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Purgato M, Prina E, Ceccarelli C, Cadorin C, Abdulmalik JO, Amaddeo F, Arcari L, Churchill R, Jordans MJ, Lund C, Papola D, Uphoff E, van Ginneken N, Tol WA, Barbui C. Primary-level and community worker interventions for the prevention of mental disorders and the promotion of well-being in low- and middle-income countries. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023; 10:CD014722. [PMID: 37873968 PMCID: PMC10594594 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd014722.pub2] [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: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a significant research gap in the field of universal, selective, and indicated prevention interventions for mental health promotion and the prevention of mental disorders. Barriers to closing the research gap include scarcity of skilled human resources, large inequities in resource distribution and utilization, and stigma. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness of delivery by primary workers of interventions for the promotion of mental health and universal prevention, and for the selective and indicated prevention of mental disorders or symptoms of mental illness in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). To examine the impact of intervention delivery by primary workers on resource use and costs. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Global Index Medicus, PsycInfo, WHO ICTRP, and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception to 29 November 2021. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of primary-level and/or community health worker interventions for promoting mental health and/or preventing mental disorders versus any control conditions in adults and children in LMICs. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Standardized mean differences (SMD) or mean differences (MD) were used for continuous outcomes, and risk ratios (RR) for dichotomous data, using a random-effects model. We analyzed data at 0 to 1, 1 to 6, and 7 to 24 months post-intervention. For SMDs, 0.20 to 0.49 represented small, 0.50 to 0.79 moderate, and ≥ 0.80 large clinical effects. We evaluated the risk of bias (RoB) using Cochrane RoB2. MAIN RESULTS Description of studies We identified 113 studies with 32,992 participants (97 RCTs, 19,570 participants in meta-analyses) for inclusion. Nineteen RCTs were conducted in low-income countries, 27 in low-middle-income countries, 2 in middle-income countries, 58 in upper-middle-income countries and 7 in mixed settings. Eighty-three RCTs included adults and 30 RCTs included children. Cadres of primary-level workers employed primary care health workers (38 studies), community workers (71 studies), both (2 studies), and not reported (2 studies). Interventions were universal prevention/promotion in 22 studies, selective in 36, and indicated prevention in 55 RCTs. Risk of bias The most common concerns over risk of bias were performance bias, attrition bias, and reporting bias. Intervention effects 'Probably', 'may', or 'uncertain' indicates 'moderate-', 'low-', or 'very low-'certainty evidence. *Certainty of the evidence (using GRADE) was assessed at 0 to 1 month post-intervention as specified in the review protocol. In the abstract, we did not report results for outcomes for which evidence was missing or very uncertain. Adults Promotion/universal prevention, compared to usual care: - probably slightly reduced anxiety symptoms (MD -0.14, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.27 to -0.01; 1 trial, 158 participants) - may slightly reduce distress/PTSD symptoms (SMD -0.24, 95% CI -0.41 to -0.08; 4 trials, 722 participants) Selective prevention, compared to usual care: - probably slightly reduced depressive symptoms (SMD -0.69, 95% CI -1.08 to -0.30; 4 trials, 223 participants) Indicated prevention, compared to usual care: - may reduce adverse events (1 trial, 547 participants) - probably slightly reduced functional impairment (SMD -0.12, 95% CI -0.39 to -0.15; 4 trials, 663 participants) Children Promotion/universal prevention, compared to usual care: - may improve the quality of life (SMD -0.25, 95% CI -0.39 to -0.11; 2 trials, 803 participants) - may reduce adverse events (1 trial, 694 participants) - may slightly reduce depressive symptoms (MD -3.04, 95% CI -6 to -0.08; 1 trial, 160 participants) - may slightly reduce anxiety symptoms (MD -2.27, 95% CI -3.13 to -1.41; 1 trial, 183 participants) Selective prevention, compared to usual care: - probably slightly reduced depressive symptoms (SMD 0, 95% CI -0.16 to -0.15; 2 trials, 638 participants) - may slightly reduce anxiety symptoms (MD 4.50, 95% CI -12.05 to 21.05; 1 trial, 28 participants) - probably slightly reduced distress/PTSD symptoms (MD -2.14, 95% CI -3.77 to -0.51; 1 trial, 159 participants) Indicated prevention, compared to usual care: - decreased slightly functional impairment (SMD -0.29, 95% CI -0.47 to -0.10; 2 trials, 448 participants) - decreased slightly depressive symptoms (SMD -0.18, 95% CI -0.32 to -0.04; 4 trials, 771 participants) - may slightly reduce distress/PTSD symptoms (SMD 0.24, 95% CI -1.28 to 1.76; 2 trials, 448 participants). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The evidence indicated that prevention interventions delivered through primary workers - a form of task-shifting - may improve mental health outcomes. Certainty in the evidence was influenced by the risk of bias and by substantial levels of heterogeneity. A supportive network of infrastructure and research would enhance and reinforce this delivery modality across LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Purgato
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Cochrane Global Mental Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Eleonora Prina
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Caterina Ceccarelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Camilla Cadorin
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Amaddeo
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Rachel Churchill
- Cochrane Common Mental Disorders, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | - Mark Jd Jordans
- Centre for Global Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Crick Lund
- King's Global Health Institute, Centre for Global Mental Health, Health Service and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Alan J Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Davide Papola
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Cochrane Global Mental Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Eleonora Uphoff
- Cochrane Common Mental Disorders, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | - Nadja van Ginneken
- Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Wietse Anton Tol
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Corrado Barbui
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Cochrane Global Mental Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Kim AW, Rieder AD, Cooper-Vince CE, Kakuhikire B, Baguma C, Satinsky EN, Perkins JM, Kiconco A, Namara EB, Rasmussen JD, Ashaba S, Bangsberg DR, Tsai AC, Puffer ES. Maternal adverse childhood experiences, child mental health, and the mediating effect of maternal depression: A cross-sectional, population-based study in rural, southwestern Uganda. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2023; 182:19-31. [PMID: 37212482 PMCID: PMC10524293 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24758] [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: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to examine the intergenerational effects of maternal adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and child mental health outcomes in rural Uganda, as well as the potentially mediating role of maternal depression in this pathway. Additionally, we sought to test the extent to which maternal social group membership attenuated the mediating effect of maternal depression on child mental health. METHODS Data come from a population-based cohort of families living in the Nyakabare Parish, a rural district in southwestern Uganda. Between 2016 and 2018, mothers completed surveys about childhood adversity, depressive symptoms, social group membership, and their children's mental health. Survey data were analyzed using causal mediation and moderated-mediation analysis. RESULTS Among 218 mother-child pairs, 61 mothers (28%) and 47 children (22%) showed symptoms meeting cutoffs for clinically significant psychological distress. In multivariable linear regression models, maternal ACEs had a statistically significant association with severity of child conduct problems, peer problems, and total child difficulty scores. Maternal depression mediated the relationship between maternal ACEs and conduct problems, peer problems, and total difficulty, but this mediating effect was not moderated by maternal group membership. CONCLUSIONS Maternal depression may act as a potential mechanism linking maternal childhood adversity with poor child mental health in the next generation. Within a context of elevated rates of psychiatric morbidity, high prevalence of childhood adversity, and limited healthcare and economic infrastructures across Uganda, these results emphasize the prioritization of social services and mental health resources for rural Ugandan families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Wooyoung Kim
- Department of Anthropology, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
- SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Amber D Rieder
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | | | - Charles Baguma
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Emily N Satinsky
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jessica M Perkins
- Peabody College, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute of Global Health, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Allen Kiconco
