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Lushchak O, Velykodna M, Bolman S, Strilbytska O, Berezovskyi V, Storey KB. Prevalence of stress, anxiety, and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder among Ukrainians after the first year of Russian invasion: a nationwide cross-sectional study. Lancet Reg Health Eur 2024; 36:100773. [PMID: 38019977 PMCID: PMC10665943 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2023.100773] [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] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Background In February 2022 the Russian federation started a new invasion of Ukraine as an escalation of the ongoing war since 2014. After nine years of war and the COVID-19 pandemic, the mental health state of Ukrainians requires systematic monitoring and relevant action. The aim of present study was to investigate the state of mental health among Ukrainians assessing the levels of stress, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) prevalence in not displaced persons (NDPs), internally displaced persons (IDPs), and refugees abroad. Methods This study was designed as an online survey arranged in the 9-12 months after the start of the new invasion of Ukraine and includes sociodemographic data collection, evaluation of stress intensity by Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), anxiety with General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder with PTSD Check List (PCL-5). Findings The sample size of 3173 Ukrainians consisted of 1954 (61.6%) respondents that were not displaced persons (NDPs), 505 (15.9%) internally displaced persons within Ukraine (IDPs), and 714 (22.5%) refugees that left Ukraine. Moderate and high stress was prevalent among 68.2% (1333/1954) and 15.5% (302/1954) of NDPs, 64.4% (325/505) and 21.6% (109/505) of IDPs, and 64.7% (462/714) and 25.2% (180/714) of refugees, respectively. Moderate and severe anxiety was prevalent among 25.6% (500/1954) and 19.0% (371/1954) of NDPs, 25.7% (130/505) and 23.4% (118/505) of IDPs, and 26.2% (187/714) and 25.8% (184/714) of refugees. High levels of PTSD (33 and higher) were prevalent among 32.9% (642/1954) of NDPs, 39.4% (199/1954) of IDPs, and 47.2% (337/714) of refugees. DSM-V criteria for PTSD diagnosis was met by 50.8% (992/1954) of NDPs, 55.4% (280/505) of IDPs, and 62.2% (444/714) of refugees. Only 7.2% of the respondents reported no or mild stress, anxiety, and PTSD levels within the sample. Interpretation The lowest stress, anxiety, and PTSD severity was observed among NDPs, with significantly higher levels among IDPs and the highest among refugees. Being forcibly displaced from the previous living area and, especially, entering a new cultural environment significantly contributes to the mental health issues caused by war exposure and witnessing. Funding Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleh Lushchak
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Precarpathian National University, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
- Research and Development University, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
| | - Mariana Velykodna
- Kryvyi Rih State Pedagogical University, Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine
- National Psychological Association, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Svitlana Bolman
- Research and Development University, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
- National Psychological Association, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Olha Strilbytska
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Precarpathian National University, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
| | - Vladyslav Berezovskyi
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Precarpathian National University, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
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Nguyen AJ, Russell T, Skavenski S, Bogdanov S, Lomakina K, Ivaniuk I, Aldridge LR, Bolton P, Murray L, Bass J. Development and Piloting of a Mental Health Prevention and Referral Program for Veterans and Their Families in Ukraine. Glob Health Sci Pract 2023; 11:e2200488. [PMID: 37348936 DOI: 10.9745/ghsp-d-22-00488] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While growing evidence exists for the effectiveness of mental health interventions in global mental health, the evidence base for psychosocial supports is lacking despite the need for a broader range of supports that span the prevention-treatment continuum and can be integrated into other service systems. Following rigorous evaluation of the Common Elements Treatment Approach (CETA) in Ukraine, this article describes the development and feasibility testing of CETA Psychosocial Support (CPSS), a brief psychosocial prevention and referral program for Ukrainian veterans and their families. CPSS DEVELOPMENT CPSS development used evidence-based CETA intervention components and was informed by a stakeholder needs analysis incorporating feedback from veterans and their families, literature review, and expert consultations. The program includes psychoeducation, cognitive coping skill development, and a self-assessment tool that identifies participants for potential referral. After initial development of the program, the intervention underwent: (1) initial implementation by