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Dao TT, Gaynes BN, Pence BW, Mphonda SM, Kulisewa K, Udedi M, Stockton MA, Kramer J, Faidas M, Mortensen H, Bhushan NL. Friendship Bench Intervention to Address Depression and Improve HIV Care Engagement Among Adolescents Living with HIV in Malawi: Study Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. medRxiv 2024:2024.04.11.24305686. [PMID: 38645199 PMCID: PMC11030483 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.11.24305686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Background Adolescents in Sub-Saharan Africa are disproportionately affected by the HIV epidemic. Comorbid depression is prevalent among adolescents living with HIV (ALWH) and poses numerous challenges to HIV care engagement and retainment. We present a pilot trial designed to investigate feasibility, fidelity, and acceptability of an a dapted and an e nhanced F riendship B ench intervention (henceforth: AFB and EFB) in reducing depression and improving engagement in HIV care among ALWH in Malawi. Methods Design: Participants will be randomized to one of three conditions: the Friendship Bench intervention adapted for ALWH (AFB, n=35), the Friendship Bench intervention enhanced with peer support (EFB, n=35), or standard of care (SOC, n=35). Recruitment is planned for early 2024 in four clinics in Malawi.Participants: Eligibility criteria (1) aged 13-19; (2) diagnosed with HIV (vertically or horizontally); (3) scored ≥ 13 on the self-reported Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI-II); (4) living in the clinic's catchment area with intention to remain for at least 1 year; and (5) willing to provide informed consent.Interventions: AFB includes 6 counseling sessions facilitated by young, trained non-professional counselors. EFB consists of AFB plus integration of peer support group sessions to facilitate engagement in HIV care. SOC for mental health in public facilities in Malawi includes options for basic supportive counseling, medication, referral to mental health clinics or psychiatric units at tertiary care hospitals for more severe cases.Outcomes: The primary outcomes are feasibility, acceptability, and fidelity of the AFB and EFB assessed at 6 months and 12 months and compared across 3 arms. The secondary outcome is to assess preliminary effectiveness of the interventions in reducing depressive symptoms and improving HIV viral suppression at 6 months and 12 months. Discussion This pilot study will provide insights into youth-friendly adaptations of the Friendship Bench model for ALWH in Malawi and the value of adding group peer support for HIV care engagement. The information gathered in this study will lead to a R01 application to test our adapted intervention in a large-scale cluster randomized controlled trial to improve depression and engagement in HIV care among ALWH. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT06173544.
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Pence BW, Gaynes BN, Udedi M, Kulisewa K, Zimba CC, Akiba CF, Dussault JM, Akello H, Malava JK, Crampin A, Zhang Y, Preisser JS, DeLong SM, Hosseinipour MC. Two implementation strategies to support the integration of depression screening and treatment into hypertension and diabetes care in Malawi (SHARP): parallel, cluster-randomised, controlled, implementation trial. Lancet Glob Health 2024; 12:e652-e661. [PMID: 38408462 PMCID: PMC10995959 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(23)00592-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although evidence-based treatments for depression in low-resource settings are established, implementation strategies to scale up these treatments remain poorly defined. We aimed to compare two implementation strategies in achieving high-quality integration of depression care into chronic medical care and improving mental health outcomes in patients with hypertension and diabetes. METHODS We conducted a parallel, cluster-randomised, controlled, implementation trial in ten health facilities across Malawi. Facilities were randomised (1:1) by covariate-constrained randomisation to either an internal champion alone (ie, basic strategy group) or an internal champion plus external supervision with audit and feedback (ie, enhanced strategy group). Champions integrated a three-element, evidence-based intervention into clinical care: universal depression screening; peer-delivered psychosocial counselling; and algorithm-guided, non-specialist antidepressant management. External supervision involved structured facility visits by Ministry officials and clinical experts to assess quality of care and provide supportive feedback approximately every 4 months. Eligible participants were adults (aged 18-65 years) seeking hypertension and diabetes care with signs of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score ≥5). Primary implementation outcomes were depression screening fidelity, treatment initiation fidelity, and follow-up treatment fidelity over the first 3 months of treatment, analysed by intention to treat. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03711786, and is complete. FINDINGS Five (50%) facilities were randomised to the basic strategy and five (50%) to the enhanced strategy. Between Oct 1, 2019, and Nov 30, 2021, in the basic group, 587 patients were assessed for eligibility, of whom 301 were enrolled; in the enhanced group, 539 patients were assessed, of whom 288 were enrolled. All clinics integrated the evidence-based intervention and were included in the analyses. Of 60 774 screening-eligible visits, screening fidelity was moderate (58% in the enhanced group vs 53% in the basic group; probability difference 5% [95% CI -38% to 47%]; p=0·84) and treatment initiation fidelity was high (99% vs 98%; 0% [-3% to 3%]; p=0·89) in both groups. However, treatment follow-up fidelity was substantially higher in the enhanced group than in the basic group (82% vs 20%; 62% [36% to 89%]; p=0·0020). Depression remission was higher in the enhanced group than in the basic group (55% vs 36%; 19% [3% to 34%]; p=0·045). Serious adverse events were nine deaths (five in the basic group and four in the enhanced group) and 26 hospitalisations (20 in the basic group and six in the enhanced group); none were treatment-related. INTERPRETATION The enhanced implementation strategy led to an increase in fidelity in providers' follow-up treatment actions and in rates of depression remission, consistent with the literature that follow-up decisions are crucial to improving depression outcomes in integrated care models. These findings suggest that external supervision combined with an internal champion could offer an important advance in integrating depression treatment into general medical care in low-resource settings. FUNDING The National Institute of Mental Health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian W Pence
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Bradley N Gaynes
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Michael Udedi
- Division of Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health, Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Kazione Kulisewa
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | | | | | | | - Jullita K Malava
- Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Amelia Crampin
- Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - John S Preisser
- Department of Biostatistics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Stephanie M DeLong
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Mina C Hosseinipour
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; UNC Project Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
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Yanguela J, Pence BW, Udedi M, Banda JC, Kulisewa K, Zimba CC, Malava JK, Akiba C, Dussault JM, Morrison AM, Mphonda S, Hosseinipour MC, Gaynes BN, Wheeler SB. Implementation strategies to build mental health-care capacity in Malawi: a health-economic evaluation. Lancet Glob Health 2024; 12:e662-e671. [PMID: 38408461 PMCID: PMC10958395 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(23)00597-1] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. Due to low system capacity, three in four patients with depression in sub-Saharan Africa go untreated. Despite this, little attention has been paid to the cost-effectiveness of implementation strategies to scale up evidence-based depression treatment in the region. In this study, we investigate the cost-effectiveness of two different implementation strategies to integrate the Friendship Bench approach and measurement-based care in non-communicable disease clinics in Malawi. METHODS The two implementation strategies tested in this study are part of a trial, in which ten clinics were randomly assigned (1:1) to a basic implementation package consisting of an internal coordinator acting as a champion (IC-only group) or to an enhanced package that complemented the basic package with quarterly external supervision, and audit and feedback of intervention delivery (IC + ES group). We included material costs, training costs, costs related to project-wide meetings, transportation and medication costs, time costs related to internal champion activities and depression screening or treatment, and costs of external supervision visits if applicable. Outcomes included the number of patients screened with the patient health questionnaire 2 (PHQ-2), cases of remitted depression at 3 and 12 months, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) averted. We compared the cost-effectiveness of both packages to the status quo (ie, no intervention) using a micro-costing-informed decision-tree model. FINDINGS Relative to the status quo, IC + ES would be on average US$10 387 ($1349-$17 365) more expensive than IC-only but more effective in achieving remission and averting DALYs. The cost per additional remission would also be lower with IC + ES than IC-only at 3 months ($119 vs $223) and 12 months ($210 for IC + ES; IC-only dominated by the status quo at 12 months). Neither package would be cost-effective under the willingness-to-pay threshold of $65 per DALY averted currently used by the Malawian Ministry of Health. However, the IC + ES package would be cost-effective in relation to the commonly used threshold of three times per-capita gross domestic product per DALY averted. INTERPRETATION Investing in supporting champions might be an appropriate use of resources. Although not currently cost-effective by Malawian willingness-to-pay standards compared with the status quo, the IC + ES package would probably be a cost-effective way to build mental health-care capacity in resource-constrained settings in which decision makers use higher willingness-to-pay thresholds. FUNDING National Institute of Mental Health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Yanguela
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Brian W Pence
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Michael Udedi
- Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health Division, Malawi Ministry of Health and Population, Department of Clinical Services, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Jonathan Chiwanda Banda
- Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health Division, Malawi Ministry of Health and Population, Department of Clinical Services, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Kazione Kulisewa