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | | | | | | | - David R Bangsberg
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Oregon Health and Science University - Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Alexander C Tsai
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Eve S Puffer
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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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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Webb L, Kyaddondo D, Ford T, Bergqvist A, Cox N. Psychosocial health in adolescent unmarried motherhood in rural Uganda: Implications for community-based collaborative mental health education, and empowerment strategies in the prevention of depression and suicide. Transcult Psychiatry 2023; 60:537-551. [PMID: 36628461 PMCID: PMC10486171 DOI: 10.1177/13634615221147361] [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] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Teenage pregnancy rates in Uganda are among the highest in sub-Saharan Africa. Child marriage is often the result of unmarried teenage pregnancy and is recognised by Uganda's government as a form of sexual violence and an outcome of inequality. However, unmarried motherhood incurs stigma and shame within traditionally living rural communities. Using co-produced Open Space and ethnographic methods, we examined the psychosocial impact of unmarried motherhood on girls and their communities, and explored problem-solving with key local stakeholders. Findings indicate that girls experience extreme stress, social exclusion and rejection by their families, and experience bereavement from school expulsion and the loss of their career aspirations. Depressive symptoms and suicidal behaviour are reportedly not uncommon among this population group. Community and family efforts to promote marriage for these mothers to avoid social stigma increased the mothers' feelings of depression, whereas mothers who became independent appeared to fare better psychologically. Community members and local stakeholders demonstrated a willingness to act locally to reduce the negative impacts of unmarried motherhood but lacked knowledge and support resources. Our findings indicate that mental health promotion for teenage mothers is likely to be better served through empowerment strategies rather than marriage and, in a context of poor mental health service access, there is a substantial role for community mobilisation and the promotion of self-help strategies to support teenage mothers. This study raises important points regarding different community understandings of depression and indicates collaboration between professionals and communities for a values-based approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Webb
- Faculty of Health & Education, Manchester Metropolitan University
| | | | | | - Anna Bergqvist
- Faculty of Health & Education, Manchester Metropolitan University
| | - Nigel Cox
- Faculty of Health & Education, Manchester Metropolitan University
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Nabunya P, Sensoy Bahar O, Neilands TB, Nakasujja N, Namatovu P, Namuwonge F, Mwebembezi A, Ssewamala FM. Bridges-Round 2: A study protocol to examine the longitudinal HIV risk prevention and care continuum outcomes among orphaned youth transitioning to young adulthood. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0284572. [PMID: 37163564 PMCID: PMC10171655 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284572] [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: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Youth orphaned by HIV in sub-Saharan Africa experience immense hardships including social disadvantage, adverse childhood events and limited economic prospects. These adversities disrupt the normative developmental milestones and can gravely compromise their health and emotional wellbeing. The Bridges to the Future study (2012-2018) prospectively followed 1,383 adolescents, between 10-16 years, to evaluate the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of a family-based economic empowerment intervention comprising of child development accounts, financial literacy training, family income generating activities and peer mentorship. Study findings show efficacy of this contextually-driven intervention significantly improving mental health, school retention and performance and sexual health. However, critical questions, such as those related to the longitudinal impact of economic empowerment on HIV prevention and engagement in care remain. This paper presents a protocol for the follow-up phase titled, Bridges Round 2. METHODS The Original Bridges study participants will be tracked for an additional four years (2022-2026) to examine the longitudinal developmental and behavioral health outcomes and potential mechanisms of the effect of protective health behaviors of the Bridges cohort. The study will include a new qualitative component to examine participants' experiences with the intervention, the use of biomedical data to provide the most precise results of the highly relevant, but currently unknown sexual health outcomes among study participants, as well as a cost-benefit analysis to inform policy and scale-up. DISCUSSION Study findings may contribute to the scientific knowledge for low-resource communities on the potential value of providing modest economic resources to vulnerable boys and girls during childhood and early adolescence and how these resources may offer long-term protection against known HIV risks, poor mental health functioning and improve treatment among the HIV treatment care continuum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Proscovia Nabunya
- International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD), Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
- International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD), Uganda Field Office, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Ozge Sensoy Bahar
- International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD), Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
- International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD), Uganda Field Office, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Torsten B. Neilands
- Department of Medicine, Division of Prevention Science, Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Noeline Nakasujja
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Phionah Namatovu
- International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD), Uganda Field Office, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Flavia Namuwonge
- International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD), Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
- International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD), Uganda Field Office, Masaka, Uganda
| | | | - Fred M. Ssewamala
- International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD), Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
- International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD), Uganda Field Office, Masaka, Uganda
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Kizito S, Nabayinda J, Neilands TB, Kiyingi J, Namuwonge F, Damulira C, Nabunya P, Nattabi J, Ssewamala FM. A Structural Equation Model of the Impact of a Family-Based Economic Intervention on Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence Among Adolescents Living With HIV in Uganda. J Adolesc Health 2023; 72:S41-S50. [PMID: 37062583 PMCID: PMC10161872 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2022.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence among adolescents living with HIV (ALWHIV) is low, with poverty remaining a significant contributor. We examined the mediation pathways between an economic empowerment intervention and ART adherence among ALWHIV. METHODS This cluster-randomized controlled trial (2012-2018) recruited 702 ALWHIV aged 10-16 in Uganda between January 2014 and December 2015. We randomized 39 clinics into the control (n = 344) or intervention group (n = 358). The intervention comprised a child development account, four microenterprise workshops, and 12 mentorship sessions. We used six self-reported items to measure adherence at 24 months, 36 months, and 48 months. We used structural equation modeling to assess the mediation effects through mental health and adherence self-efficacy, on adherence. We ran models corresponding to the 24, 36, and 48 months of follow-up. RESULTS The mean age of the participants was 12 years, and 56% were female. At 36 (model 2) and 48 months (model 3), the intervention had a significant indirect effect on ART adherence [B = 0.069, β = 0.039 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.005-0.074)], and [B = 0.068, β = 0.040 (95% CI: 0.010-0.116)], respectively. In both models, there was a specific mediation effect through mental health [B = 0.070, β = 0.040 (95% CI: 0.007-0.063)], and [B = 0.039, β = 0.040 (95% CI: 0.020-0.117)]. Overall, 49.1%, 90.7%, and 36.8% of the total effects were mediated in models, 1, 2, and 3, respectively. DISCUSSION EE interventions improve adherence, by improving mental health functioning. These findings warrant the need to incorporate components that address mental health challenges in programs targeting poverty to improve ART adherence in low-income settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Kizito
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Josephine Nabayinda
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - 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
| | - Flavia Namuwonge
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Christopher Damulira
- Division of Prevention Science, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Proscovia Nabunya
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Jennifer Nattabi
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Fred M Ssewamala
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri.
