. To bridge this gap, healthcare workers require a good understanding of child and adolescent mental health, the right attitude, and practices geared to improving child and adolescent mental health. This scoping review examined the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to child and adolescent mental health among sub-Saharan African healthcare workers. METHODS The search was restricted between January 2010, the year when the Mental Health Gap Action Programme guidelines were launched, and April 2024. The review followed the methodological framework proposed by Arksey and O'Malley for conducting scoping reviews. The databases searched included CINHAL, PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and grey literature databases. Additional articles were identified through cited references of the studies included. A data extraction template was used to retrieve relevant text. A narrative synthesis approach was adopted to explore the relationships within and between the included studies. RESULTS The literature search yielded 4658 studies. Among these, 817 were identified as duplicates, and 3740 were excluded after screening. Only twenty-one articles met the criteria for inclusion in the review. The findings showed that healthcare workers have insufficient knowledge of child and adolescent mental health, hold negative attitudes toward children and adolescents with mental health problems, and exhibit poor practices related to child and adolescent mental health. CONCLUSION It is crucial to build capacity and improve healthcare workers' practices, knowledge, and attitudes toward child and adolescent mental health in sub-Saharan Africa. This could lead to better access to mental health services for children and adolescents in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Mkubwa
- Institute for Human Development, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya.
- Department of Clinical, Neuro- and Developmental Psychology, WHO Collaborating Center for Research and Dissemination of Psychological Interventions, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Vibian Angwenyi
- Institute for Human Development, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Brenda Nzioka
- Institute for Human Development, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Charles R Newton
- Institute for Human Development, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
- Neuroscience Unit, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust, Center for Geographic Medicine Research Coast, Kilifi, Kenya
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Marit Sijbrandij
- Department of Clinical, Neuro- and Developmental Psychology, WHO Collaborating Center for Research and Dissemination of Psychological Interventions, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Amina Abubakar
- Institute for Human Development, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
- Neuroscience Unit, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust, Center for Geographic Medicine Research Coast, Kilifi, Kenya
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Musanje K, Kasujja R, Camlin CS, Hooper N, Hope-Bell J, Sinclair DL, Kibanja GM, Mpirirwe R, Kalyango JN, Kamya MR. Effectiveness of a mindfulness and acceptance-based intervention for improving the mental health of adolescents with HIV in Uganda: An open-label trial. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301988. [PMID: 38722926 PMCID: PMC11081388 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Adolescents with HIV (AWH) face the double burden of dealing with challenges presented by their developmental phase while coping with stigma related to HIV, affecting their mental health. Poor mental health complicates adherence to daily treatment regimens, requiring innovative psychosocial support strategies for use with adolescents. We assessed the effectiveness of a mindfulness and acceptance-based intervention on the mental health of AWH in Uganda. One hundred and twenty-two AWH, mean age 17 ±1.59 (range 15 to 19 years), 57% female, receiving care at a public health facility in Kampala were enrolled in an open-label randomized trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05010317) with assessments at pre-and post-intervention. The mindfulness and acceptance-based intervention involved weekly 90-minute group sessions for four consecutive weeks facilitated by two experienced trainers. Sessions involved clarifying values, skillfully relating to thoughts, allowing and becoming aware of experiences non-judgmentally, and exploring life through trial and error. The control group received the current standard of care. Three mental health domains (depression, anxiety, and internalized stigma) were compared between the intervention and control groups. A linear mixed effects regression was used to analyze the effect of the intervention across the two time points. Results showed that the intervention was associated with a statistically significant reduction in symptoms of depression (β = -10.72, 95%CI: 6.25, -15.20; p < .0001), anxiety (β = -7.55, 95%CI: 2.66, -12.43; p = .0003) and stigma (β = -1.40, 95%CI: 0.66 to -2.15; p = .0004) over time. Results suggest that mindfulness and acceptance-based interventions have the potential to improve the mental health of AWH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khamisi Musanje
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- School of Psychology, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Rosco Kasujja
- School of Psychology, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Carol S. Camlin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, United States of America
