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Magnolini R, Staehelin S, Senkoro E, Kruijver M, Krinke E, Weisser M. Effectiveness and acceptance of group therapy as a mental health intervention for people living with HIV in Africa - a scoping literature review. AIDS Care 2024; 36:870-884. [PMID: 38289672 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2023.2298779] [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: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
Mental health problems are highly prevalent among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), yet mental health care in African countries is scarce. There is growing interest in understanding the effect of group therapy delivery models and task-shifting to support mental health care in African settings. We conducted a scoping review following the PRISMA-ScR statement on group therapy in PLWHA in Africa. We searched PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Google Scholar for articles published before October 2023 on evidence for effectiveness and acceptance of group therapies in PLWHA, and evidence of task-shifting approaches. A narrative synthesis approach for data analysis was used. We included 17 studies, which comprised 26 different outcome measures across seven countries in sub-Sahara Africa. The majority (72%) of the assessed single outcomes demonstrated a positive impact of group therapy delivery models on outcome measures, particularly depression, alcohol use, overall functioning, and social support in sub-Sahara Africa. High acceptance was demonstrated by quantitative and qualitative approaches. Task shifting approaches generally were shown to be effective, cost-effective, and accepted, and may support burdened healthcare systems in rural settings. The current evidence, albeit scarce, supports the use of group therapy and task shifting in addressing mental health among PLWHA living in sub-Sahara Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah Staehelin
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Elizabeth Senkoro
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- St. Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Muriel Kruijver
- Department of Human Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Eileen Krinke
- Clinic for Adults, University Psychiatric Clinics Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maja Weisser
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Ng’oma M, Atif N, Meltzer-Brody S, Chirwa E, Stewart RC. Piloting a psychosocial intervention for perinatal depression, the Thinking Healthy Programme-Peer delivered (THPP), in a primary care setting in Lilongwe District, Malawi. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0002128. [PMID: 38691572 PMCID: PMC11062519 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Despite the evidence for the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions for perinatal depression, their uptake is low in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. Reasons for this include the lack of contextually adapted interventions and mental health specialists to deliver them. This study aimed to test the acceptability and feasibility of a psychosocial intervention for perinatal depression, the Thinking Healthy Programme-Peer Delivered, adapted for use in rural Malawi. A multi-method evaluation of feasibility and acceptability of the intervention was conducted using a one-group pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design and an exploratory qualitative study. Pre-post intervention change in depression scores (paired t-test) and recruitment, retention and session adherence rates were calculated. Qualitative data were collected through 29 in-depth interviews (22 mothers and 7 peer volunteers) and 1 Focus Group Discussion (18 mothers). Thematic analysis approach was used to analyse qualitative data. Seven (7) out of 8 peer volunteers were successfully trained to deliver the intervention. A total of 31 pregnant women with Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score ≥12 were offered intervention, of whom 24 were enrolled (recruitment rate 77.4%). Out of these 24 women, 22 completed the intervention (retention rate 91.6%). Mean difference between pre- and post-test EPDS scores one week after 8th session was 7.59 (95% CI 4.98 to 10.19), p<0.001. Qualitative evaluation showed that the intervention was acceptable despite some challenges including stigma and issues around incentivization of peer volunteers. The Thinking Healthy Programme-Peer Delivered, adapted for use in Malawi, was feasible to deliver and acceptable to its target population. The intervention may be useful in management of perinatal depression in primary care settings in Malawi. However, definitive trials are needed to evaluate its effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mwawi Ng’oma
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
- Programs Department, St John of God Hospitaller Services, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Najia Atif
- Human Development Research Foundation, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Samantha Meltzer-Brody
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Ellen Chirwa
- Department of Reproductive Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Robert C. Stewart