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Ssewamala FM, Sauceda JA, Brathwaite R, Neilands TB, Nabunya P, Brown D, Sensoy Bahar O, Namuwonge F, Nakasujja N, Mugarura A, Mwebembezi A, Nartey P, Mukasa B, Gwadz M. Suubi + Adherence4Youth: a study protocol to optimize the Suubi Intervention for Adherence to HIV treatment for youth living with HIV in Uganda. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:717. [PMID: 37081534 PMCID: PMC10116736 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15564-4] [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: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suubi is an evidenced based multi-component intervention that targets psychosocial and economic hardships to improve ART adherence, viral suppression, mental health, family financial stability, and family cohesion for adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) in Uganda. Suubi was originally tested as a combined package of four components: 1) Financial Literacy Training; 2) incentivized matched Youth Savings Accounts with income-generating activities; 3) a manualized and visual-based intervention for ART adherence and stigma reduction; and 4) engagement with HIV treatment-experienced role models. However, it is unknown if each component in Suubi had a positive effect, how the components interacted, or if fewer components could have produced equivalent effects. Hence, the overall goal of this new study is to identify the most impactful and sustainable economic and psychosocial components across 48 health clinics in Uganda. METHODS A total of 576 ALHIV (aged 11-17 years at enrollment) will be recruited from 48 clinics and each clinic will be randomized to one of 16 study conditions. Each condition represents every possible combination of the 4 components noted above. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, 12, 24, 36 and 48- months post-intervention initiation. Using the multi-phase optimization strategy (MOST), we will identify the optimal combination of components and associated costs for viral suppression, as well as test key mediators and moderators of the component-viral suppression relationship. DISCUSSION The study is a shift in the paradigm of research to use new thinking to build/un-pack highly efficacious interventions that lead to new scientific knowledge in terms of understanding what drives an intervention's success and how to iterate on them in ways that are more efficient, affordable and scalable. The study advances intervention science for HIV care outcomes globally. TRIAL REGISTRATION This project was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05600621) on October, 31, 2022. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05600621.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred M Ssewamala
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, Campus Box 1196, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA.
| | - John A Sauceda
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, 550 16th Street, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Rachel Brathwaite
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, Campus Box 1196, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Torsten B Neilands
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, 550 16th Street, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Proscovia Nabunya
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, Campus Box 1196, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Derek Brown
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, Campus Box 1196, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Ozge Sensoy Bahar
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, Campus Box 1196, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Flavia Namuwonge
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, Campus Box 1196, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Noeline Nakasujja
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Allan Mugarura
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Masaka, Uganda
| | | | - Portia Nartey
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, Campus Box 1196, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | | | - Marya Gwadz
- Intervention Innovations Team Lab (IIT-Lab), New York University Silver School of Social Work, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Drug Use and HIV Research, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, USA
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Ssewamala FM, McKay MM, Sensoy Bahar O, Nabunya P, Neilands T, Kiyingi J, Namatovu P, Guo S, Nakasujja N, Mwebembezi A. Suubi4StrongerFamilies: A study protocol for a clustered randomized clinical trial addressing child behavioral health by strengthening financial stability and parenting among families in Uganda. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:949156. [PMID: 36506418 PMCID: PMC9726732 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.949156] [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: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Children in Sub-Saharan Africa are burdened by significant unmet mental health needs. Across the region, high rates of poverty, HIV/AIDS, food insecurity, stigma, and an inadequate health safety net system exacerbate serious child behavioral health needs and impede an effective response. Disruptive behavioral disorders are particularly concerning as they persist through adolescence and adulthood. Hence, addressing the context-specific social influences on child behavioral health is critical given that children in the region comprise more than half of the total regional population. Against this backdrop, this study protocol describes a randomized clinical trial that will examine the mechanisms by which economic empowerment and family strengthening interventions targeting social, familial, and context-specific drivers affect the mental health of children in Uganda. Methods The study uses an experimental, longitudinal design across 30 cluster-randomized primary schools to compare single and combination intervention options; influences of economic empowerment and family strengthening on economic, perceptual, and functioning mediators; and context-specific moderators. The study will be conducted with 900 Ugandan children in mid-upper primary school (10-14 years). The three study conditions (n = 300 each) are: (1) economic empowerment only (EE only), (2) multiple family group-based family strengthening only (MFG-based FS only), and (3) combined EE + MFG-based FS. The interventions will be provided for 12 months; and assessments will occur at baseline, 12, 24, and 36 months. Conclusion Children in Sub-Saharan Africa are burdened by significant unmet mental health needs, including disruptive behavior disorders that persist through adolescence and adulthood if left untreated. The proposed study will examine the mechanisms by which economic empowerment and family strengthening interventions targeting social, familial and context-specific drivers affect the mental health of children in mid-upper primary schools in Uganda. Findings from this study can inform group, community, and population approaches that are needed for scalable solutions to address the social drivers negatively impacting child behavioral health in low-resource settings, including in Sub-Saharan Africa. Clinical trial registration [https://clinicaltrials.gov/], identifier [NCT053 68714].
