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Ward-Smith C, Sorsdahl K, van der Westhuizen C. An investigation into symptoms of depression and anxiety and emotion regulation among older adolescents from low-income settings in South Africa. Compr Psychiatry 2024; 132:152476. [PMID: 38552349 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2024.152476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mental health conditions (MHC) among adolescents in low- and middle-income countries, including South Africa, are estimated to be high. Adaptive emotion regulation (ER) skills can protect against MHC among adolescents. In South Africa, there is limited adolescent mental health prevalence data as well as little understanding of the associations between MHC and ER among adolescents. This study aimed to address these gaps by describing the psychosocial characteristics of older South African adolescents from low-income settings as well as investigating associations between depression and anxiety symptoms and ER. METHODS We selected 12 schools in collaboration with two NGOs. Learners aged 15-18-years were recruited to complete a tablet-based survey. ER, depression, anxiety, and other psychosocial measures were included. Two multiple linear regression models were used to determine associations between depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms, other psychosocial factors, and ER. RESULTS Of the 733 participants from 12 Western Cape schools, 417 (56.90%) screened at risk for clinically significant anxiety symptoms, 423 (57.70%) participants for depression symptoms, 229 (31.40%) participants for PTSD symptoms and 263 (35.90%) for risky alcohol use. Depression and anxiety scores were found to be significantly positively correlated with ER difficulties and adolescents struggled most with identifying and utilizing adaptive ER strategies. The adjusted linear regression model reported that female gender, clinically significant depressive, anxiety, post-traumatic stress symptoms and risky-alcohol use were all significantly associated with poorer ER scores, while self-esteem was significantly associated with better ER scores. CONCLUSION These findings contribute to the South African adolescent mental health literature and to the research gap on the links between depression and anxiety and ER. Future research should consider further exploration of the relationships between psychosocial factors and ER to inform the urgent development and testing of appropriate adolescent interventions in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Ward-Smith
- Alan J. Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry & Mental Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - K Sorsdahl
- Alan J. Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry & Mental Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - C van der Westhuizen
- Alan J. Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry & Mental Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa
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Olisaeloka L, Udokanma E, Ashraf A. Psychosocial interventions for depression among young people in Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Ment Health Syst 2024; 18:24. [PMID: 38909254 PMCID: PMC11193191 DOI: 10.1186/s13033-024-00642-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression among young people is a global health problem due to its rising prevalence and negative physical and social outcomes. The prevalence of depression and the treatment gap among young people in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is higher than global estimates. Most psychosocial interventions for adolescent and youth depression were developed in high-income countries and less is known about their effectiveness in SSA. Due to contextual differences, findings from High-Income Countries (HICs) are less applicable to SSA. Yet, no systematic review of psychosocial interventions for depression among young people in SSA has been conducted. METHODS A systematic literature search of four databases (Medline, Web of Science, PsycInfo, and Cochrane library) was conducted. Experimental studies published before May 2024 that evaluated the effect of psychosocial interventions on depressive symptoms among young people (aged 10-24 years) in SSA were included in the systematic review. Effect sizes (Hedge's g (g)) indicating differences between intervention and control groups were calculated using a random effects model. RESULTS Twenty-two eligible studies were identified for the systematic review, of which eighteen randomized control trials (RCTs) involving 2338 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The findings revealed that psychosocial interventions significantly reduced depressive symptoms (g = -1.55, 95% CI -2.48, -0.63), although heterogeneity was high (I2 = 98.8%). Subgroup analysis revealed that efficacy differed significantly by intervention type, with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (9 studies) showing the strongest effect (g = -2.84, 95% CI -4.29; -1.38). While Wise Interventions (a form of positive psychology interventions; 2 studies) had a moderate effect (g = -0.46, 95% C.I -0.53, -0.39), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (2 studies; g = -0.08, 95% CI -1.05, 0.88) and Creative Psychological Interventions (3 studies; g = -0.29, 95% CI -1.38, 0.79) showed smaller, non-significant effects. Sensitivity analysis excluding studies at high risk of bias strengthened the effect size. Few studies assessed factors affecting intervention efficacy and showed mixed effects of age, gender, and adherence levels. CONCLUSION Psychosocial interventions, particularly CBT, significantly reduced depressive symptoms among young people in SSA. However, it is crucial to acknowledge the high heterogeneity which likely stems from variations in study populations and intervention delivery modalities. This highlights the need for further research to identify the specific intervention components and delivery methods that work best for distinct subpopulations. Future research should also explore how long intervention effects are maintained and factors affecting efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Echezona Udokanma
- School of Nursing, Midwifery, and Health, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
| | - Asma Ashraf
- Department of Nursing, City University of London, London, UK
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Mkhize M, van der Westhuizen C, Sorsdahl K. Prevalence and factors associated with depression and anxiety among young school-going adolescents in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. Compr Psychiatry 2024; 131:152469. [PMID: 38461564 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2024.152469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Between 10 and 20% of children and adolescents globally experience common mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety. Given the dearth of mental health services in low- and middle-income countries, most mental health conditions among adolescents remain undiagnosed and untreated. In South Africa, few studies have explored the prevalence of depression and anxiety among young adolescents aged 10-14 years. This study examined the prevalence of, and factors associated with depression and anxiety among young school-going adolescents in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in 10 schools in the Western Cape Province from February to July 2022. Data were collected using a tablet-based survey and included sociodemographic items, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7), the Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents (PHQ-A) and other psychosocial measures. The prevalence of depression and anxiety was estimated based on cut-off scores for the GAD-7 and PHQ-A. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to investigate the associations between sociodemographic and psychosocial factors, and depression and anxiety. RESULTS Of the 621 adolescents, 33.5% (n = 208) reported experiencing symptoms of depression and 20.9% (n = 130) symptoms of anxiety potentially indicative of a diagnosis. The results of the multivariable logistic regression model indicate that being in a higher grade in school (AOR = 1.65, CI:1.43-1.92), any lifetime alcohol use (AOR = 1.62, CI:1.04-2.64), other drug use (AOR = 2.07, CI:1.06-4.04), and witnessing violence among adults at home (AOR = 2.12, CI:1.07-1.41) were significantly associated with experiencing depressive symptoms. Being in a higher grade in school (AOR = 1.69, CI: 1.42-2.01), poor emotional regulation skills (AOR = 1.03, CI: 1.00-1.07), and the use of cannabis (AOR = 1.03, CI: 1.00-1.07) were significantly associated with experiencing anxiety symptoms. CONCLUSION These findings add to our understanding of school-going adolescents' pressing mental health needs and suggest that mental health adolescent and caregiver interventions may be required to address mental health symptoms and associated risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirriam Mkhize
- Alan J. Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Claire van der Westhuizen
- Alan J. Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Katherine Sorsdahl
- Alan J. Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa
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Hunduma G, Dessie Y, Geda B, Assebe Yadeta T, Deyessa N. Mental health dynamics of adolescents: A one-year longitudinal study in Harari, eastern Ethiopia. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300752. [PMID: 38635790 PMCID: PMC11025968 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS This study aims to assess the dynamics of in-school adolescents' mental health problems in Harari regional state, eastern Ethiopia for a year. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using multistage sampling technique, we conducted a year-long longitudinal study at three public high schools between March 2020 and 2021. Three hundred fifty-eight in-school adolescents were chosen by systematic random sampling for the baseline assessment, and 328 completed the follow-up assessment. We used self-administered, adolescent version of SDQ-25 Questionnaire to collect the data. Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test and McNemara's Chi-squared tests were used to examine the median difference and distribution of mental health problems between times one and two. Random-effects logistic regressions on panel data was used to identify factors associated with mental health problems. A p-value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS The magnitude of overall mental health problems at baseline assessment was 20.11% (95% CI: 16-25), with internalizing problems accounting for 27.14% (95% CI: 23-32) and externalizing problems accounting for 7.01% (95% CI: 4.6-10.3). At the follow-up assessment, these proportions rose to 22.56% (95% CI, 18-27) for overall problems and 10.3% (95% CI, 7.7-14.45) for externalizing problems. On other hand, internalizing problems decreased unexpectedly to 22.86% (95% CI, 18.6-27.7) at follow-up assessment. Internalizing problem scores at time two were significantly lower than baseline among older adolescents, girls and those with average wealth index in our study cohort. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of mental health problems were high among the study cohort. The proportion of overall problems and externalizing problems has increased over time, indicating a deterioration in the mental health of the study cohort. However, the decrease in internalizing problems among older adolescents, girls, and those with an average wealth index is a positive sign. The findings highlight that tailored interventions are required to reduce externalizing problems and maintain the decrease in internalizing problems. These interventions should target middle-aged and male adolescents from low-income families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gari Hunduma
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Yadeta Dessie
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Biftu Geda
- Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Madda Walabu University, Shashamene Campus, Shashamene, Ethiopia
| | - Tesfaye Assebe Yadeta
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Negussie Deyessa
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Gebreegziabher ZA, Eristu R, Molla A. Determinants of adolescents' depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms in Northwest Ethiopia: A non-recursive structural equation modeling. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0281571. [PMID: 38598540 PMCID: PMC11006201 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In low and middle-income countries, adolescent mental health is not only a major public health challenge but also a development concern. Depression and anxiety are the most common mental health disorders and somatic symptoms often co-exist with them. Adolescents with common mental health problems are associated with an increased risk of suicide, future unemployment, and poor quality of life. However, little is known about the mental health of adolescents in Ethiopia. Thus, this study aimed to assess the determinants of depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms among adolescents in Northwest Ethiopia, in 2022. METHODS An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June 8 to 24, 2022. Two-stage stratified random sampling was used to select 1407 adolescents in Northwest Ethiopia. Structured and standardized self-administered questionnaires were used to collect the data. Non-recursive structural equation modeling was employed to assess the direct, indirect, and total effects of predictors. Adjusted regression coefficients and corresponding 95% confidence intervals were used to interpret the strength of the association. RESULTS The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms were 28.21% (95% CI: 25.8, 31%), 25.05% (95%CI: 22.8, 27.5), and 25.24(95% CI: 23, 27.6%) respectively. Alcohol use had a significant positive effect on depression [β = 0.14, 95% CI: 0.073, 0.201], anxiety [β = 0.11, 95% CI: 0.041, 0.188], and somatic symptoms [β = 0.12, 95% CI: 0.062, 0.211]. Stress had a significant positive effect on depression [β = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.642, 0.900], anxiety [β = 1.10, 95% CI: 0.955, 1.264], and somatic symptoms [β = 086, 95% C: 0.700, 1.025]. Depression had a direct positive effect on anxiety [β = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.508, 1.010]. CONCLUSION In this study, the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms was moderate. Alcohol use and stress were significantly related to depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms. The bidirectional relationship between anxiety and depression was significant. Therefore, public health interventions should focus on the bidirectional relationship between depression and anxiety, as well as on identified factors to reduce the burden of mental illness in adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zenebe Abebe Gebreegziabher
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Asrat Woldeyes Health Science Campus, Debre Berhan University, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia
| | - Rediet Eristu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Ayenew Molla
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Shawon MSR, Hossain FB, Hasan M, Rahman MR. Gender differences in the prevalence of anxiety and depression and care seeking for mental health problems in Nepal: Analysis of nationally representative survey data. Glob Ment Health (Camb) 2024; 11:e46. [PMID: 38690568 PMCID: PMC11058515 DOI: 10.1017/gmh.2024.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Assessing gender disparity in mental health is crucial for targeted interventions. This study aims to quantify gender disparities in mental health burdens, specifically anxiety and depression, and related care-seeking behaviors across various sociodemographic factors in Nepal, highlighting the importance of gender-specific mental health interventions. Methods Data from the 2022 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey was utilized, employing the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 scale (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) scales for anxiety and depression symptoms, respectively. Multiple logistic regression models assessed gender associations with these conditions and care-seeking behaviors. Results Women had a higher point prevalence of anxiety (21.9% vs. 11.3%) and depression (5.4% vs. 1.7%) than men. Large variations were noted in gender disparities in the prevalence of anxiety and depression, influenced by age, geographical areas, level of education and household wealth. After adjustment for sociodemographic factors, women were more likely to experience anxiety (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.18, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.96-2.43) and depression (aOR = 3.21, 95% CI: 2.53-4.07). However, no difference was observed in the rates of seeking care for anxiety or depression (aOR = 1.13, 95% CI: 0.91-1.40). Conclusions Our findings show a higher point prevalence of mental health issues among women than men, influenced by sociodemographic factors, underscoring the need for gender-focused mental health interventions in Nepal and globally.