| | - Nic Hooper
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Josh Hope-Bell
- School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Wales, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Ruth Mpirirwe
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joan N. Kalyango
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Moses R. Kamya
- School of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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Khosravi M, Azar G. A systematic review of reviews on the advantages of mHealth utilization in mental health services: A viable option for large populations in low-resource settings. Glob Ment Health (Camb) 2024; 11:e43. [PMID: 38690573 PMCID: PMC11058521 DOI: 10.1017/gmh.2024.39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Global mental health services face challenges such as stigma and a shortage of trained professionals, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, which hinder access to high-quality care. Mobile health interventions, commonly referred to as mHealth, have shown to have the capacity to confront and solve most of the challenges within mental health services. This paper conducted a comprehensive investigation in 2024 to identify all review studies published between 2000 and 2024 that investigate the advantages of mHealth in mental health services. The databases searched included PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane and ProQuest. The quality of the final papers was assessed and a thematic analysis was performed to categorize the obtained data. 11 papers were selected as final studies. The final studies were considered to be of good quality. The risk of bias within the final studies was shown to be in a convincing level. The main advantages of mHealth interventions were categorized into four major themes: 'accessibility, convenience and adaptability', 'patient-centeredness', 'data insights' and 'efficiency and effectiveness'. The findings of the study suggested that mHealth interventions can be a viable and promising option for delivering mental health services to large and diverse populations, particularly in vulnerable groups and low-resource settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Khosravi
- Department of Healthcare Management, School of Management and Medical Informatics, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ghazaleh Azar
- Department of Consultation and Mental Health, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran
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Cox CM, Masiano S, Mazenga A, Stark M, Udedi M, Simon KR, Ahmed S, Nyasulu P, Kim MH. Phone-based psychosocial counseling for people living with HIV: Feasibility, acceptability and impact on uptake of psychosocial counseling services in Malawi. Glob Ment Health (Camb) 2023; 11:e3. [PMID: 38283875 PMCID: PMC10808978 DOI: 10.1017/gmh.2023.84] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
People living with HIV experience psychosocial needs that often are not addressed. We designed an innovative low-resource model of phone-based psychosocial counseling (P-PSC). We describe cohort characteristics, acceptability, feasibility and utilization of P-PSC at health facilities supported by Baylor Foundation Malawi. Staff were virtually oriented at 120 sites concurrently. From facility-based phones, people with new HIV diagnosis, high viral load, treatment interruption or mental health concerns were referred without identifiable personal information to 13 psychosocial counselors via a WhatsApp group. Routine program data were retrospectively analyzed using univariate approaches and regressions with interrupted time series analyses. Clients utilizing P-PSC were 63% female, 25% youth (10-24 y) and 9% children (<10 y). They were referred from all 120 supported health facilities. Main referral reasons included new HIV diagnosis (32%), ART adherence support (32%) and treatment interruption (21%). Counseling was completed for 99% of referrals. Counseling sessions per month per psychosocial counselor increased from 77 before P-PSC to 216 in month 1 (95% CI = 82, 350, p = 0.003). Total encounters increased significantly to 31,642 in year 1 from ~6,000 during the 12 prior months, an over fivefold increase. P-PSC implementation at 120 remote facilities was acceptable and feasible with immediate, increased utilization despite few psychosocial counselors in Malawi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie M. Cox
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, USA
| | - Steven Masiano
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Alick Mazenga
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Madeline Stark
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Michael Udedi
- Curative, Medical and Rehabilitation Services – Mental Health, Malawi Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Katherine R. Simon
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, USA
| | - Saeed Ahmed
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, USA
| | - Phoebe Nyasulu
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Maria H. Kim
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, USA