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred M. Ssewamala
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Mary M. McKay
- Vice Provost Office, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Ozge Sensoy Bahar
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Proscovia Nabunya
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Torsten Neilands
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, LA, United States
| | - Joshua Kiyingi
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Phionah Namatovu
- International Center for Child Health and Development Field Office, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Shenyang Guo
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
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9
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Andersen AG, Kotsadam A, Somville V. Material resources and well-being - Evidence from an Ethiopian housing lottery. JOURNAL OF HEALTH ECONOMICS 2022; 83:102619. [PMID: 35436664 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhealeco.2022.102619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Do better material conditions improve well-being and mental health? Or does any positive relationship merely reflect that well-being promotes economic success? We compare winners and losers from a large Ethiopian housing lottery in a preregistered analysis. Winners gain access to better housing, experience a substantial increase in wealth, and report higher levels of overall life satisfaction and lower levels of financial distress. However, we find no average effects of winning on psychological distress. Our results suggest that not all aspects of well-being and mental health are equally sensitive to economic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andreas Kotsadam
- Ragnar Frisch Centre for Economic Research, Norway; PROMENTA Research Center Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Vincent Somville
- NHH Norwegian School of Economics, Norway; Chr. Michelsen Institute, Norway.
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10
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Ettman CK, Adam GP, Clark MA, Wilson IB, Vivier PM, Galea S. Wealth and depression: A scoping review. Brain Behav 2022; 12:e2486. [PMID: 35134277 PMCID: PMC8933775 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The inverse relation between income and depression is well established. Less is understood about the relation between wealth and depression. We therefore conducted a scoping review to answer the question: What is known from the existing literature about the relation between wealth and depression? METHODS We searched for studies and articles in Medline (via PubMed), Embase, PsycINFO, PsycArticles, EconLit, and SocINDEX from inception through July 19, 2020. Ninety-six articles were included in our review. Key article characteristics were year of publication, sample size, country, study design, definition of depression, definition of wealth, and association between wealth and depression. Thirty-two longitudinal articles were included in a detailed charted review. RESULTS Depression was defined in a relatively standard manner across articles. In contrast, definitions and measurements of wealth varied greatly. The majority of studies in the full review (n = 56, 58%) and half of the studies in the longitudinal charted review (n = 16, 50%) reported an inverse relation between wealth and depression. The longitudinal charted review showed that (1) macro-economic events influenced depression, (2) wealth status influenced depression across the lifecourse, (3) wealth protected against depression in the face of stressors such as job loss, (4) subjective or psychosocial factors such as perception of wealth, relative comparison, and social status modified the relation between wealth and depression, and (5) savings interventions were successful in reducing depression and varied by context. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that wealth should be included in our consideration of the forces that shape mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine K Ettman
- Office of the Dean, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Health Services, Policy and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Gaelen P Adam
- Department of Health Services, Policy and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Melissa A Clark
- Department of Health Services, Policy and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Ira B Wilson
- Department of Health Services, Policy and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Patrick M Vivier
- Department of Health Services, Policy and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.,Hassenfeld Child Health Innovation Institute, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Sandro Galea
- Office of the Dean, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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11
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McGuire J, Kaiser C, Bach-Mortensen AM. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the impact of cash transfers on subjective well-being and mental health in low- and middle-income countries. Nat Hum Behav 2022; 6:359-370. [DOI: 10.1038/s41562-021-01252-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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12
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Mabrouk A, Mbithi G, Chongwo E, Too E, Sarki A, Namuguzi M, Atukwatse J, Ssewanyana D, Abubakar A. Mental health interventions for adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:937723. [PMID: 36061286 PMCID: PMC9429610 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.937723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, adolescents are vulnerable to mental health problems, particularly those from sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) due to impoverished living conditions and a higher prevalence of chronic conditions such as HIV/AIDS in the region. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated this risk. This calls for an urgent need for evidence-based adolescent mental health interventions to reduce the risk and burden of mental health problems in SSA. The review aims to identify and characterize existing adolescent mental health interventions in SSA, as well as to evaluate their implementation strategies and effectiveness. METHODS We systematically searched PubMed, African Index Medicus, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and CINAHL databases for relevant articles. Furthermore, we searched gray literature databases, including Think Tank search, open gray, NGO search engine, and IGO search engine for additional relevant articles. The scoping review was conducted to identify original research articles on mental health interventions among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa published from database inception to 31 December 2021. We carried out a narrative synthesis to report our findings. RESULTS Our literature search generated 4,750 studies, of which 1,141 were duplicates, 3,545 were excluded after screening, and 64 articles met the inclusion criteria. The 64 studies describe a total of 57 unique mental health interventions comprising 40,072 adolescents. The nature of these interventions was diverse, encompassing various implementation strategies such as economic-based, family strengthening, psychoeducation, interpersonal psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and resilience training, among others. Most of the interventions were selective interventions that targeted adolescents at high risk of developing mental health problems including adolescents living with HIV, war-affected adolescents, orphans, adolescents from poorer backgrounds, and survivors of sexual violence. Half of the interventions were delivered by lay persons. Sixty-two of the eligible studies examined the effectiveness of the mental health interventions, of which 55 of them reported a positive significant impact on various mental health outcomes. CONCLUSIONS The review findings show that there exist several diverse interventions that promote mental health among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa. These interventions can be implemented in diverse settings including schools, communities, health facilities, and camps, and can be delivered by lay persons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Mabrouk
- Institute for Human Development, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Gideon Mbithi
- Institute for Human Development, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Esther Chongwo
- Institute for Human Development, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Ezra Too
- 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), Dutse, Jigawa State, Nigeria
| | - Mary Namuguzi
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Aga Khan University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joseph Atukwatse
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Aga Khan University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Derrick Ssewanyana
- Alliance for Human Development, Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - 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
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13
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Brathwaite R, Ssewamala FM, Neilands TB, Nabunya P, Byansi W, Damulira C. Development and external validation of a risk calculator to predict internalising symptoms among Ugandan youths affected by HIV. Psychiatry Res 2021; 302:114028. [PMID: 34129997 PMCID: PMC8277696 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2021.114028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to develop and externally validate a model to predict individualized risk of internalizing symptoms among AIDS-affected youths in low-resource settings in sub-Saharan Africa. Longitudinal data from 558 Ugandan adolescents orphaned by AIDS was used to develop our predictive model. Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator logistic regression was used to select the best subset of predictors using 10-fold cross-validation. External validation of the final model was conducted in a sample of 372 adolescents living with HIV in Uganda. Best predictors for internalizing symptoms were gender, family cohesion, social support, asset ownership, recent sexually transmitted infection (STI) diagnosis, physical health self-rating, and previous poor mental health; area under the curve (AUC) = 72.2; 95% CI = 67.9-76.5. For adolescents without history of internalizing symptoms, the AUC = 69.0, 95% CI = 63.4-74.6, and was best predicted by gender, drug use, social support, asset ownership, recent STI diagnosis, and physical health self-rating. Both models were well calibrated. External validation in adolescents living with HIV sample was similar, AUC = 69.7; 95% CI = 64.1-75.2. The model predicted internalizing symptoms among African AIDS-affected youth reasonably well and showed good generalizability. The model offers opportunities for the design of public health interventions addressing poor mental health among youth affected by HIV/AIDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Brathwaite
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, MO, 63130, U.S.A..
