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Knettel BA, Obale A, Iqbal H, Fotabong MC, Philippe NN, Graton M, Ledbetter L. A profound absence of counseling interventions for suicide prevention among youth in Africa: A call to action based on an empty scoping review. Suicide Life Threat Behav 2024; 54:296-301. [PMID: 38214345 PMCID: PMC11021152 DOI: 10.1111/sltb.13041] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE One-third of all global suicide deaths occur among adolescents and young adults, making suicide the second leading cause of death among young people. Nearly 80% of suicide deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, and many African nations have higher rates of suicide than global averages. However, interventions are scarce. We conducted a scoping review of counseling interventions for suicide prevention among youth in Africa. METHOD We performed structured searches of the Medline, Embase, PyscINFO, African Index Medicus, Global Heath Database, and Proquest Dissertations and Theses Global databases. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they described a counseling intervention conducted in Africa, focused on participants under age 22, and included a suicide-related outcome. RESULTS After removal of duplicates, 1808 titles and abstracts were screened and 10 studies were identified for full-text review. Of these, six included adult participants and did not disaggregate results for youth, two did not describe an intervention, and two did not include a relevant outcome. Thus, no studies were eligible for inclusion. CONCLUSIONS This empty review highlights the striking absence of published research on a life-threatening public health challenge, representing a distinct call to action for improved efforts in adolescent suicide prevention in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon A. Knettel
- Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Armstrong Obale
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Hamza Iqbal
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA
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Knippler ET, Martinez AJ, Amiri I, Madundo K, Mmbaga BT, Goldston DB, Relf MV, Knettel BA. Challenges and opportunities for improving mental health care and preventing suicide among people living with HIV: Perspectives of mental health professionals in Tanzania. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0002762. [PMID: 38363789 PMCID: PMC10871509 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
People living with HIV (PLWH) experience unique stressors that contribute to emotional distress, and PLWH are more than twice as likely to die by suicide when compared to the general population. In countries like Tanzania, there is a relatively high burden of HIV but few resources to support mental health needs. To gain a better understanding of mental health challenges experienced by PLWH in northern Tanzania and identify opportunities for intervention, we interviewed 12 mental health professionals working in the Kilimanjaro region. Thematic analysis was used to explore drivers and impacts of emotional distress, community influences on mental health, and gaps and barriers to existing mental health care. Perspectives from mental health workers highlight the compounding effects of stress related to HIV status, family conflict, finances, and other social challenges, which can lead to poor HIV treatment outcomes and suicidal ideation. Cultural beliefs and stigma surrounding both mental health and HIV limit care-seeking behavior for mental health issues. Those who do seek care often encounter barriers related to poor mental health infrastructure, including a lack of providers, limited financial resources, and little integration into other health services. There is a clear need for investment in the mental health care system, as well as interventions to improve knowledge and perceptions of mental health and comprehensively address stressors. We describe feedback on a proposed telehealth counseling intervention integrated into routine HIV services, which shows strong potential to mitigate barriers to mental health treatment, reduce suicidal ideation, and support the wellbeing of PLWH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth T. Knippler
- Duke Center for AIDS Research, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Alyssa J. Martinez
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Ismail Amiri
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Kim Madundo
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Blandina T. Mmbaga
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - David B. Goldston
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Michael V. Relf
- Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Brandon A. Knettel
- Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
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Pauley A, Buono M, Metcalf M, West K, Rent S, Nkenguye W, Sawe Y, Mikindo M, Kilasara J, Boshe J, Knettel BA, Mmbaga BT, Staton CA. " A Man Never Cries": A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Gender Differences in Depression and Alcohol Use in Moshi, Tanzania. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.11.14.23298216. [PMID: 38014016 PMCID: PMC10680871 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.14.23298216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Background Unhealthy alcohol use negatively impacts many components of health and wellness, including mental health conditions like major depressive disorder (MDD). Globally, gender differences are common for both alcohol use behaviors and MDD, but these differences have not been studied within Moshi, Tanzania. To provide more effective and culturally appropriate mental health treatments, gender nuances around these conditions must be known. As such, this study aims to explore gender differences in MDD, alcohol use, and other aspects of mental well-being among patients at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center (KCMC) in Moshi. Methods Six hundred and seventy-six patients presenting for care at the KCMC Emergency Department (ED) and Reproductive Health Centre (RHC) were enrolled in this mixed-methods study between October 2021 and May 2022. Patients were selected through systematic random sampling and completed quantitative surveys including the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) and the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9). Nineteen patients were purposively chosen from the study population to participate in in-depth interviews (IDIs) exploring topics related to alcohol use, gender, and