skilled providers focused on iterative refinement; (2) additional field-testing of the refined intervention by newly trained providers in real-world conditions; and (3) a formal pilot evaluation with collection of pre-post mental health assessments and implementation ratings using locally validated instruments. RESULTS Fifteen CPSS providers delivered 14 group sessions to 109 participants (55 veterans, 39 family members, and 15 providers from veterans' service organizations). After incorporating changes related to content, process, and group dynamics, data from the pilot evaluation suggest the refined CPSS program is an acceptable and potentially effective brief psychosocial prevention and promotion program that can be implemented by trained veteran providers. Forty percent of participants required safety or referral follow-ups. CONCLUSION The iterative, inclusive development process resulted in an appropriate program with content and implementation strategies tailored to Ukrainian veterans and their families. Brief psychosocial programs can fit within a larger multitiered mental health and psychosocial continuum of care that supports further referral.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda J Nguyen
- School of Education and Human Development, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
| | | | | | | | - Kira Lomakina
- National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Iryna Ivaniuk
- National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Luke R Aldridge
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Paul Bolton
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Laura Murray
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Judy Bass
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Pavlenko V, Kurapov A, Drozdov A, Korchakova N, Reznik A, Isralowitz R. Mental Health and Substance Use Among Ukrainian "Help Profession" Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Int J Ment Health Addict 2022; 21:1-4. [PMID: 35531309 PMCID: PMC9063613 DOI: 10.1007/s11469-022-00831-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Valentyna Pavlenko
- Department of Applied Psychology, V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | - Anton Kurapov
- Department of Experimental and Applied Psychology, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Alexander Drozdov
- Department of General, Developmental and Social Psychology, T.H.Shevchenko National University “Chernihiv Colehium”, Chernihiv, Ukraine
| | - Nataliia Korchakova
- Department of Developmental & Pedagogical Psychology, Rivne State University of Humanities, Rivne, Ukraine
| | - Alexander Reznik
- Regional Alcohol and Drug Abuse Research (RADAR) Center, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, 84105 Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Richard Isralowitz
- Regional Alcohol and Drug Abuse Research (RADAR) Center, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, 84105 Beer Sheva, Israel
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Haroz EE, Ivanich JD, Barlow A, O’Keefe VM, Walls M, Kaytoggy C, Suttle R, Goklish N, Cwik M. Balancing cultural specificity and generalizability: Brief qualitative methods for selecting, adapting, and developing measures for research with American Indian communities. Psychol Assess 2022; 34:311-319. [PMID: 34941353 PMCID: PMC9124435 DOI: 10.1037/pas0001092] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Culturally appropriate, valid and reliable measures are critical to assessing how interventions impact health. There is a tension between measures for specific cultural settings versus more general measures that permit comparisons across samples. We illustrate a feasible approach to measurement selection, adaptation and testing for a study of brief interventions to prevent suicide among American Indian youth ages 10-24. We used a modified Nominal Group Technique (NGT) with N = 7 Apache Community Mental Health Specialists (CMHS') to elicit priority impacts of interventions under study. We then tested the reliability and validity in N = 93 youth at baseline. The NGT results included selection of alternative measures, item removal and addition, and creation of a local well-being index. Measurement testing indicated excellent to good internal consistency (α: 0.82-0.96) and strong construct validity. Study results demonstrate a feasible approach to balancing cultural specificity and generalizability while producing valid and reliable measures to use in an intervention trial. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily E. Haroz
- Center for American Indian Health, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
| | - Jerreed D. Ivanich
- Centers for American Indian and Alaska Native Health, Colorado School of Public Health
| | - Allison Barlow
- Center for American Indian Health, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
| | - Victoria M. O’Keefe
- Center for American Indian Health, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
| | - Melissa Walls
- Center for American Indian Health, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
| | - Cindy Kaytoggy
- Center for American Indian Health, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
| | - Rose Suttle
- Center for American Indian Health, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
| | - Novalene Goklish
