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Raeber F, Haldemann MI, Ray S, Huber J, Firima E, Fernandez LG, Amstutz A, Gerber F, Labhardt ND, Belus JM. Community-based models of care for adolescent and adult depression, suicidal behavior, anxiety, trauma, and substance use in Africa: a scoping review. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1241403. [PMID: 38406302 PMCID: PMC10885163 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1241403] [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: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Community-based care (CBC), where care is delivered outside of the traditional health facility setting, has been proposed to narrow the mental health (MH) and substance use (SU) treatment gap in Africa. Objective This scoping review aims to comprehensively summarize CBC models addressing adolescent and adult MH (depression, anxiety, trauma, suicidal behavior) and (non-tobacco) SU problems in Africa. Methods We searched PsycINFO, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, and Medline Ovid. Studies and protocols were included if they reported on CBC intervention's effects on MH or SU symptoms/ diagnoses, acceptability, feasibility, or patient engagement in care, regardless of whether the intervention itself was designed specifically for MH or SU. Results Among 11,477 screened publications, 217 were eligible. Of the unique intervention studies (n = 206), CBC models were classified into the following approaches (non-mutually exclusive): psychotherapeutic (n = 144), social (n = 81), lifestyle/physical health (n = 55), economic (n = 26), and psychopharmacological (n = 2). While quantitative results suggest possible efficacy of CBC models, description of CBC location was often poor. Fewer interventions addressed suicidal behavior (n = 12), the needs of adolescents (n = 49), or used traditional healers or religious figures as providers (n = 3). Conclusion Many CBC models have been tested on MH and SU in Africa and should be critically appraised and meta-analyzed in subsequent reviews, where possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Raeber
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University and University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maria-Inés Haldemann
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University and University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Somidha Ray
- Research Consultant, International Center for Research on Women, New Delhi, India
| | - Jacqueline Huber
- Swiss TPH Library, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Emmanuel Firima
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University and University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Lucia Gonzalez Fernandez
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University and University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Alain Amstutz
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University and University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Felix Gerber
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University and University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Niklaus D. Labhardt
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University and University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer M. Belus
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University and University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Frimpong LK, Okyere SA, Diko SK, Abunyewah M, Erdiaw‐Kwasie MO, Commodore TS, Hernandez DO, Kita M. Actor-network analysis of community-based organisations in health pandemics: evidence from the COVID-19 response in Freetown, Sierra Leone. DISASTERS 2022; 46:903-927. [PMID: 34477244 PMCID: PMC8652973 DOI: 10.1111/disa.12508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Freetown, Sierra Leone, is confronted with health risks that are compounded by rapid unplanned urbanisation and weak capacities of local government institutions. Addressing them implies a shared responsibility between government and non-state actors. In low-income areas, the role of community-based organisations (CBOs) in combating health disasters is well-recognised. Yet, empirical evidence on how they have utilised their networks and coordinated community-level strategies in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic is scant. This paper, based on a qualitative study in two informal settlements in Freetown, employs actor-network theory to understand how CBOs problematise COVID-19 as a health risk, interact with other entities, and the subsequent tensions that arise. The findings show that community vulnerabilities and past experiences of health disasters informed CBOs' perception of COVID-19 as a communal emergency. In response, they coordinated sensitisation and mobilisation programmes by relying on a network of actors to support COVID-19 risk reduction strategies. Nonetheless, misunderstandings among them caused friction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Kusi Frimpong
- Lecturer at the Department of Geography and Earth ScienceUniversity of Environment and Sustainable DevelopmentGhana
| | - Seth Asare Okyere
- Assistant Professor at the Graduate School of EngineeringOsaka UniversityJapan
| | - Stephen Kofi Diko
- Assistant Professor at the Department of City and Regional PlanningUniversity of MemphisUnited States
| | - Matthew Abunyewah
- Adjunct Senior Lecturer at the School of Architecture and Built EnvironmentUniversity of NewcastleAustralia
| | | | - Tracy Sidney Commodore
- PhD Candidate at the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic ResearchUniversity of GhanaGhana
