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Edeh NC, Eseadi C. Mental health implications of suicide rates in South Africa. World J Clin Cases 2023; 11:8099-8105. [PMID: 38130796 PMCID: PMC10731174 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i34.8099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mental health challenges are a severe issue that could lead to suicide if not properly addressed. South Africa has a significant burden of mental health issues, which contributes to the soaring rate of suicide. Adequate mental health-care provision could reduce the high suicide rate in South Africa. Since the apartheid regime, the country has made a series of efforts to improve mental health. This study aimed to review and examine available literature on mental health and suicide issues in South Africa and demonstrate the policy implications. This study adopted a narrative review approach. Electronic databases (PubMed, Scilit, Google Scholar and Semantic Scholar) were used to identify published articles in the English language with crucial search terms that included mental health, South African mental health policy, South Africa, suicide and policy. Literature suggests that at the provincial level, there are no adequate mental health policies, and the implementation of the country's mental health policy is faced with many challenges, such as a shortage of professionals and finances. The review also showed that task sharing and counselling have been pilot-tested and shown to be effective methods for the prevention of mental illness and promotion of positive mental health. This study concludes that the mental health treatment gap still exists in South Africa, and this needs to be tackled using effective, multi-level counselling interventions and policy initiatives. Adequate mental health-care provision and effective implementation of mental health policy could reduce the high rate of suicide in South Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nkechinyere C Edeh
- Department of Social Science Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 41001, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Chiedu Eseadi
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2006, Gauteng, South Africa
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Cénat JM, Moshirian Farahi SMM, Rousseau C, Bukaka J, Darius WP, Derivois D, Dalexis RD, Luyeye N. Prevalence and Factors Related to Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and Depression Symptoms Among Children and Adolescents Survivors and Orphans of Ebola Virus Disease in Democratic Republic of the Congo Eastern Regions During the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Adolesc Health 2023; 73:1019-1029. [PMID: 37737753 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Although previous studies have shown a high prevalence of mental health problems among adult Ebola virus disease survivors, no studies have yet been conducted on mental health problems among children and adolescents in affected regions. Consequently, the current study aimed to examine the prevalence and factors associated with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among children and adolescent survivors and orphans by utilizing a cross-sectional survey following the 2018-2020 epidemic in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. METHODS A total of 146 survivors (mean age = 13.62, standard deviation [SD] = 2.50, 49.32% female), 233 orphans (mean age = 13.18, SD = 2.96, 53.32% female), and 34 orphan-survivor participants (mean age = 13.39, SD = 2.87, 44.12% female) were recruited. Participants completed measures assessing depression and PTSD symptoms, traumatic experiences, and stigma related to Ebola and COVID-19. RESULTS The prevalence of depression and PTSD symptoms was 87.32% and 44.42%, respectively. Results showed significant differences in depression and PTSD symptoms between orphan-survivors (100% and 97.06%), survivors (90.21% and 75.86%), and orphans (83.48% and 16.52%; χ2(2) = 9.02; p = .011 and χ2(2) = 168.85; p < .001). Experience of traumatic events, Ebola stigmatization, and COVID-19 stigmatization positively predicted depression and PTSD symptoms. The regression models explained 61%-72% of the variance of depression and PTSD. DISCUSSION The results reveal that the Ebola virus disease and its associated grief severely jeopardize the mental health of children and adolescents in affected regions. Despite the relative paucity of resources, intervention programs may be helpful to minimize associated stigma and promote psychological support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jude Mary Cénat
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Interdisciplinary Centre for Black Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; University of Ottawa Research Chair on Black Health, School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | | | - Cécile Rousseau
- Division of Social and Transcultural Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Jacqueline Bukaka
- Department of Psychology, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, DR of Congo
| | - Wina Paul Darius
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel Derivois
- Department of Psychology, Université Bourgogne Franche Comté, Bourgogne, France
| | - Rose Darly Dalexis
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Noble Luyeye
- Department of Psychology, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, DR of Congo
