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Closson K, Dong E, Zulu B, Dietrich JJ, Zharima C, Jesson J, Pakhomova T, Beksinska M, Kaida A. 'Life became harder with COVID-19': exploring the experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic among youth living in eThekwini district, South Africa. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1922. [PMID: 39020372 PMCID: PMC11256542 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19238-7] [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: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In South Africa, pervasive age and gender inequities have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and public health response. We aimed to explore experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic among youth in eThekwini district, South Africa. METHODS Between December 2021-May 2022 we explored experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth aged 16-24 residing in eThekwini, South Africa. We collated responses to the open-ended question "Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected you in any other way you want to tell us about?" in an online survey focused on understanding the pandemic's multi-levelled health and social effects. We used a thematic analysis to summarise the responses. RESULTS Of 2,068 respondents, 256 (12.4%, median age = 22, 60.9% women) completed the open-ended survey question (11% in isiZulu). Results were organized into three main themes encompassing (1) COVID-19-related loss, fear, grief, and exacerbated mental and physical health concerns; (2) COVID-19-related intensified hardships, which contributed to financial, employment, food, education, and relationship insecurities for individuals and households; and (3) positive effects of the pandemic response, including the benefits of government policies and silver linings to government restrictions. CONCLUSIONS We found that South African youth experienced significant grief and multiple losses (e.g., death, income, job, and educational) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Trauma-aware interventions that provide economic and educational opportunities must be included in post-COVID recovery efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalysha Closson
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada.
- Center of Gender Equity and Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.
| | - Erica Dong
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Bongiwe Zulu
- Wits MRU (MatCH Research Unit), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Janan J Dietrich
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Bellville, South Africa
- African Social Sciences Unit of Research and Evaluation (ASSURE), Wits Health Consortium, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Campion Zharima
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Centre for Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Julie Jesson
- Center for Epidemiology and Research in POPulation Health (CERPOP), Inserm, Université de Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Tatiana Pakhomova
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Mags Beksinska
- Wits MRU (MatCH Research Unit), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Angela Kaida
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
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Closson K, Zharima C, Kuchena TM, Dietrich JJ, Ogilvie G, Raj A, Beksinska M, Kaida A. Relationship impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown restrictions on young women and men in Durban and Soweto, South Africa. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2024; 26:734-746. [PMID: 37584715 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2023.2243300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
To deepen our understanding of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on intimate and/or sexual relationships, we conducted a qualitative study among 26 South African women and men aged 21-30 years in Durban and Soweto between September 2020 and March 2021. Overall, 13 women and 12 men who had been in an intimate and/or sexual relationship since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic were asked about the impact of COVID-19 on their relationships with their current or most recent primary partners. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. The three most common impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on relationships were on (i) communication and connection; (ii) strained relationships; and (iii) job and economic loss. Both women and men discussed how COVID-19-related lockdowns provided opportunities to foster better communication, connection and support to one another. However, too little or too much time together strained relationships. Finally, income loss among young men meant that some young women became the primary income earner, changing relationship power dynamics. Findings highlight the importance of young people's relationships and the need for action to support young people in building positive relationships in challenging times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalysha Closson
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Campion Zharima
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - T Michelle Kuchena
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Janan J Dietrich
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Gina Ogilvie
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Anita Raj
- Center on Gender Equity and Health, University of CA, San Diego, CA, US
- Newcomb Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, US
| | - Mags Beksinska
- Maternal, Adolescent and Child Health Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Angela Kaida
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
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Zuilkowski SS, Quinones S, Kihanzah H, Marwerwe G, Prencipe L, Kajula L, Palermo T. Economic vulnerabilities, mental health, and coping strategies among Tanzanian youth during COVID-19. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:577. [PMID: 38388862 PMCID: PMC10885560 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18074-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated struggles for youth living in poor households. Youth in rural Tanzania are particularly vulnerable given widespread poverty, lack of formal sector employment opportunities, and health risks. We examine influences of the pandemic on economic insecurity and mental health and explore the coping strategies employed by youth and their households. METHODS We conducted mixed-method data collection with youth (N = 760 quantitative and N = 44 qualitative interviews) and households (n = 542) via mobile phone among a sub-set of a cohort from an on-going longitudinal sample in two rural regions in Tanzania. In addition to phone interviews, we collected data bi-weekly via SMS messaging. We present mixed-methods, descriptive analysis of the outcomes and longitudinally compare quantitative outcomes pre- and post-COVID-19, within the same individuals. RESULTS Adverse economic impacts were most salient, and to cope, youth engaged in more labor and domestic chores. Compared to prior the COVID-19 pandemic, youth reported spending more time caring for elderly or sick household members and gathering firewood or nuts. CONCLUSIONS These findings underscore the potential opportunity to promote policies and programs which address risks youth face. Recommended measures include expansion and adaptation of social protection policies, strengthened food and nutrition surveillance and referral systems, and scaling up community-based mental health programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Simmons Zuilkowski
- Educational Leadership and Policy Studies Learning Systems Institute University Center C4600, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA.