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Keynejad RC, Bitew T, Sorsdahl K, Myers B, Honikman S, Mulushoa A, Demissie M, Deyessa N, Howard LM, Hanlon C. Adapting brief problem-solving therapy for pregnant women experiencing depressive symptoms and intimate partner violence in rural Ethiopia. Psychother Res 2024; 34:538-554. [PMID: 37384929 DOI: 10.1080/10503307.2023.2222899] [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: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To adapt an evidence-based psychological intervention for pregnant women experiencing depressive symptoms and intimate partner violence (IPV) in rural Ethiopia. METHOD We conducted a desk review of contextual factors in Sodo, Ethiopia, followed by qualitative interviews with 16 pregnant women and 12 antenatal care (ANC) providers. We engaged stakeholders through participatory theory of change (ToC) workshops, to select the intervention and articulate a programme theory. We used "ADAPT" guidance to adapt the intervention to the context, before mapping potential harms in a "dark logic model". RESULTS Brief problem-solving therapy developed for South Africa was the most contextually relevant model. We adapted the delivery format (participants prioritised confidentiality and brevity) and training and supervision (addressing IPV). Consensus long-term outcomes in our ToC were ANC providers skilled in detecting and responding to emotional difficulties and IPV, women receiving appropriate support, and emotional difficulties improving. Our dark logic model highlighted the risk of more severe IPV and mental health symptoms not being referred appropriately. CONCLUSION Although intervention adaptation is recommended, the process is rarely reported in depth. We comprehensively describe how contextual considerations, stakeholder engagement, programme theory, and adaptation can tailor psychological interventions for the target population in a low-income, rural setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxanne C Keynejad
- Section of Women's Mental Health, Health Service and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tesera Bitew
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Department of Psychology, College of Education and Behavioural Sciences, Injibara University
| | - Katherine Sorsdahl
- Alan J Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Bronwyn Myers
- Division of Addiction Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Mental health, University of Cape Town, South Africa
- Curtin enAble Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia
- Mental health, Alcohol, Substance Use and Tobacco Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Simone Honikman
- Alan J Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Perinatal Mental Health Project, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Adiyam Mulushoa
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Mekdes Demissie
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Negussie Deyessa
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Louise M Howard
- Section of Women's Mental Health, Health Service and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte Hanlon
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Centre for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Centre for Global Mental Health, Health Service and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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Bernard C, Mané I, Ziadeh S, Tine JM, Diaw A, Benzekri N, Ndiaye I, Samba O, Font H, Bottai T, Jacquesy L, Verdeli H, Ngom NF, Dabis F, Seydi M, de Rekeneire N. Perceptions, facilitators and barriers to the implementation of interpersonal group therapy to treat depression among people living with HIV in Senegal: a qualitative study. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1295181. [PMID: 38327573 PMCID: PMC10848853 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1295181] [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: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Depression is highly prevalent in people living with HIV (PLWH) but remains under treated in Sub-Saharan Africa. In this context, we conducted the first study of Group Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) to treat depression in PLWH in Senegal. We assessed the perceptions and experiences of patients and group facilitators, as well as barriers to implementation. Methods This study was conducted at the Fann National University Hospital Center in Dakar, the urban capital of Senegal. Qualitative data were collected during the implementation phase (February to June 2020 and then from January to February 2021), with a 6-month pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Twenty-five patients and three group facilitators were individually interviewed by a socio-anthropologist. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Results Group IPT was perceived as successful and beneficial by patients and facilitators. Patients reported positive experiences with group IPT and sustained outcomes. Beyond improving depressive symptoms, patients reported improvements in their social and professional lives, and the development of skills to prevent relapse. Group facilitators noted the benefits of therapy for their patients and for their professional skills, reporting greater clinical competence and improved supportive skills. Challenges to intervention implementation included confidentiality and patient privacy concerns, healthcare accessibility issues, and time demands. Conclusion In this first qualitative study of group IPT for depression in PLWH in Senegal, participants described both positive experiences with the intervention and challenges to its implementation. Future studies, conducted in suburban and rural communities outside of Dakar, would further inform the implementation of IPT in Senegal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Bernard
- National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM) UMR 1219, Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) EMR 271, Bordeaux Population Health Centre, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Idrissa Mané