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Johnson NE, Venturo-Conerly KE, Rusch T. Using wearable activity trackers for research in the global south: Lessons learned from adolescent psychotherapy research in Kenya. Glob Ment Health (Camb) 2023; 10:e86. [PMID: 38161741 PMCID: PMC10755372 DOI: 10.1017/gmh.2023.85] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Wearable activity trackers have emerged as valuable tools for health research, providing high-resolution data on measures such as physical activity. While most research on these devices has been conducted in high-income countries, there is growing interest in their use in the global south. This perspective discusses the challenges faced and strategies employed when using wearable activity trackers to test the effects of a school-based intervention for depression and anxiety among Kenyan youth. Lessons learned include the importance of validating data output, establishing an internal procedure for international procurement, providing on-site support for participants, designating a full-time team member for wearable activity tracker operation, and issuing a paper-based information sheet to participants. The insights shared in this perspective serve as guidance for researchers undertaking studies with wearables in similar settings, contributing to the evidence base for mental health interventions targeting youth in the global south. Despite the challenges to set up, deploy and extract data from wearable activity trackers, we believe that wearables are a relatively economical approach to provide insight into the daily lives of research participants, and recommend their use to other researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie E. Johnson
- Department of Research and Evidence, Shamiri Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Katherine E. Venturo-Conerly
- Department of Research and Evidence, Shamiri Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Thomas Rusch
- Competence Center for Empirical Research Methods, WU Vienna University of Economics and Business, Vienna, Austria
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Devgun M, Kittridge C, Seshadri S, Rodgers J, Sharma AN. North East England South Asia Mental health Alliance (NEESAMA): an exemplar of global north and global south collaboration to improve research, training and service delivery in mental healthcare. BJPsych Int 2023; 20:92-95. [PMID: 38029435 PMCID: PMC10659846 DOI: 10.1192/bji.2023.22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the worldwide burden of mental illness and recent interest in global approaches to address this, progress on increasing awareness, lessening stigma, reducing the treatment gap, and improving research and training in mental health has been slow. In 2018, the North East England South Asia Mental health Alliance (NEESAMA) was developed as a collaboration between high-income (global north) and low- to middle-income (global south) countries to address this slow progress. This paper outlines how the joint priority areas for research, training and service delivery were identified across the life course (child and adolescent, adults and older people) between partner organisations spanning Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the UK. It describes the progress to date and proposes a way forward for similar alliances to be forged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meetali Devgun
- Visiting Assistant Professor, School of Interwoven Arts and Sciences, Krea University, Bengaluru, India
| | - Caitlin Kittridge
- Psychology Placement Student, School of Psychology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Shekhar Seshadri
- Emeritus Professor, SAMVAD (Support, Advocacy and Mental Health Interventions for Children in Vulnerable Circumstances and Distress), National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India
| | - Jacqueline Rodgers
- Professor of Child Psychology, Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Aditya Narain Sharma
- Clinical Senior Lecturer and Honorary Consultant in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
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Garriott A, Gulubane G, Poku OB, Archibald N, Entaile P, Tshume O, Phoi O, Matshaba M, Ahmed CV, Lowenthal ED, Brooks M. Youth perspectives of working with near peer youth lay counsellors: The Safe Haven Pilot. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 51:3029-3043. [PMID: 37470744 PMCID: PMC10819599 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.23080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Youth living with HIV (YLWH) have higher rates of common mental disorders (CMDs) when compared with HIV-negative youth. We adapted the Friendship Bench to create a problem solving-based counselling intervention in Botswana delivered by near peer youth lay counsellors for YLWH called Safe Haven. In August 2020, and from June to August 2021, we conducted 22 semistructured interviews with youth aged 13-25 years with mild-to-moderate symptoms of CMDs. Two independent coders carried out an inductive thematic analysis of the transcribed interviews with discrepancies discussed to consensus. Safe Haven was seen as largely acceptable among the youth. Youth felt Safe Haven was a place where they had freedom of expression and could receive practical advice from well-trained and approachable counsellors. Trained youth lay peer counsellors show promise to meet the mental health needs of mild and moderately symptomatic youth, where mental health professionals are in short supply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Garriott
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Ohemaa B. Poku
- Columbia-WHO Center for Global Mental Health, New York, New York, USA
- Division of Gender, Sexuality, and Health, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Nicole Archibald
- Columbia-WHO Center for Global Mental Health, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Ontibile Tshume
- Botswana Baylor Children’s Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Onkemetse Phoi
- Botswana Baylor Children’s Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Mogomotsi Matshaba