- Department of Mental Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Jullita K Malava
- Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Chilumba, Karonga District, Malawi
| | | | | | - Abigail M Morrison
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Steve Mphonda
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Mina C Hosseinipour
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi; Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Bradley N Gaynes
- Division of Global Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Stephanie B Wheeler
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Landrum KR, Gaynes BN, Akello H, Malava JK, Dussault JM, Hosseinipour MC, Udedi M, Masiye J, Zimba CC, Pence BW. The longitudinal association of stressful life events with depression remission among SHARP trial participants with depression and hypertension or diabetes in Malawi. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298546. [PMID: 38408059 PMCID: PMC10896523 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Depressive disorders are leading contributors to morbidity in low- and middle-income countries and are particularly prevalent among people with non-communicable diseases (NCD). Stressful life events (SLEs) are risk factors for, and can help identify those at risk of, severe depressive illness requiring more aggressive treatment. Yet, research on the impact of SLEs on the trajectory of depressive symptoms among NCD patients indicated for depression treatment is lacking, especially in low resource settings. This study aims to estimate the longitudinal association of SLEs at baseline with depression remission achievement at three, six, and 12 months among adults with either hypertension or diabetes and comorbid depression identified as being eligible for depression treatment. Participants were recruited from 10 NCD clinics in Malawi from May 2019-December 2021. SLEs were measured by the Life Events Survey and depression remission was defined as achieving a Patient Health Questionaire-9 (PHQ-9) score <5 at follow-up. The study population (n = 737) consisted predominately of females aged 50 or higher with primary education and current employment. At baseline, participants reported a mean of 3.5 SLEs in the prior three months with 90% reporting ≥1 SLE. After adjustment, each additional SLE was associated with a lower probability of achieving depression remission at three months (cumulative incidence ratio (CIR) 0.94; 95% confidence interval: 0.90, 0.98, p = 0.002), six months (0.95; 0.92, 0.98, p = 0.002) and 12 months (0.96; 0.94, 0.99, p = 0.011). Re-expressed per 3-unit change, the probability of achieving depression remission at three, six, and 12 months was 0.82, 0.86, and 0.89 times lower per 3 SLEs (the median number of SLEs). Among NCD patients identified as eligible for depression treatment, recent SLEs at baseline were associated with lower probability of achieving depression remission at three, six, and 12 months. Findings suggest that interventions addressing SLEs during integrated NCD and depression care interventions (e.g., teaching and practicing SLE coping strategies) may improve success of depression treatment among adult patient populations in low-resource settings and may help identify those at risk of severe and treatment resistant depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey R. Landrum
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Bradley N. Gaynes
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | | | | | - Josée M. Dussault
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Mina C. Hosseinipour
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Michael Udedi
- Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health Unit, Malawi Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Jones Masiye
- Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health Unit, Malawi Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | - Brian W. Pence
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
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Mpinga K, Rukundo T, Mwale O, Kamwiyo M, Thengo L, Ruderman T, Matanje B, Munyaneza F, Connolly E, Kulisewa K, Udedi M, Kachimanga C, Dullie L, McBain R. Depressive disorder at the household level: prevalence and correlates of depressive symptoms among household members. Glob Health Action 2023; 16:2241808. [PMID: 37554074 PMCID: PMC10413913 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2023.2241808] [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] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, an estimated five percent of adults have major depressive disorder. However, little is known about the relationship between these individuals' depressive symptoms and their household members' mental health and well-being. OBJECTIVES We aimed to investigate the prevalence and predictors of depressive symptoms among adult household members of patients living with major depressive disorder in Neno District, Malawi. METHODS As part of a cluster randomized controlled trial providing depression care to adults with major depressive disorder, we conducted surveys with patients' household members (n = 236) and inquired about their overall health, depressive symptoms, disability, and social support. We calculated prevalence rates of depressive disorder and conducted multivariable linear regression and multivariable logistic regression analyses to assess correlates of depressive symptom severity and predictors of having depressive disorder (PHQ-9), respectively, among household members. RESULTS We observed that roughly one in five household members (19%) screened positive for a depressive disorder (PHQ-9 > 9). More than half of household members endorsed six or more of the nine symptoms, with 68% reporting feeling 'down, depressed, or hopeless' in the prior two weeks. Elevated depression symptom severity was associated with greater disability (β = 0.17, p < 0.001), less social support (β = -0.04, p = 0.016), and lower self-reported overall health (β = 0.54, p = 0.001). Having depressive disorder was also associated with greater disability (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR] = 1.12, p = 0.001) and less social support (aOR = 0.97, p = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS In the Malawian context, we find that depressive disorder and depression symptoms are shared attributes among household members. This has implications for both screening and treatment, and it suggests that mental health should be approached from the vantage point of the broader social ecology of the household and family unit. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04777006) - March 2, 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kondwani Mpinga
- Monitoring and Evaluation, Medical Informatics, Information Technology and Research Department, Partners in Health, Neno, Malawi
| | - Temusa Rukundo
- Pardee RAND Graduate School, RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, CA, USA
| | - Owen Mwale
- Clinical Department, Partners in Health, Neno, Malawi
| | | | - Limbani Thengo
- Monitoring and Evaluation, Medical Informatics, Information Technology and Research Department, Partners in Health, Neno, Malawi
| | - Todd Ruderman
- Clinical Department, Partners in Health, Neno, Malawi
| | | | - Fabien Munyaneza
- Monitoring and Evaluation, Medical Informatics, Information Technology and Research Department, Partners in Health, Neno, Malawi
| | | | - Kazione Kulisewa
- College of Medicine, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Michael Udedi
- Clinical Services, Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | | | - Ryan McBain
- Healthcare Delivery, RAND Corporation, Washington, DC, USA
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Sansbury GM, Pence BW, Zimba C, Yanguela J, Landrum K, Matewere M, Mbota M, Malava JK, Tikhiwa H, Morrison AM, Akiba CF, Gaynes BN, Udedi M, Hosseinipour MC, Stockton MA. Improving integrated depression and non-communicable disease care in Malawi through engaged leadership and supportive implementation climate. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:1413. [PMID: 38098079 PMCID: PMC10722817 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-10344-7] [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] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low- and middle-income countries often lack access to mental health services, leading to calls for integration within other primary care systems. In sub-Saharan Africa, integration of depression treatment in non-communicable disease (NCD) settings is feasible, acceptable, and effective. However, leadership and implementation climate challenges often hinder effective integration and quality of services. The aim of this study was to identify discrete leadership strategies that facilitate overcoming barriers to the integration of depression care in NCD clinics in Malawi and to understand how clinic leadership shapes the implementation climate. METHODS We conducted 39 in-depth interviews with the District Medical Officer, the NCD coordinator, one NCD provider, and the research assistant from each of the ten Malawian NCD clinics (note one District Medical Officer served two clinics). Based on semi-structured interview guides, participants were asked their perspectives on the impact of leadership and implementation climate on overcoming barriers to integrating depression care into existing NCD services. Thematic analysis used both inductive and deductive approaches to identify emerging themes and compare among participant type. RESULTS The results revealed how engaged leadership can fuel a positive implementation climate where clinics had heightened capacity to overcome implementation barriers. Effective leaders were approachable and engaged in daily operations of the clinic and problem-solving. They held direct involvement with and mentorship during the intervention, providing assistance in patient screening and consultation with treatment plans. Different levels of leadership utilized their respective standings and power dynamics to influence provider attitudes and perceptions surrounding the intervention. Leaders acted by informing providers about the intervention source and educating them on the importance of mental healthcare, as it was often undervalued. Lastly, they prioritized teamwork and collective ownership for the intervention, increasing provider responsibility. CONCLUSION Training that prioritizes leadership visibility and open communication will facilitate ongoing Malawi Ministry of Health efforts to scale up evidence-based depression treatment within NCD clinics. This proves useful where extensive and external monitoring may be limited. Ultimately, these results can inform successful strategies to close implementation gaps to achieve integration of mental health services in low-resource settings through improved leadership and implementation climate. TRIAL REGISTRATION These findings are reported from ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03711786. Registered on 18/10/2018. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03711786 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Griffin M Sansbury
- Tidziwe Centre, University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Private Bag A-104, Lilongwe, Malawi.