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Bleile ACE, Koppenol-Gonzalez GV, Orech B, Verreault K, Jordans MJD. Evaluating a Movement-Based Mental Health Promotion Intervention for Refugee Children in Uganda: A Quasi-Experimental Study. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL FOR THE SOCIETY OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY, AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION, DIVISION 53 2024:1-16. [PMID: 38564186 DOI: 10.1080/15374416.2024.2330073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Mental health promotion interventions are widely implemented in humanitarian settings and low- and middle-income contexts (LMICs), yet evidence on effectiveness is scarce and mixed. This study evaluated the movement-based mental health promotion intervention "TeamUp" in Bidibidi refugee settlement, in Northern Uganda. METHOD A quasi-experimental study including four schools (two per arm) assessed the outcomes of 10- to 15-year-old South Sudanese and Ugandan children (n = 549). Randomly allocated, they either participated in up to 11 TeamUp sessions (n = 265) provided by trained facilitators; or belonged to a control group, which continued care as usual (n = 284). Primary outcomes measured psychosocial wellbeing, friendships and attitude to school; secondary outcomes included traumatic distress, depressive symptoms, quality of life, physical health, bullying, interoceptive awareness, and irritability. Data were collected at baseline and endline. RESULTS Children joining TeamUp, showed significantly more improvements on primary outcomes: emotional and psychosocial wellbeing (Mdiff = -1.49, SE = 0.6, p = .01), satisfaction with and attitude toward school (-0.57, SE = 0.2, p = .004); and secondary outcomes: traumatic stress (2.64, SE = 0.8, p < .001), health-related quality of life (-1.56, SE = 0.4, p = .001), physical health (-0.78, SE = 0.3, p = .014) and the TeamUp mechanisms of action scale (-3.34, SE = 0.9, p < .001), specifically the subscales social connectedness (-0.74, SE = 0.3, p = .007) and sense of agency (-0.91, SE = 0.3, p = .005), compared to the control group. No significant differences were found on bullying, interoceptive awareness, irritability and depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION The results are promising for TeamUp as a mental health promotion intervention for children affected by armed-conflict, displacement and on-going adversity. Further research will need to assess the intervention's effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra C E Bleile
- Research and Development Department, War Child
- Amsterdam Institute of Social Science Research, University of Amsterdam
| | | | - Bruce Orech
- Research and Development Department, War Child
| | | | - Mark J D Jordans
- Research and Development Department, War Child
- Amsterdam Institute of Social Science Research, University of Amsterdam
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Brown C, Nkemjika S, Ratto J, Dube SR, Gilbert L, Chiang L, Picchetti V, Coomer R, Kambona C, McOwen J, Akani B, Kamagate MF, Low A, Manuel P, Agusto A, Annor FB. Adverse Childhood Experiences and Associations with Mental Health, Substance Use, and Violence Perpetration among Young Adults in sub-Saharan Africa. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024; 150:106524. [PMID: 38854869 PMCID: PMC11160582 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Background Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can have debilitating effects on child well-being, with consequences persisting into adulthood. Most ACE studies have been conducted in high-income countries and show a graded relationship between multiple ACE exposures and adverse health outcomes. Less is known about the types and burden of ACEs in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Objective To estimate the pooled prevalence of six individual and cumulative ACE exposures (physical, sexual, and emotional violence; orphanhood; witnessing interparental and community violence) and assess their association with mental health outcomes, substance use, and violence perpetration among young adults in SSA. Participants and setting Aggregate data from the Violence Against Children and Youth Survey (VACS) in Cote d'Ivoire 2018, Kenya 2019, Lesotho 2018, Mozambique 2019, and Namibia 2019 included a sample of 11,498 young adults aged 18-24 years. Methods Cumulative ACEs were defined by an integer count of the total number of individual ACEs (0 to 6). Weighted prevalence and adjusted odds ratios were estimated. Result ACEs prevalence ranged from 7.8% (emotional violence) to 55.0% (witnessing community violence). Strong graded relationships between cumulative ACE exposure and all study outcomes for both males and females were observed. Among females, witnessing interparental violence was the only individual ACE risk factor significantly associated with increased odds of substance use; among males, emotional violence was significantly associated with all outcomes. Conclusion ACEs are associated with adverse mental health, substance use, and violence perpetration in SSA. Gender-specific and culturally sensitive intervention strategies are needed to effectively mitigate ACEs in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colvette Brown
- Division of Violence Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA
| | - Stanley Nkemjika
- Department of Psychiatry, Interfaith Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Jeffrey Ratto
- Division of Violence Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA
| | - Shanta R. Dube
- Levine College of Health Sciences, Wingate University, Wingate, North Carolina
| | - Leah Gilbert
- National Institutes of Health, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
| | - Laura Chiang
- Division of Violence Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA
| | - Viani Picchetti
- Division of Violence Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA
| | - Rachel Coomer
- Division of Global Health HIV and TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Namibia
| | - Caroline Kambona
- Division of Global Health HIV and TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kenya
| | - Jordan McOwen
- Division of Global Health HIV and TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mozambique
| | - Bangaman Akani
- Department of Public Health, Felix Houphouet Boigny University, Abidjan, Cote d’ Ivoire
| | - Maman Fathim Kamagate
- Division of Global Health HIV and TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cote d’ Ivoire
| | - Andrea Low
- International Center for AIDS Care and Treatment Program (ICAP)at Columbia University, NY
| | - Pedro Manuel
- Division of Global Health HIV and TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mozambique
| | | | - Francis B. Annor
- Division of Violence Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA
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Perry Mohling EW, Recinos M, Kwiringira JN, Phung E, Olwit C, Swahn MH, Massetti G, Self-Brown S. Adverse childhood experiences, mental distress, self-harm and suicidality, and cumulative HIV risk by sex in Lesotho. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024; 150:106701. [PMID: 38402043 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.106701] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been understudied in low- and middle-income countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. OBJECTIVES, PARTICIPANTS, SETTING We explored associations between mental distress, self-harm or suicidality, and HIV risk and individual and cumulative ACEs (sexual, emotional, and physical violence; witnessing community and interparental violence; orphanhood) among youth aged 13-24 in Lesotho. METHODS Multivariable logistic regressions stratified by sex using nationally representative 2018 Lesotho Violence Against Children and Youth Survey (nfemale = 7101; nmale = 1467) data. RESULTS Over 75 % of males and females experienced at least 1 ACE. Among males, physical and community violence were significantly associated with mental distress; orphan status and emotional violence was associated with self-harm/suicidality. Males who witnessed interparental violence had higher odds of disclosing 2 types and 3 or more types of HIV risk versus none. Among females, being a double orphan and having experienced sexual, emotional, physical, community, and interparental violence were significantly associated with mental distress and any self-harm/suicidality in both models. Females who experienced physical violence had higher odds of disclosing 3 or more risk types versus no risk. Statistically significant associations emerged between cumulative ACEs and mental distress, self-harm/suicidality, and higher levels of HIV risk for both males and females. CONCLUSIONS Differential patterns of associations between ACEs and mental health problems and HIV risk emerged by sex. Scalable, integrated individual and community efforts to prevent ACEs, provide mental health supports, and encourage safer sexual behaviors among those exposed are needed and could benefit youth in Lesotho.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth W Perry Mohling
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA; National SafeCare Training and Research Center, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA; Center for Research of Interpersonal Violence, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Manderley Recinos
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA; National SafeCare Training and Research Center, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA; Center for Research of Interpersonal Violence, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Erick Phung
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA; National SafeCare Training and Research Center, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA; Center for Research of Interpersonal Violence, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Connie Olwit
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA; National SafeCare Training and Research Center, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA; Center for Research of Interpersonal Violence, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Monica H Swahn
- WellStar College of Health and Human Services, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, USA
| | - Greta Massetti
- Division of Violence Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Shannon Self-Brown
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA; National SafeCare Training and Research Center, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA; Center for Research of Interpersonal Violence, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Keyes KM, Platt JM. Annual Research Review: Sex, gender, and internalizing conditions among adolescents in the 21st century - trends, causes, consequences. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2024; 65:384-407. [PMID: 37458091 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Internalizing conditions of psychopathology include depressive and anxiety disorders; they most often onset in adolescence, are relatively common, and contribute to significant population morbidity and mortality. In this research review, we present the evidence that internalizing conditions, including depression and anxiety, as well as psychological distress, suicidal thoughts and self-harm, and fatal suicide, are considerably increasing in adolescent populations across many countries. Evidence indicates that increases are currently greatest in female adolescents. We present an epidemiological framework for evaluating the causes of these increases, and synthesize research on whether several established risk factors (e.g., age of pubertal transition and stressful life events) and novel risk factors (e.g., digital technology and social media) meet conditions necessary to be plausible causes of increases in adolescent internalizing conditions. We conclude that there are a multitude of potential causes of increases in adolescent internalizing conditions, outline evidence gaps including the lack of research on nonbinary and gender nonconforming populations, and recommend necessary prevention and intervention foci from a clinical and public health perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M Keyes
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jonathan M Platt
- College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
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Nabunya P, Cavazos-Rehg P, Mugisha J, Kasson E, Namuyaba OI, Najjuuko C, Nsubuga E, Filiatreau LM, Mwebembezi A, Ssewamala FM. An mHealth Intervention to Address Depression and Improve Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence Among Youths Living With HIV in Uganda: Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2024; 13:e54635. [PMID: 38457202 PMCID: PMC10960218 DOI: 10.2196/54635] [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: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People living with HIV often struggle with mental health comorbidities that lower their antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. There is growing evidence that depression treatment may improve ART adherence and result in improved HIV outcomes. Given that mental health services are severely underequipped in low-resource settings, including in Uganda, new solutions to increase access to mental health care and close the treatment gap are urgently needed. This protocol paper presents the Suubi-Mhealth study, which proposed to develop a mobile health (mHealth) intervention for use among Ugandan youths (14-17 years) with comorbid HIV and depression, taking into account their unique contextual, cultural, and developmental needs. OBJECTIVE The proposed study is guided by the following objectives: (1) to develop and iteratively refine an intervention protocol for Suubi-Mhealth based on formative work to understand the needs of youths living with HIV; (2) to explore the feasibility and acceptability of Suubi-Mhealth on a small scale to inform subsequent refinement; (3) to test the preliminary impact of Suubi-Mhealth versus a waitlist control group on youths' outcomes, including depression and treatment adherence; and (4) to examine barriers and facilitators for integrating Suubi-Mhealth into health care settings. METHODS Youths will be eligible to participate in the study if they are (1) 14-17 years of age, (2) HIV-positive and aware of their status, (3) receiving care and ART from one of the participating clinics, and (4) living within a family. The study will be conducted in 2 phases. In phase 1, we will conduct focus group discussions with youths and health care providers, for feedback on the proposed intervention content and methods, and explore the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention. In phase II, we will pilot-test the preliminary impact of the intervention on reducing depression and improving ART adherence. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, 1-, 2-, and 6-months post intervention completion. RESULTS Participant recruitment for phase 1 is completed. Youths and health care providers participated in focus group discussions to share their feedback on the proposed Suubi-Mhealth intervention content, methods, design, and format. Transcription and translation of focus group discussions have been completed. The team is currently developing Suubi-Mhealth content based on participants' feedback. CONCLUSIONS This study will lay important groundwork for several initiatives at the intersection of digital therapeutics, HIV treatment, and mental health, especially among sub-Saharan African youths, as they transition through adolescence and into adult HIV care settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05965245; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05965245. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/54635.
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Affiliation(s)
- Proscovia Nabunya
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Patricia Cavazos-Rehg
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - James Mugisha
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Erin Kasson
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | | | - Claire Najjuuko
- Division of Computational & Data Sciences, McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Edward Nsubuga
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Lindsey M Filiatreau
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | | | - Fred M Ssewamala
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
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Salaam B. Cumulative contextual risk, mothers' and fathers' parenting, and adolescents' psychosocial problems in Ghana. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE 2024; 34:69-84. [PMID: 37965973 DOI: 10.1111/jora.12898] [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] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Limited research exists on the association between cumulative risk factors and the psychosocial well-being of adolescents in low-income, culturally distinct settings. This study aimed to fill this gap by examining the impact of cumulative risk exposure on Ghanaian adolescents' psychosocial problems and exploring the mediating role of parenting. The study involved 212 adolescents (61% girls; average age = 13.38) who completed measures on cumulative risk, maternal and paternal warmth, behavioral control, anxiety, depression, overt aggression, and relational aggression. The results indicated that cumulative risk indirectly influenced adolescents' depression and overt aggression through paternal warmth. Furthermore, paternal behavioral control mediated the relationship between cumulative risk and adolescents' overt aggression. Findings highlight the importance of fathers' parenting in mediating cumulative risk effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Braima Salaam
- Department of Psychology, Saint Anselm College, Manchester, New Hampshire, USA
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Landrum KR, Gaynes BN, Akello H, Malava JK, Dussault JM, Hosseinipour MC, Udedi M, Masiye J, Zimba CC, Pence BW. The longitudinal association of stressful life events with depression remission among SHARP trial participants with depression and hypertension or diabetes in Malawi. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298546. [PMID: 38408059 PMCID: PMC10896523 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Depressive disorders are leading contributors to morbidity in low- and middle-income countries and are particularly prevalent among people with non-communicable diseases (NCD). Stressful life events (SLEs) are risk factors for, and can help identify those at risk of, severe depressive illness requiring more aggressive treatment. Yet, research on the impact of SLEs on the trajectory of depressive symptoms among NCD patients indicated for depression treatment is lacking, especially in low resource settings. This study aims to estimate the longitudinal association of SLEs at baseline with depression remission achievement at three, six, and 12 months among adults with either hypertension or diabetes and comorbid depression identified as being eligible for depression treatment. Participants were recruited from 10 NCD clinics in Malawi from May 2019-December 2021. SLEs were measured by the Life Events Survey and depression remission was defined as achieving a Patient Health Questionaire-9 (PHQ-9) score <5 at follow-up. The study population (n = 737) consisted predominately of females aged 50 or higher with primary education and current employment. At baseline, participants reported a mean of 3.5 SLEs in the prior three months with 90% reporting ≥1 SLE. After adjustment, each additional SLE was associated with a lower probability of achieving depression remission at three months (cumulative incidence ratio (CIR) 0.94; 95% confidence interval: 0.90, 0.98, p = 0.002), six months (0.95; 0.92, 0.98, p = 0.002) and 12 months (0.96; 0.94, 0.99, p = 0.011). Re-expressed per 3-unit change, the probability of achieving depression remission at three, six, and 12 months was 0.82, 0.86, and 0.89 times lower per 3 SLEs (the median number of SLEs). Among NCD patients identified as eligible for depression treatment, recent SLEs at baseline were associated with lower probability of achieving depression remission at three, six, and 12 months. Findings suggest that interventions addressing SLEs during integrated NCD and depression care interventions (e.g., teaching and practicing SLE coping strategies) may improve success of depression treatment among adult patient populations in low-resource settings and may help identify those at risk of severe and treatment resistant depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey R. Landrum
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Bradley N. Gaynes
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | | | | | - Josée M. Dussault
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Mina C. Hosseinipour
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Michael Udedi
- Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health Unit, Malawi Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Jones Masiye
- Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health Unit, Malawi Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | - Brian W. Pence
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
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Mihret AM, Heinrichs N. Intergenerational effects of child maltreatment on adolescents' anxiety and depression in Ethiopia: the important mediating and moderating roles of current psychological distress. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:126. [PMID: 38360563 PMCID: PMC10870629 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05586-6] [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: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Child abuse is widespread around the world, and one continent with particularly high rates is Africa. Research in high- and middle-income countries shows the cascading effect of parental history of child abuse and neglect on adolescents' maltreatment and, in turn, on mental health problems. This cascade has been reported in young children but has rarely been studied in parent-adolescent dyads or in low-income countries (LICs). The goal of this study was to test intergenerational associations of child abuse and neglect and to examine how these experiences are in turn associated with youth anxiety and depression in an LIC. METHODS A total of 231 adolescents (age: 13-21 years) and 185 of their parents (n = 90 fathers and n = 95 mothers) were recruited from secondary schools in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia. Using a cross-sectional design, participants completed a set of questionnaires assessing child maltreatment (in adolescence and own past history in parents), parental psychological distress, youth depression and anxiety, and sociodemographic factors. RESULTS The frequencies of child maltreatment exposure were 68% for adolescents and 65% for their parents (when they were a child). Fifty-one percent and 42% of adolescents had borderline to clinical levels of anxiety and depression symptoms, respectively. Adolescents of parents with a history of child abuse and neglect also reported higher exposure to maltreatment themselves (p < 0.001). Current paternal, but not maternal, psychological distress mediated this intergenerational association of maltreatment experiences (95% CI [1.164, 9.467]). We further found parents' psychological distress to be a significant moderator of the indirect pathways of the intergenerational effect of child maltreatment on adolescents' anxiety and depression (95% CI [- 0.770, - 0.012]). CONCLUSIONS We found child maltreatment to be intergenerationally associated, and this effect subsequently affected adolescents' anxiety and depression through different pathways supporting the cascading effects across generations. Intervention plans may be effective through an array of possible indirect pathways and encourage the implementation of multiple access points to facilitate change in the lives of affected youth in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amare Misganaw Mihret
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Universität Bremen, Grazer Straße 6, 28359, Bremen, Germany.