| | - Sarah Quinones
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, Division of Health Services Policy and Practice, University at Buffalo (State University of New York) , Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Hassan Kihanzah
- Independent Researcher , and University at Buffalo (State University of New York) , Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Graca Marwerwe
- Independent Researcher , and University at Buffalo (State University of New York) , Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Leah Prencipe
- Department of Social Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Lusajo Kajula
- Independent Researcher , and Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences , Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Tia Palermo
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, Division of Health Services Policy and Practice, University at Buffalo (State University of New York) , Buffalo, NY, USA
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Twitty TD, Hitch AE, Marais L, Sales JM, Sharp C, Cloete J, Lenka M, Rani K, Gause NK, Brown JL. Pregnancy and STI/HIV prevention intervention preferences of South African adolescent girls: findings from a cultural consensus modelling qualitative study. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2024; 26:191-207. [PMID: 37022107 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2023.2194357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
South African adolescent girls experience high rates of unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections including HIV. To inform culturally-tailored dual protection interventions to prevent both unintended pregnancy and STIs/HIV, this study qualitatively examined girls' sexual health intervention preferences. Participants were aged 14-17 years old and Sesotho-speaking (N = 25). To elucidate shared cultural beliefs, individual interviews examined participants' perceptions about other adolescent girls' pregnancy and STI/HIV prevention intervention preferences. Interviews were conducted in Sesotho and translated into English. Two independent coders identified key themes in the data using a conventional content analysis approach with discrepancies resolved by a third coder. Participants indicated that intervention content should include efficacious pregnancy and STI/HIV prevention methods and ways to navigate peer pressure. Interventions should be accessible, avoid criticism and provide high-quality information. Preferred intervention formats included online, SMS/text, or delivery by social workers or older, knowledgeable peers, with mixed acceptability for delivery by parents or same-age peers. Schools, youth centres and sexual health clinics were preferred intervention settings. Results highlight the importance of cultural context in tailoring dual protection interventions to address the reproductive health disparities among adolescent girls in South Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Dylanne Twitty
- Department of Psychology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Anthony E Hitch
- Department of Psychology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Lochner Marais
- Centre of Development Support, Economic and Management, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, Republic of South Africa
| | - Jessica M Sales
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Carla Sharp
- Centre of Development Support, Economic and Management, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, Republic of South Africa
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jan Cloete
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Molefi Lenka
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kholisa Rani
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Nicole K Gause
- University Counseling & Wellbeing Center, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jennifer L Brown
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
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Workneh F, Worku A, Assefa N, Berhane Y. Network analysis of mental health problems among adults in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a community-based study during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e075262. [PMID: 38253451 PMCID: PMC10806846 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-075262] [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] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE COVID-19 has negatively impacted mental health of adults globally with increased rates of psychiatric comorbidities. However, network analysis studies to examine comorbidities and correlations between symptoms of different mental disorders are uncommon in low-income countries. This study aimed to investigate the network structure of depression, anxiety and perceived stress among adults in Addis Ababa and identify the most central and bridge symptoms within the depressive-anxiety-perceived symptoms network model. DESIGN Community-based cross-sectional study. SETTING This study was carried out on a sample of the general population in Addis Ababa during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 1127 participants were included in this study, of which 747 (66.3%) were females, and the mean age was 36 years. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale and the Perceived Stress Scale, respectively.Network analysis was conducted to investigate the network structure. The centrality index expected influence (EI) and bridge EI (1-step) were applied to determine the central and bridge symptoms. Case-dropping procedure was used to examine the network stability. RESULT The sad mood (EI=1.52) was the most central and bridge symptom in the depression, anxiety and perceived stress network model. Irritability (bridge EI=1.12) and nervousness and stressed (bridge EI=1.33) also served as bridge symptoms. The strongest edge in the network was between nervousness and uncontrollable worry (weight=0.36) in the anxiety community. The network had good stability and accuracy. The network structure was invariant by gender and age based on the network structure invariance test. CONCLUSIONS In this study, the sad mood was the core and bridge symptom. This and the other central and bridge symptoms identified in the study should be targeted to prevent mental health disorders and comorbidities among adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Firehiwot Workneh
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Addis Continental Institute of Public Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Alemayehu Worku