- Botswana Baylor Children’s Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Charisse V. Ahmed
- Department of General Internal Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Elizabeth D. Lowenthal
- Global Health Center, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Merrian Brooks
- Botswana UPENN Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Global Health Center, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Brooks M, Burmen B, Olashore A, Gezmu AM, Molebatsi K, Tshume O, Phoi O, Morales K, Matshaba M, Benton T, Lowenthal ED. Symptoms of depression, anxiety, and thoughts of suicide/self-injury in adolescents and young adults living with HIV in Botswana. AFRICAN JOURNAL OF AIDS RESEARCH : AJAR 2023; 22:54-62. [PMID: 37116112 PMCID: PMC10787227 DOI: 10.2989/16085906.2023.2186252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Globally, mental health problems have been reported to be more common in youth living with HIV (YLWH) than in the general population, but routine mental health screening is rarely done in high-volume HIV clinics. In 2019, YLWH in a large HIV clinic in Botswana were screened using the Generalized Anxiety Scale-7 (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) in a pilot standard-of-care screening programme. Two-way ANOVA was used to describe the effects of age group (12-<16, 16-<20 and 20-25 years old) and sex on GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores. Chi-square statistics were used to compare characteristics of YLWH with and without potential suicidality/self-harm symptoms based on question 9 in the PHQ-9. Among 1 469 YLWH, 33.1%, 44.3% and 15.0% had anxiety, depression and potential suicidality/self-harm symptoms respectively. YLWH of 20-25 years old and 16-<20 years old had higher GAD-7 scores compared to 12-<16-year-olds (p = 0.014 and p = <0.001 respectively). Female YLWH of 20-25 years old had higher PHQ-9 scores compared to 12-<16-year-olds (p = 0.002). There were no other sex-age dynamics that were statistically significant. Female YLWH endorsed more thoughts of suicidality/self-harm than males (17% versus 13%, p = 0.03 respectively). Given the proportion of YLWH with mental health symptoms, Botswana should enhance investments in mental health services for YLWH, especially for young female adults who bear a disproportionate burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merrian Brooks
- Department of Pediatrics, Craig Dalsimer Division of Adolescent Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA
| | | | - Anthony Olashore
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | | | - Ontibile Tshume
- Botswana Baylor Children's Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Onkemetse Phoi
- Botswana Baylor Children's Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Knashawn Morales
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Mogomotsi Matshaba
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
- Division of Retrovirology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
| | - Tami Benton
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Services, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Elizabeth D Lowenthal
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA
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Lim CG, Soh CP, Lim SSY, Fung DSS, Guan C, Lee TS. Home-based brain-computer interface attention training program for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a feasibility trial. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2023; 17:15. [PMID: 36698168 PMCID: PMC9878772 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-022-00539-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent child neurodevelopmental disorder that is treated in clinics and in schools. Previous trials suggested that our brain-computer interface (BCI)-based attention training program could improve ADHD symptoms. We have since developed a tablet version of the training program which can be paired with wireless EEG headsets. In this trial, we investigated the feasibility of delivering this tablet-based BCI intervention at home. METHODS Twenty children diagnosed with ADHD, who did not receive any medication for the preceding month, were randomised to receive the 8-week tablet-based BCI intervention either in the clinic or at home. Those in the home intervention group received instructions before commencing the program and got reminders if they were lagging on the training sessions. The ADHD Rating Scale was completed by a blinded clinician at baseline and at week 8. Adverse events were monitored during any contact with the child throughout the trial and at week 8. RESULTS Children in both groups could complete the tablet-based intervention easily on their own with minimal support from the clinic therapist or their parents (at home). The intervention was safe with few reported adverse effects. Clinician-rated inattentive symptoms on the ADHD-Rating Scale reduced by 3.2 (SD 6.20) and 3.9 (SD 5.08) for the home-based and clinic-based groups respectively, suggesting that home-based intervention was comparable to clinic-based intervention. CONCLUSIONS This trial demonstrated that the tablet version of our BCI-based attention training program can be safely delivered to children in the comfort of their own home. Trial registration This trial is registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01344044.
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Affiliation(s)
- Choon Guan Lim
- Department of Developmental Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health, 10, Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore.