- Department of Psychology, Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology and Psychotherapy, Bielefeld University Universität Bielefeld, Universität Straße 25, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany.
| | - Nina Heinrichs
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Universität Bremen, Grazer Straße 6, 28359, Bremen, Germany
- Department of Psychology, Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology and Psychotherapy, Bielefeld University Universität Bielefeld, Universität Straße 25, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
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Boakye DS, Setordzi M, Dzansi G, Adjorlolo S. Mental health burden among females living with HIV and AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0002767. [PMID: 38300927 PMCID: PMC10833589 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Mental health problems, particularly depression and anxiety, are common in women and young girls living with HIV/ AIDS particularly in low- and middle-income (LMICs) countries where women's vulnerability to psychiatric symptoms is heightened due to the prevalent intersectional stressors such as stigma and intimate partner violence. However, no synthesized evidence exists on the mental health burden of females living with HIV/AIDS (FLWHA) in Africa. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the current evidence on the mental health burden among FLWHA in sub-Saharan Africa. A systematic literature review of articles published from 2013-2023 was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines (PRISMA). Five electronic databases; PubMed, MEDLINE with full text, Scopus, Academic Search Complete, and Health Source: Nursing Academic Edition were searched for articles published in English. Nineteen articles (15 quantitative, 3 qualitative, and 1 case study) from over 7 African countries met the inclusion criteria. The majority of the studies' quality was determined to be moderate. The prevalence of depression ranged from 5.9 to 61% and anxiety from 28.9 to 61%. Mental health burden was a logical outcome of HIV diagnosis. Predictors of mental health outcomes in the context of HIV/AIDS were identified as intimate partner violence (IPV), stigma, childhood traumas, sexual abuse, poverty, unemployment, and social isolation. Social support and resilience were identified as protective factors against mental illness in FLWHA. Mental illness had a deleterious effect on viral suppression rates among FLWHA, resulting in delayed initiation of antiretroviral therapy treatment and increased mortality but had no impact on immune reconstitution in the face of ART adherence. Given the high prevalence rates of depression and anxiety and their relationship with HIV progression, it is crucial that mental health care services are integrated into routine HIV care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothy Serwaa Boakye
- Department of Health Administration and Education, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Mawuko Setordzi
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Nursing, Presbyterian Nursing, and Midwifery Training College, Dormaa Ahenkro, Bono Region, Ghana
| | - Gladys Dzansi
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Samuel Adjorlolo
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- Research and Grant Institute of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
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Abdul Rahim K, Egglestone NJ, Tsagareli IG, Usmani W, Meherali S, Lassi ZS. Mental health outcomes beyond the post-partum period among adolescent mothers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Health Psychol Behav Med 2024; 12:2305741. [PMID: 38313449 PMCID: PMC10836488 DOI: 10.1080/21642850.2024.2305741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Adolescence is the most crucial part of life. The vulnerability of adolescent mothers is even more pronounced and can affect various health aspects. While they suffer from social and emotional stresses shortly after giving birth, the long-term effect after the post-partum period of adolescent pregnancy on the mental outcomes holds prime importance. Thus, this systematic review aims to ascertain the association between adolescent pregnancy on mental health outcomes. Methods The search strategy was run in June 2023 on databases including PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Psych Info, and Embase . Quality assessment of the studies was done using the National Institute of Health (NIH)'s National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) tool for observational studies. For studies that measured similar outcomes, a meta-analysis was conducted. Findings The search strategy yielded 21 results from all databases and cross-referencing. Of these, all except for one (case-control) were cross-sectional and cohort studies. The pooled analysis found a significant association between adolescent pregnancy and depression (RR 1.34; 95% CI 1.05, 1.72, 6 studies, heterogeneity: Chi2 P 0.01; I2 = 60%); however, no association was found in anxiety (RR 1.05; 95% CI 0.26, 4.14, 2 studies; heterogeneity: Chi² P = 0.0003; I2 = 93%) and suicidal ideation (RR 3.21; 95% CI 0.17, 59.33; 3 studies; heterogeneity: Chi2 P < 0.00001; I2 = 98%). Implication These findings suggest that the mental health needs of adolescent mothers must be addressed and innovative and effective interventions that support and address the mental health needs of adolescent mothers are needed to improve their mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komal Abdul Rahim
- Internal Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
- Dean’s Office, Medical College, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
- Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | | | - Wania Usmani
- Public Health Information Development Unit, Torrens University Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | | | - Zohra S. Lassi
- Adelaide Medical School, Robinsons Research Institute University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
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Jordaan JI, Phillips N, Hoare J. Living through a pandemic: depression and anxiety experienced by youth living with HIV in South Africa. AIDS Care 2024; 36:44-52. [PMID: 38029423 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2023.2282072] [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: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Youth living with HIV (YLHIV) face significant psychosocial challenges and are at increasedrisk of developing depression and anxiety. This study aims to invesBgate symptoms ofdepression, anxiety and associaBons with psychosocial factors in YLHIV during the first andthird waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. This longitudinal study enrolled 135 YLHIV (ages 12-21) in Cape Town, South Africa. Measures administered telephonically included theCoRonavIruS Health Impact Survey (CRISIS quesBonnaire), Center for Epidemiologic StudiesDepression Scale (CES-D), Beck Anxiety Inventory and Beck Youth Inventory. During the firstwave of COVID-19, 7.5% and 8.0% of YLHIV were depressed (<18 and ≥18 years,respecBvely), and 10% and 4% of parBcipants were anxious (<18 and ≥18 years). During thethird wave, 8.9% and 40.6% of YLHIV were depressed (<18 and ≥18 years), and 13.3% and12.5% (<18 and ≥18 years) were anxious. Depression and anxiety were measured using cutoffscores provided by clinical measures. Symptoms of depression and anxiety in YLHIVescalated over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Socio-economic factors, substanceuse, disrupted support and stability concerns were associated with depression and anxiety.These data highlight the increasing need of mental health support and social intervenBonsfor YLHIV in post-pandemic South Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeannere I Jordaan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nicole Phillips
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jacqueline Hoare
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Mitiku KW, Tegegne E, Amsalu M, Habtegiorgis SD, Melaku B. Mental illness in children and its determinants in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis, 2023. Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry 2024; 29:168-186. [PMID: 37864448 DOI: 10.1177/13591045231209078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Young people are at risk of developing mental health disorders. Depression, anxiety, and behavioral problems are among the primary causes of illness and impairment among teenagers. Suicide is the fourth highest cause of mortality in those aged 15 to 29. This study aimed to assess the determinants of mental health among children in Ethiopia. METHODS Online databases were searched from inception until March 2023. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 was used in this review. Subgroup analysis, I2 test, funnel plot, and Egger's test were performed. Pooled odds ratios (OR) were calculated. RESULT Fourteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of mental illnesses among Ethiopian children was 24.68% (95% CI: 19.99%-32.38%). Having previous child abuse history (OR: 5.65; 95% CI: 4.32-7.39), poor socio-economic status (OR: 1.94; 95% CI: 1.24-3.04), urban residence (OR: 1.93; 95% CI:1.39-2.67), and being male (OR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.15-2.38) were determinants of childhood mental illness in Ethiopia. CONCLUSION and Recommendations: Mental disorders are highly prevalent in children with a history of child abuse, and a strong legislative body must be established to prosecute child abusers. Interventions that focus on gender equality in education and the creation of a safe environment for poor urban children are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalkidan Worku Mitiku
- Department of Public Health, College of health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Eniyew Tegegne
- Department of Environmental health, College of health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Menichil Amsalu
- Department of Public Health, College of health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Samuel Derbie Habtegiorgis
- Department of Public Health, College of health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Birhanu Melaku
- School of Medicine and Health Science, Department of Public Health, GAMBY Medical and Business College, Bahirdar, Ethiopia
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Kumar M, Njuguna S, Amin N, Kanana S, Tele A, Karanja M, Omar N, Yator O, Wambugu C, Bukusi D, Weaver MR. Burden and risk factors of mental and substance use disorders among adolescents and young adults in Kenya: results from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. EClinicalMedicine 2024; 67:102328. [PMID: 38204491 PMCID: PMC10776414 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.102328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Mental and substance use disorders are a major public health concern globally, with high rates of disability, morbidity, and mortality associated with these. In low- and middle-income countries, such as Kenya, mental health is often given low priority, and resources for the prevention and treatment of mental and substance use disorders are limited. Adolescence and young adulthood are critical periods for the development of mental and substance use disorders, with many disorders emerging during this time. In Kenya, the burden and risk factors of mental and substance use disorders among adolescents and young adults is not well understood. Methods The data used in this study were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2019. We selected the data on the number of mental and substance use disorders among adolescents and young adults in Kenya from the GBD results tool. The data were extracted by mental health (MH) condition, by age group and by sex. We used descriptive statistical methods to summarise and present the data. Specifically, we calculated the disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) rates, risk factors of mental and substance use disorders by age group and sex. Findings In 2019, among 10-24-year-olds in Kenya, mental disorders ranked as the second leading cause of disability, following unintentional injuries, and accounted for 248,936 [95% uncertainty interval 175,033; 341,680] DALYs or 9.4% of 2,656,546 total DALYs. Substance use disorders accounted 15,022 [9948; 20,710] DALYs. Depressive, anxiety, and conduct disorders accounted for the most DALYs of mental disorders accounting for 3.1%, 2.3% and 1.7% of the total DALYs, respectively. The main risk factors for incident DALYs in 10-24-year-olds were bullying and victimization (66.5%). Childhood sexual abuse accounted for 13.7% of the DALYs, lead exposure accounted for 8.5% of the DALYs, intimate partner violence accounted for 11.3% of the DALYs (2%) with all victims being females, and illicit drug use accounted for (52.7%) of DALYs. Interpretation Improved surveillance of mental health and substance use burden at national and county levels is needed. Focus on timely screening and intervention for idiopathic developmental intellectual disability, conduct disorder, and substance use disorder in young boys and depression, anxiety, and eating disorders in young girls and women is critically needed. Funding MK is funded by FIC/NIMH K43 TW 010716 and R33MH124149-03. The publication was made possible by funding from the Gates Foundation.