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Addis Continental Institute of Public Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Nega Assefa
- College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Yemane Berhane
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Addis Continental Institute of Public Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Bergh K, Jonas K, Duby Z, Govindasamy D, Mathews C, Reddy T, Slingers N, Whittle G, Abdullah F. Factors Associated with COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake among Schoolgoing Adolescent Girls and Young Women in South Africa. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1581. [PMID: 37896983 PMCID: PMC10610973 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11101581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: By October 2022, vaccination rates with at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine were low among adolescent girls aged 12-17 (38%) and young women aged 18-34 (45%) in South Africa. This study aimed to measure and identify barriers to and facilitators of motivation to take up, access to, and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines among schoolgoing adolescent girls and young women in two districts in South Africa. (2) Methods: Using the theory of the HIV prevention cascade, we conceptualised the relationship between motivation, access, and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines, and associated barriers. Potential barriers and facilitators were identified using bivariate and multivariable Poisson regression. (3) Results: Among all 2375 participants, access was high (69%), but motivation (49%) and vaccination with at least one COVID-19 vaccine (45%) were lower. Fear of injections was a barrier to vaccine uptake (aRR 0.85 95% CI 0.82-0.88), while being tested for COVID-19 (aRR 2.10 95% CI 1.85-2.38) and believing that the COVID-19 vaccine was safe (aRR 1.31 95% CI 1.18-1.44) and would prevent you from getting very sick (aRR 1.11 95% CI 1.04-1.19) were facilitators. (4) Conclusions: The controversy about the value of vaccinating adolescents and the delay in vaccine rollout for adolescents and young adults may have contributed to fears about the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines, as well as a lack of motivation to get vaccinated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Bergh
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town 7501, South Africa
- Department of Psychology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa
| | - Kim Jonas
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town 7501, South Africa
| | - Zoe Duby
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town 7501, South Africa
- Division of Social and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Darshini Govindasamy
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town 7501, South Africa
| | - Catherine Mathews
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town 7501, South Africa
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Tarylee Reddy
- Biostatistics Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban 4091, South Africa
| | - Nevilene Slingers
- Office of AIDS and TB Research, South African Medical Research Council, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
| | - Granville Whittle
- Department of Basic Education, Government of South Africa, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
| | - Fareed Abdullah
- Office of AIDS and TB Research, South African Medical Research Council, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Steve Biko Academic Hospital and University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
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Fehkührer S, Humer E, Kaltschik S, Pieh C, Probst T, Diestler G, Jesser A. Young People and the Future: School Students' Concerns and Hopes for the Future after One Year of COVID-19 in Austria-Findings of a Mixed-Methods Pilot Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2242. [PMID: 37628439 PMCID: PMC10454506 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11162242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in enormous changes in everyday life and numerous burdens for adolescents. This pilot study focused on how young people look to the future in the face of these burdens. Responses to two open-ended questions on concerns and hopes for the future that were part of a larger online survey on the mental health of school students in Austria were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Subsequently, differences in the experiences of boys and girls, young people with and without a migration background and psychologically stressed and non-stressed young people were examined by applying a mixed-methods approach. Data collection took place from 3 February to 28 February 2021. From a total survey sample of 3052 adolescents aged 14-20, a representative sample according to gender and migration background (N = 500) was drawn. Qualitative content analysis revealed several areas of concern about the future, including school-related concerns, concerns about the further development of the pandemic and the associated restrictions, concerns related to a lack of locus of control, health-related concerns and concerns about social relationships. The analysis also indicated young people's greatest hopes for the future, such as hopes related to further pandemic development, hopes regarding major life goals, school, social relationships and health. Young people's experiences differ according to gender, migration background and the extent of psychological distress. This study contributes to research on the psychological well-being of adolescents during the pandemic and provides important insights into the subjective experience of young people. It aims to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the concerns and hopes for the future of young people in a time marked by various challenges. The results of the study should be used to develop ideas for measures, such as the expansion of school psychological services and low-threshold support services for students, such as school social work and counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Fehkührer
- Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Continuing Education Krems, 3500 Krems, Austria; (S.F.); (E.H.); (S.K.); (C.P.); (T.P.)
| | - Elke Humer
- Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Continuing Education Krems, 3500 Krems, Austria; (S.F.); (E.H.); (S.K.); (C.P.); (T.P.)