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Sherr L, Yakubovich AR, Skeen S, Tomlinson M, Cluver LD, Roberts KJ, Macedo A. Depressive symptoms among children attending community based support in South Africa - pathways for disrupting risk factors. Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry 2020; 25:984-1001. [PMID: 32571077 PMCID: PMC7528548 DOI: 10.1177/1359104520935502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Children in Southern Africa are exposed to high rates of structural and family adversities. This study tests whether services from Community Based Organisations (CBOs) in South Africa can promote children's resilience against depression exposed to such adversities. Two linked longitudinal studies were conducted, comprising n = 1848 children aged 9 to 13 years. One group received CBO services, whilst the other (quasi-control) did not. Analyses used interaction terms in regression models to test for potential moderation effects of CBO attendance, and marginal effects models to interpret significant interactions. Two interaction effects were shown, demonstrating moderation effects of CBO attendance on common structural disadvantages. First, children exposed to community violence showed increased depression (contrast = 0.62 [95%CI 0.43, 0.82], p < .001), but this association was removed by CBO access (contrast = 0.07 [95%CI -0.28, 0.43], p = .682). Second, children living in informal housing showed increased depression (contrast = 0.63 [95%CI 0.42, 0.85], p < .001), however, this association was removed by CBO access (contrast = 0.01 [95%CI -0.55, 0.56], p = .977). CBO attendance is associated with fewer depressive symptoms, and can buffer against important structural adversities of poor housing and violence that are common in high HIV-prevalence areas. However, CBO attendance was not able to remove the increased psychosocial distress associated with some family-level vulnerabilities such as orphanhood and abuse. These findings highlight the centrality of CBO-provided psychosocial support for children in Southern Africa, and suggest areas for bolstering provision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorraine Sherr
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, UK
| | - Alexa R Yakubovich
- Centre for Evidence-Based Intervention, Department of Social Policy & Social Intervention, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Sarah Skeen
- Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
| | - Mark Tomlinson
- Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
| | - Lucie D Cluver
- Centre for Evidence-Based Intervention, Department of Social Policy & Social Intervention, University of Oxford, UK.,Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Ana Macedo
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, UK
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Penner F, Sharp C, Marais L, Shohet C, Givon D, Boivin M. Community‐Based Caregiver and Family Interventions to Support the Mental Health of Orphans and Vulnerable Children: Review and Future Directions. New Dir Child Adolesc Dev 2020; 2020:77-105. [DOI: 10.1002/cad.20352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Carla Sharp
- University of Houston Houston TX 77004 United States
- Centre for Development SupportUniversity of the Free State Bloemfontein 9301 South Africa
| | - Lochner Marais
- Centre for Development SupportUniversity of the Free State Bloemfontein 9301 South Africa
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Latzman NE, Casanueva C, Brinton J, Forman‐Hoffman VL. The promotion of well-being among children exposed to intimate partner violence: A systematic review of interventions. CAMPBELL SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS 2019; 15:e1049. [PMID: 37131508 PMCID: PMC8356495 DOI: 10.1002/cl2.1049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Julia Brinton
- RTI InternationalResearch Triangle ParkNorth Carolina
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Emotional and behavioral resilience among children with perinatally acquired HIV in Thailand and Cambodia. AIDS 2019; 33 Suppl 1:S17-S27. [PMID: 31397719 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000002182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Psychosocial challenges associated with perinatally acquired HIV (PHIV) infection are well known, yet many children infected with HIV since birth demonstrate positive outcomes, referred to as resilience. The purpose of this study was to evaluate emotional-behavioral development and identify salient predictors of resilience among long-term survivors of PHIV. DESIGN Prospective investigation of children with PHIV compared with demographically similar perinatally HIV-exposed but uninfected (PHEU) and HIV-unexposed, uninfected (HUU) children, all from Thailand and Cambodia. METHODS The Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL; parent version) was administered at baseline and annual follow-up visits (median follow-up of 3 years) to children age 6-14. Resilience was defined as consistent CBCL scores on the Internalizing, Externalizing or Total Problem T scales within normative ranges (T-scores <60) at every time point. Generalized estimating equations examined CBCL scores over time and logistic models examined demographic, socioeconomic, and cultural predictors of resilience. RESULTS Participants included 448 children (236 PHIV, 98 PHEU, 114 HUU), with median (interquartile range) age at first evaluation of 7 (6-9) years. Children with PHIV exhibited similar rates of resilience as PHEU and HUU on the Externalizing and Total Problems scales. Resilience on the Internalizing scale was more likely in PHEU (71%) compared with PHIV (59%) or HUU (56%), P = 0.049. Factors associated with resilience in adjusted models included: HIV-exposed but uninfected status, higher household income, Cambodian nationality, female sex, and caregiver type. CONCLUSION Despite biopsychosocial risks, resilience is observed among PHIV and PHEU children. Further study is needed to understand mechanisms underlying associated factors and intervention priorities.