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Sorsdahl K, Van Der Westhuizen C, Hornsby N, Jacobs Y, Poole M, Neuman M, Weiss HA, Myers B. Project ASPIRE: A feasibility randomized controlled trial of a brief intervention for reducing risk of depression and alcohol-related harms among South African adolescents. Psychother Res 2024; 34:96-110. [PMID: 36736329 DOI: 10.1080/10503307.2023.2169083] [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: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Brief interventions could reduce adolescents' risk of depression and alcohol-related harms, but evidence of their feasibility and acceptability for low-and middle-income countries is lacking. To address this gap, we conducted a feasibility trial of the ASPIRE intervention, a four-session multi-component counselling intervention for South African adolescents. METHOD We recruited 117 adolescents who met our inclusion criteria. Participants were randomly assigned to the ASPIRE intervention or a comparison condition. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, six-week, and three-month post-randomization time points. Primary outcomes were based on feasibility of study procedures and intervention delivery (assessed on seven predetermined progression criteria). Clinical outcomes (risk of depression and alcohol harms) were secondary. RESULTS Despite modifications to all study procedures arising from Covid-19 restrictions, five of the seven key progression criteria were fully met, including: feasibility of data collection and outcome measures, counsellor competencies, randomization and blinding, adverse advents, and acceptability of the intervention. The progression criterion for recruitment and intervention retention were not fully met. CONCLUSION Findings suggest that the ASPIRE intervention was generally feasible to deliver and acceptable to adolescents. However, modifications to the trial design and intervention delivery are needed to optimize the validity of a definitive randomized controlled trial of the ASPIRE intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Sorsdahl
- Alan J. Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry & Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
| | - C Van Der Westhuizen
- Alan J. Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry & Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
| | - N Hornsby
- Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Y Jacobs
- Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - M Poole
- Alan J. Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry & Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
| | - M Neuman
- MRC International Statistics and Epidemiology Group, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - H A Weiss
- MRC International Statistics and Epidemiology Group, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - B Myers
- Curtin enAble Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
- Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, South Africa
- Department of Psychiatry & Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
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Karimli L, Nabunya P, Ssewamala FM, Dvalishvili D. Combining Asset Accumulation and Multifamily Group Intervention to Improve Mental Health for Adolescent Girls: A Cluster-Randomized Trial in Uganda. J Adolesc Health 2024; 74:78-88. [PMID: 37715767 PMCID: PMC10840800 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.08.012] [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: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study is to expand the current knowledge on the relationship between poverty, family functioning, and the mental health of adolescent girls in families affected by poverty and HIV/AIDS in southern Uganda. The study investigates the association between family functioning and mental health and examines whether family functioning moderates the intervention effect on adolescent mental health. METHODS Longitudinal data were collected over the course of 24 months in a cluster randomized controlled trial conducted among N=1,260 girls aged 14-17 years in Uganda. Participants were randomized into control group (n=408 girls from n=16 schools), matched youth development accounts treatment, YDA (n=471 girls from n=16 schools), and integrated intervention combining YDA with multiple family group component (n=381 girls from n=15 schools). RESULTS We found a significant positive association between family functioning and mental health of adolescent girls in our sample. Moderator analyses suggests that effect of the intervention on Beck Hopelessness Scale was significantly moderated by family cohesion (χ2 (4) =21.43; p = .000), frequency of family communication (χ2 (4) =9.65; p = .047), and quality of child-caregiver relationship (χ2 (4) =11.12; p = .025). Additionally, the intervention effect on depression was moderated by the comfort of family communication (χ2 (4) =10.2; p = .037). DISCUSSION The study findings highlight the importance of family functioning when examining the link from poverty to adolescent mental health. The study contributes to the scarce evidence suggesting that asset-accumulation opportunities combined with a family strengthening component may improve parenting practices and adolescent mental health in poor households.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leyla Karimli
- Social Welfare Department, Luskin School of Public Affairs, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, California.
| | - Proscovia Nabunya
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Fred M Ssewamala
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Darejan Dvalishvili
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
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Shawon MSR, Rouf RR, Jahan E, Hossain FB, Mahmood S, Gupta RD, Islam MI, Al Kibria GM, Islam S. The burden of psychological distress and unhealthy dietary behaviours among 222,401 school-going adolescents from 61 countries. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21894. [PMID: 38082022 PMCID: PMC10713667 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49500-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
We aimed to calculate the sex-specific prevalence of psychological distress and unhealthy eating habits among adolescents across countries and regions, and to explore their potential associations. We used data from the Global School-Based Health Survey (GSHS) for 61 countries. Psychological distress was defined based on the existence of ≥ 2 factors from the following: loneliness, anxiety, suicide ideation, suicide planning, and suicide attempt. Four unhealthy dietary behaviours were examined: inadequate fruit intake, inadequate vegetable intake, daily consumption of soft drinks, and weekly fast-food consumption. We used random-effects meta-analysis to estimate the overall and regional pooled prevalence. Mixed-effect multilevel logistic regressions were used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) of unhealthy dietary behaviours in relation to psychological distress. Among 222,401 school-going adolescents (53.3% girls), the prevalence of psychological distress was 17.9%, with girls reporting higher than boys (20.8% vs. 14.9%). Adolescents in the African region reported the highest prevalence (22.5%), while those in the South-East Asia region reported the lowest (11.3%). The prevalence of inadequate fruit intake, inadequate vegetable intake, daily soft drink consumption, and weekly fast-food consumption was 37.0%, 28.5%, 50.0%, and 57.4% respectively. Psychological distress was associated with inadequate fruit intake (pooled aOR = 1.19, 95% CI 1.17-1.23), inadequate vegetable intake (pooled OR = 1.19, 1.16-1.22), daily consumption of soft drinks (pooled aOR = 1.14, 1.12-1.17), and weekly consumption of fast food (pooled aOR = 1.12, 1.09-1.15). Our findings indicate a substantial variance in the burden of psychological distress and unhealthy dietary behaviours across different regions. Adolescents experiencing psychological distress were more likely to have unhealthy dietary habits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Shajedur Rahman Shawon
- Centre for Big Data Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Level 2, AGSM Building (G27), Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
| | | | - Esrat Jahan
- Department of Health Systems and Populations, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | - Rajat Das Gupta
- Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, USA
| | - Md Irteja Islam
- School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Shariful Islam
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Perth, Australia
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Gordon KJ, Martin CE, Kutywayo A, Cox LA, Nongena P, Mullick S. Mental Health Needs of Adolescent and Young Adult PrEP Users in South Africa: Implications for Sexual and Reproductive Health Programming. J Adolesc Health 2023; 73:S73-S80. [PMID: 37953012 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Poor mental health is associated with sexual and reproductive health (SRH) risks, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and pre-exposure prophylaxis discontinuation. Adolescents and young people (AYP) are vulnerable to HIV and depression. This paper describes the prevalence and severity of depression and associated factors in AYP accessing SRH services in South Africa. METHODS A cross-sectional analysis of enrollment data (January 2019 to December 2021) from a cohort of individuals receiving pre-exposure prophylaxis services at eight clinics in three provinces in South Africa was conducted. Females (n = 1,074) and males (n = 231) aged 15-24 years were included. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were conducted, and the prevalence and severity of depression assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Multivariate analysis was used to identify factors associated with depression. RESULTS Over 40% of participants had experienced any depression symptoms (43.7% of females, 38.5% of males). For males, experiencing intimate partner violence was the only predictor of depression symptoms (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 8.81, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.03-75.44). For females, living with both parents (AOR 1.70, 95% CI 1.15-2.51), having transactional sex (AOR 1.63, 95% CI 1.00-2.65), experiencing any intimate partner violence (AOR 1.96, 95% CI 1.34-2.89), and using drugs (AOR 1.78, 95% CI 1.03-3.11) were all positively associated with depression symptoms. Resilience was a protective factor against depression symptoms for both sexes (males: AOR 0.96, 95% CI 0.93-0.98; females: AOR 0.96, 95% CI 0.95-0.97). DISCUSSION There is a high burden of depression among AYP accessing SRH services in South Africa. Mental health screening should be integrated into SRH and HIV prevention programs for AYP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerry Joan Gordon
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Alison Kutywayo
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Pelisa Nongena
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Saiqa Mullick
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Partap U, Nyundo A, Manu A, Regan M, Ismail A, Chukwu A, Dessie Y, Njau T, Kaaya SF, Fawzi WW. Depressive symptoms among adolescents in six sub-Saharan African countries: A pooled analysis of associated factors. Prev Med Rep 2023; 36:102499. [PMID: 38116275 PMCID: PMC10728441 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2023.102499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a need to identify risk factors, including nutrition-related factors, for depressive disorders among sub-Saharan African (SSA) adolescents. We examined the association of multiple measures with depressive symptoms among adolescents living across six SSA countries. Building on previous analyses, we used data from a cross-sectional study conducted from 2015 to 2017 among adolescents aged 10-19 years in six SSA countries (N = 7512). Depressive symptoms were defined as highest tertile of the 6-item Kutcher Adolescent Depression Scale score. Using mixed-effects Poisson regression models, we pooled data across sites and examined the association of sociodemographic, nutrition, and other indices with depressive symptoms. We additionally assessed effect modification by sex, age, and school-going status. We observed higher risk of depressive symptoms among girls (adjusted risk ratio [RR]: 1.29, 95 % confidence interval [95 % CI]: 1.05-1.58, P = 0.016), older adolescents (RR for 18-19 years: 1.59, 95 % CI: 1.44-1.76, P < 0.001), and adolescents experiencing bullying (RR: 1.43, 95 % CI: 1.26-1.62, P < 0.001) or violence (RR: 1.34, 95 % CI: 1.24-1.45, P < 0.001). Adolescents experiencing food insecurity also had a higher risk of depressive symptoms (RR: 1.90, 95 % CI: 1.64-2.19, P < 0.001) along with those consuming ≥ 5 servings of fruit and vegetables per day (RR: 1.18, 95 % CI: 1.03-1.34, P = 0.015); conversely, those who consumed grains, roots and tubers in the past day were at decreased risk (RR: 0.73, 95 % CI: 0.69-0.77, P < 0.001). There was no strong evidence of effect modification of associations. This study reinforces the potential role of multiple sociodemographic and nutrition-related measures on risk of depressive symptoms in these populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uttara Partap
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Azan Nyundo
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Medicine, University of Dodoma, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Adom Manu
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Mathilda Regan
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Abbas Ismail
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Dodoma, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Angela Chukwu
- Department of Statistics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Yadeta Dessie
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia
| | - Tasiana Njau
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, College of Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Sylvia F. Kaaya
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, College of Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Wafaie W. Fawzi
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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25
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Alozkan-Sever C, Uppendahl JR, Cuijpers P, de Vries R, Rahman A, Mittendorfer-Rutz E, Akhtar A, Zheng Z, Sijbrandij M. Research Review: Psychological and psychosocial interventions for children and adolescents with depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder in low- and middle-income countries - a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2023; 64:1776-1788. [PMID: 37781856 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13891] [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] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among children and adolescents residing in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) poses a significant public health concern. However, there is variation in the evidence of effective psychological interventions. This meta-analysis aims to provide a complete overview of the current body of evidence in this rapidly evolving field. METHODS We conducted searches on PubMed, Embase.com, and EBSCO/APA PsycInfo databases up to June 23, 2022, identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effectiveness of psychological interventions in LMICs that targeted children and adolescents with elevated symptoms above a cut-off score for depression, anxiety, and PTSD, comparing a psychological or psychosocial intervention with other control conditions. We conducted random effects meta-analyses for depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms. Sensitivity analysis for outliers and high-risk studies, and analyses for the publication bias were carried out. Subgroup analyses investigated how the intervention type, intervention format, the facilitator, study design, and age group of the participant predicted effect sizes. RESULTS Thirty-one RCTs (6,123 participants) were included. We found a moderate effect of interventions on depression outcomes compared to the control conditions (g = 0.53; 95% CI: 0.06-0.99; NNT = 6.09) with a broad prediction interval (PI) (-1.8 to 2.86). We found a moderate to large effect for interventions on anxiety outcomes (g = 0.88; 95% CI: -0.03 to 1.79; NNT = 3.32) with a broad PI (-3.14 to 4.9). Additionally, a moderate effect was observed on PTSD outcomes (g = 0.54; 95% CI: 0.19-0.9; NNT = 5.86) with a broad PI (-0.64 to 1.72). CONCLUSIONS Psychological and psychosocial interventions aimed at addressing depression, anxiety, and PTSD among children and adolescents in LMICs have demonstrated promising results. However, future studies should consider the variation in evidence and incorporate long-term outcomes to better understand the effectiveness of these interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cansu Alozkan-Sever
- Department of Clinical, Neuro- and Developmental Psychology, WHO Collaborating Center for Research and Dissemination of Psychological Interventions, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jana R Uppendahl
- Chair of Social Pediatrics, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Pim Cuijpers
- Department of Clinical, Neuro- and Developmental Psychology, WHO Collaborating Center for Research and Dissemination of Psychological Interventions, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ralph de Vries
- Medical Library, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Atif Rahman
- Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Ellenor Mittendorfer-Rutz
- Division of Insurance Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Aemal Akhtar
- Division of Insurance Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Zhuoli Zheng
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marit Sijbrandij
- Department of Clinical, Neuro- and Developmental Psychology, WHO Collaborating Center for Research and Dissemination of Psychological Interventions, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Theron L, Höltge J, Ungar M. Multisystemic supports and adolescent resilience to depression over time: A South African mixed methods study. Dev Psychopathol 2023; 35:2365-2383. [PMID: 37144408 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579423000494] [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] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
In sub-Saharan countries, like South Africa, there is scant understanding of adolescent resilience to depression over time; the multisystemic resource combinations that support such resilience; and whether more diverse resource combinations yield better mental health dividends. In response, we conducted a longitudinal concurrent nested mixed methods study with 223 South African adolescents (mean age: 17.16 years, SD = 1.73; 64.60% girls; 81.60% Black). Using longitudinal mixture modeling, the quantitative study identified trajectories of depression and associations between trajectory membership and resource diversity. Using a draw-and-write methodology and reflexive thematic analyses, the qualitative study explored the resource diversity associated with each trajectory. Taken together, these studies identified four depression trajectories (Stable Low; Declining; Worsening; Chronic High) with varying resource diversity at baseline and over time. Resource diversity was inclusive of personal, relational, contextual, and culturally valued resources in both the Stable Low and Declining trajectories, with emphasis on relational supports. Personal resources were emphasized in the Worsening and Chronic High trajectories, and culturally valued and contextual resources de-emphasized. In summary, resource constellations characterized by within and across system diversity and cultural responsiveness are more protective and will be key to advancing sub-Saharan adolescent mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Theron
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Jan Höltge
- Department of Psychology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Michael Ungar
- Resilience Research Centre, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
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27