| | - Brian W Pence
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 135 Dauer Drive, 2101 McGavran-Greenberg Hall, CB #7435, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7440, USA
| | - Chifundo Zimba
- Tidziwe Centre, University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Private Bag A-104, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Juan Yanguela
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 135 Dauer Drive, 1101 McGavran-Greenberg Hall, CB #7411, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7411, USA
| | - Kelsey Landrum
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 135 Dauer Drive, 2101 McGavran-Greenberg Hall, CB #7435, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7440, USA
| | - Maureen Matewere
- Tidziwe Centre, University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Private Bag A-104, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - MacDonald Mbota
- Tidziwe Centre, University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Private Bag A-104, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Jullita K Malava
- Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit (MEIRU), P.O. Box 46, Chilumba, Karonga District, Malawi
| | - Harriet Tikhiwa
- Tidziwe Centre, University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Private Bag A-104, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Abigail M Morrison
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 135 Dauer Drive, 2101 McGavran-Greenberg Hall, CB #7435, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7440, USA
| | - Christopher F Akiba
- RTI International, 3040 East Cornwallis Road, P.O. Box 12194, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709-2194, USA
| | - Bradley N Gaynes
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 135 Dauer Drive, 2101 McGavran-Greenberg Hall, CB #7435, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7440, USA
- Division of Global Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, 101 Manning Dr #1, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, USA
| | - Michael Udedi
- Malawi Ministry of Health and Population, Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health Clinical Services, P.O. Box 30377, Lilongwe, 3, Malawi
| | - Mina C Hosseinipour
- Tidziwe Centre, University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Private Bag A-104, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, 101 Manning Dr #1, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, USA
| | - Melissa A Stockton
- Tidziwe Centre, University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Private Bag A-104, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 135 Dauer Drive, 2101 McGavran-Greenberg Hall, CB #7435, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7440, USA
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Cox CM, Masiano S, Mazenga A, Stark M, Udedi M, Simon KR, Ahmed S, Nyasulu P, Kim MH. Phone-based psychosocial counseling for people living with HIV: Feasibility, acceptability and impact on uptake of psychosocial counseling services in Malawi. Glob Ment Health (Camb) 2023; 11:e3. [PMID: 38283875 PMCID: PMC10808978 DOI: 10.1017/gmh.2023.84] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
People living with HIV experience psychosocial needs that often are not addressed. We designed an innovative low-resource model of phone-based psychosocial counseling (P-PSC). We describe cohort characteristics, acceptability, feasibility and utilization of P-PSC at health facilities supported by Baylor Foundation Malawi. Staff were virtually oriented at 120 sites concurrently. From facility-based phones, people with new HIV diagnosis, high viral load, treatment interruption or mental health concerns were referred without identifiable personal information to 13 psychosocial counselors via a WhatsApp group. Routine program data were retrospectively analyzed using univariate approaches and regressions with interrupted time series analyses. Clients utilizing P-PSC were 63% female, 25% youth (10-24 y) and 9% children (<10 y). They were referred from all 120 supported health facilities. Main referral reasons included new HIV diagnosis (32%), ART adherence support (32%) and treatment interruption (21%). Counseling was completed for 99% of referrals. Counseling sessions per month per psychosocial counselor increased from 77 before P-PSC to 216 in month 1 (95% CI = 82, 350, p = 0.003). Total encounters increased significantly to 31,642 in year 1 from ~6,000 during the 12 prior months, an over fivefold increase. P-PSC implementation at 120 remote facilities was acceptable and feasible with immediate, increased utilization despite few psychosocial counselors in Malawi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie M. Cox
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, USA
| | - Steven Masiano
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Alick Mazenga
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Madeline Stark
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Michael Udedi
- Curative, Medical and Rehabilitation Services – Mental Health, Malawi Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Katherine R. Simon
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, USA
| | - Saeed Ahmed
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, USA
| | - Phoebe Nyasulu
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Maria H. Kim
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, USA
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Akiba CF, Go VF, Powell BJ, Muessig K, Golin C, Dussault JM, Zimba CC, Matewere M, Mbota M, Thom A, Masa C, Malava JK, Gaynes BN, Masiye J, Udedi M, Hosseinipour M, Pence BW. Champion and audit and feedback strategy fidelity and their relationship to depression intervention fidelity: A mixed method study. SSM Ment Health 2023; 3:100194. [PMID: 37485235 PMCID: PMC10358176 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmmh.2023.100194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Globally, mental health disorders rank as the greatest cause of disability. Low and middle-income countries (LMICs) hold a disproportionate share of the mental health burden, especially as it pertains to depression. Depression is highly prevalent among those with non-communicable diseases (NCDs), creating a barrier to successful treatment. While some treatments have proven efficacy in LMIC settings, wide dissemination is challenged by multiple factors, leading researchers to call for implementation strategies to overcome barriers to care provision. However, implementation strategies are often not well defined or documented, challenging the interpretation of study results and the uptake and replication of strategies in practice settings. Assessing implementation strategy fidelity (ISF), or the extent to which a strategy was implemented as designed, overcomes these challenges. This study assessed fidelity of two implementation strategies (a 'basic' champion strategy and an 'enhanced' champion + audit and feedback strategy) to improve the integration of a depression intervention, measurement based care (MBC), at 10 NCD clinics in Malawi. The primary goal of this study was to assess the relationship between the implementation strategies and MBC fidelity using a mixed methods approach. Methods We developed a theory-informed mixed methods fidelity assessment that first combined an implementation strategy specification technique with a fidelity framework. We then created corresponding fidelity indicators to strategy components. Clinical process data and one-on-one in-depth interviews with 45 staff members at 6 clinics were utilized as data sources. Our final analysis used descriptive statistics, reflexive-thematic analysis (RTA), data merging, and triangulation to examine the relationship between ISF and MBC intervention fidelity. Results Our mixed methods analysis revealed how ISF may moderate the relationship between the strategies and MBC fidelity. Leadership engagement and implementation climate were critical for clinics to overcome implementation barriers and preserve implementation strategy and MBC fidelity. Descriptive statistics determined champion strategy fidelity to range from 61 to 93% across the 10 clinics. Fidelity to the audit and feedback strategy ranged from 82 to 91% across the 5 clinics assigned to that condition. MBC fidelity ranged from 54 to 95% across all clinics. Although correlations between ISF and MBC fidelity were not statistically significant due to the sample of 10 clinics, associations were in the expected direction and of moderate effect size. A coefficient for shared depression screening among clinicians had greater face validity compared to depression screening coverage and functioned as a proximal indicator of implementation strategy success. Conclusion Fidelity to the basic and enhanced strategies varied by site and were influenced by leadership engagement and implementation climate. Champion strategies may benefit from the addition of leadership strategies to help address implementation barriers outside the purview of champions. ISF may moderate the relationship between strategies and implementation outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher F. Akiba