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Parental Bereavement in Young Children Living in South Africa and Malawi: Understanding Mental Health Resilience. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2018; 78:390-398. [PMID: 29649074 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000001704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parental loss is a major stressful event found to increase risk of mental health problems in childhood. Yet, some children show resilient adaptation in the face of adversity across time. SETTING This study explores predictors of mental health resilience among parentally bereaved children in South Africa and Malawi and their cumulative effect. The study also explores whether predictors of resilience differed between orphaned and nonorphaned children. METHODS Consecutive attenders of community-based organizations (children; 4-13 years, and their caregivers) were interviewed at baseline and 15- to 18-month follow-up (n = 833). Interviews comprising inventories on demographic information, family data, child mental health, bereavement experience, and community characteristics. Mental health screens were used to operationalize resilience as the absence of symptoms of depression, suicidality, trauma, emotional, and behavioral problems. RESULTS Almost 60% of children experienced parental loss. One-quarter of orphaned children showed no mental health problems at either wave and were classified as resilient. There were equal proportions of children classified as resilient within the orphaned (25%) versus nonorphaned group (22%). Being a quick learner, aiding ill family members, positive caregiving, household employment, higher community support, and lower exposure to domestic violence, physical punishment, or stigma at baseline predicted sustained resilience. There were cumulative influences of resilience predictors among orphaned children. Predictors of resilience did not vary by child age, sex, country of residence or between orphaned and nonorphaned children. CONCLUSIONS This study enhances understanding of resilience in younger children and identifies a number of potential environmental and psychosocial factors for bolstering resilience in orphaned children.
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Busza J, Simms V, Dziva Chikwari C, Dauya E, Bandason T, Makamba M, McHugh G, Ferrand RA. "It is not possible to go inside and have a discussion": how fear of stigma affects delivery of community-based support for children's HIV care. AIDS Care 2018; 30:903-909. [PMID: 29494218 PMCID: PMC5964455 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2018.1445826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Caregivers mediate children's access to HIV care and their adherence to treatment. Support for caregivers may improve health outcomes in children, but fear of HIV stigma and discrimination can affect both uptake and delivery of support services. Within a trial evaluating community-based support for caregivers of newly HIV diagnosed children in Harare, Zimbabwe, we conducted a longitudinal qualitative study to explore how stigma affected delivery and acceptance of the intervention. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 36 caregivers, 15 children, and 20 community health workers (CHWs). Children and caregivers described experiencing or witnessing stigma and discrimination, causing some to resist home visits by CHWs. Anxiety around stigma made it difficult for CHWs to promote key messages. In response, CHWs adapted the intervention by meeting caregivers outside the home, pretending to be friends or relatives, and proactively counteracting stigmatising beliefs. As members of local communities, some CHWs shared concerns about discrimination. HIV stigma can hinder "getting a foot over the threshold" in community-based programmes, particularly for households most affected by discrimination and thus least likely to engage with services. For community support programmes to be effective, stigma-related resistance should be addressed from the outset, including CHWs' own concerns regarding HIV stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Busza
- a Department of Population Health , London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , London , UK
| | - Victoria Simms
- b Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology , London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , London , UK
| | - Chido Dziva Chikwari
- c Biomedical Research and Training Institute , Harare , Zimbabwe.,d Department of Clinical Research , London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , London , UK
| | - Ethel Dauya
- c Biomedical Research and Training Institute , Harare , Zimbabwe
| | - Tsitsi Bandason
- c Biomedical Research and Training Institute , Harare , Zimbabwe
| | | | - Grace McHugh
- c Biomedical Research and Training Institute , Harare , Zimbabwe
| | - Rashida Abbas Ferrand
- c Biomedical Research and Training Institute , Harare , Zimbabwe.,d Department of Clinical Research , London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , London , UK
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Mental health-a bridge not so far. LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH 2017; 5:e559-e560. [PMID: 28462879 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(17)30183-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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World Health Day focus on HIV and depression - a comorbidity with specific challenges. J Int AIDS Soc 2017; 20:21956. [PMID: 28406276 PMCID: PMC5515023 DOI: 10.7448/ias.20.1.21956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