| | - Fred M. Ssewamala
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, MO, 63130, U.S.A
| | - Torsten B. Neilands
- Division of Prevention Science, University of California, San Francisco, California, 94143, U.S.A
| | - Proscovia Nabunya
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, MO, 63130, U.S.A
| | - William Byansi
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, MO, 63130, U.S.A
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14
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Cavazos-Rehg P, Byansi W, Doroshenko C, Neilands TB, Anako N, Sensoy Bahar O, Kasson E, Nabunya P, Mellins CA, Ssewamala FM. Evaluating potential mediators for the impact of a family-based economic intervention (Suubi+Adherence) on the mental health of adolescents living with HIV in Uganda. Soc Sci Med 2021; 280:113946. [PMID: 34020312 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.113946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Many adolescents living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) experience poverty and have access to limited resources, which can impact HIV and mental health outcomes. Few studies have analyzed the impact of economic empowerment interventions on the psychosocial wellbeing of adolescents living with HIV in low resource communities, and this study aims to examine the mediating mechanism(s) that may explain the relationship between a family economic empowerment intervention (Suubi + Adherence) and mental health outcomes for adolescents (ages 10-16 at enrollment) living with HIV in Uganda. METHOD We utilized data from Suubi + Adherence, a large-scale six-year (2012-2018) longitudinal randomized controlled trial (N = 702). Generalized structural equation models (GSEMs) were conducted to examine 6 potential mediators (HIV viral suppression, food security, family assets, and employment, HIV stigma, HIV status disclosure comfort level, and family cohesion) to determine those that may have driven the effects of the Suubi + Adherence intervention on adolescents' mental health. RESULTS Family assets and employment were the only statistically significant mediators during follow-up (β from -0.03 to -0.06), indicating that the intervention improved family assets and employment which, in turn, was associated with improved mental health. The proportion of the total effect mediated by family assets and employment was from 42.26% to 71.94%. CONCLUSIONS Given that mental health services provision is inadequate in SSA, effective interventions incorporating components related to family assets, employment, and financial stability are crucial to supporting the mental health needs of adolescents living with HIV in under-resourced countries like Uganda. Future research should work to develop the sustainability of such interventions to improve long-term mental health outcomes among this at-risk group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Cavazos-Rehg
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Box 8134, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
| | - William Byansi
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Christine Doroshenko
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Box 8134, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Torsten B Neilands
- University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine, 533 Parnassus Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Nnenna Anako
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Box 8134, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA; Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Ozge Sensoy Bahar
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Erin Kasson
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Box 8134, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Proscovia Nabunya
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Claude A Mellins
- Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Fred M Ssewamala
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
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15
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Zimmerman A, Garman E, Avendano-Pabon M, Araya R, Evans-Lacko S, McDaid D, Park AL, Hessel P, Diaz Y, Matijasevich A, Ziebold C, Bauer A, Paula CS, Lund C. The impact of cash transfers on mental health in children and young people in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:e004661. [PMID: 33906845 PMCID: PMC8088245 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-004661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although cash transfer programmes are not explicitly designed to improve mental health, by reducing poverty and improving the life chances of children and young people, they may also improve their mental health. This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the evidence on the effectiveness of cash transfers to improve the mental health of children and young people in low-income and middle-income countries. METHODS We searched Pubmed, EBSCOhost, Scientific Electronic Library Online, ISI Web of Science and Social Sciences Citation Index and grey literature (from January 2000 to July 2020) for studies which quantitatively assessed the impact of cash transfers on mental health in young people (aged 0-24 years), using a design that incorporated a control group. We extracted Cohen's d effects size and used a random-effects model for the meta-analysis on studies that measured depressive symptoms, I2 statistic and assessment of study quality. RESULTS We identified 12 116 articles for screening, of which 12 were included in the systematic review (covering 13 interventions) and seven in the meta-analysis assessing impact on depressive symptoms specifically. There was high heterogeneity (I2=95.2) and a high risk of bias (0.38, 95% CIs: -5.08 to 5.85; p=0.86) across studies. Eleven interventions (85%) showed a significant positive impact of cash transfers on at least one mental health outcome in children and young people. However, no study found a positive effect on all mental health outcomes examined, and the meta-analysis showed no impact of cash transfers on depressive symptoms (0.02, 95% CIs: -0.19 to 0.23; p=0.85). CONCLUSION Cash transfers may have positive effects on some mental health outcomes for young people, with no negative effects identified. However, there is high heterogeneity across studies, with some interventions showing no effects. Our review highlights how the effect of cash transfers may vary by social and economic context, culture, design, conditionality and mental health outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Zimmerman
- Health Service & Population Research Department, King's College London Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK
- Global Health and Social Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Emily Garman
- Alan J Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mauricio Avendano-Pabon
- Global Health and Social Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
- Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ricardo Araya
- Health Service & Population Research Department, King's College London Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK
| | - Sara Evans-Lacko
- Care Policy and Evaluation Centre, Department of Health Policy, The London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | - David McDaid
- Care Policy and Evaluation Centre, Department of Health Policy, The London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | - A-La Park
- Care Policy and Evaluation Centre, Department of Health Policy, The London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | - Philipp Hessel
- Escuela de Gobierno Alberto Lleras Camargo, Universidad de los Andes, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Yadira Diaz
- Escuela de Gobierno Alberto Lleras Camargo, Universidad de los Andes, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Alicia Matijasevich
- Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Departamento de Medicina Preventiva, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carola Ziebold
- Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Departamento de Medicina Preventiva, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Annette Bauer