- Center for American Indian Health, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
| | - Mary Cwik
- Center for American Indian Health, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
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Abstract
Background There are ongoing methodological advances in measuring mental health in humanitarian crises. This Special Section describes numerous innovations. Here we take a practitioner's view in understanding the key issues related to assessment of mental health in humanitarian contexts and how the innovations contribute to the field. Main body In this guide for practitioners, we address the following issues: (1) clarifying the intended purpose of conducting mental health assessment in humanitarian crises: why is this information collected and for what intended purposes?; (2) determining what type of tool should be selected and the types of psychometric properties that are important for tools serving this particular purpose; (3) when a validated tool is not available, considering how qualitative and quantitative methods should be used to generate information on validity; and finally, (4) how to report on validity and its implications for interpreting information for humanitarian practitioners, governments, care providers, and other stakeholders supporting people affected by humanitarian emergencies. Conclusion Ultimately, mental health assessment tools are not independent of the group with which they were designed, nor are the psychometric properties of the tools or their utility universal across purposes. Therefore, organizations and stakeholders will optimize their positive impact when choosing tools wisely, appropriately adapting and validating tools, and providing guidance on how to interpret those findings to best serve populations in need.
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Lovero KL, Basaraba C, Khan S, Suleman A, Mabunda D, Feliciano P, dos Santos P, Fumo W, Mandlate F, Greene MC, Salem AF, Mootz JJ, Mocumbi AO, Duarte CS, Gouveia L, Oquendo MA, Wall MM, Wainberg ML. Brief Screening Tool for Stepped-Care Management of Mental and Substance Use Disorders. Psychiatr Serv 2021; 72:891-897. [PMID: 33993717 PMCID: PMC8328865 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.202000504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [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] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Stepped mental health care requires a rapid method for nonspecialists to detect illness. This study aimed to develop and validate a brief instrument, the Mental Wellness Tool (mwTool), for identification and classification. METHODS Cross-sectional development and validation samples included adults at six health facilities in Mozambique. Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview diagnoses were the criterion standard. Candidate items were from nine mental disorder and functioning assessments. Regression modeling and expert consultation determined best items for identifying any mental disorder and classifying positives into disorder categories (severe mental disorder, common mental disorder, substance use disorder, and suicide risk). For validation, sensitivity and specificity were calculated for any mental disorder (index and proxy respondents) and disorder categories (index). RESULTS From the development sample (911 participants, mean±SD age=32.0±11 years, 63% female), 13 items were selected-three with 0.83 sensitivity (95% confidence interval [CI]=0.79-0.86) for any mental disorder and 10 additional items classifying participants with a specificity that ranged from 0.72 (severe mental disorder) to 0.90 (suicide risk). For validation (453 participants, age 31±11 years, 65% female), sensitivity for any mental disorder was 0.94 (95% CI=0.89-0.97) with index responses and 0.73 (95% CI=0.58-0.85) with family proxy responses. Specificity for categories ranged from 0.47 (severe mental disorder) to 0.93 (suicide risk). Removing one item increased severe mental disorder specificity to 0.63 (95% CI=0.58-0.68). CONCLUSIONS The mwTool performed well for identification of any mental disorder with index and proxy responses to three items and for classification into treatment categories with index responses to nine additional items.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn L. Lovero
- Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York
| | - Cale Basaraba
- Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York
- Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York
| | - Saida Khan
- Health Directorate of Maputo City, Ministry of Health, Maputo, Mozambique
- Universidade Eduardo Mondlane School of Medicine, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Antonio Suleman
- Health Directorate of Nampula Province, Ministry of Health, Nampula, Mozambique
- Nampula Psychiatric Hospital, Nampula, Mozambique
| | - Dirceu Mabunda
- Health Directorate of Maputo City, Ministry of Health, Maputo, Mozambique
- Universidade Eduardo Mondlane School of Medicine, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Paulino Feliciano
- Health Directorate of Nampula Province, Ministry of Health, Nampula, Mozambique
- Nampula Psychiatric Hospital, Nampula, Mozambique
| | - Palmira dos Santos
- Universidade Eduardo Mondlane School of Medicine, Maputo, Mozambique