- RTI International, 3040 East Cornwallis Road, P.O. Box 12194, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709-2194, USA
| | - Vivian F. Go
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, UNC-Chapel Hill 135 Dauer Drive, 302 Rosenau Hall, CB #7440, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7440, USA
| | - Byron J. Powell
- Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis, MSC 1196-251-46, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Kate Muessig
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, UNC-Chapel Hill 135 Dauer Drive, 302 Rosenau Hall, CB #7440, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7440, USA
| | - Carol Golin
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, UNC-Chapel Hill 135 Dauer Drive, 302 Rosenau Hall, CB #7440, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7440, USA
| | - Josée M. Dussault
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, UNC-Chapel Hill, 135 Dauer Drive, 2101 McGavran-Greenberg Hall CB #7435, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7435, USA
| | - Chifundo C. Zimba
- UNC Project-Malawi, Tidziwe Centre, Private Bag A-104, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Maureen Matewere
- UNC Project-Malawi, Tidziwe Centre, Private Bag A-104, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - MacDonald Mbota
- UNC Project-Malawi, Tidziwe Centre, Private Bag A-104, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Annie Thom
- UNC Project-Malawi, Tidziwe Centre, Private Bag A-104, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Cecilia Masa
- UNC Project-Malawi, Tidziwe Centre, Private Bag A-104, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Jullita K. Malava
- Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit (MEIRU), P.O. Box 46, Chilumba, Karonga District, Malawi
| | - Bradley N. Gaynes
- Division of Global Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, UNC School of Medicine, 101 Manning Dr # 1, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, USA
| | - Jones Masiye
- Malawi Ministry of Health and Population, Non-communicable Diseases and Mental Health Clinical Services, P.O Box 30377, Lilongwe, 3, Malawi
| | - Michael Udedi
- Malawi Ministry of Health and Population, Non-communicable Diseases and Mental Health Clinical Services, P.O Box 30377, Lilongwe, 3, Malawi
| | - Mina Hosseinipour
- UNC Project-Malawi, Tidziwe Centre, Private Bag A-104, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Brian W. Pence
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, UNC-Chapel Hill, 135 Dauer Drive, 2101 McGavran-Greenberg Hall CB #7435, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7435, USA
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9
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Lawrie S, Hanlon C, Manda-Taylor L, Knapp M, Pickersgill M, Stewart RC, Ahrens J, Allardyce J, Amos A, Bauer A, Breuer E, Chasweka D, Chidzalo K, Gondwe S, Jain S, Kokota D, Kulisewa K, Liwimbi O, MacBeth A, Mkandawire T, Sefasi A, Sibande W, Udedi M, Umar E. Psychosis Recovery Orientation in Malawi by Improving Services and Engagement (PROMISE) protocol. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0293370. [PMID: 38032862 PMCID: PMC10688724 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Malawi has a population of around 20 million people and is one of the world's most economically deprived nations. Severe mental illness (largely comprising psychoses and severe mood disorders) is managed by a very small number of staff in four tertiary facilities, aided by clinical officers and nurses in general hospitals and clinics. Given these constraints, psychosis is largely undetected and untreated, with a median duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) of around six years. Our aim is to work with people with lived experience (PWLE), caregivers, local communities and health leaders to develop acceptable and sustainable psychosis detection and management systems to increase psychosis awareness, reduce DUP, and to improve the health and lives of people with psychosis in Malawi. We will use the UK Medical Research Council guidance for developing and evaluating complex interventions, including qualitative work to explore diverse perspectives around psychosis detection, management, and outcomes, augmented by co-design with PWLE, and underpinned by a Theory of Change. Planned deliverables include a readily usable management blueprint encompassing education and community supports, with an integrated care pathway that includes Primary Health Centre clinics and District Mental Health Teams. PWLE and caregivers will be closely involved throughout to ensure that the interventions are shaped by the communities concerned. The effect of the interventions will be assessed with a quasi-experimental sequential implementation in three regions, in terms of DUP reduction, symptom remission, functional recovery and PWLE / caregiver impact, with quality of life as the primary outcome. As the study team is focused on long-term impact, we recognise the importance of having embedded, robust evaluation of the programme as a whole. We will therefore evaluate implementation processes and outcomes, and cost-effectiveness, to demonstrate the value of this approach to the Ministry of Health, and to encourage longer-term adoption across Malawi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Lawrie
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte Hanlon
- Centre for Global Mental Health, Health Service and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Lucinda Manda-Taylor
- Department of Health Systems and Policy, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Martin Knapp
- Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, United Kingdom
| | - Martyn Pickersgill
- Centre for Biomedicine, Self and Society, Usher Institute, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Robert C. Stewart
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Jen Ahrens
- Tower Hamlets Early Intervention Service, East London NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Judith Allardyce
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Action Amos
- Pan African Network for Persons with Psychosocial Disabilities (PANPPD), Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Annette Bauer
- Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, United Kingdom
| | - Erica Breuer
- College of Health Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Dennis Chasweka
- Department of Health Systems and Policy, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Kate Chidzalo
- Department of Health Systems and Policy, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Saulos Gondwe
- Saint John of God (SJOG) Hospital Services, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Sumeet Jain
- School of Social & Political Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Demoubly Kokota
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Kazione Kulisewa
- Department of Psychiatry & Mental Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Olive Liwimbi
- Zomba Mental Hospital, Ministry of Health, Zomba, Malawi
| | - Angus MacBeth
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Thandiwe Mkandawire
- Mental Health Users and Carers Association (MeHUCA), Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Anthony Sefasi
- Department of Health Systems and Policy, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Wakumanya Sibande
- Department of Health Systems and Policy, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Michael Udedi
- Curative and Medical Rehabilitation Services Directorate, Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
- African Mental Health Research Initiative (AMARI), Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Eric Umar
- Department of Health Systems and Policy, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
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10
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Kokota D, Stewart RC, Bandawe C, Chorwe-Sungani G, Liwimbi O, Mwale CM, Kulisewa K, Udedi M, Gondwe S, Sefasi A, Banda R, Mkandawire T, Lawrie SM. Pathways to care for psychosis in Malawi. BJPsych Int 2023; 20:84-89. [PMID: 38029442 PMCID: PMC10659844 DOI: 10.1192/bji.2023.18] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
People with psychosis in Malawi have very limited access to timely assessment and evidence-based care, leading to a long duration of untreated psychosis and persistent disability. Most people with psychosis in the country consult traditional or religious healers. Stigmatising attitudes are common and services have limited capacity, particularly in rural areas. This paper, focusing on pathways to care for psychosis in Malawi, is based on the Wellcome Trust Psychosis Flagship Report on the Landscape of Mental Health Services for Psychosis in Malawi. Its purpose is to inform Psychosis Recovery Orientation in Malawi by Improving Services and Engagement (PROMISE), a longitudinal study that aims to build on existing services to develop sustainable psychosis detection systems and management pathways to promote recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Demoubly Kokota