- Care Policy and Evaluation Centre, Department of Health Policy, The London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | - Cristiane Silvestre Paula
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Distúrbios do Desenvolvimento, Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Crick Lund
- Health Service & Population Research Department, King's College London Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK
- Alan J Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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16
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Cavazos-Rehg P, Byansi W, Xu C, Nabunya P, Bahar OS, Borodovsky J, Kasson E, Anako N, Mellins C, Damulira C, Neilands T, Ssewamala FM. The Impact of a Family-Based Economic Intervention on the Mental Health of HIV-Infected Adolescents in Uganda: Results From Suubi + Adherence. J Adolesc Health 2021; 68:742-749. [PMID: 32980245 PMCID: PMC7987910 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2020.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study examines the extent to which three mental health measures (hopelessness, depression, and poor self-concept) are improved through a family-based economic intervention implemented among adolescents living with HIV in Uganda. METHODS We used repeated measures from Suubi + Adherence, a large-scale 6-year (2012-2018) longitudinal randomized controlled trial. Bivariate analyses were conducted to test for observable group differences between the intervention and control conditions. Multilevel piecewise repeated measure mixed models were then conducted to assess hypothesized time × intervention interaction in changes in hopelessness, depression, and self-concept using participant-specific follow-up intervals. RESULTS At 24-month postintervention initiation, adolescents in the intervention condition reported a statistically significant lower hopelessness score than adolescents in the control condition (4.79 vs. 5.56; p = .018; N = 358). At 36-month follow-up, the intervention condition reported a statistically significant lower score on depression in the depression subgroup (N = 344) than the control condition (4.94 vs. 5.81; p = .029). CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that family-based economic interventions such as Suubi + Adherence can effectively improve the mental health of adolescents living with HIV who evidenced mental health challenges at baseline. Given the promising positive effects of these interventions, at least in the short term, future studies should investigate strategies to promote the sustainability of these mental health benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Cavazos-Rehg
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri.
| | - William Byansi
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Christine Xu
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri,Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Proscovia Nabunya
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Ozge Sensoy Bahar
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Jacob Borodovsky
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Erin Kasson
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Nnenna Anako
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri,Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Claude Mellins
- Departments of Psychiatry and Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Christopher Damulira
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Masaka Field Office, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Torsten Neilands
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine, San Francisco, California
| | - Fred M. Ssewamala
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
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17
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Tumwesige W, Namatovu P, Bahar OS, Byansi W, McKay MM, Ssewamala FM. Engaging community and governmental partners in improving health and mental health outcomes for children and adolescents impacted by HIV/AIDS in Uganda. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 4. [PMID: 34056575 PMCID: PMC8159177 DOI: 10.21037/pm-20-86] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The African region remains the world’s most affected region in the HIV epidemic. A related consequence of HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), including in Uganda, is the high prevalence of children and adolescents who have lost one or both parents to this virus or who have been perinatally infected. Guided by the Practical, Robust Implementation and Sustainability (PRISM) framework, this paper describes the strategies by which we have engaged community and government partners in research using three NIH-funded randomized clinical trials testing an evidence-based combination intervention aimed at improving health and mental health outcomes among children and adolescents impacted by HIV/AIDS in Uganda. We specifically lay out four strategies that have been used to facilitate stakeholder engagement, namely consultative meetings, stakeholder accountability meetings, training of key players (task-shifting), and policymaker engagement. We emphasize that community collaborations and partnerships are especially critical when implementing combination interventions that require a high level of communication and coordination among multiple implementation partners. We underline that building and sustaining long-term relationships and communication with the stakeholders can allow the researchers to successfully design rigorous studies that are responsive to local needs and can make a difference especially in low-resource settings. Finally, we highlight that the process of engagement and collaboration can be guided by conceptual frameworks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Phionah Namatovu
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Ozge Sensoy Bahar
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - William Byansi
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Mary M McKay
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Fred M Ssewamala
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
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18
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The ASHA (Hope) Project: Testing an Integrated Depression Treatment and Economic Strengthening Intervention in Rural Bangladesh: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18010279. [PMID: 33401489 PMCID: PMC7796166 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18010279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Depression, a debilitating disorder, is highly prevalent among low-income women in low- and middle-income countries. Standard psychotherapeutic approaches may be helpful, but low treatment uptake, low retention, and transient treatment effects reduce the benefit of therapy. This pilot randomized controlled trial examined the effectiveness and feasibility of an integrated depression treatment/economic strengthening intervention. The study took place in two villages in the Sirajganj district in rural Bangladesh. Forty-eight low-income women with depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) score ≥ 10) were recruited and randomized to intervention or control arms. The intervention included a six-month group-based, fortnightly depression management and financial literacy intervention, which was followed by a cash-transfer of $186 (equivalent to the cost of two goats) at 12 months' follow-up. The cash transfer could be used to purchase a productive asset (e.g., agricultural animals). The control arm received no intervention. Findings showed significant reduction in depression scores in the intervention group. The mean PHQ-9 score decreased from 14.5 to 5.5 (B ± SE, -9.2 ± 0.8 95% CI -10.9, -7.5, p < 0.01) compared to no change in the control group. Most other psycho-social outcomes, including tension, self-esteem, hope, social-support, and participation in household economic decision-making, also improved with intervention. An integrated depression treatment and financial empowerment intervention was found to be highly effective among rural low-income women with depression. Next steps involve formal testing of the model in a larger trial.