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Mukala Mayoyo E, Criel B, Sow A, Coppieters Y, Chenge F. Understanding the mix of services for mental health care in urban DR Congo: a qualitative descriptive study. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:1206. [PMID: 37925407 PMCID: PMC10625694 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-10219-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental health workers (MHWs) are exposed to conflicts of competence daily when performing tasks related to the provision of mental health services. This may be linked to a lack of understanding of their tasks as caregivers and providers. Furthermore, in most low-income settings, it is unclear how the available services are organized and coordinated to provide mental health care. To understand the above, this study aimed to identify the current mix of services for mental health care in the urban Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). METHODS A qualitative descriptive study was carried out in Lubumbashi from February to April 2021. We conducted 7 focus group discussions (FGDs) with 74 key informants (family members, primary care physicians, etc.) and 13 in-depth interviews (IDIs) with key informants (traditional healers, psychiatrists, etc.). We performed a qualitative content analysis, guided by an analytical framework, that led to the development of a comprehensive inventory of MHWs from the household level to specialized facilities, exploring their tasks in care delivery, identifying existing services, and defining their current organization. RESULTS Analysis of transcripts from the FGDs and IDIs showed that traditional healers and family caregivers are the leading providers in Lubumbashi. The exploration of the tasks performed by MHWs revealed that lifestyle, traditional therapies, psychotherapy, and medication are the main types of care offered/advised to patients. Active informal caregivers do not currently provide care corresponding to their competencies. The rare mental health specialists available do not presently recognize the tasks of primary care providers and informal caregivers in care delivery, and their contribution is considered marginal. We identified five types of services: informal services, traditional therapy services, social services, primary care services, and psychiatric services. Analyses pointed out an inversion of the ideal mix of these services. CONCLUSIONS Our findings show a suboptimal mix of services for mental health and point to a clear lack of collaboration between MHWs. There is an urgent need to clearly define the tasks of MHWs, build the capacity of nonspecialists, shift mental health-related tasks to them, and raise awareness about collaborative care approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erick Mukala Mayoyo
- School of Public Health, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, DR, Congo.
- School of Public Health, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.
- Department of Community Health, Institut Supérieur des Techniques Médicales de Kananga, Kananga, DR, Congo.
- National Mental Health Program, Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene and Prevention, Kinshasa, DR, Congo.
- Centre de Connaissances en Santé en RD Congo, Kinshasa, DR, Congo.
| | - Bart Criel
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Abdoulaye Sow
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Techniques, Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry, Conakry, Guinea
| | - Yves Coppieters
- School of Public Health, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Faustin Chenge
- School of Public Health, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, DR, Congo
- Centre de Connaissances en Santé en RD Congo, Kinshasa, DR, Congo
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Kigozi-Male NG, Heunis JC, Engelbrecht MC. Primary health care nurses' mental health knowledge and attitudes towards patients and mental health care in a South African metropolitan municipality. BMC Nurs 2023; 22:25. [PMID: 36707801 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-023-01188-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In South Africa, there are on-going calls to integrate mental health services into existing primary health care (PHC) programmes such as Tuberculosis (TB). Successful service integration and quality service delivery partially depend on healthcare providers' mental health-related knowledge and attitudes. The aim of this study was to assess PHC nurses' mental health knowledge and attitudes towards mental health patients and mental health care. METHODS This was a cross-sectional survey involving the distribution of self-administered questionnaires among PHC nurses across 47 clinics. Data on socio-demographics, stigma-related mental health knowledge, and nurses' attitudes towards people with mental health problems and mental health care were subjected to descriptive and multiple regression analyses. RESULTS Out of 205 respondents, the majority were female (n = 178, 86.8%). The nurses' median age was 50 (interquartile range: 39-56). Their mean mental health knowledge score was 23.0 (standard deviation [sd]: 3.07) out of 30. Nurses were less knowledgeable about the employment (n = 95, 46.3%), recovery (n = 112, 54.6%), and help-seeking behaviour (n = 119, 58.0%) of people with mental health problems. Professional nurses had a significantly higher mean mental health knowledge score than enrolled/assistant nurses (22.8 vs. 21.1, t203 = 4.775, p < 0.001). Regarding attitudes, the nurses' mean attitude score was 40.68 (sd: 9.70) out of 96. Two in every five nurses (n = 91, 44.4%) scored above the mean attitude score, implying that they were inclined to have negative (stigmatising) attitudes towards people with mental problems and mental health care. Age (p = 0.048), job category (p < 0.001), and prior in-service mental health training (p = 0.029) made a unique contribution to predicting nurses' attitudes. CONCLUSION Gaps were established in PHC nurses' stigma-related mental health knowledge. A significant proportion of nurses had a propensity for negative (stigmatising) attitudes towards mental health patients and mental health care. Efforts towards integration of mental health into TB services in this metropolitan and similar settings should address mental health knowledge deficits and factors influencing nurses' negative attitudes. In-service training on mental health should be optimised, with attention to older nurses and enrolled/nursing assistants.