- Faculty of Psychotherapy Science, Sigmund Freud University Vienna, 1020 Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefan Kaltschik
- Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Continuing Education Krems, 3500 Krems, Austria; (S.F.); (E.H.); (S.K.); (C.P.); (T.P.)
| | - Christoph Pieh
- Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Continuing Education Krems, 3500 Krems, Austria; (S.F.); (E.H.); (S.K.); (C.P.); (T.P.)
| | - Thomas Probst
- Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Continuing Education Krems, 3500 Krems, Austria; (S.F.); (E.H.); (S.K.); (C.P.); (T.P.)
| | - Gertraud Diestler
- Österreichischer Arbeitskreis für Gruppentherapie und Gruppendynamik, Fachsektion Integrative Gestalt Therapy Vienna, 1080 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Andrea Jesser
- Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Continuing Education Krems, 3500 Krems, Austria; (S.F.); (E.H.); (S.K.); (C.P.); (T.P.)
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Idrisov B, Lunze K, Cheng DM, Blokhina E, Gnatienko N, Patts G, Bridden C, Rossi SL, Weiser SD, Krupitsky E, Samet JH. Food Insecurity and Transmission Risks Among People with HIV Who Use Substances. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:2376-2389. [PMID: 36670209 PMCID: PMC9859749 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03965-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Food insecurity (FI) impacts people with HIV (PWH) and those who use substances (i.e. drugs and alcohol). We evaluated the longitudinal association between FI and HIV transmission risks (unprotected sexual contacts and shared needles/syringes). Among 351 PWH who use substances in Russia, 51.6% reported FI and 37.0% past month injection drug use. The mean number of unprotected sexual contacts in the past 90 days was 13.4 (SD 30.1); 9.7% reported sharing needles/syringes in the past month. We did not find a significant association between mild/moderate FI (adjusted IRR = 0.87, 95% CI 0.47, 1.61) or severe FI (aIRR = 0.84, 95% CI 0.46, 1.54; global p = 0.85) and unprotected sexual contacts. We observed a significant association between severe FI and sharing needles/syringes in the past month (adjusted OR = 3.27, 95% CI 1.45, 7.39; p = 0.004), but not between mild/moderate FI and sharing needles/syringes in the past month (aOR = 1.40,95% CI 0.58, 3.38; p = 0.45). These findings suggest that severe FI could be a potential target for interventions to lower HIV transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bulat Idrisov
- Bashkir State Medical University, Ufa, Russia.
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St., Seattle, WA, 98195-7660, USA.
| | - Karsten Lunze
- Department of Medicine, Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Clinical Addiction Research and Education (CARE) Unit, Boston, MA, USA
- School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Debbie M Cheng
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elena Blokhina
- Lab of Clinical Pharmacology of Addictions, Pavlov University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Natalia Gnatienko
- Department of Medicine, Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Clinical Addiction Research and Education (CARE) Unit, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gregory Patts
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Data Analytics Center (BEDAC), Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Carly Bridden
- Department of Medicine, Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Clinical Addiction Research and Education (CARE) Unit, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sarah L Rossi
- Department of Medicine, Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Clinical Addiction Research and Education (CARE) Unit, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sheri D Weiser
- School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Evgeny Krupitsky
- Lab of Clinical Pharmacology of Addictions, Pavlov University, St. Petersburg, Russia
- V.M. Bekhterev National Medical Center for Psychiatry and Neurology, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Jeffrey H Samet
- Department of Medicine, Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Clinical Addiction Research and Education (CARE) Unit, Boston, MA, USA
- School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Anaduaka US, Oladosu AO. School closures and well-being-related topic searches on Google during the COVID-19 pandemic in Sub-Saharan Africa. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1248. [PMID: 37370082 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16186-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Following the outbreak of the 2020 coronavirus, governments adopted non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) to save lives. The NPIs have been deemed to have unintended consequences on mental health and well-being. This study aimed to estimate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic-induced school closures on the relative search volumes (RSVs) of well-being-relevant topics in 30 low and lower- middle income countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS Google Trends search data, difference-in-differences and event study methods were used to evaluate the impact on the related search volume (RSV) of well-being related topic queries in Sub-Saharan Africa. RESULTS The results suggest positive and significant increases in the search intensity for anger, boredom, fear, sleep, exercise, and prayer. Contrary to other studies, we find no discernible effects on the relative search volumes (RSVs) on loneliness, sadness, and suicide. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that the pandemic and the associated restrictions had a mixed effect on well-being-related searches. We recommend increased vigilance and proactive communication from the government and policy makers with the general population in times of emergencies when social policies that restrict lives and liberties need to be adopted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uchechi Shirley Anaduaka
- Department of Accountancy, Economics and Finance, Hong Kong Baptist University, 34 Renfrew Road, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