- Postdoctoral Fellow, Division of Psychiatry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Robert C Stewart
- Senior Clinical Research Fellow, Division of Psychiatry, University of Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Chiwoza Bandawe
- Professor of Clinical Psychology, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Genesis Chorwe-Sungani
- Associate Professor, Mental Health Nursing, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Olive Liwimbi
- Consultant Psychiatrist, Zomba Mental Hospital, Zomba, Malawi
| | | | - Kazione Kulisewa
- Consultant Psychiatrist, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Michael Udedi
- Mental Health Desk Officer, NCDs & Mental Health Unit, Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Saulos Gondwe
- Consultant Psychiatrist, Saint John of God Hospitaller Services, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Anthony Sefasi
- Head Mental Health Nursing, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Richard Banda
- Mental Health Clinical Officer, Saint John of God Hospitaller Services, Mzuzu, Malawi
| | - Thandiwe Mkandawire
- Clinical Social Worker, Mental Health Users and Carers Association, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Stephen M Lawrie
- Professor of Psychiatry, Division of Psychiatry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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11
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Mpinga K, Lee SD, Mwale O, Kamwiyo M, Nyirongo R, Ruderman T, Connolly E, Kayira W, Munyaneza F, Matanje B, Kachimanga C, Zaniku HR, Kulisewa K, Udedi M, Wagner G, McBain R. Prevalence and correlates of internalized stigma among adults with HIV and major depressive disorder in rural Malawi. AIDS Care 2023; 35:1775-1785. [PMID: 37001058 PMCID: PMC10544700 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2023.2195609] [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] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Internalized stigma is common among individuals with sexually transmitted infections such as HIV and among those with mental health conditions such as major depressive disorder (MDD). As part of a cluster randomized trial, we investigated the prevalence and correlates of internalized stigma among adults living with comorbid HIV and MDD in rural Malawi (n = 339). We found heightened stigma toward HIV and mental illness among those in the cohort: more than half of respondents (54%) endorsed negative perceptions associated with each health condition. Internalized HIV-related stigma was higher among those with no education (p = 0.04), younger adults (p = 0.03), and those with less social support (p = 0.001). Mental illness-related stigma was elevated among those with no source of income (p = 0.001), and it was also strongly associated with HIV-related stigma (p < 0.001). Our findings highlight potential avenues for reducing internalized stigma associated with high-prevalence health conditions in Malawi.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04777006.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarita D. Lee
- Healthcare Delivery, RAND Corporation, Washington DC, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Haules Robbins Zaniku
- College of Medicine, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
- Ministry of Health, Neno District Office, Neno, Malawi
| | - Kazione Kulisewa
- College of Medicine, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Michael Udedi
- Clinical Services, Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Glenn Wagner
- Healthcare Delivery, RAND Corporation, Washington DC, USA
| | - Ryan McBain
- Healthcare Delivery, RAND Corporation, Washington DC, USA
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12
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Bengtson AM, Filipowicz TR, Mphonda S, Udedi M, Kulisewa K, Meltzer-Brody S, Gaynes BN, Go VF, Chibanda D, Verhey R, Hosseinipour MC, Pence BW. An Intervention to Improve Mental Health and HIV Care Engagement Among Perinatal Women in Malawi: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:3559-3570. [PMID: 37084104 PMCID: PMC10119837 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04070-8] [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] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Perinatal depression (PND) is common and an important barrier to engagement in HIV care for women living with HIV (WLHIV). Accordingly, we adapted and enhanced The Friendship Bench, an evidence-based counseling intervention, for perinatal WLHIV. In a pilot randomized trial (NCT04143009), we evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, fidelity, and preliminary efficacy of the Enhanced Friendship Bench (EFB) intervention to improve PND and engagement in HIV care outcomes. Eighty pregnant WLHIV who screened positive for PND symptoms on the Self-Report Questionnaire (≥ 8) were enrolled, randomized 1:1 to EFB or usual care, and followed through 6 months postpartum. Overall, 100% of intervention participants were satisfied with the intervention and 93% found it beneficial to their overall health. Of 82 counseling sessions assessed for fidelity, 83% met or exceeded the fidelity threshold. At 6 months postpartum, intervention participants had improved depression remission (59% versus 36%, RD 23%, 95% CI 2%, 45%), retention in HIV care (82% versus 69%, RD 13%, -6%, 32%), and viral suppression (96% versus 90%, RD 7%, -7%, 20%) compared to usual care. Adverse events did not differ by arm. These results suggest that EFB intervention should be evaluated in a fully powered randomized trial to evaluate its efficacy to improve PND and engagement in HIV care outcomes for WLHIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela M Bengtson
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA.
| | - Teresa R Filipowicz
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Michael Udedi
- Mental Health Unit, Malawi Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Kazione Kulisewa
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Samantha Meltzer-Brody
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Bradley N Gaynes
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Vivian F Go
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Dixon Chibanda
- Department of Psychiatry & Research Support Centre, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Mina C Hosseinipour
- UNC Project Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Brian Wells Pence
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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13
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Mphonda S, Dussault J, Bengtson A, Gaynes BN, Go V, Hosseinipour MC, Kulisewa K, Kutengule A, Meltzer-Brody S, Udedi M, Pence B. Preferences for enhanced treatment options to address HIV care engagement among women living with HIV and perinatal depression in Malawi. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1922. [PMID: 37794350 PMCID: PMC10552213 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16835-w] [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] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Option B + offers lifelong ART to pregnant or breastfeeding mothers, but postpartum loss to HIV care, partially driven by perinatal depression (PND), threatens the impact of this policy. This study aims to understand women's and providers' preferences for developing a feasible intervention to address PND and support engagement in HIV care among women living with PND and HIV. METHODS We conducted a total of 6 focus group discussions (FGDs) involving 4 clinics in Lilongwe District from December 2018 through February 2019. We conducted 2 FGDs each among 3 stakeholder groups: clinical staff, prenatal women, and postnatal women. Perinatal participants were living with HIV and screened positively for PND using the validated Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Clinical staff were nurses who were trained antiretroviral therapy (ART) providers. Interviewers led FGDs in Chichewa using a semi-structured guide. Data were analyzed using deductive and inductive coding in NVivo 12 software. RESULTS Women favored ART linkage services, but providers said they already offered such services, with mixed results. Individual counselling was universally supported. A perceived benefit of group counselling was peer support, but there were concerns among women regarding confidentiality and stigma. Women liked mobile appointment reminders but identified low phone ownership as a barrier. Participants recommended home visits as an additional care engagement strategy. Women consistently discussed the need for social support from family members and friends to address PND and support engagement in HIV care. CONCLUSION This study highlights the importance of peer encouragement to support perinatal HIV care engagement among women with HIV and PND. The results from this study can be used to support intervention development to increase HIV care engagement and improve long-term HIV outcomes in women with PND.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve Mphonda
- UNC-Project Malawi, Private Bag A-104, Lilongwe, Malawi.
