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Gronholm PC, Kline S, Lamba M, Lempp H, Mahkmud A, Morales Cano G, Vashisht K, Vera San Juan N, Sunkel C. Exploring perspectives of stigma and discrimination among people with lived experience of mental health conditions: a co-produced qualitative study. EClinicalMedicine 2024; 70:102509. [PMID: 38444431 PMCID: PMC10912051 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102509] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Efforts to understand the mechanisms and consequences of mental health-related stigma and discrimination need to center the perspectives of people affected by these negative impacts, through research efforts that are led or co-led by people with lived experience (PWLE) of mental health conditions. Methods This study used co-production principles to explore global perspectives of stigma and discrimination among people meeting the inclusion criteria of identifying as PWLEs and being willing to share their experiences of stigma and discrimination resulting from a diagnosis of a mental health condition, and who had also participated in anti-stigma activities. Participants were recruited online via a self-selecting snowball sampling method. Qualitative data were collected from respondents via an anonymous global online survey conducted between 12/01/2021 and 02/28/2022. The main outcomes assessed were open-ended, qualitative responses to questions exploring experiences of stigma and discrimination, experiences regarding diagnoses, language/terminology related to mental health, impact of stigma and discrimination, and involvement with anti-stigma interventions. Data were synthesised through digital text network analysis and thematic content analysis. Findings A total of 198 respondents from over 30 countries across Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Australia/Oceania were included in the study. The results reflected five themes: 1) the role of language and words; 2) the role of media in perpetuating and reducing stigma; 3) societal reactions to mental health conditions and strategies to cope with these; 4) knowledge about activities to reduce stigma and discrimination and their impact; and 5) personal involvement in activities to reduce stigma and discrimination. Interpretation The findings highlight that people with mental health conditions are aware of and experience stigma and discrimination across core domains of daily life. The importance of recognising the key role PWLEs can play in efforts to reduce stigma and discrimination was highlighted, and how they can be appropriately supported to contribute and have their experiential expertise recognised. Meaningful and authentic collaborations between PWLEs and other stakeholders can enhance the quality and relevance of strategies to reduce stigma and discrimination. This is, to our knowledge, the first study of its kind to use a co-production approach to explore experiences and reflections of stigma and discrimination related to mental health from a global perspective. However, the results are not broadly representative of the general PWLE population or suggestive of globally uniform experiences of stigma and discrimination. Funding None.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra C. Gronholm
- Centre for Global Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Muskan Lamba
- Global Mental Health Peer Network, Southeast Asia, Delhi, India
| | - Heidi Lempp
- Centre for Rheumatic Disease, Department of Inflammation Biology, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Akerke Mahkmud
- Centre for Global Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Kriti Vashisht
- Global Mental Health Peer Network, America's Region, TX, USA
| | - Norha Vera San Juan
- Centre for Global Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
- Rapid Research Evaluation and Appraisal Lab (RREAL), University College London, London, UK
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Daniel M, Kallakuri S, Gronholm PC, Wahid SS, Kohrt B, Thornicroft G, Maulik PK. Cultural adaptation of INDIGO mental health stigma reduction interventions using an ecological validity model in north India. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1337662. [PMID: 38356906 PMCID: PMC10864454 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1337662] [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: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The International Study of Discrimination and Stigma Outcomes (INDIGO) Partnership is a multi-country international research program in seven sites across five low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in Africa and Asia to develop, contextually adapt mental health stigma reduction interventions and pilot these among a variety of target populations. The aim of this paper is to report on the process of culturally adapting these interventions in India using an established framework. Methods As part of this larger program, we have contextualized and implemented these interventions from March 2022 to August 2023 in a site in north India. The Ecological Validity Model (EVM) was used to guide the adaptation and contextualization process comprising eight dimensions. Findings Six dimensions of the Ecological Validity Model were adapted, namely language, persons, metaphors, content, methods, and context; and two dimensions, namely concepts and goals, were retained. Conclusion Stigma reduction strategies with varied target groups, based on culturally appropriate adaptations, are more likely to be acceptable to the stakeholders involved in the intervention, and to be effective in terms of the program impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercian Daniel
- Research Department, George Institute for Global Health, New Delhi, India
| | - Sudha Kallakuri
- Research Department, George Institute for Global Health, New Delhi, India
| | - Petra C. Gronholm
- Centre for Global Mental Health and Centre for Implementation Science, Health Service and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Syed Shabab Wahid
- Department of Global Health, School of Health, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Brandon Kohrt
- Center for Global Mental Health Equity, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Graham Thornicroft
- Centre for Global Mental Health and Centre for Implementation Science, Health Service and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pallab K. Maulik