| | - Chui Pin Soh
- grid.414752.10000 0004 0469 9592Department of Developmental Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health, 10, Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747 Singapore
| | - Shernice Shi Yun Lim
- grid.414752.10000 0004 0469 9592Department of Developmental Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health, 10, Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747 Singapore
| | - Daniel Shuen Sheng Fung
- grid.414752.10000 0004 0469 9592Department of Developmental Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health, 10, Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747 Singapore
| | - Cuntai Guan
- grid.59025.3b0000 0001 2224 0361School of Computer Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tih-Shih Lee
- grid.428397.30000 0004 0385 0924Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Graduate Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
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Laurenzi CA, Mamutse S, Marlow M, Mawoyo T, Stansert Katzen L, Carvajal-Velez L, Lai J, Luitel N, Servili C, Sinha M, Skeen S. Critical life course interventions for children and adolescents to promote mental health. Glob Ment Health (Camb) 2022; 10:e4. [PMID: 36843881 PMCID: PMC9947636 DOI: 10.1017/gmh.2022.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Childhood and adolescence are key developmental periods in the life course for addressing mental health, and there is ample evidence to support significant, increased investment in mental health promotion for this group. However, there are gaps in evidence to inform how best to implement mental health promotion interventions at scale. In this review, we examined psychosocial interventions implemented with children (aged 5–10 years) and adolescents (aged 10–19 years), drawing on evidence from WHO guidelines. Most psychosocial interventions promoting mental health have been implemented in school settings, with some in family and community settings, by a range of delivery personnel. Mental health promotion interventions for younger ages have prioritised key social and emotional skills development, including self-regulation and coping; for older ages, additional skills include problem-solving and interpersonal skills. Overall, fewer interventions have been implemented in low- and middle-income countries. We identify cross-cutting areas affecting child and adolescent mental health promotion: understanding the problem scope; understanding which components work; understanding how and for whom interventions work in practice; and ensuring supportive infrastructure and political will. Additional evidence, including from participatory approaches, is required to tailor mental health promotive interventions to diverse groups’ needs and support healthy life course trajectories for children and adolescents everywhere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina A. Laurenzi
- Institute for Life Course Health Research, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sihle Mamutse
- Institute for Life Course Health Research, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Marguerite Marlow
- Institute for Life Course Health Research, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Tatenda Mawoyo
- Institute for Life Course Health Research, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Linnea Stansert Katzen
- Institute for Life Course Health Research, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Liliana Carvajal-Velez
- Division of Data, Analytics, Planning and Monitoring, Data and Analytics Section, UNICEF, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joanna Lai
- Programme Group, Health Section, UNICEF, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nagendra Luitel
- Transcultural Psychosocial Organization Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Chiara Servili
- Department of Mental Health and Substance Use, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Sarah Skeen
- Institute for Life Course Health Research, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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11
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Indian Academy of Pediatrics Consensus Guidelines on Prevention and Management of Suicidal Behavior in Adolescents. Indian Pediatr 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s13312-022-2558-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Indian Academy of Pediatrics Consensus Guidelines for Adolescent Friendly Health Services. Indian Pediatr 2022. [PMID: 35481487 PMCID: PMC9253249 DOI: 10.1007/s13312-022-2539-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Justification Adolescent health is critical to the current and future well- being of the world. Pediatricians need country specific guidelines in accordance with international and national standards to establish comprehensive adolescent friendly health services in clinical practice. Process Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) in association with Adolescent Health Academy formed a committee of subject experts in June, 2019 to formulate guidelines for adolescent friendly health services. After a review of current scientific literature and drafting guidelines on each topic, a national consultative meeting was organized on 16 August, 2019 for detailed discussions and deliberations. This was followed by discussions over e-mail and refining of draft recommendations. The final guidelines were approved by the IAP Executive Board in December, 2021. Objective To formulate guidelines to enable pediatricians to establish adolescent friendly health services. Recommendations Pediatricians should coordinate healthcare for adolescents and plan for transition of care to an adult physician by 18 years of age. Pediatricians should establish respectful, confidential and quality adolescent friendly health services for both out-patient and in-patient care. The healthcare facility should provide preventive, therapeutic, and health promoting services. Pediatricians should partner with the multidisciplinary speciality services, community, and adolescents to expand the scope and reach of adolescent friendly health services. Electronic Supplementary Material Supplementary material is available for this article at 10.1007/s13312-022-2539-9 and is accessible for authorized users.
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Child and Adolescent Mental Health Training Programs for Non-specialist Mental Health Professionals in Low and Middle Income Countries: A Scoping Review of Literature. Community Ment Health J 2022; 58:154-165. [PMID: 33651235 PMCID: PMC8732826 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-021-00805-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Large treatment deficits in child and adolescent mental health (CAMH) care exist in low and middle income countries (LMICs). This study reviewed CAMH training programs for non-specialist health professionals (NSHPs) in LMICs. Multiple databases were searched for peer-reviewed articles describing programs from 2005 to 2018. Educational source materials, trainee evaluation methods, and perspectives on teaching methods, course content and scheduling were studied. Six programs were identified. NSHPs were most appreciative of training which included case-based discussions, role plays and clinical demonstrations that were relevant to local contexts. A need for less intense and more flexible timetables to enable reflection was identified. WHO's mental health gap action program intervention guide (mhGAP-IG) and international association of child and adolescent psychiatrists and allied professionals resources should be used; they are free, easily accessible, and developed with extensive international contributions. Additionally, mhGAP-IG assessment tool encourages mutual learning, thereby iteratively enhancing training programs.