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19
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Sensoy Bahar O, Byansi W, Kivumbi A, Namatovu P, Kiyingi J, Ssewamala FM, McKay MM, Nyoni T. From "4Rs and 2Ss" to "Amaka Amasanyufu" (Happy Families): Adapting a U.S.-based Evidence-Based Intervention to the Uganda Context. FAMILY PROCESS 2020; 59:1928-1945. [PMID: 32027763 PMCID: PMC7416434 DOI: 10.1111/famp.12525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
In Uganda, one in five children presents mental health challenges, including disruptive behavior disorders (DBDs). DBDs can persist through adulthood and result in negative outcomes. Effective interventions for DBDs have been developed and tested in high-poverty communities in developed countries. Yet, most African countries, such as Uganda, lack such interventions. This paper describes the adaptation process of an evidence-based intervention of U.S. origin to optimize fit to context with intervention fidelity, as part of a randomized trial conducted with youth that exhibit behavioral challenges and their caregivers in 30 schools in Uganda. The process involved: initial meetings with headteachers and teachers to introduce the study and the main concepts of the intervention; initial manual review focusing on 4Rs and 2Ss content by the Uganda team; engagement of community stakeholders for additional feedback on content and cultural relevance; final revision of the manual; and collection of children's drawings for the illustration of the manual. This paper describes both similarities and differences between the original and adapted intervention content and methods of delivery. The findings also highlight the importance of involving community stakeholders in the adaptation process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - William Byansi
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Apollo Kivumbi
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Uganda Field Office, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Phionah Namatovu
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Uganda Field Office, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Joshua Kiyingi
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Uganda Field Office, Masaka, Uganda
| | | | - Mary M McKay
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Thabani Nyoni
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
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Nabunya P, Damulira C, Byansi W, Muwanga J, Bahar OS, Namuwonge F, Ighofose E, Brathwaite R, Tumwesige W, Ssewamala FM. Prevalence and correlates of depressive symptoms among high school adolescent girls in southern Uganda. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1792. [PMID: 33238965 PMCID: PMC7689972 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09937-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), adolescent girls and young women are three times more likely than boys to have depressive disorders. Understanding adolescents’ unique and common vulnerabilities and protective factors is essential for the development of appropriate interventions and programming focused on child and adolescent mental health. This paper examines the prevalence and predictors of depressive symptoms among high school adolescent girls in southern Uganda. Methods Baseline data from a longitudinal cluster randomized study involving 1260 adolescent girls (14–17 years), recruited from 47 secondary schools were utilized. Depressive symptoms were estimated using the 21-item Beck’s Depression Inventory. Hierarchical linear regression modelling was utilized to estimate key predictors of depressive symptoms among adolescent girls. Results Of the total sample, 16.35% (n = 206) reported severe depressive symptoms and almost one in every three adolescent girls interviewed (29.68%, n = 374) reported moderate symptoms. These symptoms were more prevalent among older adolescents (16 years and above). In addition, family relationships, social support, as well as measures of psychological wellbeing (self-concept and self-esteem) were all associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms. Hopelessness was associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms among adolescent girls. Conclusion Findings from this study indicate a high prevalence of depressive symptoms, especially among older adolescent girls. In addition, family support factors and adolescents’ psychological wellbeing were associated with low levels of depressive symptoms –pointing to the need to strengthen family functioning and adolescent’s psychological wellbeing to mitigate risks. Taken together, findings support increasing calls for early screening and detection of depressive symptoms to facilitate timely referral to care and treatment. Findings may also inform the development and incorporation of gender-specific mental health components in programming targeting adolescent girls, in low-resource communities in SSA. Trial registration This trial was prospectively registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (registration number: NCT03307226) on 11 October 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Proscovia Nabunya
- Washington University in St. Louis, Brown School of Social Work, International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD), One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA.
| | - Christopher Damulira
- Washington University in St. Louis, Brown School of Social Work, International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD), One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - William Byansi
- Washington University in St. Louis, Brown School of Social Work, International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD), One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Joelynn Muwanga
- Washington University in St. Louis, Brown School of Social Work, International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD), One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Ozge Sensoy Bahar
- Washington University in St. Louis, Brown School of Social Work, International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD), One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Flavia Namuwonge
- Washington University in St. Louis, Brown School of Social Work, International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD), One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Eloho Ighofose
- Washington University in St. Louis, Brown School of Social Work, International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD), One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Rachel Brathwaite
- Washington University in St. Louis, Brown School of Social Work, International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD), One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Wilberforce Tumwesige
- Washington University in St. Louis, Brown School of Social Work, International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD), One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Fred M Ssewamala
- Washington University in St. Louis, Brown School of Social Work, International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD), One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
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21
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Nabunya P, Byansi W, Muwanga J, Damulira C, Brathwaite R, Namuwonge F, Bahar OS, Ssewamala FM. Gender, HIV knowledge and prevention attitudes among adolescents living with HIV participating in an economic empowerment intervention in Uganda. AIDS Care 2020; 33:888-896. [PMID: 33172305 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2020.1844860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
HIV disproportionately affect adolescent girls and young women in sub-Saharan Africa. In Uganda, the HIV prevalence is four times higher in adolescent girls compared to boys. This study examined gender, HIV general and clinical knowledge, and prevention attitudes among adolescents living with HIV in Uganda. Data from a cluster randomized clinical trial were analyzed. A total of 702 adolescents (average age of 12.4) were randomized to either a control arm receiving bolstered standard of care or the treatment arm receiving bolstered standard of care plus a family economic empowerment intervention to support medication adherence. Ordinary Least Squares models that adjust for clustering of adolescents within health clinics were conducted. No gender differences were observed in HIV knowledge and prevention attitudes at baseline. However, at 12-months follow-up, boys were more likely than girls to report correct HIV general knowledge (d = 0.21), clinical knowledge (d = 0.48), and favorable prevention attitudes (d = 0.27). The intervention was not associated with any of the outcomes. Given the high HIV prevalence among adolescents, specifically girls, there is need to develop and/or tailor existing programs and interventions that equip adolescent girls with comprehensive knowledge and prevention attitudes, that are culturally appropriate, to reduce HIV transmission and reinfection within this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Proscovia Nabunya