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Boshe J, Brtek V, Beima-Sofie K, Braitstein P, Brooks M, Denison J, Donenberg G, Kemigisha E, Memiah P, Njuguna I, Poku O, Roberts ST, Shayo AM, Dow DE. Integrating Adolescent Mental Health into HIV Prevention and Treatment Programs: Can Implementation Science Pave the Path Forward? AIDS Behav 2023; 27:145-161. [PMID: 36322219 PMCID: PMC9629193 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03876-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Adolescent mental health (AMH) is a critical driver of HIV outcomes, but is often overlooked in HIV research and programming. The implementation science Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment (EPIS) framework informed development of a questionnaire that was sent to a global alliance of adolescent HIV researchers, providers, and implementors working in sub-Saharan Africa with the aim to (1) describe current AMH outcomes incorporated into HIV research within the alliance; (2) identify determinants (barriers/gaps) of integrating AMH into HIV research and care; and (3) describe current AMH screening and referral systems in adolescent HIV programs in sub-Saharan Africa. Respondents reported on fourteen named studies that included AMH outcomes in HIV research. Barriers to AMH integration in HIV research and care programs were explored with suggested implementation science strategies to achieve the goal of integrated and sustained mental health services within adolescent HIV programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Boshe
- Department of Mental Health, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, KCMC Box 3010, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College University, Moshi, Tanzania
| | | | | | - Paula Braitstein
- University of Toronto, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Toronto, Canada
- College of Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Merrian Brooks
- Department of Pediatrics, Craig Dalsimer Division of Adolescent Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 19104 Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Julie Denison
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Geri Donenberg
- Center for Dissemination and Implementation Science, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Elizabeth Kemigisha
- Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Peter Memiah
- Division of Epidemiology and Prevention, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Irene Njuguna
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
- Research and Programs, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Ohemaa Poku
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, Columbia University, 10032 New York, NY USA
| | - Sarah T. Roberts
- Women’s Global Health Imperative, RTI International, Berkeley, CA USA
| | - Aisa M. Shayo
- Department of Mental Health, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, KCMC Box 3010, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College University, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Dorothy E. Dow
- Duke Global Health Institute, 27701 Durham, NC USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases division, Duke University Medical Center, KCMC Box 3010, Box 102346, 27701 Durham, NC USA
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11
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Lee MS, Kim DJ, Lee H. Trends in health behaviors and mental health among Korean adolescents in Korea over 5 years, 2017-2021: focusing on the comparisons before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1139110. [PMID: 37139372 PMCID: PMC10149801 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1139110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives We investigated recent trends in health behaviors and mental health conditions among Korean adolescents from 2017 to 2021 and compared the changes before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods Data analysis was conducted on 289,415 adolescents participating in the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey, an annual cross-sectional study from 2017 to 2021. All analysis was conducted using sex stratification, and the annual percentage change (APC) was calculated. Results Alcohol consumption and smoking decreased in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic compared with before, except for girls from the low-income level. The prevalence of inadequate physical activity for both boys and girls increased in 2020 compared with the pre-COVID-19 period and decreased again by 2021. The prevalence of obesity in both sexes increased regardless of the period (boys, APC = 8.2%, 95% confidence intervals (CI), 6.4-10.1; girls, APC = 3.3%, 95% CI, 1.8-4.8). The prevalence of stress, depression, and suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts for both sexes decreased in 2020 compared to the pre-COVID-19 period. By 2021, this prevalence had returned to a level similar to before the pandemic. No significant APC changes were observed in the prevalence of mental health. Conclusions These findings demonstrate the trends and APCs in health behaviors and mental health conditions among Korean adolescents over the last 5 years. We must pay attention to the heterogeneous and multifaceted features of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi-Sun Lee
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Jun Kim
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Public Health, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hooyeon Lee
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Public Health, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- *Correspondence: Hooyeon Lee
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12
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González-Ortiz M, Castro P, Vergara-Barra P, Huerta P, Escudero C. COVID-19 on Pregnancy Outcomes, Mental Health and Placenta: Focus in Latin America. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1428:269-285. [PMID: 37466778 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-32554-0_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted many aspects of health and society worldwide. One vulnerable group that faced SARS-CoV-2 infection is pregnant women, who were considered to have potentiated risk factors. In physiological pregnancy, maternal systems have several changes and adaptations to support fetal development. These changes involve regulations of cardiovascular, respiratory, and immunologic systems, among others, which SARS-CoV-2 could severely alter. Furthermore, the systemic effects of viral infection could be associated with placental dysfunction and adverse pregnancy outcomes, which have been studied from the start of the pandemic to date. Additionally, pregnancy is a condition of more significant mental health vulnerability, especially when faced with highly stressful situations. In this chapter, we have collected information on the effect of COVID-19 on maternal mortality, the SARS-CoV-2 infection rate in pregnancy, and the impact on pregnancy outcomes, maternal mental health, and placental function, with a particular focus on studies that consider the Latin American population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo González-Ortiz
- Laboratorio de Investigación Materno-Fetal (LIMaF), Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile.