| | - Josée Dussault
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Angela Bengtson
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Bradley N Gaynes
- Department of Psychiatry, UNC School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Vivian Go
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Mina C Hosseinipour
- UNC-Project Malawi, Private Bag A-104, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Medicine, UNC School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kazione Kulisewa
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Samantha Meltzer-Brody
- Department of Psychiatry, UNC School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Michael Udedi
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
- Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Brian Pence
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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14
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Dussault JM, Akiba C, Zimba C, Malava J, Akello H, Stockton M, Mbota M, Matewere M, Masiye J, Udedi M, Gaynes BN, Go VF, Hosseinipour MC, Pence BW. Evaluating the validity of depression-related stigma measurement among diabetes and hypertension patients receiving depression care in Malawi: A mixed-methods analysis. PLOS Glob Public Health 2023; 3:e0001374. [PMID: 37195929 PMCID: PMC10191271 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Mental illness stigma research is sparse in Malawi. Our team previously analyzed the reliability and statistical validity of a quantitative tool to measure depression-related stigma among participants with depressive symptoms using quantitative psychometric methods. This analysis aims to further evaluate the content validity of the stigma tool by comparing participants' quantitative responses with qualitative data. The SHARP project conducted depression screening and treatment at 10 noncommunicable disease clinics across Malawi from April 2019 through December 2021. Eligible participants were 18-65 years with depressive symptoms indicated by a PHQ-9 score ≥5. Questionnaires at each study timepoint included a vignette-based quantitative stigma instrument with three thematic domains: disclosure carryover (i.e., concerns about disclosure), treatment carryover (i.e., concerns about external stigma because of receiving depression treatment), and negative affect (i.e., negative attitudes about people having depression). Sub-scores were aggregated for each domain, with higher scores indicating greater stigma. To better understand participants' interpretation of this quantitative stigma questionnaire, we asked a subset of six participants a parallel set of questions in semi-structured qualitative interviews in a method similar to cognitive interviewing. Qualitative responses were linked with participants' most recent quantitative follow-up interviews using Stata 16 and NVivo software. Participants with lower quantitative stigma disclosure sub-scores had qualitative responses that indicated less stigma around disclosure, while participants with higher quantitative stigma sub-scores had qualitative responses indicating greater stigma. Similarly, in the negative affect and treatment carryover domains, participants had parallel quantitative and qualitative responses. Further, participants identified with the vignette character in their qualitative interviews, and participants spoke about the character's projected feelings and experiences based on their own lived experiences. The stigma tool was interpreted appropriately by participants, providing strong evidence for the content validity of the quantitative tool to measure these stigma domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josée M. Dussault
- Dept of Epidemiology, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Christopher Akiba
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States of America
| | | | - Jullita Malava
- Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Karonga, Malawi
| | | | - Melissa Stockton
- Dept of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, United States of America
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, United States of America
| | | | | | - Jones Masiye
- Ministry of Health Malawi, NCDs & Mental Health Unit, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Michael Udedi
- Ministry of Health Malawi, NCDs & Mental Health Unit, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Bradley N. Gaynes
- Dept of Epidemiology, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
- Dept of Psychiatry, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Vivian F. Go
- Dept of Health Behavior, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Mina C. Hosseinipour
- UNC Project - Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Division of Infectious Disease, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Brian W. Pence
- Dept of Epidemiology, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
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15
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Landrum KR, Akiba CF, Pence BW, Akello H, Chikalimba H, Dussault JM, Hosseinipour MC, Kanzoole K, Kulisewa K, Malava JK, Udedi M, Zimba CC, Gaynes BN. Assessing suicidality during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: Lessons learned from adaptation and implementation of a telephone-based suicide risk assessment and response protocol in Malawi. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0281711. [PMID: 36930620 PMCID: PMC10022777 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic led to the rapid transition of many research studies from in-person to telephone follow-up globally. For mental health research in low-income settings, tele-follow-up raises unique safety concerns due to the potential of identifying suicide risk in participants who cannot be immediately referred to in-person care. We developed and iteratively adapted a telephone-delivered protocol designed to follow a positive suicide risk assessment (SRA) screening. We describe the development and implementation of this SRA protocol during follow-up of a cohort of adults with depression in Malawi enrolled in the Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Partnership for Mental Health Capacity Building (SHARP) randomized control trial during the COVID-19 era. We assess protocol feasibility and performance, describe challenges and lessons learned during protocol development, and discuss how this protocol may function as a model for use in other settings. Transition from in-person to telephone SRAs was feasible and identified participants with suicidal ideation (SI). Follow-up protocol monitoring indicated a 100% resolution rate of SI in cases following the SRA during this period, indicating that this was an effective strategy for monitoring SI virtually. Over 2% of participants monitored by phone screened positive for SI in the first six months of protocol implementation. Most were passive risk (73%). There were no suicides or suicide attempts during the study period. Barriers to implementation included use of a contact person for participants without personal phones, intermittent network problems, and pre-paid phone plans delaying follow-up. Delays in follow-up due to challenges with reaching contact persons, intermittent network problems, and pre-paid phone plans should be considered in future adaptations. Future directions include validation studies for use of this protocol in its existing context. This protocol was successful at identifying suicide risk levels and providing research assistants and participants with structured follow-up and referral plans. The protocol can serve as a model for virtual SRA development and is currently being adapted for use in other contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey R. Landrum
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Christopher F. Akiba
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Brian W. Pence
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | | | | | - Josée M. Dussault
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Mina C. Hosseinipour
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | | | - Kazione Kulisewa
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Kamuzu University of Health, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Michael Udedi
- Noncommunicable Disease and Mental Health Unit, Malawi Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | - Bradley N. Gaynes
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
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Dussault JM, Zimba C, Akello H, Stockton M, Hill S, Aiello AE, Keil A, Gaynes BN, Udedi M, Pence BW. Estimating the effect of anticipated depression treatment-related stigma on depression remission among people with noncommunicable diseases and depressive symptoms in Malawi. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282016. [PMID: 36928834 PMCID: PMC10019662 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE While mental health stigma research is sparse in Malawi, research in other settings suggests that stigma represents a barrier to mental health treatment and recovery. Accordingly, we conducted an analysis to understand the role of treatment-related stigma in depression care in Malawi by estimating the effect of patients' baseline anticipated treatment-related stigma on their 3-month probability of depression remission when newly identified with depression. METHODS We conducted depression screening and treatment at 10 noncommunicable disease (NCD) clinics across Malawi from April 2019 through December 2021. Eligible cohort participants were 18-65 years with depressive symptoms indicated by a PHQ-9 score ≥5. Questionnaires at the baseline and 3-month interviews included a vignette-based quantitative stigma instrument that measured treatment-related stigma, i.e., concerns about external stigma because of receiving depression treatment. Using inverse probability weighting to adjust for confounding and multiple imputation to account for missing data, this analysis relates participants' baseline levels of anticipated treatment stigma to the 3-month probability of achieving depression remission (i.e., PHQ-9 score < 5). RESULTS Of 743 included participants, 273 (37%) achieved depression remission by their 3-month interview. The probability of achieving depression remission at the 3-month interview among participants with high anticipated treatment stigma (0.31; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.23, 0.39)) was 10 percentage points lower than among the low/neutral stigma group (risk: 0.41; 95% CI: 0.36, 0.45; RD: -0.10; 95% CI: -0.19, -0.003). CONCLUSION In Malawi, a reduction in anticipated depression treatment-related stigma among NCD patients initiating depression treatment could improve depression outcomes. Further investigation is necessary to understand the modes by which stigma can be successfully reduced to improve mental health outcomes and quality of life among people living with depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josée M. Dussault