- Research Department, George Institute for Global Health, New Delhi, India
- Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Public Health, Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
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Akhter-Khan SC, van Es W, Prina M, Lawrence V, Piri I, Rokach A, Heu LC, Mayston R. Experiences of loneliness in lower- and middle-income countries: A systematic review of qualitative studies. Soc Sci Med 2024; 340:116438. [PMID: 38016310 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116438] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Loneliness is understood as a subjective experience resulting from unmet social relationship expectations. As most loneliness research has been conducted in higher-income-countries, there is limited understanding of loneliness in relation to diverse cultural, economic, and socio-political factors. To address this gap, the present review systematically synthesises existing qualitative studies on the experience of loneliness and social relationship expectations in lower- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Between June and July 2022, six online databases (Embase, Ovid Medline, APA PsycINFO, Global Health, Web of Science, Google Scholar) were searched for peer-reviewed studies from LMICs on loneliness using qualitative methods. There were no restrictions on publication date, language, or study setting. Studies that solely focused on social isolation or were conducted with children (<16 years) were excluded. Risk of bias was assessed with the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme. After deduplication, a total of 7866 records were identified and screened for inclusion, resulting in 24 studies published between 2002 and 2022. The included studies represent data from 728 participants in 15 countries across West Africa (Ghana, Nigeria, Niger, Mali), East Africa (Uganda, Kenya), North Africa (Egypt), West Asia (Iran), South Asia (India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka) and Southeast Asia (Myanmar, Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines). Data were analysed combining inductive and deductive coding, summarised using narrative synthesis, and examined by geographical region. Common features of loneliness included rejection, overthinking, and pain. Loneliness was related to depression across regions. Whereas loneliness tended to be distinguished from social isolation in studies from Africa, it tended to be related with being alone in studies from Asia. Poverty and stigma were common barriers to fulfilling social relationship expectations. This review illustrates how loneliness and expectations are contextually embedded, with some expectations possibly being specific to a certain culture or life stage, having implications for assessment of and interventions for loneliness worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samia C Akhter-Khan
- Department of Global Health & Social Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Willemijn van Es
- Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Matthew Prina
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Vanessa Lawrence
- Department of Health Service & Population Research, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ilayda Piri
- Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ami Rokach
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Luzia C Heu
- Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Rosie Mayston
- Department of Global Health & Social Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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Tian R, He Q, Yang Y, Nong X, Wang S. Associations of polysocial risk score, lifestyle and genetic factors with incident psoriasis: a larger-scale prospective cohort study. Public Health 2023; 225:320-326. [PMID: 37972495 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2023.10.034] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The impact of polysocial risk score (PsRS), a composite measure of multiple social risk factors, on the development of psoriasis remains unclear. Moreover, the potential modifying effects of lifestyle and genetic susceptibility on the relationship between PsRS and psoriasis risk require further exploration. STUDY DESIGN This was a prospective cohort study conducted among UK Biobank. METHODS In this study, we analyzed 331,631 participants enrolled in the UK Biobank cohort. To derive the PsRS, we utilized a summative strategy, amalgamating six social determinants of health derived from three domains: socio-economic status, psychosocial factors, and neighborhood and living environment consistently linked to incident psoriasis. Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the associations between PsRS and psoriasis incidence. Furthermore, we constructed a lifestyle score and a genetic risk score to explore the potential modifying effects of these factors on the relationship between PsRS and psoriasis risk. RESULTS Compared with individuals with a low PsRS (≤1), those with intermediate PsRS (2-4) and high PsRS (≥5) had 1.20 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06-1.36) and 1.53 (95% CI, 1.31-1.78) times higher risks of developing psoriasis, respectively. Our findings revealed an additive interaction between PsRS and genetic susceptibility. Moreover, it was found that individuals with high PsRS and unhealthier lifestyles had a 2.60 times higher risk of developing psoriasis than those with lower PsRS and healthier ones. CONCLUSIONS Our study results imply that an elevated PsRS is linked to a heightened risk of psoriasis, which is further influenced by genetic factors. Our results also indicate that greater social vulnerability and unhealthier lifestyle may synergistically contribute to the additional risk of psoriasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongqian Tian
- Department of Dermatology, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Qida He
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Medical College of Soochow University, 199 Renai Road, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Xiang Nong
- Department of Dermatology, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China.
| | - Suzhen Wang
- Department of Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China.