- CNRS, Université de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour, Pau, France
| | - Salaheddine Ziadeh
- Université Libanaise, Faculté de Santé Publique, Sidon, Lebanon
- Global Mental Health Lab, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | | | - Abibatou Diaw
- Centre de Traitement ambulatoire, CHNU de Fann, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Noëlle Benzekri
- Department of Medicine-Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | | | - Oumar Samba
- Service de psychiatrie, CHNU de Fann, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Hélène Font
- National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM) UMR 1219, Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) EMR 271, Bordeaux Population Health Centre, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | | | | | - Helen Verdeli
- Global Mental Health Lab, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | | | - François Dabis
- National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM) UMR 1219, Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) EMR 271, Bordeaux Population Health Centre, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Moussa Seydi
- Service des maladies infectieuses et tropicales, CHNU de Fann, Dakar, Senegal
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Bernard C, Font H, Ziadeh S, Tine JM, Diaw A, Ndiaye I, Samba O, Bottai T, Jacquesy L, Verdeli H, Ngom NF, Dabis F, Seydi M, de Rekeneire N. Management of depression in people living with HIV/AIDS in Senegal: Acceptability, feasibility and benefits of group interpersonal therapy. Glob Ment Health (Camb) 2023; 10:e36. [PMID: 37854409 PMCID: PMC10579691 DOI: 10.1017/gmh.2023.31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Depression is highly prevalent in people living with HIV (PLWH) and has negative consequences for daily life and care. We evaluated for the first time the acceptability, feasibility and benefits of group interpersonal therapy (IPT), combined with a task-shifting approach, to treat depression in PLWH in Senegal. PLWH with depression received group IPT following the World Health Organization protocol. Acceptability and feasibility criteria were defined from the literature data. The PHQ-9, the WHODAS, and the 12-item-stigma scale were used, pre- and post-treatment, including a 3-month follow-up, to assess depressive symptom severity, functioning and stigma, respectively. General linear mixed models were used to describe changes in outcomes over time. Of 69 participants, 60 completed group IPT. Refusal to enroll and dropout rates were 6.6 and 12.7%, respectively. Ninety-seven percent of participants attended at least seven out of eight sessions. Patients and facilitators endorsed group IPT, with willingness to recommend it. Depressive symptoms and disability improved drastically and sustainably. We showed that group IPT is well accepted and feasible in Senegal as treatment for depression in PLWH. Combined with a task-shifting approach, it can narrow the gap in mental health treatment. Implementation may be enhanced by refining patient identification procedures and increasing treatment accessibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Bernard
- University of Bordeaux, National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM) UMR 1219, Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) EMR 271, Bordeaux Population Health Centre, Bordeaux, France
| | - Hélène Font
- University of Bordeaux, National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM) UMR 1219, Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) EMR 271, Bordeaux Population Health Centre, Bordeaux, France
| | - Salaheddine Ziadeh
- Global Mental Health Lab, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Faculté de Santé Publique, Université Libanaise, Sidon, Lebanon
| | - Judicaël M. Tine
- Service des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, CHNU de Fann, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Abibatou Diaw
- Centre de Traitement Ambulatoire, CHNU de Fann, Dakar, Senegal
| | | | - Oumar Samba
- Service de Psychiatrie, CHNU de Fann, Dakar, Senegal
| | | | | | - Helena Verdeli
- Global Mental Health Lab, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ndeye F. Ngom
- Centre de Traitement Ambulatoire, CHNU de Fann, Dakar, Senegal
| | - François Dabis
- University of Bordeaux, National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM) UMR 1219, Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) EMR 271, Bordeaux Population Health Centre, Bordeaux, France
| | - Moussa Seydi
- Service des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, CHNU de Fann, Dakar, Senegal
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Bitew T, Keynejad R, Myers B, Honikman S, Sorsdahl K, Hanlon C. Adapting an intervention of brief problem-solving therapy to improve the health of women with antenatal depressive symptoms in primary healthcare in rural Ethiopia. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2022; 8:202. [PMID: 36085054 PMCID: PMC9461178 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-022-01166-1] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence-based brief psychological interventions are safe and effective for the treatment of antenatal depressive symptoms. However, the adaptation of such interventions for low- and middle-income countries has not been prioritised. This study aimed to select and adapt a brief psychological intervention for women with antenatal depressive symptoms attending primary healthcare (PHC) in rural Ethiopia. METHODS We employed the Medical Research Council (MRC) framework for the development and evaluation of complex interventions. Alongside this, we used the ADAPT-ITT model of process adaptation and the ecological validity model (EVM) to guide content adaptation. We conducted formative work, comprising a qualitative study, a series of three participatory theories of change workshops and an expert adaptation workshop to assess the needs of the target population and to select an intervention for adaptation. The adaptation process followed a series of steps: (1) training Ethiopian mental health experts in the original South African problem-solving therapy (PST version 0.0) and an initial adaptation workshop leading to PST Version 1.0. (2) Version 1.0 was presented to perinatal women and healthcare professionals in the form of a 'theatre test', leading to further adaptations (version 2.0). (3) Local and international stakeholders reviewed version 2.0, leading to version 3.0, which was used to train 12 PHC staff using clinical cases. (4) Finally, feedback about PST version 3.0 and its delivery was obtained from PHC staff. RESULTS In the first step, we modified case examples and terminology from the South African model, introduced an in-session pictorial flipchart for this low literacy setting, and added strategies to facilitate women's engagement before translating into Amharic. In the second step, adaptations included renaming of the types of problems and inclusion of more exercises to demonstrate proposed coping strategies. In the third step, the components of motivational interviewing were dropped due to cultural incongruence. In the final step, refresher training was delivered as well as additional training on supporting control of women's emotions to address PHC staff training needs, leading to the final version (version 4.0). CONCLUSION Using a series of steps, we have adapted the content and delivery of brief PST to fit the cultural context of this setting. The next step will be to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention and its delivery in antenatal care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tesera Bitew
- Department of Psychology, Injibara University, Institute of Educational and Behavioural Sciences, Injibara, Ethiopia.
- Department of Psychiatry, Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
| | - Roxanne Keynejad
- Section of Women's Mental Health, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, London, UK
| | - Bronwyn Myers
- Division of Addiction Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry & Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Alan J. Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Curtin enAble Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
- Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Simone Honikman
- Alan J. Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Perinatal Mental Health Project, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Katherine Sorsdahl
- Alan J. Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Charlotte Hanlon
- Department of Psychiatry, Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Health Service and Population Research Department, Centre for Global Mental Health, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK
- Centre for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Effectiveness and implementation outcomes for peer-delivered mental health interventions in low- and middle-income countries: a mixed-methods systematic review. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2022; 57:1731-1747. [PMID: 35484436 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-022-02294-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This review aimed to evaluate interventions led by peer counselors (PCs) for adults with common mental disorders in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) along indices of overall effectiveness and key implementation outcomes (acceptability, feasibility, cost, fidelity, sustainability). METHODS This review followed a mixed-methods systematic review design. MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, and Global Health databases were searched for PC-led interventions for adults in LMICs targeting depressive and/or anxiety disorders or PTSD. Quantitative data was narratively synthesized, and qualitative data was thematically synthesized separately. The results from the qualitative and quantitative syntheses were then combined in a cross-study synthesis. RESULTS Twenty-four papers describing thirteen PC-led interventions were included for review. Narrative synthesis results indicated mixed effectiveness of PC-led interventions in reducing depressive, anxiety, PTSD symptoms and high PC competency. Thematic synthesis revealed five descriptive themes: (1) Preferred PC characteristics; (2) Incentives and motivation for PCs; (3) Barriers to PC-led intervention implementation; (4) Helpful supervision/training practices; and (5) Overall high acceptability of PC-led interventions. Cross-study synthesis revealed high acceptability, feasibility, and fidelity, but cost and sustainability outcomes were underreported in included papers. CONCLUSION PC-led interventions seem to show initial promise in terms of effectiveness, acceptability, feasibility, cost, fidelity, and sustainability. Future research should focus on standardizing measurements of implementation outcomes to facilitate cross-study analysis. Additional empirical attention should be paid to underrepresented implementation outcomes (e.g., cost, sustainability). Finally, researchers should adopt a participatory approach that elevates the perspectives of PCs throughout all stages of the implementation process.
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