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Skeen S, Sherr L, Tomlinson M, Croome N, Ghandi N, Roberts JK, Macedo A. Interventions to improve psychosocial well-being for children affected by HIV and AIDS: a systematic review. VULNERABLE CHILDREN AND YOUTH STUDIES 2017; 12:91-116. [PMID: 29085436 PMCID: PMC5659734 DOI: 10.1080/17450128.2016.1276656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In addition to its contribution to child mortality, HIV/AIDS has a substantial impact on the psychosocial well-being of children across the globe and particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. We conducted a systematic review of the literature in order to identify studies that assess the effectiveness of interventions developed to improve the psychosocial well-being of children affected by HIV/AIDS, published between January 2008 and February 2016. Studies that were eligible for the review included male and/or female children under the age of 18 years of age, who had lost a parent to HIV/AIDS, were living with a parent with HIV/AIDS, or were vulnerable because of other social and economic factors and living in communities of high HIV and AIDS prevalence, including child and caregiver reports. Studies were included if they documented any intervention to improve the psychosocial well-being of children including psychological therapy, psychosocial support and/or care, medical interventions and social interventions, with psychological and/or social factors as outcomes. We identified 17 interventions to improve the psychosocial well-being of children affected by HIV/AIDS. Of these, 16 studies took place in eight different low and middle-income countries (LMIC), of which 6 were in southern and eastern Africa. One study took place in a high-income setting. Of the total, fifteen showed some significant benefits of the intervention, while two showed no difference to psychosocial outcomes as a result of the intervention. The content of interventions, dosage and length of follow up varied substantially between studies. There were few studies on children under seven years and several focused mostly on girls. Efforts to improve evaluation of interventions to improve the psychosocial well-being of children affected by HIV/AIDS have resulted in a number of new studies which met the inclusion criteria for the review. Most studies are specially designed research projects and not evaluations of existing services. We call for increased partnerships between policy-makers, practitioners and researchers in order to design evaluation studies and can feed into the growing evidence base.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Skeen
- Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - L Sherr
- Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - M Tomlinson
- Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
| | - N Croome
- Kings College London, United Kingdom
| | - N Ghandi
- Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - J K Roberts
- Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - A Macedo
- Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, United Kingdom
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Abstract
Violence in childhood is a serious health, social and human rights concern globally, there is, however, little understanding about the factors that explain the various forms of violence in childhood. This paper uses data on childhood violence for 10,042 individuals from four countries. We report Odds Ratios from pooled logit regression analysis with country fixed effects model. There is no gender difference in the overall incidence of childhood violence. The data shows that 78% of girls and 79% of boys have suffered some form of violence before the age of 18 years. Odds of violence are higher among richer households, among individuals who have attended school and among individuals who have been married or in marriage-like arrangements. Individuals who justify wife beating have significantly higher likelihood of having faced violence themselves. Most perpetrators of violence against children - physical, emotional and sexual - are people known to them in their homes and community, and not strangers. There is limited understanding of the factors that explain violence in childhood. This study highlights some key factors that can explain this phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shamika Ravi
- a Development Economics , Brookings India , New Delhi.,b Governance Studies Program , Brookings Institution , Washington , DC , USA
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Skeen S, Macedo A, Tomlinson M, Hensels IS, Sherr L. Exposure to violence and psychological well-being over time in children affected by HIV/AIDS in South Africa and Malawi. AIDS Care 2016; 28 Suppl 1:16-25. [PMID: 27002770 PMCID: PMC4828604 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2016.1146219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Many of the risk factors for violence against children are particularly prevalent in families and communities affected by HIV/AIDS. Yet, in sub-Saharan Africa, where HIV rates are high, efforts to prevent or address violence against children and its long-lasting effects are hampered by a lack of evidence. We assessed the relationship between violence exposure and mental health among HIV-affected children attending community-based organisations in South Africa (n = 834) and Malawi (n = 155, total sample n = 989) at baseline and 12-15-month follow-up. Exposure to violence in the home and in the community was high. HIV-negative children who lived with an HIV-positive person experienced most violence overall, followed by HIV-positive children. Children unaffected by HIV experienced least violence (all p < .05). Interpersonal violence in the home predicted child depression (β = 0.17, p < .001), trauma symptoms (β = 0.17, p < .001), lower self-esteem (β = -0.17, p < .001), and internalising and externalising behavioural problems (β = 0.07, p < .05), while exposure to community violence predicted trauma symptoms (β = 0.16, p < .001) and behavioural problems (β = 0.07, p < .05). Harsh physical discipline predicted lower self-esteem (β = -0.18, p < .001) and behavioural problems for children (β = 0.24, p < .001). Exposure to home (OR: 1.89, 95% CI: 1.23-2.85) and community violence predicted risk behaviour (OR: 2.39, 95% CI: 1.57-3.62). Over time, there was a decrease in depressed mood and problem behaviours, and an increase in self-esteem for children experiencing different types of violence at baseline. This may have been due to ongoing participation in the community-based programme. These data highlight the burden of violence in these communities and possibilities for programmes to include violence prevention to improve psychosocial well-being in HIV-affected children.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Skeen
- Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - A. Macedo
- Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - M. Tomlinson
- Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - I. S. Hensels
- Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - L. Sherr
- Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, London, UK
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