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Somefun O, Theron L, Ungar M. The association between family adversity and youth mental health outcomes. J Adolesc 2023; 95:1333-1347. [PMID: 37335052 DOI: 10.1002/jad.12205] [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: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The association between family adversity and young people's mental health outcomes in communities that experience economic instability has not been well explored in the South African context. Furthermore, the overtime interaction between resilience factors, family adversity, and young people's psychological functioning in African settings, like South Africa, is under-investigated. PURPOSE This study investigates the relationship between family adversity and conduct problems and depression at two-time points in a sample of youths in two South African communities stressed by their dependency on economically volatile oil and gas industries. METHOD This article draws on longitudinal data generated by the Resilient Youth in Stressed Environments (RYSE) study in South Africa, which included 914 and 528 (wave 1 and 3) adolescents and emerging adults (14-27-year-olds; M age = 18.36 years) living in Secunda/eMbalenhle and Sasolburg/Zamdela. Participants were sampled at baseline (wave 1) and 18-24 months later (wave 3). They self-reported experience of community violence, family adversity, resilience-enabling resources, conduct difficulties, and depression symptoms. Regression analyses were used to examine the unadjusted and adjusted association of family adversity on conduct problem and depression. RESULTS About 60% of participants reported high family adversity. Regressions, however, revealed no association between family adversity and conduct problems and depression cross-sectionally and over time. Individual resilience, biological sex, and experience of victimization in the community, however, were associated with conduct difficulty while all three resilience factors were associated with decreased depression among participants. CONCLUSION Our study sheds light on the risk and protective factors for mental health outcomes of adolescents and youths who reside in volatile, turbulent communities and experience ongoing familial challenges. To effectively support the mental well-being of young individuals in such contexts, interventions must consider the potential ambivalence of the resilience factors they aim to strengthen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwaseyi Somefun
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Linda Theron
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Michael Ungar
- Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Karimli L, Ssewamala FM, Neilands TB. The impact of poverty-reduction intervention on child mental health mediated by family relations: Findings from a cluster-randomized trial in Uganda. Soc Sci Med 2023; 332:116102. [PMID: 37506487 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Reviews that synthesize global evidence on the impact of poverty reduction interventions on child and adolescent mental health (CAMH) report inconclusive results and highlight the need to unpack the mechanisms that connect poverty-reduction to CAMH. To address this gap, we examine the proposition that family relations is an important relational factor transmitting effect of poverty on CAMH, and test whether family relations mediate the effect of poverty-reduction intervention on depression, hopelessness, and self-concept among AIDS orphans in Uganda. We use longitudinal data collected over the course of 48 months in a cluster-randomized controlled trial conducted among N = 1410 AIDS orphans from n = 48 schools in Uganda. To examine the relationship between intervention, latent mediator (family relations and support) and CAMH outcomes (Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS), Tennessee Self-Concept Scale (TSCS), and Depression), we ran structural equation models adjusting for clustering of individuals within schools. Relative to the control group, participants in both treatment arms reported lower levels of hopelessness and depression, and significantly higher levels of self-concept. They also report significantly higher levels of latent family relationship in all three models. In both treatment arms, the direct effect of the intervention on all three outcomes is still significant when the latent family relations mediator is included in the analyses. This suggests partial mediation. In other words, in both treatment arms, the significant positive effect of the intervention on children's depression, hopelessness, and self-concept is partially mediated by their family relationship quality. Our findings support the argument put forward by the Family Stress Model showing that the poverty-reduction program improves children's mental health functioning by improving family relationships. The implications of our study extend beyond the narrow focus of poverty reduction, suggesting that asset-building interventions have broader impacts on family dynamics and child mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leyla Karimli
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Luskin School of Public Affairs, Social Welfare Department, USA.
| | - Fred M Ssewamala
- Washington University in St. Louis, George Warren Brown School of Social Work, USA.
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Onwubu SC, Sibiya MN, Makgobole MU. Mental Health Challenges during COVID-19 Pandemic: Experiences of Primary Healthcare Nurses in Durban, South Africa. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6683. [PMID: 37681823 PMCID: PMC10488164 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20176683] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the mental health of individuals globally, and primary healthcare (PHC) nurses play a critical role in providing mental healthcare services. However, limited research has explored the experiences of PHC nurses in providing mental healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study explored the experiences of PHC nurses in providing mental healthcare services during the pandemic in Durban, South Africa. The aim was to identify the challenges faced by healthcare providers and the potential for innovative approaches to improve access to care. A qualitative, exploratory design guided the study, and data were collected through in-depth interviews with twelve PHC nurses purposively selected. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Findings from interviews with PHC nurses reveal that the pandemic exacerbated existing challenges, including medication adherence issues, fear and uncertainty among patients, vaccine hesitancy, decreased clinic visits, and the mental and emotional toll on both patients and healthcare workers. PHC nurses adapted their services by increasing outreach efforts, prioritizing patient care, and utilizing technology and non-governmental organizations' (NGOs) support. Challenges included reduced patient visits, complexities in healthcare provision, and a lack of adequate support. Positive changes observed include increased mental health awareness among healthcare professionals and younger generations. Recommendations include implementing outreach and awareness campaigns, providing accurate information about COVID-19 and vaccinations, and promoting cultural sensitivity in mental healthcare provision.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maureen Nokuthula Sibiya
- Division of Research, Innovation and Engagement, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Umlazi 4031, South Africa;
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30
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Sensoy Bahar O, Byansi W, Nabayinda J, Kiyingi J, Namatovu P, Embaye F, McKay MM, Hoagwood K, Ssewamala FM. "I decided to participate….because I saw it as benefiting our community and families": a qualitative study of lay providers' experiences with delivering an evidence-based mental health intervention for families in Uganda. Int J Ment Health Syst 2023; 17:24. [PMID: 37605260 PMCID: PMC10440911 DOI: 10.1186/s13033-023-00593-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children and adolescents who live in resource-limited communities in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) experience significant mental health problems, including behavioral problems. In SSA, one of the most significant impediments to expanding services is a scarcity of mental health specialists. Task-shifting can effectively solve the mental health care gap in low-resource settings, yet it is underutilized in child and adolescent mental health. Moreover, the experiences of lay providers are understudied in global mental health, despite their potential impact on intervention effectiveness. In this study, we examined the experiences of community health workers and parent peers with the task-shifting of an evidence-based family strengthening intervention in Uganda. METHODS As part of a larger randomized clinical trial, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 24 facilitators selected using stratified purposive sampling. Interviews explored their decision to participate in the program; experiences with the training; and experiences with intervention delivery. All interviews were conducted in Luganda (local language) and audio recorded. They were transcribed verbatim and translated into English. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. RESULTS Despite concerns around lack of previous experience and time commitment, facilitators reported high relevance of the intervention to the families in their communities as well as their own as a motivation to participate. They also identified financial incentives as a motivating factor. These two factors also ensured their attendance at the training. They were satisfied with the content and skills provided during the training and felt prepared to deliver the intervention. During intervention delivery, they enjoyed seeing the families engaged and participating actively in the sessions as well as observing positive changes in the families. Some challenges with family attendance and engagement were noted. The facilitators reported an increased sense of self-efficacy and competence over time; and expressed high satisfaction with supervision. CONCLUSION Facilitators' positive experiences point to the high acceptability and appropriateness of task-shifting this intervention in low-resource settings. As the global mental health field continues to be interested in task-shifting interventions to lay providers, successful examples should be studied so that evidence-based models can be put in place to support them through the process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozge Sensoy Bahar
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA.
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| | - William Byansi
- Boston College School of Social Work, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
| | - Josephine Nabayinda
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Joshua Kiyingi
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Phionah Namatovu
- International Center for Child Health and Development Field Office, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Fithi Embaye
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Mary M McKay
- Office of the Provost, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Fred M Ssewamala
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
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Bandeira M, Graham MA, Ebersöhn L. The significance of feeling safe for resilience of adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1183748. [PMID: 37663363 PMCID: PMC10469746 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1183748] [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: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are exposed to several challenges and risk factors, linked to historical legacies. Sub-Saharan Africa has one of the highest rates of poverty and inequality in the world, is one of the regions most negatively affected by climate change, performs poorly on many health measures, and has high rates of different forms of violence, especially gender-based violence. These contextual challenges impact adolescent mental health outcomes, preventing them to access resilience-enabling pathways that support positive outcomes despite adversity. This study aimed to contribute to knowledge generation on resilience of young people in the understudied SSA region by investigating which variables directly (or indirectly) affect the resilience of adolescents. Methods Purposive sampling was used to collect quantitative survey data from 3,312 adolescents (females = 1,818; males = 1,494) between the ages of 12 and 20 years, participating in interventions implemented by a non-governmental organization, the Regional Psychosocial Support Initiative. Data were collected in Angola (385, 11.6%), Eswatini (128, 3.9%), Kenya (390, 11.8%), Lesotho (349, 10.5%), Mozambique (478, 14.4%), Namibia (296, 8.9%), South Africa (771, 23.3%), Uganda (201, 6.1%), and Zambia (314, 9.5%). The survey collected data on socio-demographic status, resilience (CYRM-R), depression (PHQ-9), self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale) and feelings of safety (self-developed scale). Mental health was defined as lower levels of depression, higher levels of self-esteem and higher levels of feeling safe. A mediation analysis was conducted to investigate the relationship between the predictors (the socio-demographic variables) and the output (resilience), with the mediators being depression, self-esteem and feeling safe (which all link to mental health). Results This study contributes to a gap in knowledge on country-level comparative evidence on significant predictors that impact resilience outcomes (directly or indirectly) for adolescents in sub-Saharan African countries. The results indicate that, when considering all countries collectively, feeling safe is the only predictor that has a significant direct effect on overall resilience and personal resilience, but not on caregiver resilience. When considering each country separately, feeling safe has a direct effect on overall, personal and caregiver resilience for all countries; but not for South Africa and Mozambique. Discussion The results provide evidence on which to craft youth development interventions by measuring mediators (depression, self-esteem and feeling safe) and resilience for adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa. The overall results of the present paper point toward a contextually relevant pathway to supporting their resilience, namely, the need to systemically target the creation and/or strengthening of structures that enable adolescents to feel safe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Bandeira
- Centre for the Study of Resilience and Department of Educational Psychology University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Marien A. Graham
- Department of Science, Mathematics and Technology Education, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Liesel Ebersöhn
- Centre for the Study of Resilience and Department of Educational Psychology University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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Kumar M, Mutahi J, Kangwana B. Leave no one behind: integrated sexual and reproductive, mental health and psychosocial programming for not in employment, education or training (NEET) adolescents and youth in sub-Saharan Africa. BMJ Glob Health 2023; 8:e013394. [PMID: 37580103 PMCID: PMC10432674 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-013394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Manasi Kumar
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Joan Mutahi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
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Partap U, Assefa N, Berhane Y, Sie A, Guwatudde D, Killewo J, Oduola A, Sando MM, Vuai S, Adanu R, Bärnighausen T, Fawzi WW. The influence of depressive symptoms and school-going status on risky behaviors: a pooled analysis among adolescents in six sub-Saharan African countries. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1171231. [PMID: 37555002 PMCID: PMC10406520 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1171231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence from sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) regarding risky behaviors among adolescents remains scarce, despite the large population (approximately 249 million out of 1.2 billion globally in 2019) of adolescents in the region. We aimed to examine the potential influence of depressive symptoms and school-going status on risky behaviors among adolescents in six SSA countries. METHODS We used individual cross-sectional data from adolescents aged 10-19 based in eight communities across six SSA countries, participating in the ARISE Network Adolescent Health Study (N = 7,661). Outcomes of interest were cigarette or tobacco use, alcohol use, other substance use, getting into a physical fight, no condom use during last sexual intercourse, and suicidal behavior. We examined the proportion of adolescents reporting these behaviors, and examined potential effects of depressive symptoms [tertiles of 6-item Kutcher Adolescent Depression Scale (KADS-6) score] and school-going status on these behaviors using mixed-effects Poisson regression models. We also assessed effect modification of associations by sex, age, and school-going status. RESULTS The proportion of adolescents reporting risky behaviors was varied, from 2.2% for suicidal behaviors to 26.2% for getting into a physical fight. Being in the higher tertiles of KADS-6 score was associated with increased risk of almost all risky behaviors [adjusted risk ratio (RR) for highest KADS-6 tertile for alcohol use: 1.70, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.48-1.95, p < 0.001; for physical fight: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.36-1.70, p < 0.001; for suicidal behavior: 7.07, 95% CI: 2.69-18.57, p < 0.001]. Being in school was associated with reduced risk of substance use (RR for alcohol use: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.53-1.00, p = 0.047), and not using a condom (RR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.66-0.99, p = 0.040). There was evidence of modification of the effect of school-going status on risky behaviors by age and sex. CONCLUSION Our findings reinforce the need for a greater focus on risky behaviors among adolescents in SSA. Addressing depressive symptoms among adolescents, facilitating school attendance and using schools as platforms to improve health may help reduce risky behaviors in this population. Further research is also required to better assess the potential bidirectionality of associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uttara Partap
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Nega Assefa
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia
| | - Yemane Berhane
- Addis Continental Institute of Public Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Ali Sie
- Nouna Health Research Center, Nouna, Burkina Faso
| | - David Guwatudde
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Japhet Killewo
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Ayoade Oduola
- University of Ibadan Research Foundation, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Mary M. Sando
- Africa Academy for Public Health, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Said Vuai
- College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, University of Dodoma, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Richard Adanu
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, University of Ghana School of Public Health, Accra, Ghana
| | - Till Bärnighausen
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Wafaie W. Fawzi
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