- Department of Epidemiology, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | | | | | - Melissa Stockton
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, United States of America
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Sherika Hill
- Center for Child and Family Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Allison E. Aiello
- Department of Epidemiology, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology and Robert N. Butler Columbia Aging Center, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Alexander Keil
- Department of Epidemiology, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Bradley N. Gaynes
- Department of Epidemiology, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Michael Udedi
- NCDs & Mental Health Unit, Ministry of Health Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Brian W. Pence
- Department of Epidemiology, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
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17
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Sichali JM, Bunn C, McGee D, Marionneau VK, Yendork JS, Glozah F, Udedi M, Reith G. Regulation of gambling in Sub-Saharan Africa: findings from a comparative policy analysis. Public Health 2023; 214:140-145. [PMID: 36549023 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2022.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Commercial gambling markets have undergone unprecedented expansion and diversification in territories across Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This gambling boom has popularised the uptake of gambling products in existing circuits of popular culture, sport and leisure and raised concerns about the extent to which state legislation is equipped to regulate the differentiated impacts of gambling on public health. STUDY DESIGN Comparative policy analysis. METHODS This article provides a systematic mapping of the regulatory environment pertaining to gambling across SSA. The review was conducted by obtaining and triangulating data from a desk review of online materials, consultation with regulatory bodies in each territory and the VIXIO Gambling Compliance database. RESULTS Gambling is legally regulated in 41 of 49 (83.6%) SSA countries, prohibited in 7 (14.3%) and is not legislated for in 1 (2.0%). Of those countries that regulate gambling, 25 (61.0%) countries had dedicated regulators and 16 (39.0%) countries regulated via a government department. Only 2 of 41 (4.9%) countries have published annual reports continuously since the formation of regulatory bodies, and 3 (7.3%) countries have published an incomplete series of reports since the formation. In 36 (87.8%) countries, no reports were published. Enforcement activities were documented by all five regulators that published reports. CONCLUSION The review uncovered a lack of coherence in regulatory measures and the need for more transparent public reporting across SSA territories. There are also variations in regulating online products and marketing, with most countries lacking apt guidelines for the digital age. Our findings suggest an urgent need to address the regulatory void surrounding online forms of gambling and the promotion of gambling products. This underlines the importance of a public health approach to protect against an increase in gambling-related harms.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Sichali
- Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Malawi
| | - C Bunn
- Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Malawi; University of Glasgow, UK
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18
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Landrum KR, Pence BW, Gaynes BN, Dussault JM, Hosseinipour MC, Kulisewa K, Malava JK, Masiye J, Akello H, Udedi M, Zimba CC. The cross-sectional association of stressful life events with depression severity among patients with hypertension and diabetes in Malawi. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0279619. [PMID: 36584142 PMCID: PMC9803137 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Depressive disorders are a leading cause of global morbidity and remain disproportionately high in low- and middle-income settings. Stressful life events (SLEs) are known risk factors for depressive episodes and worsened depressive severity, yet are under-researched in comparison to other depression risk factors. As depression is often comorbid with hypertension, diabetes, and other noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), research into this relationship among patients with NCDs is particularly relevant to increasing opportunities for integrated depression and NCD care. This study aims to estimate the cross-sectional association between SLEs in the three months preceding baseline interviews and baseline depressive severity among patients with at least mild depressive symptoms who are seeking NCD care at 10 NCD clinics across Malawi. SLEs were measured by the Life Events Survey and depressive severity (mild vs. moderate to severe) was measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. The study population (n = 708) was predominately currently employed, grand multiparous (5-8 children) women with a primary education level. Two thirds (63%) had mild depression while 26%, 8%, and 3% had moderate, moderately severe, and severe depression, respectively. Nearly all participants (94%) reported at least one recent SLE, with the most common reported SLEs being financial stress (48%), relationship changes (45%), death of a family member or friend (41%), or serious illness of a family member or friend (39%). Divorce/separation, estrangement from a family member, losing source of income, and major new health problems were significant predictors of greater (moderate or severe) depressive severity compared to mild severity. Having a major new health problem or experiencing divorce/separation resulted in particularly high risk of more severe depression. After adjustment, each additional SLE was associated with a 9% increased risk of moderate or worse depressive severity compared to mild depressive severity (RR: 1.09; (95% CI: 1.05, 1.13), p<0.0001). Among patients with NCDs with at least mild depressive symptoms, SLEs in the prior 3 months were associated with greater depressive severity. While many SLEs may not be preventable, this research suggests that assessment of SLEs and teaching of positive coping strategies when experiencing SLEs may play an important role in integrated NCD and depression treatment models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey R. Landrum
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Brian W. Pence
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Bradley N. Gaynes
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Department of Psychiatry, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Josée M. Dussault
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Mina C. Hosseinipour
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Department of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- UNC Project Malawi, UNC Project, Tidziwe Centre, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Kazione Kulisewa
- Kamuzu University of Health, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Jones Masiye
- Malawi Ministry of Health, Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health Unit, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Harriet Akello
- UNC Project Malawi, UNC Project, Tidziwe Centre, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Michael Udedi
- Malawi Ministry of Health, Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health Unit, Lilongwe, Malawi
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19
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Kulisewa K, Dussault JM, Gaynes BN, Hosseinipour MC, Go VF, Kutengule A, LeMasters K, Meltzer-Brody S, Midiani D, Mphonda SM, Udedi M, Pence BW, Bengtson AM. The feasibility and acceptability of a task-shifted intervention for perinatal depression among women living with HIV in Malawi: a qualitative analysis. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:833. [PMID: 36581849 PMCID: PMC9798611 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-04476-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)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perinatal depression (PND) is prevalent and negatively impacts HIV care among women living with HIV (WLHIV), yet PND remains under-identified in Malawian WLHIV. Accordingly, this formative study explored perceptions of the feasibility and acceptability of an integrated, task-shifted approach to PND screening and treatment in maternity clinics. METHODS We completed consecutive PND screenings of HIV+ women attending pre- or post-natal appointments at 5 clinics in Lilongwe district, Malawi. We conducted in-depth interviews with the first 4-5 women presenting with PND per site (n = 24 total) from July to August 2018. PND classification was based on a score ≥ 10 on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). We conducted 10 additional in-depth interviews with HIV and mental health providers at the 5 clinics. RESULTS Most participants endorsed the feasibility of integrated PND screening, as they believed that PND had potential for significant morbidity. Among providers, identified barriers to screening were negative staff attitudes toward additional work, inadequate staffing numbers and time constraints. Suggested solutions to barriers were health worker training, supervision, and a brief screening tool. Patient-centered counselling strategies were favored over medication by WLHIV as the acceptable treatment of choice, with providers supporting the role of medication to be restricted to severe depression. Providers identified nurses as the most suitable health workers to deliver task-shifted interventions and emphasized further training as a requirement to ensure successful task shifting. CONCLUSION Improving PND in a simple, task-shifted intervention is essential for supporting mental health among women with PND and HIV. Our results suggest that an effective PND intervention for this population should include a brief, streamlined PND screening questionnaire and individualized counselling for those who have PND, with supplemental support groups and depression medication readily available. These study results support the development of a PND intervention to address the gap in treatment of PND and HIV among WLHIV in Malawi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazione Kulisewa