- Group of Research and Innovation in Vascular Health (GRIVAS), Chillán, Chile.
| | - Patricio Castro
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Pablo Vergara-Barra
- Departamento de Psiquiatría y Salud Mental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
- Programa de Neurociencias, Psiquiatría y Salud Mental (NEPSAM), Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Patricia Huerta
- Departamento de Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Carlos Escudero
- Group of Research and Innovation in Vascular Health (GRIVAS), Chillán, Chile
- Group of Research and Innovation in Vascular Health (GRIVAS), Chillán, Chile
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13
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Helman TJ, Headrick JP, Stapelberg NJC, Braidy N. The sex-dependent response to psychosocial stress and ischaemic heart disease. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1072042. [PMID: 37153459 PMCID: PMC10160413 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1072042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress is an important risk factor for modern chronic diseases, with distinct influences in males and females. The sex specificity of the mammalian stress response contributes to the sex-dependent development and impacts of coronary artery disease (CAD). Compared to men, women appear to have greater susceptibility to chronic forms of psychosocial stress, extending beyond an increased incidence of mood disorders to include a 2- to 4-fold higher risk of stress-dependent myocardial infarction in women, and up to 10-fold higher risk of Takotsubo syndrome-a stress-dependent coronary-myocardial disorder most prevalent in post-menopausal women. Sex differences arise at all levels of the stress response: from initial perception of stress to behavioural, cognitive, and affective responses and longer-term disease outcomes. These fundamental differences involve interactions between chromosomal and gonadal determinants, (mal)adaptive epigenetic modulation across the lifespan (particularly in early life), and the extrinsic influences of socio-cultural, economic, and environmental factors. Pre-clinical investigations of biological mechanisms support distinct early life programming and a heightened corticolimbic-noradrenaline-neuroinflammatory reactivity in females vs. males, among implicated determinants of the chronic stress response. Unravelling the intrinsic molecular, cellular and systems biological basis of these differences, and their interactions with external lifestyle/socio-cultural determinants, can guide preventative and therapeutic strategies to better target coronary heart disease in a tailored sex-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa J. Helman
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, NSW, Sydney, Australia
- Correspondence: Tessa J. Helman
| | - John P. Headrick
- Schoolof Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Southport, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Nady Braidy
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, NSW, Sydney, Australia
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Hidalgo-Padilla L, Vilela-Estrada AL, Toyama M, Flores S, Ramirez-Meneses D, Steffen M, Heritage P, Fung C, Priebe S, Diez-Canseco F. Using Arts-Based Methodologies to Understand Adolescent and Youth Manifestations, Representations, and Potential Causes of Depression and Anxiety in Low-Income Urban Settings in Peru. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15517. [PMID: 36497592 PMCID: PMC9737895 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Arts-based methodologies can be beneficial to identify different representations of stigmatized topics such as mental health conditions. This study used a theater-based workshop to describe manifestations, representations, and potential causes of depression and anxiety as perceived by adolescents and young adults. METHODS The theater company Teatro La Plaza conducted three online sessions with a group of adolescents and another with a group of young adults from Lima, Peru. The artistic outputs, which included images, similes, monologues, and narrations, were used to describe the experiences of depression and anxiety symptoms following a content analysis using posteriori categories. RESULTS Seventeen participants joined the sessions. The artistic outputs showed: physical, behavioral, cognitive, and emotional manifestations of depression and anxiety; a perception that both disorders have a cyclical nature; and an awareness that it is often difficult to notice symptom triggers. The mandatory social isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic was highlighted as an important symptom trigger, mostly linked to anxiety. CONCLUSIONS The findings are consistent with the literature, especially with regard to the manifestations, representations, and potential causes that trigger depression and anxiety. Using arts-based methods allowed adolescents and young adults to expand the articulation of their representations of mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Hidalgo-Padilla
- CRONICAS Center of Excellence in Chronic Diseases, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima 15074, Peru
| | - Ana L. Vilela-Estrada
- CRONICAS Center of Excellence in Chronic Diseases, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima 15074, Peru
| | - Mauricio Toyama
- CRONICAS Center of Excellence in Chronic Diseases, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima 15074, Peru
| | - Sumiko Flores
- CRONICAS Center of Excellence in Chronic Diseases, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima 15074, Peru
| | - Daniela Ramirez-Meneses
- CRONICAS Center of Excellence in Chronic Diseases, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima 15074, Peru
| | - Mariana Steffen
- People’s Palace Projects, School of English and Drama, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4QA, UK
| | - Paul Heritage
- People’s Palace Projects, School of English and Drama, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4QA, UK