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Somefun OD, Theron L, Höltge J, Ungar M. Resilience to depression: the role of benevolent childhood experiences in a South African sample. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1209504. [PMID: 37546432 PMCID: PMC10401265 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1209504] [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: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Studies elsewhere show that benevolent childhood experiences (BCEs) have protective mental health value. However, this protective value has never been investigated in an African context. Given the need to better understand what might support mental health resilience among African young people, this study explores the relationship between BCEs and depressive symptoms among a South African sample of young adults living in a community dependent on the economically volatile oil and gas industry. Methods A sample of young adults in an oil and gas community in South Africa (N = 313, mean age 20.3 years, SD = 1.83, range from 18 to 26; majority Black African) completed self-report questionnaires to assess BCEs and depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory-II). The analysis controlled for socio-demographics and experience of family adversity. Multinomial logistic regressions were used to examine the association of BCEs with depressive symptoms using STATA 17. Results The majority (86.4% of the sample) reported all 10 BCEs. Of the 10 BCEs, having at least one good friend was the most reported (94%) compared to 75% of the sample reporting having a predictable home routine, such as regular meals and a regular bedtime. The unadjusted multinomial logistic regression analysis indicated that having at least one good friend, comforting beliefs, and being comfortable with self were associated with lower odds of moderate depression. The adjusted results showed no association between BCEs and the depression of young adults in this sample. Conclusion In this South African sample, our results do not show protective associations between BCEs and depression. This could be as a result of the homogeneity in our sample. It is also possible that the BCEs explored could not counteract the effect of chronic risk factors in the lives of the young people in this study context. Further research is needed to understand this complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Linda Theron
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Jan Höltge
- Department of Psychology, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, United States
| | - Michael Ungar
- Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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Kitetele FN, Dageid W, Lelo GM, Akele CE, Lelo PVM, Nyembo PL, Tylleskär T, Kashala-Abotnes E. HIV Disclosure to Infected Children Involving Peers: A New Take on HIV Disclosure in the Democratic Republic of Congo. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1092. [PMID: 37508590 PMCID: PMC10377987 DOI: 10.3390/children10071092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Appropriately informing HIV-infected children of their diagnosis is a real challenge in sub-Saharan Africa. Until now, there is no consensus on who ought to disclose and how to disclose. This paper describes the model for HIV status disclosure in which HIV-positive children/adolescents are informed about their diagnosis in a process conducted by young peers under healthcare worker (HCW) supervision in a hospital in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo. This new take on HIV status disclosure involving peers includes four stages that help the trained peer supporters to provide appropriate counseling, taking into account the age and level of maturity of the child/adolescent: the preliminary stage, the partial disclosure stage, the full disclosure stage, and the post-disclosure follow-up stage. Of all children/adolescents whose HIV status disclosure data were documented at Kalembelembe Pediatric Hospital (KLLPH) between 2004 and 2016, we found that disclosure by peers was highly accepted by parents, children/adolescents, and health workers. Compared to children/adolescents disclosed to by HCWs or parents, children/adolescents disclosed to by peers had (a) fewer depressive symptoms reported, (b) better drug adherence resulting in higher viral load suppression, and (c) a higher proportion of survivors on treatment. We found that involving peers in the disclosure process of HIV is an important approach to ensure adherence to treatment, resilience, and mental wellbeing of HIV-infected children/adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faustin Nd Kitetele
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Kalembelembe Pediatric Hospital, Kinshasa 012, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Centre for International Health (CIH), Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Wenche Dageid
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Gilbert M Lelo
- Centre Neuro-Psycho-Pathologique de Kinshasa (CNPP), University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa 012, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Cathy E Akele
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Kalembelembe Pediatric Hospital, Kinshasa 012, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Patricia V M Lelo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Kalembelembe Pediatric Hospital, Kinshasa 012, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Centre for International Health (CIH), Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Patricia L Nyembo
- Programme National de Lutte Contre le SIDA, Kinshasa 012, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Thorkild Tylleskär
- Centre for International Health (CIH), Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Espérance Kashala-Abotnes
- Centre for International Health (CIH), Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway
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Chekol AT, Wale MA, Abate AW, Beo EA, Said EA, Negash BT. Predictors of depression among school adolescents in Northwest, Ethiopia, 2022: institutional based cross-sectional. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:429. [PMID: 37316773 PMCID: PMC10265885 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-04899-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescent depression is a serious mental disorder that makes family problems, learning challenges, drug addiction, and increases absenteeism from school. It also has a major impact on a person's ability to manage his or her daily tasks. In the end, the condition may result in self-destruction. Research is scarce among high schools in the study setting. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and its associated factors of depression among high school adolescent students in Bahirdar City, Northwest Ethiopia in 2022. METHODS An institutional-based cross-sectional study was done from June 18 to July 16, 2022, among public and private high school adolescent students in Bahir Dar City, Amhara region, Ethiopia. A two-stage sampling technique was utilized. First, stratification by school type was made and schools were selected 30-40% by using a simple random sampling technique. Finally, an updated sampling frame was taken from each school director to select a sample of 584 study participants after proportional allocation by simple random sampling from six high schools. Patient Health Questionnaires were used to assess depression in high school students. The independent variables, like substance-related factors, were assessed by yes-or-no questions, and the academic stressor by academic stress in secondary education, was assessed by structured questionnaires. Binary and multivariate logistic regressions were used to identify factors associated with depression. Statistical significance was declared at a 95% confidence interval when the value of p was less than or equal to 0.05. RESULTS The response rate of the participants was 96.9%. The overall magnitude of adolescent depression was found to be 22.1% (95%CI 18.7, 25.7%). Being female (AOR: 3.43; 95%CI 2.11, 5.56), small family size (AOR: 3.01; 95%CI 1.47, 6.15); ever alcohol use (AOR: 2.40; 95%CI 1.51, 3.81); attending a public school (AOR: 3.01; 95%CI 1.68, 5.40), and having a history of abuse (AOR: 1.92; 95%CI 2.2, 3.08) were associated with depression. CONCLUSION In this study, the magnitude of depression among high school students in Bahir Dar City was higher than the national threshold. There was a significant association between sex, family size of parents, ever alcohol use, public schools, and having a history of abuse with depression among adolescents. Hence, it is better for schools to screen and provide intervention for depression in public high school students and offer therapies, especially in females and those with a history of abuse, small family size, or alcohol use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aklile Tsega Chekol
- Department of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Mastewal Aschale Wale
- Department of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Agmas Wassie Abate
- Department of Psychiatry, Dr. Ambachew Memorial Hospital, Amhara Regional Health Bureau, South Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Eyerusalem Abebe Beo
- Department of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Eman Ali Said
- Department of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Berhan Tsegaye Negash
- Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
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Brathwaite R, Mutumba M, Nanteza J, Filiatreau LM, Migadde H, Namatovu P, Nabisere B, Mugisha J, Mwebembezi A, Ssewamala FM. Assessing the Feasibility of Economic Approaches to Prevent Substance Abuse Among Adolescents: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e46486. [PMID: 37314844 PMCID: PMC10337321 DOI: 10.2196/46486] [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: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescent alcohol and drug use (ADU) is a significant public health challenge. Uganda, one of the poorest countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), has the second-highest rate of per capita alcohol consumption in SSA, and over one-third of Ugandan adolescents have used alcohol in their lifetime (over 50% of them engage in heavy episodic drinking). These estimates further increase in fishing villages, a key HIV-vulnerable population, where ADU is normative. However, few studies have assessed ADU among adolescents and youths living with HIV despite their increased risk for ADU and its impact on engagement in HIV care. Moreover, data on risk and resilience factors for ADU are scarce as only few studies evaluating ADU interventions in SSA have reported positive outcomes. The majority have been implemented in school settings, potentially excluding adolescents in fishing communities with high school dropout rates, and none have targeted risk factors including poverty and mental health, which are rampant among adolescents and youths living with HIV and their families, undermine their coping skills and resources, and have been associated with increased risk for ADU among them. OBJECTIVE We propose a mixed methods study with a sample of 200 adolescents and youths living with HIV (aged 18-24 years) seen at 6 HIV clinics in southwestern Uganda's fishing communities to (1) examine the prevalence and consequences of ADU and identify the multilevel risk and resilience factors associated with ADU among them and (2) explore the feasibility and short-term effects of an economic empowerment intervention on ADU among them. METHODS This study comprises four components: (1) focus group discussions (FGDs) with adolescents and youths living with HIV (n=20) and in-depth qualitative interviews with health providers (n=10) from 2 randomly selected clinics; (2) a cross-sectional survey with 200 adolescents and youths living with HIV; (3) a randomized controlled trial with a subgroup of adolescents and youths living with HIV (n=100); and (4) 2 postintervention FGD with adolescents and youths living with HIV (n=10 per group). RESULTS Participant recruitment for the first qualitative phase has completed. As of May 4, 2023, ten health providers from 6 clinics have been recruited, provided written consent to participate, and participated in in-depth qualitative interviews. Two FGDs was conducted with 20 adolescents and youths living with HIV from 2 clinics. Data transcription, translation, and analysis of qualitative data has commenced. The cross-sectional survey will commence shortly after and dissemination of the main study findings is targeted for 2024. CONCLUSIONS Our findings will advance our understanding of ADU among adolescents and youths living with HIV and inform the design of future interventions to address ADU among them. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05597865; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05597865. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/46486.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Brathwaite
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St Louis, MO, United States
| | - Massy Mutumba
- Department of Health Behavior & Biological Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | | | - Lindsey M Filiatreau
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Herbert Migadde
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Phionah Namatovu
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Betina Nabisere
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Masaka, Uganda
| | | | | | - Fred M Ssewamala
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St Louis, MO, United States
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Cherewick M, Dahl RE, Bertomen S, Hipp E, Shreedar P, Njau PF, Leiferman JA. Risk and protective factors for mental health and wellbeing among adolescent orphans. Health Psychol Behav Med 2023; 11:2219299. [PMID: 37274749 PMCID: PMC10234133 DOI: 10.1080/21642850.2023.2219299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Research has demonstrated the importance of understanding risk factors for mental health and wellbeing. Less research has focused on protective factors that protect mental health and promote wellbeing in diverse contexts. Estimating structural paths from risk protective factors to psychopathology and wellbeing can inform prioritization of targeted investment in adolescent health programs that seek to modify factors that are most closely associated with mental wellbeing. Study objective The purpose of this study was to examine risk factors (e.g. emotional neglect, emotional abuse, physical neglect, stigma) and protective factors (e.g. community relationships, self-esteem, and autonomy) among adolescent orphans, protective associations with depression, anxiety and externalizing behaviors and promotive associations with hope, happiness, and health. Methods The analytic sample was collected between January and March of 2019 and included 350 adolescent orphans ages 10-15 from three districts in Tanzania. Participants completed survey interviews, 75-90 min in length, that measured risk and protective factors, psychological symptoms, and mental wellbeing measures. Results Results of the fitted structural equation model indicated that structural paths from protective factors to psychopathology (β = -0.53, p = 0.015) and mental wellbeing (β = 0.72, p = 0.014) outcomes were significant. Structural paths from risk factors to psychopathology (β = -0.34, p = 0.108) and mental wellbeing (β = -0.24, p = 0.405) were not significant. Conclusion In a sample of vulnerable youth, protective factors (e.g. community relationships, self-esteem, and autonomy) were significantly associated with reduced depression, anxiety and externalizing behaviors and increased hope, happiness, and health in a structural equation model that included risk factors (emotional neglect, emotional abuse, physical neglect). Results suggest that strong community relationships, self-esteem and autonomy may be important modifiable factors to target in intervention programs aimed at supporting adolescent mental wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Cherewick
- Department of Community and Behavioral Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Ronald E. Dahl
- Institute of Human Development, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Samantha Bertomen
- Department of Community and Behavioral Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Emily Hipp
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Priyanka Shreedar
- Department of Community and Behavioral Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz, Aurora, CO, USA
| | | | - Jenn A. Leiferman
- Department of Community and Behavioral Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz, Aurora, CO, USA
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Mbithi G, Mabrouk A, Sarki A, Odhiambo R, Namuguzi M, Dzombo JT, Atukwatse J, Kabue M, Mwangi P, Abubakar A. Mental health and psychological well-being of Kenyan adolescents from Nairobi and the Coast regions in the context of COVID-19. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2023; 17:63. [PMID: 37208781 PMCID: PMC10198601 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-023-00613-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the high burden of mental health problems during adolescence and its associated negative consequences, it has remained neglected especially in sub-Saharan Africa. The 2019 novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has placed additional stress on adolescent mental health. However, there are few studies documenting the burden of mental health problems and even fewer mental health services in the region. In relation to the limited body of knowledge, the present study aims to determine the psychological well-being of adolescents and to assess the risks and associated factors of mental health problems among adolescents in the context of COVID-19 pandemic in Kenya. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey in 2022 among adolescents aged 13-19 years living in Nairobi, and the Coast region of Kenya. We utilized standardized psychological assessment tools including the Patient Health Questionnaire, Generalized Anxiety Scale, Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, The World Health Organization- Five Well-Being Index Scale, and the Pandemic Anxiety Scale, to evaluate the psychological wellbeing of the adolescents. A linear regression model was used to evaluate the correlates associated with quality of life, pandemic anxiety, and emotional and behavioural problems among adolescents. Subsequently, a logistic regression model was used to assess factors associated with depression and general anxiety disorders. Variables with a p-value < 0.25 in the univariate model were included in the multivariable regression model. RESULTS The results are based on 797 participants who met the inclusion criteria. We found the prevalence of depression to be relatively higher among out-of-school adolescents at 36.0% compared to school-going adolescents at 20.6%. Furthermore, out-of-school adolescents had significantly higher anxiety scores when compared to their school-going counterparts (27.7% vs 19.1%) respectively. In-school adolescents had a better quality of life scores, lower pandemic anxiety scores, and lower emotional and behavioral problems scores compared to their out-of-school counterparts. Key risk factors associated with depression include; being out-of-school (OR = 1.96 (95% CI 1.33- 2.88) p-value = 0.001), loneliness (OR = 10.68 (95% CI 4.49-22.86) p-value < 0.001), and living in an unsafe neighborhood (OR = 2.24 (95% CI 1.52-3.29) p-value < 0.001). An older age (OR = 1.16 (95% CI 1.03-1.30) p-value = 0.015), being out-of-school (OR = 1.81 (95% CI 1.19-2.77) p-value = 0.006), and living in an unsafe neighborhood (OR = 2.01 (95% CI 1.33-3.04) p-value = 0.001 were key factors associated with anxiety. Furthermore, key factors positively correlated with quality of life include; high socioeconomic status (ß (Std.Err) = 0.58 (0.14) p-value < 0.001, talking to friends often (ß (Std.Err) = 2.32 (0.53) p-value < 0.001, and being close to parents (ß (Std.Err) = 1.37 (0.62) = 0.026. CONCLUSION Our findings imply that mental health support services targeting adolescents in the country should be prioritized, especially for those who are out-of-school.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gideon Mbithi
- Institute for Human Development, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Adam Mabrouk
- Institute for Human Development, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Ahmed Sarki
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Aga Khan University, Kampala, Uganda
- Family and Youth Health Initiative (FAYOHI), Jigawa State, Dutse, Nigeria
| | - Rachel Odhiambo
- Institute for Human Development, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Mary Namuguzi
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Aga Khan University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Joseph Atukwatse
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Aga Khan University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Margaret Kabue
- Institute for Human Development, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Paul Mwangi
- Institute for Human Development, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Amina Abubakar
- Institute for Human Development, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya.