- Department of Mental Health, Ministry of Health, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Wilza Fumo
- Universidade Eduardo Mondlane School of Medicine, Maputo, Mozambique
- Department of Mental Health, Ministry of Health, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Flavio Mandlate
- Universidade Eduardo Mondlane School of Medicine, Maputo, Mozambique
- Department of Mental Health, Ministry of Health, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - M. Claire Greene
- Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York
| | - Andre Fiks Salem
- Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York
| | | | - Ana Olga Mocumbi
- Universidade Eduardo Mondlane School of Medicine, Maputo, Mozambique
- National Institute of Health, Marracuene, Mozambique
| | - Cristiane S. Duarte
- Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York
| | - Lidia Gouveia
- Universidade Eduardo Mondlane School of Medicine, Maputo, Mozambique
- Department of Mental Health, Ministry of Health, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Maria A. Oquendo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Melanie M. Wall
- Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York
- Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York
| | - Milton L. Wainberg
- Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York
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Singh NS, Bogdanov S, Doty B, Haroz E, Girnyk A, Chernobrovkina V, Murray LK, Bass JK, Bolton PA. Experiences of mental health and functioning among conflict-affected populations: A qualitative study with military veterans and displaced persons in Ukraine. Am J Orthopsychiatry 2021; 91:499-513. [PMID: 33900102 PMCID: PMC10015420 DOI: 10.1037/ort0000537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Objective: This article reports findings from a qualitative study that sought to identify and describe psychosocial and mental health consequences of conflict among internally displaced persons (IDPs) and military veterans in Ukraine. The study was the first phase of a clinical intervention trial and was designed to understand local experiences of mental health problems and function, inform the selection and adaptation of local measures, and guide the modification, and implementation of a psychotherapy intervention that could support conflict-affected persons. Method: Free-list interviews (FLs), key informant interviews (KIIs), and focus group discussions (FDGs) were conducted with IDPs, military veterans, and providers working with these two groups. A total of 227 respondents were interviewed from two study regions in eastern Ukraine-Zaporizhia and Kharkiv-including 136 IDPs and 91 military veterans. Results: Both IDPs and veterans were described as experiencing high levels of psychological stress symptoms, including depression, isolation, anxiety, and intrusive memories. Although IDPs and veterans were exposed to different traumas, they both identified struggles with social adaptation, including feeling isolated and misunderstood by their communities. Both groups also described relational conflict within and outside the family. Social support mechanisms were considered essential for recovery, and positive social interaction was described as a key example of healthy functioning. Conclusion: Findings suggest a need for community-based programming that facilitates social adaptation, supports social network building, and helps engage conflict-affected people into mental health services. Programs that promote greater awareness, interaction, and understanding among the general public, military veterans, and IDPs are also warranted. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Namrita S Singh
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health
| | - Sergiy Bogdanov
- Center for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy
| | - Benjamin Doty
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
| | - Emily Haroz
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
| | - Andriy Girnyk
- Department of Psychology and Pedagogy, National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy
| | - Vira Chernobrovkina
- Department of Psychology and Pedagogy, National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy
| | - Laura K Murray
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
| | - Judith K Bass
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
| | - Paul A Bolton
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health
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Bogdanov S, Augustinavicius J, Bass JK, Metz K, Skavenski S, Singh NS, Moore Q, Haroz EE, Kane J, Doty B, Murray L, Bolton P. A randomized-controlled trial of community-based transdiagnostic psychotherapy for veterans and internally displaced persons in Ukraine. Glob Ment Health (Camb) 2021; 8:e32. [PMID: 34513001 DOI: 10.1017/gmh.2021.