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Siyothula ETB. Experiences and views of clinical psychologists working in non-urban areas of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. South African Journal of Psychology 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/00812463221106828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The process of integrating mental health care into primary health care remains slow in many non-urban areas of low to middle-income countries. The present study explored clinical psychologists’ experiences of working in non-urban areas of KwaZulu-Natal to assess the progress of integrating mental health into primary health care. Twenty-nine clinical psychologists participated in this study and provided input on the following areas: clinical psychologists’ preparedness, through training, to work in resource-constrained non-urban areas; availability of mental health resources; and understanding of the clinical psychologists’ role in their work context. Over half (51.7%) of the participants reported that their training did not prepare them to work in resource-constrained non-urban areas and more than two-thirds (72.4%) reported a lack of basic resources needed for optimal mental health care in non-urban areas of KwaZulu-Natal. The findings reflect the need for comprehensive training of clinical psychologists to enhance their competency and confidence to work in resource-constrained settings. Furthermore, investment in the promotion of clinical psychology services and more conducive mental health service environments is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evy-Terressah Busisiwe Siyothula
- Evy-Terressah Busisiwe Siyothula now affiliated to Department of Behavioural Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal
- Fort Napier Hospital, South Africa
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Booysen D, Mahe-Poyo P, Grant R. The experiences and perceptions of mental health service provision at a primary health centre in the Eastern Cape. S Afr J Psychiatr 2021; 27:1641. [PMID: 34522437 PMCID: PMC8424744 DOI: 10.4102/sajpsychiatry.v27i0.1641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Since 1994, the South African healthcare system has undergone several changes to meet the needs of contemporary South Africa. Yet the state of mental healthcare, especially in low-resource areas, remains in a precarious state. Aim This study aimed to explore how persons diagnosed with a mental disorder experience and perceive mental health services in a low-resource community in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Setting The study was conducted at a primary care clinic in a low resource community setting in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Method Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight participants diagnosed with mental illness who had been accessing treatment for at least the past 6 months from a primary health clinic. Thematic analysis was used to analyse and identify pertinent themes. Results The following themes emerged from the data: (1) perceptions of mental disorders – role of culture, (2) experiences of having mental disorders – loss of employment, (3) problem of stigma – social rejection and labelling, (4) experience of distress – sadness and frustration and (5) challenges in accessing treatment – transport fee and shortage of staff. Conclusion This study yielded several lived experiences and perceptions in relation to participants’ feelings, opinions and interpretations of persons living with mental disorders and accessing mental health treatment in their local context. Future interventions should consider provision of more extensive professional help in the form of counsellors and social workers at the clinics, more efficient service delivery and future interventions regarding stigma should incorporate community members into the learning process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duane Booysen
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa
| | - Phumeza Mahe-Poyo
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa
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Landudjama L, Rachmawati SD, Zuhriyah L. The struggle of nurses in initial trauma emergency care in challenging geographic areas of Indonesia: A phenomenology. Australas Emerg Care 2021:S2588-994X(21)00021-X. [PMID: 33863673 DOI: 10.1016/j.auec.2021.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND East Sumba Regency is dominated by hills, mountains, and damaged road conditions, which increases the prevalence of accidents that result in trauma. The initial management of trauma patients by puskesmas nurses has several obstacles that cause delays in the treatment process; consequently, the safety of patients becomes a serious problem. This study is aimed to explore nurses' experience in managing early trauma emergencies. METHODS A qualitative research design was adopted with an interpretive phenomenological approach. In addition, a semi-structured, in-depth interview was used to collect data from 7 nurses who were randomly selected by purposive sampling and further analyzed using IPA. RESULTS The results show that the struggle is caused by limited equipment and difficult terrain. In addition, the difficulty of circumstances forces innovation and modification of services and tools. Furthermore, the obstacles in service are also caused by the lack of infrastructure, inadequate number of health workers, and difficult geographical factors. CONCLUSIONS A challenging geographic area brings in struggles, but provides a learning experience by being creative, initiative, and independent in handling emergency cases. However, nurses are only one of the components in the health care system. Other components are still needed for better health services.