- Neurosciences Group, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kilifi, Kenya.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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Liverpool S, Prescod J, Pereira B, Trotman C. Prevalence of mental health and behaviour problems among adolescents in the English-speaking Caribbean: systematic review and meta-analysis. DISCOVER MENTAL HEALTH 2023; 3:11. [PMID: 37251635 PMCID: PMC10196301 DOI: 10.1007/s44192-023-00037-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Objective Children and young people (CYP) from low-and-middle-income and developing countries are at risk of poor mental health and wellbeing. Yet these regions are generally under-resourced in terms of mental health services. As a first step to inform service planning and delivery in the English-speaking Caribbean we pooled the available evidence to estimate the prevalence of common mental health problems. Methods A comprehensive search of CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, LILACS, and Web of Science databases, supplemented by grey literature searches was performed until January 2022. Studies conducted in the English-speaking Caribbean that reported prevalence estimates of mental health symptomology or diagnoses in CYP were included. The Freeman-Tukey transformation was applied to calculate the weighted summary prevalence under a random-effects model. Subgroup analyses were also performed to observe emerging patterns in the data. Studies were quality assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Prevalence Critical Appraisal Checklist and the GRADE approach. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO, CRD42021283161. Results 33 publications from 28 studies representing 65,034 adolescents from 14 countries met the eligibility criteria. Prevalence estimates ranged from 0.8 to 71.9% with most subgroup estimates between 20 and 30%. The overall pooled prevalence of mental health problems was 23.5% (95% CI 0.175-0.302; I2 = 99.7%). There was limited evidence of significant variation in prevalence estimates among subgroups. The quality of the body of evidence was judged as moderate. Conclusion It is estimated that between 1 in 4 and 1 in 5 adolescents in the English-speaking Caribbean experience symptoms of mental health problems. These findings highlight the importance of sensitisation, screening, and provision of appropriate services. Ongoing research identifying risk factors and validating outcome measures is also needed to inform evidence-based practice. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s44192-023-00037-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaun Liverpool
- Faculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, UK
- Evidence Based Practice Unit, Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, London, UK
| | - Jamal Prescod
- Faculty of Social Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, St Michael, Barbados
| | - Brent Pereira
- Department of Counselor Education, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Chicago, USA
| | - Catherine Trotman
- Faculty of Social Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, St Michael, Barbados
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Ssewamala FM, Brathwaite R, Sensoy Bahar O, Namatovu P, Neilands TB, Kiyingi J, Huang KY, McKay MM. The Post-intervention Impact of Amaka Amasanyufu on Behavioral and Mental Health Functioning of Children and Adolescents in Low-Resource Communities in Uganda: Analysis of a Cluster-Randomized Trial From the SMART Africa-Uganda Study (2016-2022). J Adolesc Health 2023; 72:S3-S10. [PMID: 37062581 PMCID: PMC10442860 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2022.09.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Disruptive behavioral disorders (DBDs) are common among children/adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa. A 16-week manualized multiple family group (MFG) intervention called Amaka Amasanyufu designed to reduce DBDs among school-going children/adolescents in low-resource communities in Uganda was efficacious in reducing symptoms of poor mental health relative to usual care in the short-term (4 months post-intervention-initiation). We examined whether intervention effects are sustained 6 months postintervention. METHODS We used longitudinal data from 636 children positive for DBDs: (1) Control condition, 10 schools, n = 243; (2) MFG delivered via parent peers (MFG-PP), eight schools, n = 194 and; (3) MFG delivered via community healthcare workers (MFG-CHW), eight schools, n = 199 from the SMART Africa-Uganda study (2016-2022). All participants were blinded. We estimated three-level linear mixed-effects models and pairwise comparisons at 6 months postintervention and time-within-group effects to evaluate the impact on Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), impaired functioning, depressive symptoms, and self-concept. RESULTS At 6 months postintervention, children in MFG-PP and MFG-CHW groups had significantly lower means for ODD (mean difference [MD] = -1.08 and -1.35) impaired functioning (MD = -1.19 and -1.16), and depressive symptoms (MD = -1.06 and -0.83), than controls and higher means for self-concept (MD = 3.81 and 5.14). Most outcomes improved at 6 months compared to baseline. There were no differences between the two intervention groups. DISCUSSION The Amaka Amasanyufu intervention had sustained effects in reducing ODD, impaired functioning, and depressive symptoms and improving self-concept relative to usual care at 6 months postintervention. Our findings strengthen the evidence that the intervention effectively reduces DBDs and impaired functioning among young people in resource-limited settings and was sustained over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred M Ssewamala
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri; Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri.
| | - Rachel Brathwaite
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri; Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Ozge Sensoy Bahar
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri; Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Phionah Namatovu
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri; International Center for Child Health and Development - Uganda Field Office, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Torsten B Neilands
- Division of Prevention Science, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Joshua Kiyingi
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Keng-Yen Huang
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Mary M McKay
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri; Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
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Wang D, Adedokun OA, Millogo O, Madzorera I, Hemler EC, Workneh F, Mapendo F, Lankoande B, Ismail A, Chukwu A, Assefa N, Abubakari SW, Lyatuu I, Okpara D, Abdullahi YY, Zabre P, Vuai S, Soura AB, Smith ER, Sie A, Oduola AMJ, Killewo J, Berhane Y, Baernighausen T, Asante KP, Raji T, Mwanyika-Sando M, Fawzi WW. The Continued Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Education and Mental Health Among Sub-Saharan African Adolescents. J Adolesc Health 2023; 72:535-543. [PMID: 36635187 PMCID: PMC9701646 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2022.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This multicountry survey assessed the levels and the determinants of the impacts of the pandemic on education and mental health among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa and the potential factors that may exacerbate these adverse impacts. METHODS A phone survey was conducted among adolescents in nine diverse areas in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, and Tanzania between July and December 2021. Approximately 300 adolescents per area and 2,803 adolescents in total were included. The survey collected information on adolescents' sociodemographic characteristics, current COVID-19 preventive measures, and the impacts of the pandemic on daily activities, education, and mental health. Log-binomial models were used to calculate the adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) for determinants of education and mental health outcomes. RESULTS Overall, 17% of the adolescents were not receiving any education. Compared to boys, girls were 15% more likely than boys to lack fully in-person education (aPR: 1.15; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02, 1.30). Rural residence was associated with 2.7 times the prevalence of not currently receiving any education (aPR: 2.68; 95% CI: 2.23, 3.22). Self-reported experience of the current impacts of the pandemic on daily activities was associated with a higher prevalence of possible psychological distress (aPR: 1.86; 95% CI: 1.55, 2.24), high anxiety level (aPR: 3.37; 95% CI: 2.25, 5.06), and high depression level (aPR: 3.01; 95% CI: 2.05, 4.41). DISCUSSION The COVID-19 pandemic presents continued challenges to adolescents' education and mental health. Multisectoral efforts are needed to ensure that adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa do not fall further behind due to the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongqing Wang
- Department of Global and Community Health, College of Health and Human Services, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia.
| | | | | | - Isabel Madzorera
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Elena C Hemler
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Frank Mapendo
- Africa Academy for Public Health, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Bruno Lankoande
- Institut Supérieur des Sciences de la Population, University of Ouagadougou, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Abbas Ismail
- College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, University of Dodoma, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Angela Chukwu
- Department of Statistics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Nega Assefa
- College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Sulemana Watara Abubakari
- Kintampo Health Research Centre, Research and Development Division, Ghana Health Service, Kintampo, Ghana
| | - Isaac Lyatuu
- Africa Academy for Public Health, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Daniel Okpara
- University of Ibadan Research Foundation, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | | | - Pascal Zabre
- Nouna Health Research Center, Nouna, Burkina Faso
| | - Said Vuai
- College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, University of Dodoma, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Abdramane Bassiahi Soura
- Institut Supérieur des Sciences de la Population, University of Ouagadougou, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Emily R Smith
- Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, D.C.; Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, D.C
| | - Ali Sie
- Nouna Health Research Center, Nouna, Burkina Faso
| | | | - Japhet Killewo
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Yemane Berhane
- Addis Continental Institute of Public Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Till Baernighausen
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts; Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Kwaku Poku Asante
- Kintampo Health Research Centre, Research and Development Division, Ghana Health Service, Kintampo, Ghana
| | - Tajudeen Raji
- Division of Public Health Institutes and Research, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Wafaie W Fawzi
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts.