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is limited research on community-based mental health interventions in former Soviet countries despite different contextual factors from where most research has been conducted. Ongoing military conflict has resulted in many displaced persons and veterans and their families with high burdens of mental health problems. Lack of community-based services and poor uptake of existing psychiatric services led to the current trial to determine the effectiveness of the common elements treatment approach (CETA) on anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTS) among conflict affected adults in Ukraine. METHODS We conducted a three-armed randomized-controlled trial of CETA delivered in its standard form (8-12 sessions), a brief form (five-sessions), and a wait-control condition. Eligible participants were displaced adults, army veterans and their adult family members with elevated depression and/or PTS and impaired functioning. Treatment was delivered by community-based providers trained in both standard and brief CETA. Outcome data were collected monthly. RESULTS There were 302 trial participants (n = 117 brief CETA, n = 129 standard CETA, n = 56 wait-controls). Compared with wait-controls, participants in standard and brief CETA experienced clinically and statistically significant reductions in depression, anxiety, and PTS and dysfunction (effect sizes d = 0.46-1.0-6). Comparing those who received standard CETA with brief CETA, the former reported fewer symptoms and less dysfunction with small-to-medium effect sized (d = 0.20-0.55). CONCLUSIONS Standard CETA is more effective than brief CETA, but brief CETA also had significant effects compared with wait-controls. Given demonstrated effectiveness, CETA could be scaled up as an effective community-based approach.
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Schiff M, Zasiekina L, Pat-Horenczyk R, Benbenishty R. COVID-Related Functional Difficulties and Concerns Among University Students During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Binational Perspective. J Community Health 2021; 46:667-75. [PMID: 33029678 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-020-00930-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has created a sense of threat, and stress that has surged globally at an alarming pace. University students were confronted with new challenges. This study examined university students’ functional difficulties and concerns during COVID-19 pandemic in two countries: Israel and Ukraine. Additionally, it examined the similarities and differences in prediction of COVID-related concerns in both countries. Two large samples of university students were drawn from both countries. Results showed that students’ main functional difficulties in both countries were: worries about their family health status and their learning assignments. In both countries, COVID-related functional difficulties and stress associated with exposure to the media added a significant amount of the explained variance of COVID-related concerns after controlling for background variables. In conclusion—while the level of exposure and difficulties may differ by country and context, their associations with students’ concerns seem robust. Additionally, repeated exposure to media coverage about a community threat can lead to increased anxiety.
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Rasmussen A, Jayawickreme N. Introduction to the special collection: developing valid psychological measures for populations impacted by humanitarian disasters. Confl Health 2020; 14:10. [PMID: 32110244 PMCID: PMC7033927 DOI: 10.1186/s13031-020-00260-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Rasmussen
- Psychology, Fordham University, 441 E Fordham Rd, Dealy Hall 236, Bronx, NY USA
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Haroz EE, Kane JC, Nguyen AJ, Bass JK, Murray LK, Bolton P. When less is more: reducing redundancy in mental health and psychosocial instruments using Item Response Theory. Glob Ment Health (Camb) 2020; 7:e3. [PMID: 32076573 DOI: 10.1017/gmh.2019.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a need for accurate and efficient assessment tools that cover a range of mental health and psychosocial problems. Existing, lengthy self-report assessments may reduce accuracy due to respondent fatigue. Using data from a sample of adults enrolled in a psychotherapy randomized trial in Thailand and a cross-sectional sample of adolescents in Zambia, we leveraged Item Response Theory (IRT) methods to create brief, psychometrically sound, mental health measures. METHODS We used graded-response models to refine scales by identifying and removing poor performing items that were not well correlated with the underlying trait, and by identifying well-performing items at varying levels of a latent trait to assist in screening or monitoring purposes. RESULTS In Thailand, the original 17-item depression scale was shortened to seven items and the 30-item Posttraumatic Stress Scale (PTS) was shortened to 10. In Zambia, the Child Posttraumatic Stress Scale (CPSS) was shortened from 17 items to six. Shortened scales in both settings retained the strength of their psychometric properties. When examining longitudinal intervention effects in Thailand, effect sizes were comparable in magnitude for the shortened and standard versions. CONCLUSIONS Using Item Response Theory (IRT) we created shortened valid measures that can be used to help guide clinical decisions and function as longitudinal research tools. The results of this analysis demonstrate the reliability and validity of shortened scales in each of the two settings and an approach that can be generalized more broadly to help improve screening, monitoring, and evaluation of mental health and psychosocial programs globally.