- Washington University in St. Louis, Brown School of Social Work, St. Louis, MO, USA.,International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD), Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, USA
| | - William Byansi
- Washington University in St. Louis, Brown School of Social Work, St. Louis, MO, USA.,International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD), Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, USA
| | - Joelynn Muwanga
- Washington University in St. Louis, Brown School of Social Work, St. Louis, MO, USA.,International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD), Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, USA
| | - Christopher Damulira
- Washington University in St. Louis, Brown School of Social Work, St. Louis, MO, USA.,International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD), Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, USA
| | - Rachel Brathwaite
- Washington University in St. Louis, Brown School of Social Work, St. Louis, MO, USA.,International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD), Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, USA
| | - Flavia Namuwonge
- Washington University in St. Louis, Brown School of Social Work, St. Louis, MO, USA.,International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD), Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, USA
| | - Ozge Sensoy Bahar
- Washington University in St. Louis, Brown School of Social Work, St. Louis, MO, USA.,International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD), Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, USA
| | - Fred M Ssewamala
- Washington University in St. Louis, Brown School of Social Work, St. Louis, MO, USA.,International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD), Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, USA
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22
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Jiang S. Psychological well-being and distress in adolescents: An investigation into associations with poverty, peer victimization, and self-esteem. CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES REVIEW 2020; 111:104824. [DOI: https:/doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.104824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023]
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23
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Sun S, Nabunya P, Byansi W, Bahar OS, Damulira C, Neilands TB, Guo S, Namuwonge F, Ssewamala FM. Access and utilization of financial services among poor HIV-impacted children and families in Uganda. CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES REVIEW 2020; 109:104730. [PMID: 32713987 PMCID: PMC7380492 DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2019.104730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
With high prevalence of both poverty and HIV, Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has one of the highest numbers of unbanked individuals and families. Although the use of savings products to promote financial inclusion among poor individuals and families has increasingly become more important to policy makers in SSA, limited research exists about the mechanisms and relative importance of institutional and individual-level factors associated with access and utilization of financial services. Using survey data and administrative bank records from a randomized controlled trial in southwestern Uganda, we find that given an opportunity, poor HIV-impacted families and individuals can engage with financial institutions and accumulate savings. Additionally, individual-level factors (e.g., household wealth, child poverty, child work, and attitudes towards savings) were significantly associated with three of the eight outcomes (i.e. saved any money, average monthly total savings, and total number of deposits). Furthermore, institutional-level factors (e.g., access and proximity to the bank, matching incentive rate, and financial education) were associated with all the eight outcomes included in the analysis. Our findings indicate that poor HIV-impacted families can engage with financial institutions and save for their children, if opportunities and institutional arrangements are in place. Findings have implications for financial inclusion policy and programming that target vulnerable youth and families to engage with financial institutions and accumulate savings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sicong Sun
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO, United States
| | - Proscovia Nabunya
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO, United States
| | - William Byansi
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO, United States
| | - Ozge Sensoy Bahar
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO, United States
| | - Christopher Damulira
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO, United States
| | - Torsten B. Neilands
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Shenyang Guo
- Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO, United States
| | - Flavia Namuwonge
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO, United States
| | - Fred M. Ssewamala
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO, United States
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Ssewamala FM, Sensoy Bahar O, Tozan Y, Nabunya P, Mayo-Wilson LJ, Kiyingi J, Kagaayi J, Bellamy S, McKay MM, Witte SS. A combination intervention addressing sexual risk-taking behaviors among vulnerable women in Uganda: study protocol for a cluster randomized clinical trial. BMC Womens Health 2019; 19:111. [PMID: 31419968 PMCID: PMC6697981 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-019-0807-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has the highest number of people living with HIV/AIDS, with Nigeria, South Africa, and Uganda accounting for 48% of new infections. A systematic review of the HIV burden among women engaged in sex work (WESW) in 50 low- and middle-income countries found that they had increased odds of HIV infection relative to the general female population. Social structural factors, such as the sex work environment, violence, stigma, cultural issues, and criminalization of sex work are critical in shaping sexually transmitted infection (STI)/HIV risks among WESW and their clients in Uganda. Poverty is the most commonly cited reason for involvement in sex work in SSA. Against this backdrop, this study protocol describes a randomized controlled trial (RCT) that tests the impact of adding economic empowerment to traditional HIV risk reduction (HIVRR) to reduce new incidence of STIs and HIV among WESW in Rakai and the greater Masaka regions in Uganda. METHODS This three-arm RCT will evaluate the efficacy of adding savings, financial literacy and vocational training/mentorship to traditional HIVRR on reducing new incidence of STI infections among 990 WESW across 33 hotspots. The three arms (n = 330 each) are: 1) Control group: only HIVRR versus 2) Treatment group 1: HIVRR plus Savings plus Financial Literacy (HIVRR + S + FL); and 3) Treatment group 2: HIVRR plus S plus FL plus Vocational Skills Training and Mentorship (V) (HIVRR + S + FL + V). Data will be collected at baseline (pre-test), 6, 12, 18 and 24-months post-intervention initiation. This study will use an embedded experimental mixed methods design where qualitative data will be collected post-intervention across all conditions to explore participant experiences. DISCUSSION When WESW have access to more capital and/or alternative forms of employment and start earning formal income outside of sex work, they may be better able to improve their skills and employability for professional advancement, thereby reducing their STI/HIV risk. The study findings may advance our understanding of how best to implement gender-specific HIV prevention globally, engaging women across the HIV treatment cascade. Further, results will provide evidence for the intervention's efficacy to reduce STIs and inform implementation sustainability, including costs and cost-effectiveness. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov , ID: NCT03583541 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred M Ssewamala
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, Campus Box 1196, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA.
| | - Ozge Sensoy Bahar
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, Campus Box 1196, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Yesim Tozan
- College of Global Public Health, New York University, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Proscovia Nabunya
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, Campus Box 1196, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | | | - Joshua Kiyingi
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Masaka, Uganda
| | | | | | - Mary M McKay
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, Campus Box 1196, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Susan S Witte
- Columbia University School of Social Work, New York City, NY, USA
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