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Brooks M, Burmen B, Olashore A, Gezmu AM, Molebatsi K, Tshume O, Phoi O, Morales K, Matshaba M, Benton T, Lowenthal ED. Symptoms of depression, anxiety, and thoughts of suicide/self-injury in adolescents and young adults living with HIV in Botswana. AFRICAN JOURNAL OF AIDS RESEARCH : AJAR 2023; 22:54-62. [PMID: 37116112 PMCID: PMC10787227 DOI: 10.2989/16085906.2023.2186252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Globally, mental health problems have been reported to be more common in youth living with HIV (YLWH) than in the general population, but routine mental health screening is rarely done in high-volume HIV clinics. In 2019, YLWH in a large HIV clinic in Botswana were screened using the Generalized Anxiety Scale-7 (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) in a pilot standard-of-care screening programme. Two-way ANOVA was used to describe the effects of age group (12-<16, 16-<20 and 20-25 years old) and sex on GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores. Chi-square statistics were used to compare characteristics of YLWH with and without potential suicidality/self-harm symptoms based on question 9 in the PHQ-9. Among 1 469 YLWH, 33.1%, 44.3% and 15.0% had anxiety, depression and potential suicidality/self-harm symptoms respectively. YLWH of 20-25 years old and 16-<20 years old had higher GAD-7 scores compared to 12-<16-year-olds (p = 0.014 and p = <0.001 respectively). Female YLWH of 20-25 years old had higher PHQ-9 scores compared to 12-<16-year-olds (p = 0.002). There were no other sex-age dynamics that were statistically significant. Female YLWH endorsed more thoughts of suicidality/self-harm than males (17% versus 13%, p = 0.03 respectively). Given the proportion of YLWH with mental health symptoms, Botswana should enhance investments in mental health services for YLWH, especially for young female adults who bear a disproportionate burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merrian Brooks
- Department of Pediatrics, Craig Dalsimer Division of Adolescent Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA
| | | | - Anthony Olashore
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | | | - Ontibile Tshume
- Botswana Baylor Children's Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Onkemetse Phoi
- Botswana Baylor Children's Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Knashawn Morales
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Mogomotsi Matshaba
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
- Division of Retrovirology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
| | - Tami Benton
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Services, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Elizabeth D Lowenthal
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA
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Doyle AM, Bandason T, Dauya E, McHugh G, Grundy C, Simms V, Chibanda D, Ferrand R. Common mental health and emotional and behavioural disorders among adolescents and young adults in Harare and Mashonaland East, Zimbabwe: a population-based prevalence study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e065276. [PMID: 36918245 PMCID: PMC10016291 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-065276] [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: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To estimate the prevalence of common mental health disorders (CMDs) and emotional and behavioural disorders among young people and to explore the correlates of CMDs risk. SETTING Five urban and periurban communities in Harare and Mashonaland East, Zimbabwe DESIGN: Population-based cross-sectional study PARTICIPANTS: Young people aged 13-24 years living in households in the study areas. OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was the proportion of participants screening positive for probable CMDs defined as a Shona Symptoms Questionnaire (SSQ) score ≥8. Secondary outcomes were emotional and behavioural disorders measured using the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and adjusted ORs for factors associated with CMD. RESULTS Out of 634 young people, 37.4% (95% CI 33.0% to 42.0%) screened positive for probable CMDs, 9.8% (95% CI 7.5% to 12.7%) reported perceptual symptoms and 11.2% (95% CI 9.0% to 13.8%) reported suicidal ideation. Using UK norms to define normal, borderline and abnormal scores for each of the SDQ domains, a high proportion (15.8%) of Zimbabwean young people had abnormal scores for emotional symptoms and a low proportion had abnormal scores for hyperactivity/inattention scores (2.8%) and prosocial scores (7.1%). We created local cut-offs for the emotional symptoms, hyperactivity/attention and prosocial SDQ domains. The odds of probable CMDs increased with each year of age (OR 1.09, p<0.001) and was higher among those who were out of school and not working compared with those in school or working (adj. OR 1.67 (1.07, 2.62), p=0.04). One in five participants (22.1%) were referred immediately for further clinical assessment but uptake of referral services was low. CONCLUSIONS We observed a high prevalence of symptoms of CMDs among general population urban and peri-urban young people especially among those with no employment. There is a need for more accessible and acceptable youth-friendly mental health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aoife Margaret Doyle
- Medical Research Council International Statistics and Epidemiology Group, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe (THRU ZIM), Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - T Bandason
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe (THRU ZIM), Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - E Dauya
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe (THRU ZIM), Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Grace McHugh
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe (THRU ZIM), Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Chris Grundy
- Medical Research Council International Statistics and Epidemiology Group, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Victoria Simms
- Medical Research Council International Statistics and Epidemiology Group, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe (THRU ZIM), Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - D Chibanda
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Centre for Global Mental Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Rashida Ferrand
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe (THRU ZIM), Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Azupogo F, Saeed N, Wemakor A, Addae HY, Boah M, Brouwer ID. Moderate-to-severe household food insecurity is associated with depression among adolescent girls in northern Ghana: a cross-sectional analysis. BMJ Nutr Prev Health 2023; 6:56-64. [PMID: 37559964 PMCID: PMC10407409 DOI: 10.1136/bmjnph-2022-000523] [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: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Household food insecurity is positively associated with depression; however, the association among adolescents is not well known. We examined the association between household food insecurity and depression among adolescent girls in Northern Ghana. METHODS We analysed data from the Ten2Twenty-Ghana randomised controlled trial end-line for adolescent girls aged 10-17 years (n=582). The girls were chosen at random from 19 primary schools in the Mion District of Ghana's northern region. The children's depression inventory and the Food Insecurity Experience Scale were used in face-to-face interviews to assess depression and household food insecurity. Hierarchical survey binary logistic regression and linear mixed models were used to examine the association between household food insecurity and depressive symptoms. We took into account a number of potential confounders in the analysis, such as life satisfaction, self-efficacy, self-esteem, health complaints, child's age, menarche status, pubertal development, anaemia, stunting, frequency of consuming fruits and vegetables, frequency of consuming animal-sourced foods, maternal age, household wealth index and size, and the intervention group the girl was assigned to in the trial. RESULTS About 20.1% of adolescent girls were classified as likely depressed, and 70.3% of their households were food insecure, with 22.9% and 18.0% being moderately and severely food insecure, respectively. Compared with girls from food-secure households, those from moderately (adjusted OR (AOR) 2.63, 95% CI (1.35 to 5.12)) and severely (AOR 3.28, 95% CI (1.66 to 6.49)) food insecure households had about three times the odds of being classified as depressed, after controlling for potential confounders. The odds of being likely depressed were about twice for adolescent girls from food-insecure households compared with their peers from food-secure households in both the crude and final adjusted model. CONCLUSION The study discovered high levels of household food insecurity and depression in adolescent girls in Northern Ghana, with a dose-response association between the two.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fusta Azupogo
- Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
| | - Nawaf Saeed
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
| | - Anthony Wemakor
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
| | - Hammond Yaw Addae
- Nursing, Nursing & Midwifery Training Colege, Kpembe, Salaga, Ghana
- Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Michael Boah
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Disease Control, School of Public Health, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
| | - Inge D Brouwer
- Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Marlow M, Skeen S, Grieve CM, Carvajal-Velez L, Åhs JW, Kohrt BA, Requejo J, Stewart J, Henry J, Goldstone D, Kara T, Tomlinson M. Detecting Depression and Anxiety Among Adolescents in South Africa: Validity of the isiXhosa Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7. J Adolesc Health 2023; 72:S52-S60. [PMID: 36274021 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2022.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Screening tools such as the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) could potentially be used in resource-limited settings to identify adolescents who need mental health support. We examined the criterion validity of the isiXhosa versions of the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 in detecting depression and anxiety among adolescents (10-19 years) in South Africa. METHODS Adolescents were recruited from the general population and from nongovernmental organizations working with adolescents in need of mental health support. The PHQ-9 and GAD-7 were culturally adapted and translated into isiXhosa and administered to 302 adolescents (56.9% female). The Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia was administered by trained clinicians as the gold standard diagnostic measure for depression and anxiety. RESULTS For the PHQ-9, the area under the curve was 0.88 for the full sample of adolescents (10-19 years old). A score of ≥10 had 91% sensitivity and 76% specificity for detecting adolescents with depression. For the GAD-7, the area under the curve was 0.78, and cutoff scores with an optimal sensitivity-specificity balance were low (≥6). A score of ≥6 had 67% sensitivity and 75% specificity for detecting adolescents with anxiety. DISCUSSION The culturally adapted isiXhosa version of the PHQ-9 can be used as a valid measure for depression in adolescents. Further research on the GAD-7 for use with adolescents is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marguerite Marlow
- Institute for Life Course Health Research, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Sarah Skeen
- Institute for Life Course Health Research, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Caitlin M Grieve
- Institute for Life Course Health Research, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Liliana Carvajal-Velez
- Division of Data, Analytics, Planning and Monitoring, Data and Analytics Section, UNICEF, New York, New York; Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jill W Åhs
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Health Sciences, Swedish Red Cross University College, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Brandon A Kohrt
- Department of Psychiatry, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Jennifer Requejo
- Division of Data, Analytics, Planning and Monitoring, Data and Analytics Section, UNICEF, New York, New York
| | - Jackie Stewart
- Division of Global Surgery, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Junita Henry
- Institute for Life Course Health Research, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Daniel Goldstone
- Institute for Life Course Health Research, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Tashmira Kara
- Institute for Life Course Health Research, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mark Tomlinson
- Institute for Life Course Health Research, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queens University, Belfast, United Kingdom
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Oseni TIA, Mensah-Bonsu M, Damagun FM, Salam TO, Sonny KJ, Opare-Lokko EBA, Namisango E, Ephraim OC. Ability and Preparedness of Family Physicians to Recognise and Treat Adolescent Mental Health Disorders in Nigeria and Ghana. Health Serv Insights 2023; 16:11786329231166366. [PMID: 37034312 PMCID: PMC10080409 DOI: 10.1177/11786329231166366] [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: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Management of mental health disorders has not been fully integrated into primary care despite been advocated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the World Organisation of Family Doctors (WONCA). This study therefore seeks to assess the ability and preparedness of Family Physicians to recognise and treat mental health disorders in adolescents. Methodology A descriptive cross-sectional study of 233 randomly selected Physicians Practicing in Family Medicine Clinics in Nigeria and Ghana was conducted using a semi structured self-administered questionnaire that was developed by the researchers and validated with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of .85. Data analysis was done with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences™ (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY, USA) version 22.0. Results Respondents had a mean age of 43 ± 8 years, were mostly males 130 (55.79%), practised in Nigeria 168 (72.10%) and have been in practice for over 10 years 149 (63.95%). Majority of respondents 153 (65.67%) received at least one Medical Education sessions in mental health in the preceding 12 months of the study. Out of these, 146 (95.42%) said the sessions enhanced their knowledge of mental health, and 121 (79.08%) said the sessions enhanced their abilities and preparedness to attend to patients with mental disorders. Barriers included stigmatisation 156 (66.95%), poor facilities 136 (58.37%), non-conducive environment 135 (57.94%) and non-cooperation from patients 133 (57.08%). Conclusion This study showed that a lot of family physicians in Ghana and Nigeria are able and prepared to manage adolescent mental health disorders. They however cited stigmatisation, poor facilities and non-conducive environment as barriers to management of adolescent mental health disorders in primary care. Considering the severity of the disorder, there is a need to increase the training of Family Physicians in the management of adolescent mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tijani Idris Ahmad Oseni
- Department of Family Medicine, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria
- Lifestyle and Behavioural Medicine Unit, Department of Family Medicine, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Nigeria
- Tijani Idris Ahmad Oseni, Department of Family Medicine, Ambrose Alli University, KM 13, Benin/Auchi Road, Ekpoma, Edo 320001, Nigeria.
| | | | | | | | - Kumbert John Sonny
- Department of Family Medicine, Geriatric Medicine Subdivision, Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, Nigeria
| | - Edwina Beryl Addo Opare-Lokko
- Department of Family Medicine, Greater Accra Regional Hospital, Accra/Faculty of Family Medicine, Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, Accra, Ghana
| | - Eve Namisango
- African Palliative Care Association, Kampala, Uganda
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Onyenwe Chibuike Ephraim
- Department of Family Medicine, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria
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Mũrage A, Ngunjiri A, Oyekunle A, Smith J. Social determinants of mental health among older adolescent girls living in urban informal settlements in Kenya and Nigeria during the COVID-19 pandemic. Glob Public Health 2023; 18:2264946. [PMID: 37801724 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2023.2264946] [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: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
The health burden due to mental health has historically been underestimated with focus on communicable diseases and deaths and little consideration of disability and comorbidity effects of poor mental health. Recent data show increasing trends of mental health disorders as a share of global health burdens and vulnerability of adolescents. This paper aims to explore social determinants of mental health as experienced by adolescent girls, drawing attention to gendered risks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Semi-structured interviews with twenty-two adolescent girls in urban informal settlements in Kenya and Nigeria reveal unique environmental, socio-cultural, economic and educational factors that threatened their mental wellbeing. The pandemic exacerbated these determinants. An equitable recovery will require a consideration of not only disproportional mental health outcomes, but also social determinants that contribute to these outcomes. As more than half of the urban population in sub-Saharan Africa reside in informal settlements, this study has implications for youth-focused mental health interventions in these and similar settings.
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Adjorlolo S, Anum A, Huang KY. Adverse life experiences and mental health of adolescents in Ghana: a gendered analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ADOLESCENCE AND YOUTH 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/02673843.2022.2123714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Adjorlolo
- Department of Mental Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Research and Grant Institute of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Adote Anum
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, College of Humanities, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Ken-Yeng Huang
- Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- 2 Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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Promotive, preventive, and treatment interventions for adolescent mental health in sub-Saharan Africa: A protocol for two scoping reviews including systematic analyses of intervention effectiveness. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0279424. [PMID: 36548366 PMCID: PMC9778929 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The increasing prevalence of mental health difficulties amongst adolescents is a worldwide concern. Poor mental health in adolescence is associated with a range of mental, physical and social problems in later life. In sub-Saharan Africa, limited data suggests that mental disorders amongst adolescents are common. It is important that interventions to address this are rooted in an understanding of the unique local context and culture. Yet, the current use, development, and effectiveness of adolescent mental health interventions in sub-Saharan Africa is unclear. In response, this paper presents a protocol for two scoping reviews that together will examine the available evidence on promotive, preventive, and treatment interventions for adolescent mental health in sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The scoping reviews will follow the five-step methodological framework proposed by Arksey and O'Malley, with further recommendations from the Joanna Briggs Institute. They will review scientific and grey literature published between 2000 and 2021, without restrictions in language or study type. A wide range of sources, including MEDLINE, CINAHL, Global Health, PsychINFO, Cochrane and Google Scholar will be searched. Eligibility screening and data extraction will be done by two independent reviewers, and disagreements resolved by a third reviewer. Data will be summarised in two phases. A narrative synthesis will provide a descriptive profile of all studies included and will explore key concepts related to intervention types, target populations and adaptations to local context. A systematic review element will collate evidence of intervention effectiveness from (cluster) Randomised Controlled Trials. DISCUSSION AND DISSEMINATION To the best of our knowledge, these scoping reviews are the first to synthesise a wide range of available evidence on promotive, preventive and treatment interventions for adolescent mental health in sub-Saharan Africa. The results will be published in peer-reviewed publications and will be presented as an evidence base for future intervention development and implementation.
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