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Onono MA, Frongillo EA, Sheira LA, Odhiambo G, Wekesa P, Conroy AA, Cohen CR, Bukusi EA, Weiser SD. Links between Household-Level Income-Generating Agricultural Intervention and the Psychological Well-Being of Adolescent Girls in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Affected Households in Southwestern Kenya: A Qualitative Inquiry. J Nutr 2023; 153:3595-3603. [PMID: 37863268 PMCID: PMC10739770 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2023.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescent girls may experience poor psychological well-being, such as social isolation, shame, anxiety, hopelessness, and despair linked to food insecurity. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate the experiences with and perceived effects of a household-level income-generating agricultural intervention on the psychological well-being of adolescent girls in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-affected households in southwestern Kenya. METHODS We conducted 62 in-depth interviews with HIV-affected adolescent girls and caregiver dyads in Adolescent Shamba Maisha (NCT03741634), a sub-study of adolescent girls and caregivers with a household member participating in Shamba Maisha (NCT01548599), a multisectoral agricultural and finance intervention trial aimed to improve food security and HIV health indicators. Participants were purposively sampled to ensure diversity in terms of age and location. Data were audiotaped, transcribed, translated, and uploaded into Dedoose (Sociocultural Research Consultants, LLC) software for management. Data were analyzed thematically based on reports from Dedoose. RESULTS We found evidence that a household-level structural intervention aimed at increasing food and financial security among persons living with HIV can contribute to better psychological well-being among adolescent girls residing in these households. The intervention also affected: 1) reduction of social isolation, 2) reduction of shame and stigma, 3) increased attendance and concentration in school, 4) improved caregiver mental health, and 5) reduced parental aggression and improved household communication. These associations were reported more commonly among those in the intervention arm than the control arm. CONCLUSIONS This study extends existing research by demonstrating how multisectoral structural interventions delivered at a household level can improve the psychological well-being of adolescents. We recommend that future research test livelihood interventions designed specifically for adolescent girls that integrate food-security interventions with other elements to address the social and psychological consequences of food insecurity holistically. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03741634.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maricianah A Onono
- Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Edward A Frongillo
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States.
| | - Lila A Sheira
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases and Global Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Gladys Odhiambo
- Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Pauline Wekesa
- Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Amy A Conroy
- Division of Prevention Science, Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Craig R Cohen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Elizabeth A Bukusi
- Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sheri D Weiser
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases and Global Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, CA, United States
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Rai S, Gurung D, Kohrt B. The PhotoVoice method for collaborating with people with lived experience of mental health conditions to strengthen mental health services. Glob Ment Health (Camb) 2023; 10:e80. [PMID: 38161746 PMCID: PMC10755382 DOI: 10.1017/gmh.2023.73] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
There is a growing recognition of the benefits of collaborating with people with lived experience (PWLE) of mental health conditions in mental health research and implementation of services. Such collaboration has been effective in reducing mental health stigma and improving the quality of mental health care. Here, we describe using PhotoVoice as a collaborative method in which PWLE use visual narratives to tell their recovery stories for promoting social contact, debunking myths and reducing stigma. First, we outline the framework of this collaboration, drawing on theories from medical anthropology and social psychology and focusing on reducing mental health stigma among primary healthcare workers. Then, we describe the process using our learnings from implementing PhotoVoice in Nepal, Ethiopia and Uganda. We highlight collaboration in five key steps with associated considerations: (1) identifying PWLE for collaboration; (2) training in photography, distress management and presentation skills; (3) developing a photographic recovery story; (4) training healthcare workers using the PhotoVoice narratives; and (5) ongoing support of mental health systems strengthening in collaboration with PWLE. Then, we critically reflect on the process, highlighting the benefits and challenges to the participants and researchers, thereby paving the way for expanding collaborations with PWLE using the PhotoVoice method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sauharda Rai
- Center for Global Mental Health Equity, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
- Transcultural Psychosocial Organization Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Dristy Gurung
- Transcultural Psychosocial Organization Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Brandon Kohrt
- Center for Global Mental Health Equity, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
- Transcultural Psychosocial Organization Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