depression. Descriptive frequencies, univariate log-binomial regressions, and a linear regression model were used to analyze quantitative data, all of which were analyzed in RStudio. A grounded theory approach was used to analyze all IDIs in NVivo. Results Average [SD] PHQ-9 scores were 7.22 [5.07] for ED women, 4.91 [4.11] for RHC women, and 3.75 [4.38] among ED men. Similarly, ED women held the highest prevalence of MDD (25%) as compared to RHC women (11%) and ED men (7.9%) (p<0.001). Depressive symptoms were associated with higher AUDIT scores only for ED men (R2 = 0.11, p<0.001). Our qualitative analysis showed that while present for women, social support networks were notably absent for men in Moshi, the lack of which was seen to play a role in alcohol use. For men, alcohol was described as a coping mechanism for stress. Conclusion Intersectionality of gender, alcohol use, and depression is influenced by sociocultural and behavioral norms in Moshi. As such, multi-layered, gender-differentiated programming should be considered for the treatment of substance use and mental health conditions in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alena Pauley
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Mia Buono
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Kirstin West
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Sharla Rent
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - William Nkenguye
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Yvonne Sawe
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania
| | | | - Joseph Kilasara
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania
- Department of Clinical Nursing, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Judith Boshe
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Brandon A Knettel
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Blandina T Mmbaga
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Catherine A Staton
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
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Minja L, Knettel BA, Pan W, Madundo K, Amiri I, Joel L, Knippler E, Relf MV, Vissoci JRN, Staton CA, Msoka EF, Tarimo CS, Katiti V, Mmbaga BT, Goldston DB. Validation of a culturally sensitive, Swahili-translated instrument to assess suicide risk among adults living with HIV in Tanzania. Glob Ment Health (Camb) 2023; 10:e67. [PMID: 38024799 PMCID: PMC10643229 DOI: 10.1017/gmh.2023.59] [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: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In Tanzania, there are high rates of suicidal thoughts and behavior among people living with HIV (PLWH), yet few instruments exist for effective screening and referral. To address this gap, we developed and validated Swahili translations of the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) Screen Version and two accompanying scales assessing self-efficacy to avoid suicidal action and reasons for living. We administered a structured survey to 80 PLWH attending two HIV clinics in Moshi, Tanzania. Factor analysis of the items revealed four subscales: suicide intensity, self-efficacy to avoid suicide, fear and social concern about suicide, and family and spirituality deterrents to suicide. The area under the receiver operating curve showed only suicide intensity, and fear and social concern met the prespecified cutoff of ≥0.7 in accurately identifying patients with a plan and intent to act on suicidal thoughts. This study provides early evidence that brief screening of intensity of suicidality in the past month, assessed by the C-SSRS Screen Version, is a strong, resource-efficient strategy for identifying suicide risk in the Tanzanian setting. Patients who report little fear of dying and low concern about social perceptions of suicide may also be at increased risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Minja
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Brandon A. Knettel
- Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Wei Pan
- Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Kim Madundo
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Ismail Amiri
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Louise Joel
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Elizabeth Knippler
- Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Center for AIDS Research, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Michael V. Relf
- Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Joao Ricardo N. Vissoci
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Department of Emergency Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Catherine A. Staton
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Department of Emergency Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Elizabeth F. Msoka
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | | | - Victor Katiti
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Blandina T. Mmbaga
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - David B. Goldston
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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Knettel BA, Amiri I, Minja L, Martinez AJ, Knippler ET, Madundo K, Staton C, Vissoci JRN, Mwobobia J, Mmbaga BT, Kaaya S, Relf MV, Goldston DB. Brief Report: Task-Shifting "Gold Standard" Clinical Assessment and Safety Planning for Suicide Risk Among People Living With HIV: A Feasibility and Fidelity Evaluation in Tanzania. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2023; 93:374-378. [PMID: 37159427 PMCID: PMC10524299 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicide is a leading cause of death among people living with HIV (PLWH) worldwide, with suicide deaths occurring twice as frequently among PLWH than among the general public. In Tanzania, resources for mental health care are sorely lacking, with 55 psychiatrists and psychologists providing treatment for 60 million people. In light of this shortage, nonspecialists play a crucial role. The objective of this study was to assess feasibility of implementing task-shifted screening, assessment, and safety planning for suicide risk among PLWH. SETTING Two adult HIV clinics in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. METHODS Registered professional nurses in the HIV clinics were trained to administer brief screening of suicidal ideation in the past month. Patients experiencing suicidal ideation were referred to bachelor's-level counselors for further assessment and safety planning, supervised by specialist providers who reviewed audio recordings for quality assurance. RESULTS During 180 days of implementation, nurses screened patients attending 2745 HIV appointments. Sixty-one (2.2%) endorsed suicidal ideation and were linked to further assessment and safety planning. We cross-checked screening with clinic attendance logs on 7 random days and found high fidelity to screening (206 of 228 screened, 90%). Quality assurance ratings demonstrated key assessment pieces were consistently completed (mean = 9.3/10 possible), with "Good" to "Excellent" counseling skills (mean = 23.7/28) and "Good" to "Excellent" quality (mean = 17.1/20), including appropriate referral for higher levels of care. CONCLUSIONS Brief screening can be implemented and paired with task-shifted counseling to facilitate high-quality assessment of suicide risk. This model shows excellent potential to extend mental health services for PLWH in low-resource settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon A. Knettel
- Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Ismail Amiri
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, NC, USA
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Linda Minja
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania
| | | | - Elizabeth T. Knippler
- Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Center for AIDS Research, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Kim Madundo
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Catherine Staton
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Department of Emergency Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Joao Ricardo N. Vissoci
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Department of Emergency Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Blandina T. Mmbaga
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, NC, USA
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Sylvia Kaaya
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Michael V. Relf
- Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, NC, USA
| | - David B. Goldston
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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Knettel BA, Knippler ET, Amiri I, Joel L, Madundo K, Msoka EF, Boshe J, Tarimo CS, Katiti V, Rwakilomba J, Turner EL, Minja L, Staton CA, Vissoci JRN, Mmbaga BT, Relf MV, Goldston DB. Protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial of a telehealth-delivered counseling intervention to reduce suicidality and improve HIV care engagement in Tanzania. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289119. [PMID: 37498916 PMCID: PMC10374000 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289119] [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: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Suicidal ideation is strikingly common among people living with HIV (PLWH) worldwide, leading to higher burden of disease, poor HIV care engagement, and loss of life. In low- and middle-income countries such as Tanzania, mental health resources are scarce, requiring innovative strategies for treatment. We describe the protocol for a clinical trial of a three-session telehealth counseling intervention to reduce suicidality and improve HIV care engagement in Tanzania. METHODS In a pilot randomized controlled trial, we will assess the feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy of a new telehealth intervention, termed "IDEAS for Hope". A total of 60 PLWH will be enrolled from two HIV clinics in the Kilimanjaro region and connected to telehealth counsellors based at a large regional hospital. Participants will be ≥18 years old and speak either Kiswahili or English. Patient screening will occur during routine HIV clinical care to identify PLWH experiencing suicidal ideation. Baseline surveys will be administered upon enrollment and participants will be randomized 1:1 to receive either IDEAS for Hope or the comparison condition, a brief safety planning session. All participants will receive an additional referral for psychiatric treatment. Follow-up assessment will occur at three months. IDEAS for Hope is informed by a Motivational Interviewing-enhanced safety planning intervention (MI-SafeCope) and our formative work in Tanzania. The model consists of Four Pillars: living healthy with HIV, managing HIV stigma, seeking social support, and meeting basic needs. Together, these mechanisms serve as a foundation for developing a sense of safety and hope for the future. Outcome measures will include intervention feasibility, acceptability, participant suicidality, and HIV care engagement. SIGNIFICANCE Innovative, telehealth-based counseling represents a promising treatment for suicidality among PLWH in low-resource settings. Results from this pilot trial will inform intervention refinement and parameter estimates for a future clinical trial powered to evaluate effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon A. Knettel
- Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, NC, United States of America
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth T. Knippler
- Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, NC, United States of America
- Duke Center for AIDS Research, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Ismail Amiri
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Louise Joel
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Kim Madundo
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Elizabeth F. Msoka
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Judith Boshe
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
| | | | - Victor Katiti
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University, Moshi, Tanzania
| | | | - Elizabeth L. Turner
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, NC, United States of America
- Duke Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Linda Minja
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Catherine A. Staton
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, NC, United States of America
- Duke Department of Emergency Medicine, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Joao Ricardo N. Vissoci
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, NC, United States of America
- Duke Department of Emergency Medicine, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Blandina T. Mmbaga
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, NC, United States of America
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Michael V. Relf
- Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, NC, United States of America
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - David B. Goldston
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States of America
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