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Kane JC, Vinikoor MJ, Haroz EE, Al-Yasiri M, Bogdanov S, Mayeya J, Simenda F, Murray LK. Mental health comorbidity in low-income and middle-income countries: a call for improved measurement and treatment. Lancet Psychiatry 2018; 5:864-866. [PMID: 30174288 PMCID: PMC6644038 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(18)30301-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Revised: 07/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy C Kane
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Michael J Vinikoor
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Emily E Haroz
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | | | - Sergiy Bogdanov
- Centre for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | | | | | - Laura K Murray
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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Murray LK, Haroz EE, Doty SB, Singh NS, Bogdanov S, Bass J, Dorsey S, Bolton P. Testing the effectiveness and implementation of a brief version of the Common Elements Treatment Approach (CETA) in Ukraine: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials 2018; 19:418. [PMID: 30075806 PMCID: PMC6090833 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-018-2752-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental illness is a major public health concern. Despite progress understanding which treatments work, a significant treatment gap remains. An ongoing concern is treatment length. Modular, flexible, transdiagnostic approaches have been offered as one solution to scalability challenges. The Common Elements Treatment Approach (CETA) is one such approach and offers the ability to treat a wide range of common mental health problems. CETA is supported by two randomized trials from low- and middle-income countries showing strong effectiveness and implementation outcomes. METHODS/DESIGN This trial evaluates the effectiveness and implementation of two versions of CETA using a non-inferiority design to test two primary hypotheses: (1) a brief five-session version of CETA (Brief CETA) will provide similar effectiveness for reducing the severity of common mental health problems such as depression, post-traumatic stress, impaired functioning, anxiety, and substance use problems compared with the standard 8-12-session version of CETA (Standard CETA); and (2) both Brief and Standard CETA will have superior impact on the outcomes compared to a wait-list control condition. For both hypotheses, the main effect will be assessed using longitudinal data and mixed-effects regression models over a 6-month period post baseline. A secondary aim includes exploration of implementation factors. Additional planned analyses will include exploration of: moderators of treatment impact by disorder severity and comorbidity; the impact of individual therapeutic components; and trends in symptom change between end of treatment and 6-month assessment for all participants. DISCUSSION This trial is the first rigorous study comparing a standard-length (8-12 sessions) modular, flexible, transdiagnostic, cognitive-behavioral approach to a shortened version of the approach (five sessions). Brief CETA entails "front-loading" with elements that research suggests are strong mechanisms of change. The study design will allow us to draw conclusions about the effects of both Brief and Standard CETA as well as which elements are integral to their mechanisms of action, informing future implementation and fidelity efforts. The results from this trial will inform future dissemination, implementation and scale-up of CETA in Ukraine and contribute to our understanding of the effects of modular, flexible, transdiagnostic approaches in similar contexts. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT03058302 (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Registered on 20 February 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura K. Murray
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Emily E. Haroz
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - S. Benjamin Doty
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Namrita S. Singh
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Sergey Bogdanov
- Centre for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, National University Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, Glasunova str 2/4, Kyiv, 01042 Ukraine
| | - Judith Bass
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Shannon Dorsey
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Guthrie Hall (GTH), 119A 98195-1525, Seattle, WA 98105 USA
| | - Paul Bolton
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
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