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Ben Amor M, Zgueb Y, Bouguira E, Metsahel A, Aissa A, Thonicroft G, Ouali U. Arabic validation of the "Mental Health Knowledge Schedule" and the "Reported and Intended Behavior Scale". Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1241611. [PMID: 37928921 PMCID: PMC10620497 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1241611] [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] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Mental illness affects one in eight people in the world according to the WHO. It is a leading cause of morbidity and a major public health problem. Stigma harms the quality of life of people with mental illness. This study aimed at validating the Arabic version of the Mental Health Knowledge Schedule (MAKS) and the Reported and Intended Behavior Scale (RIBS) in a sample of Tunisian students and determining socio-demographic and clinical factors correlated with stigma. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on 2,501 Tunisian students who filled in the MAKS, the RIBS, and a sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire. The validation of the questionnaires in Arabic was carried out using the validity criteria: face and content validity, reliability, and construct validity. Next, the associations between stigma and sample characteristics have been studied using multivariate linear regression. Results Face and content validity of the measures MAKS and RIBS were satisfactory, with adequate internal consistency. There were significant positive correlations between the items and scales, and test-retest reliability was excellent. The internal validity showed that the items were well-aligned with the intended factors, and the external validity revealed a significant positive relationship between the MAKS and RIBS. Besides, gender, the field of study, psychiatric history, and contact with someone with a mental illness were all contributing factors to mental illness stigma. Additionally, men performed better than women in terms of behavior toward people with mental illness, while women had a greater level of knowledge about mental health. Conclusion The Arabic versions of the MAKS and RIBS have appropriate psychometric properties, making them effective tools for evaluating mental illness stigma. With multiple factors contributing to this issue, these instruments can help focus anti-stigma efforts and promote a more inclusive society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryem Ben Amor
- Department of Psychiatry A, Razi University Hospital, La Manouba, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Yosra Zgueb
- Department of Psychiatry A, Razi University Hospital, La Manouba, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Research Laboratory LR18SP03, Manouba, Tunisia
| | - Emna Bouguira
- Pôle G01 Etablissement Publique de santé Alsace Nord, Strasbourg, France
| | - Amani Metsahel
- Department of Psychiatry A, Razi University Hospital, La Manouba, Tunisia
| | - Amina Aissa
- Department of Psychiatry A, Razi University Hospital, La Manouba, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Research Laboratory LR18SP03, Manouba, Tunisia
| | - Graham Thonicroft
- Centre for Global Mental Health and Centre for Implementation Science, Health Service and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Uta Ouali
- Department of Psychiatry A, Razi University Hospital, La Manouba, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Research Laboratory LR18SP03, Manouba, Tunisia
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Okoli CZ. Board of Directors' Column: (de)Stigmatization of Mental Illness and Mental Health Care. J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc 2023; 29:432-435. [PMID: 37555439 DOI: 10.1177/10783903231191105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Chizimuzo Zim Okoli
- Chizimuzo (Zim) Okoli, PhD, MPH, MSN, PMHNP-BC, FAAN, American Psychiatric Nurses Association, Falls Church, VA, USA
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Semrau M, Gronholm PC, Eaton J, Maulik PK, Ayele B, Bakolis I, Mendon GB, Bhattarai K, Brohan E, Cherian AV, Daniel M, Girma E, Gurung D, Hailemariam A, Hanlon C, Healey A, Kallakuri S, Li J, Loganathan S, Ma N, Ma Y, Metsahel A, Ouali U, Yaziji N, Zgueb Y, Zhang W, Zhang X, Thornicroft G, Votruba N. Reducing stigma and improving access to care for people with mental health conditions in the community: protocol for a multi-site feasibility intervention study (Indigo-Local). RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3237562. [PMID: 37645946 PMCID: PMC10462245 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3237562/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Background Stigma and discrimination towards people with mental health conditions by their communities are common worldwide. This can result in a range of negative outcomes for affected persons, including poor access to health care. However, evidence is still patchy from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) on affordable, community-based interventions to reduce mental health-related stigma and to improve access to mental health care. Methods This study aims to conduct a feasibility (proof-of-principle) pilot study that involves developing, implementing and evaluating a community-based, multi-component, public awareness-raising intervention (titled Indigo-Local), designed to reduce stigma and discrimination and to increase referrals of people with mental health conditions for assessment and treatment. It is being piloted in five LMICs - China, Ethiopia, India, Nepal and Tunisia - and includes several key components: a stakeholder group workshop; a stepped training programme (using a 'Training of Trainers' approach) of community health workers (or similar cadres of workers) and service users that includes repeated supervision and booster sessions; awareness-raising activities in the community; and a media campaign. Social contact and service user involvement are instrumental to all components. The intervention is being evaluated through a mixed-methods pre-post study design that involves quantitative assessment of stigma outcomes measuring knowledge, attitudes and (discriminatory) behaviour; quantitative evaluation of mental health service utilization rates (where feasible in sites); qualitative exploration of the potential effectiveness and impact of the Indigo-Local intervention; a process evaluation; implementation evaluation; and an evaluation of implementation costs. Discussion The outcome of this study will be contextually adapted, evidence-based interventions to reduce mental health-related stigma in local communities in five LMICs to achieve improved access to healthcare. We will have replicable models of how to involve people with lived experience as an integral part of the intervention and will produce knowledge of how intervention content and implementation strategies vary across settings. The interventions and their delivery will be refined to be acceptable, feasible and ready for larger-scale implementation and evaluation. This study thereby has the potential to make an important contribution to the evidence base on what works to reduce mental health-related stigma and discrimination and improve access to health care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jie Li
- The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University
| | | | - Ning Ma
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health
| | - Yurong Ma
- The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University
| | | | | | | | | | - Wufang Zhang
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health
| | - Xiaotong Zhang
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health
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