| | - Catherine Fung
- Unit for Social and Community Psychiatry, Queen Mary University of London, London E13 8SP, UK
| | - Stefan Priebe
- Unit for Social and Community Psychiatry, Queen Mary University of London, London E13 8SP, UK
| | - Francisco Diez-Canseco
- CRONICAS Center of Excellence in Chronic Diseases, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima 15074, Peru
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15
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Ngamaba KH, Lombo LS, Makopa IK, Panzaekofo J. Are COVID-19's restrictive measures associated with people's quality of life and the prevalence of anxiety and depression in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo? J Public Health Afr 2022; 13:1728. [PMID: 36405521 PMCID: PMC9667577 DOI: 10.4081/jphia.2022.1728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The spread of COVID-19 and the economic repercussions of several restrictive measures have worsened the lives of the Congolese and caused panic, fear, and anxiety. No study has yet examined the effect COVID-19's restrictive measures had on the quality of life in the Congo. AIMS The purpose of this study is to determine if the restrictive measures of COVID-19 are associated with the quality of life and the prevalence of anxiety and depression in Kinshasa. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted in seventeen Kinshasa municipalities. N=100 adults over the age of 18 were recruited (41 females, 58 males and 1 prefer not). Social Contacts Assessment (SCA), Time Use Survey (TUS), Manchester Short Assessment of quality of life (MANSA), Health status EQ-5D-3L, UCLA Loneliness Scale; Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9); General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) and COVID-19 related questions were utilized. We conducted descriptive statistics and multiple regression analyses. RESULTS suggest that depression and anxiety are more prevalent (PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores were 9.1 (SD=6.8) and 8.5 (SD=6.1) respectively). Negative associations were found between the quality of life and living alone (B=-0.35, p=0.05) and mental health decline due to COVID- 19 (B=-0.30, p=0.04). Those who described themselves as less lonely reported a higher quality of life (B=0.34, p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS Living alone is associated with a lower quality of life. This study fills a gap in the literature on public health in the DRC and low- and middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayonda Hubert Ngamaba
- International Centre for Mental Health Social Research, University of York, York, UK,University of York, York, UK.
| | - Laddy Sedzo Lombo
- Centre Spécialisé dans la Prise en charge Psychosociale en Santé Mentale (CSPEMRDC), Université Chrétienne de Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Israel Kenda Makopa
- Centre Spécialisé dans la Prise en charge Psychosociale en Santé Mentale (CSPEMRDC), Université Chrétienne de Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Joyce Panzaekofo
- Social Work and International Studies, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, USA
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16
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Humphries H, Lewis L, Lamontagne E, Choonara S, Dikgale K, Yakusik A, Massawe D, Mkhize N, Mzungu F, Karim QA. Impact of COVID-19 public health responses on income, food security and health services among key and vulnerable women in South Africa. AFRICAN JOURNAL OF AIDS RESEARCH 2022; 21:317-329. [DOI: 10.2989/16085906.2022.2144392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hilton Humphries
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Psychology, School of Applied Human Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal. Durbanm, South Africa
| | - Lara Lewis
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Erik Lamontagne
- UNAIDS, Strategic Information, Geneva, Switzerland
- Aix Marseille University, CNRS, Aix-Marseilfe School of Economics, Marseille, France
| | - Shakira Choonara
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Keabetswe Dikgale
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Anna Yakusik
- UNAIDS, Strategic Information, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Quarraisha Abdool Karim
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, USA
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17
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Bloom J, Lachman A, Gaxo E, Pillay J, Seedat S. Child, adolescent, and caregiver mental health difficulties and associated risk factors early in the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2022; 16:65. [PMID: 35953841 PMCID: PMC9366799 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-022-00499-2] [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: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 in South Africa, many safety measures were implemented to protect the lives of the population. Ironically, these same safety measures have negatively impacted on the lives of children and their caregivers resulting in increased mental health problems. This study forms part of the multicountry Co-SPACE (COVID-19: Supporting Parents, Adolescents and Children during Epidemics) study that explores how families are coping during the COVID-19 pandemic, and what caregivers can do to help support their children's mental health. This paper aims to gain a better understanding of the mental health status of families specifically in South Africa in the early onset of the pandemic during restrictive lockdown measures, and identify certain risk factors that might contribute towards deteriorating mental health. Two hundred and fifty-four South African parents and carers of children and adolescents completed an online survey about their child's mental health as well as their own mental health during and post- hard lockdown in South Africa. Data collection took place over the period of the first and second waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa. Results