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Myers B, Browne FA, Carney T, Kline T, Bonner CP, Wechsberg WM. The Association of Recurrent and Multiple Types of Abuse with Adverse Mental Health, Substance Use, and Sexual Health Outcomes among Out-of-School Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Cape Town, South Africa. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:11403. [PMID: 34769920 PMCID: PMC8582840 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Although physical and sexual abuse exposure is a well-established risk for poor health, the dimensions of abuse associated with health among socially vulnerable adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) remain underexamined. This article describes associations between combinations of abuse type and timing with mental health, substance use, and sexual risk outcomes among a sample of 499 AGYW (aged 16 to 19) who had left school early and were recruited for a cluster randomized trial in Cape Town, South Africa. Approximately one-third (33.5%; 95% CI: 28.7, 38.6) of participants reported lifetime abuse. Exposure to more than one type of abuse was associated with increased risk of depression (β = 3.92; 95% CI: 2.25, 5.59) and anxiety (β = 3.70; 95% CI: 2.11, 5.28), and greater odds of polydrug use (OR = 2.10; 95% CI: 1.02, 4.34) and substance-impaired sex (OR = 2.17; 95% CI: 1.31, 3.86). Exposure to multiple types of abuse during childhood/early adolescence and again in late adolescence was associated with increased risk of depression (β = 4.65; 95% CI: 3.15, 6.14), anxiety (β = 4.35; 95% CI: 2.70, 6.02), and polydrug use (OR = 2.37; 95% CI: 1.03, 5.73). Findings underscore the need for trauma-informed interventions that reduce mental health, substance use, and sexual risks among AGYW who have experienced multiple forms of abuse and recurrent abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bronwyn Myers
- Curtin enAble Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
- Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Abuse Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, P.O. Box 19070, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa
- Division of Addiction Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7701, South Africa
| | - Felicia A Browne
- RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Tara Carney
- Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Abuse Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, P.O. Box 19070, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa
- Division of Addiction Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7701, South Africa
| | - Tracy Kline
- RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | | | - Wendee M Wechsberg
- RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
- Maternal and Child Health Department, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
- Department of Psychology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27529, USA
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27703, USA
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Quinlan-Davidson M, Roberts KJ, Devakumar D, Sawyer SM, Cortez R, Kiss L. Evaluating quality in adolescent mental health services: a systematic review. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e044929. [PMID: 33972340 PMCID: PMC8112446 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-044929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the quality of adolescent mental health service provision globally, according to the WHO Global Standards of adolescent mental health literacy, appropriate package of services and provider competencies. DESIGN AND DATA SOURCES Systematic review of 5 databases, and screening of eligible articles, from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2020. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA We focused on quantitative and mixed-method studies that evaluated adolescent mental health literacy, appropriate package of services and provider competencies in mental health services, and that targeted depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder among adolescents (10-19 years). This included adolescents exposed to interventions or strategies within mental health services. STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS Study quality was assessed using the National Institutes for Health Study Quality Assessment Tools. Data were extracted and grouped based on WHO quality Standards. RESULTS Of the 20 104 studies identified, 20 articles were included. The majority of studies came from high-income countries, with one from a low-income country. Most of the studies did not conceptualise quality. Results found that an online decision aid was evaluated to increase adolescent mental health literacy. Studies that targeted an appropriate package of services evaluated the quality of engagement between the therapist and adolescent, patient-centred communication, mental health service use, linkages to mental health services, health facility culture and intensive community treatment. Provider competencies focused on studies that evaluated confidence in managing and referring adolescents, collaboration between health facility levels, evidence-based practices and technology use. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS There is limited evidence on quality measures in adolescent mental health services (as conforms to the WHO Global Standards), pointing to a global evidence gap for adolescent mental health services. There are several challenges to overcome, including a need to develop consensus on quality and methods to measure quality in mental health settings. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42020161318.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Delan Devakumar
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Susan M Sawyer
- Centre for Adolescent Health, Royal Children's Hospital; Murdoch Children's Research Institute; and Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rafael Cortez
- Health, Nutrition and Population, The World Bank, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Ligia Kiss
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
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