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Onuh JC, Mbah PO, Ajaero CK, Orjiakor CT, Igboeli EE, Ayogu CK. Rural-urban appraisal of the prevalence and factors of depression status in South Africa. Journal of Affective Disorders Reports 2021; 4:100082. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jadr.2021.100082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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Jansen R, Reid M. Communication Technology Use by Caregivers of Adolescents With Mental Health Issues: Systematic Review. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2020; 8:e13179. [PMID: 32663143 PMCID: PMC7468639 DOI: 10.2196/13179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Caregivers of adolescents with mental health issues experience challenges that may result in the caregivers having a variety of unmet needs. There is a growing need to support these caregivers. Effective support to strengthen positive caregiving behavior in caregivers may address their challenges. Communication technologies offer novel opportunities to assist these caregivers and may contribute to strengthening caregiver behavior. However, little is known about the use of communication technologies among caregivers of adolescents with mental health issues. Objective The study aimed to answer the question: “What is the best evidence available to strengthen positive behavior of caregivers of adolescents with mental health issues using communication technology.” Methods A systematic review of articles published between January 2007 and August 2018 was conducted. Searches included articles of multiple study designs from EBSCO Host and Scopus platforms with prespecified eligibility criteria. Methodological quality was evaluated using the applicable Critical Appraisal Skills Programme and Joanna Briggs Institute assessment tools. Results The search yielded 1746 articles. Altogether, 5 articles met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review for data synthesis. Data analysis and synthesis identified three thematic conclusions reflecting the types of communication technologies used, caregivers as the target population, and strengthening of positive behavior through determinants of the Integrated Model of Behavior Prediction. Conclusions The review reported the usefulness of communication technology by caregivers. Caregivers also demonstrated improvement in self-efficacy, knowledge, parent-child communication, and parental skills reflecting positive behavior. Although the use of communication technology is expanding as a supportive intervention to address caregivers’ needs, the evidence for usefulness among caregivers of adolescents with mental health issues is still scarce. More research and information related to preferred methods of communication delivery among caregivers of adolescents is still needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronelle Jansen
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Science, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Marianne Reid
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Science, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
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Duby Z, Fong-Jaen F, Nkosi B, Brown B, Scheibe A. 'We must treat them like all the other people': Evaluating the Integrated Key Populations Sensitivity Training Programme for Healthcare Workers in South Africa. South Afr J HIV Med 2019; 20:909. [PMID: 31205777 PMCID: PMC6556945 DOI: 10.4102/sajhivmed.v20i1.909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sensitisation training can reduce judgemental and discriminatory attitudes amongst healthcare workers. The ‘Integrated Key Populations Sensitivity Training Programme for Healthcare Workers in South Africa’ aimed to improve access to appropriate and non-judgemental health services for ‘key populations’, specifically men who have sex with men, sex workers and people who use drugs, through the sensitisation of healthcare workers. Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the integrated key population sensitisation training intervention for healthcare workers, conducted between 2013 and 2014 in South Africa. Methods This study used a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. Qualitative methods compared attitudes between healthcare workers who received the training intervention and those who did not. Quantitative methods were used to compare similar changes in awareness amongst healthcare workers before and after receiving the training. We explored shifts in attitudes towards key populations, changes in awareness of health issues related to stigma, discrimination, and changes in capacity to manage sexual health and HIV risk behaviours, including substance use and anal sex. Results The findings indicate that the training intervention resulted in a shift in attitudes, increased empathy for key populations, a reduction in negative and discriminatory moral-based judgements towards key populations and their behaviours, and increased self-perceived capacity to provide appropriate health services to key populations. Over 70% of healthcare workers trained in this programme strongly agreed that this intervention helped to increase awareness of psychosocial vulnerabilities of key populations, and address stigmatising attitudes. Conclusion The findings suggest that sensitisation training increases healthcare workers’ knowledge and awareness about specific HIV-related health needs and psychosocial vulnerabilities of key populations, reduces moralising and judgemental attitudes, and results in healthcare workers feeling more skilled to provide appropriate and sensitive services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe Duby
- Division of Social and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Francisco Fong-Jaen
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Busisiwe Nkosi
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Benjamin Brown
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Andrew Scheibe
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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