showed that children experienced significantly higher mental health problems than adolescents (p = 0.016). Younger children were particularly negatively affected by lockdown and had more mental health problems than adolescents (p = 0.023); including emotional problems (p = 0.017), misconduct (p = 0.030), and hyperactivity (p = 0.001). Additionally, the presence of special educational needs/neurodevelopmental disorders (SEN/ND) was associated with more mental health problems (p = 0.001). Surprisingly, single parent households, which is another well-known risk factor showed no differences in mental health problems compared to nuclear families. There was also a reciprocal relationship between parental/carer mental health and child/adolescent mental health, with higher level of endorsement of mental health problems in children by parents/caregivers who themselves associated with higher levels of depression, anxiety and stress (all p's < 0.001). These results highlight the dramatic impact that COVID-19 had on children, adolescents and parents in South Africa early in the pandemic, and emphasises the need for specific support structures to be implemented within the SEN/ND community, as well as for younger children and single parent households.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Bloom
- grid.11956.3a0000 0001 2214 904XDepartment of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1 , Matieland, 7602 South Africa
| | - Anusha Lachman
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1 , Matieland, 7602, South Africa.
| | - Ezethu Gaxo
- grid.11956.3a0000 0001 2214 904XDepartment of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1 , Matieland, 7602 South Africa
| | - Jace Pillay
- grid.412988.e0000 0001 0109 131XDepartment of Educational Psychology, Faculty of Education, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Soraya Seedat
- grid.11956.3a0000 0001 2214 904XDepartment of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1 , Matieland, 7602 South Africa
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18
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Kelly J, Gittings L, Laurenzi C, Glinski CD, Mangqalaza H, Ralayo N, Langwenya N, Sidloyi L, Mbiko A, Taleni B, Saliwe B, Toska E. HIV and SRH healthcare delivery experiences of South African healthcare workers and adolescents and young people during COVID-19. PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2022; 27:155-166. [PMID: 36004413 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2022.2108080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
While substantial research has emerged from the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as from studies with adolescent populations, there has been a dearth of research focused in South Africa on the context-specific experiences of healthcare workers (HCWs) and the adolescents and young people (AYP) to whom they provide services. This article documents the experiences of provision and receipt of HIV and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services during the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspective of South African HCWs (n = 13) and AYP (n = 41, ages 17-29). Findings highlight several barriers to accessing comprehensive HIV and SRH services during the pandemic including lockdown-related mobility restrictions (reported by HCWs), prioritisation of COVID-19 above other healthcare needs, longer health facility waiting times, poor treatment by HCWs (reported by AYP), discomfort and perceived stigma from having to queue outside health facilities, and fear of contracting COVID-19 (reported by both groups). While HCWs reported that HIV and SRH services continued to be available during the pandemic, AYP described seeking these services - such as long-acting reversible contraception, check-ups for their babies and medical refills - and being told that because they were not considered emergency cases, they should return on a different date. By capturing diverse experiences and perspectives from both groups, our findings reiterate the growing call for health system investments to strengthen the delivery of adolescent services, including investing in appropriate channels of communication between young people and their healthcare providers (for example, through adolescent peer supporters or community healthcare workers) and differentiated models of service delivery (for example, multi-month ART refills and community pick-ups). Closing the gap between the experiences and needs of adolescents and the healthcare workers who serve them may support young people and HCWs in buffering against changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Kelly
- Centre for Social Science Research, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
| | - Lesley Gittings
- Centre for Social Science Research, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa.,Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christina Laurenzi
- Centre for Social Science Research, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa.,Institute for Life Course Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Charné Dee Glinski
- Centre for Social Science Research, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa.,Oxford Research South Africa, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Hlokoma Mangqalaza
- Centre for Social Science Research, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
| | - Nokubonga Ralayo
- Centre for Social Science Research, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
| | | | - Lulama Sidloyi
- Oxford Research South Africa, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Amanda Mbiko
- Oxford Research South Africa, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Babalwa Taleni
- Oxford Research South Africa, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Bongiwe Saliwe
- Oxford Research South Africa, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Elona Toska
- Centre for Social Science Research, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
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