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Private Bag 360, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Josée M Dussault
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Bradley N Gaynes
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, UNC School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Mina C Hosseinipour
- UNC-Project Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Medicine, UNC School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Vivian F Go
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Katherine LeMasters
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Samantha Meltzer-Brody
- Department of Psychiatry, UNC School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | | | | | - Brian W Pence
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Angela M Bengtson
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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20
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Banda JC, Chagomerana MB, Udedi M, Muula AS. Quality of life among cancer patients at Queen Elizabeth and Kamuzu Central Hospitals in Malawi: a cross-sectional double-center study. Afr Health Sci 2022; 22:222-232. [PMID: 36910374 PMCID: PMC9993320 DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v22i3.24] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Many cancer patients experience psychosocial challenges that affect quality of life during the trajectory of their disease process. We aimed at estimating quality of life among cancer patients at two major tertiary hospitals in Malawi. Methods The study was conducted among 398 cancer patients using semi-structured questionnaire. Quality of life was measured using EQ-5D-3L instrument. Results Mean age was 45 years ± 12.77. Pain (44%) was the most prevalent problem experienced by cancer patients. About 23% had worst imaginable health status on the subjective visual analogues scale. Attending cancer services at QECH (AOR= 0.29, 95% CI: 0.17-0.54, p<0.001) and having normal weight (AOR=0.25, 95% CI: 0.08-0.74, p = 0.012), were associated with improved quality of life. A history of ever taken alcohol (AOR= 2.36, 95% CI: 1.02-5.44, p = 0.045) and multiple disease comorbidities (AOR= 3.78, 95% CI: 1.08-13.12, p = 0.037) were associated with poor quality of life. Conclusion Loss of earning, pain, marital strife, sexual dysfunction, were among the common psychosocial challenges experienced. History of ever taken alcohol and multiple comorbidities were associated with poor quality of life. There is need to integrate psychosocial solutions for cancer patients to improve their quality of life and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Chiwanda Banda
- Department of Public Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences.,Non-Communicable Disease Unit, Clinical Services Department, Ministry of Health, Malawi
| | - Maganizo B Chagomerana
- University of North Carolina Project, Lilongwe, Malawi.,Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Michael Udedi
- Non-Communicable Disease Unit, Clinical Services Department, Ministry of Health, Malawi.,Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, 135 Dauer Dr, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599-7435, United States
| | - Adamson Sinjani Muula
- Department of Public Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences.,The Africa Center of Excellence in Public Health and Herbal Medicine, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences
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21
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Masiano SP, Yu X, Tembo T, Wetzel E, Mphande M, Khama I, Mkandawire A, Chitani M, Liwimbi O, Udedi M, Mazenga A, Nyasulu P, Abrams E, Ahmed S, Kim MH. The relationship between adverse childhood experiences and common mental disorders among pregnant women living with HIV in Malawi. J Affect Disord 2022; 312:159-168. [PMID: 35752220 PMCID: PMC9892657 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been linked to common mental disorders (CMDs) such as anxiety and depressive thoughts. We examined the prevalence of ACEs and their association with CMDs among pregnant women living with HIV (PWLHIV) in Malawi-an HIV endemic resource-limited setting. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study of 798 PWLHIV enrolled in the VITAL Start trial in Malawi (10/2018 to 06/2021) (NCT03654898). ACE histories were assessed using WHO's Adverse Childhood Experiences International Questionnaire (ACE-IQ) tool. Depressive symptoms (somatic complaints, reduced vital energy, anxiety, and depressive thoughts) were assessed using WHO's Self Reporting Questionnaire 20-Item (SRQ-20) tool. Log-binomial regressions were used to examine the association between cumulative ACEs and each depressive symptom, as well as identify ACEs driving this association. RESULTS The mean age of our sample was 27.5 years. Over 95 % reported having experienced ≥1 ACE. On average, each participant reported four ACEs; 11 % reported sexual abuse. About 52 % and 44 % reported anxiety and depressive thoughts, respectively. In regressions, cumulative ACE scores were significantly associated with depressive symptoms-even after adjusting for multiple testing. This association was primarily driven by reports of sexual abuse. LIMITATIONS Data on maternal ACEs were self-reported and could suffer from measurement error because of recall bias. CONCLUSIONS ACEs are widespread and have a graded relationship with depressive symptoms in motherhood. Sexual abuse was found to be a primary driver of this association. Earlier recognition of ACEs and provision of trauma-informed interventions to improve care in PWLHIV may reduce negative mental health sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven P Masiano
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi; Healthcare Delivery and Implementation Science Center, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA; Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Xiaoying Yu
- Department of Biostatistics & Data Science, School of Public Health and Population Health, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Tapiwa Tembo
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Elizabeth Wetzel
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi; Baylor International Pediatric AIDS Initiative at Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mtisunge Mphande
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Innocent Khama
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Angella Mkandawire
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Mike Chitani
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Olive Liwimbi
- Ministry of Health, Zomba Mental Hospital, Zomba, Malawi
| | - Michael Udedi
- Ministry of Health, NCDs and Mental Health Unit, Lilongwe, Malawi; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Department of Epidemiology, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Alick Mazenga
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Phoebe Nyasulu
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Elaine Abrams
- ICAP at Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Saeed Ahmed
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi; Baylor International Pediatric AIDS Initiative at Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Maria H Kim
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi; Baylor International Pediatric AIDS Initiative at Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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22
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Dussault JM, Zimba C, Malava J, Akello H, Stockton MA, Udedi M, Gaynes BN, Hosseinipour MC, Pence BW, Masiye J. "Thandi should feel embarrassed": describing the validity and reliability of a tool to measure depression-related stigma among patients with depressive symptoms in Malawi. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2022; 57:1211-1220. [PMID: 34800138 PMCID: PMC9090948 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-021-02202-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE There are no validated tools in Malawi to measure mental health stigma. Accordingly, this study evaluates the validity and reliability of a short quantitative instrument to measure depression-related stigma in patients exhibiting depressive symptoms in Malawi. METHODS The SHARP study began depression screening in 10 NCD clinics across Malawi in April 2019; recruitment is ongoing. Eligible participants were 18-65 years, had a patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) score ≥ 5, and were new or current diabetes or hypertension patients. Participants completed a baseline questionnaire that measured depression-related stigma, depressive symptoms, and sociodemographic information. The stigma instrument included a vignette of a depressed woman named Thandi, and participants rated their level of agreement with statements about Thandi's situation in nine prompts on a 5-point Likert scale. Inter-item reliability was assessed with Cronbach's alpha. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to assess structural validity, and OLS regression models were used to assess convergent and divergent validity between measured levels of depression-related stigma and covariates. RESULTS The analysis of patient responses (n = 688) to the stigma tool demonstrated acceptable inter-item reliability across all scales and subsequent subscales of the instrument, with alpha values ranging from 0.70 to 0.87. The EFA demonstrated clustering around three domains: negative affect, treatment carryover, and disclosure carryover. Regression models demonstrated convergence with several covariates and demonstrated divergence as expected. CONCLUSION This study supports the reliability and validity of a short stigma questionnaire in this population. Future studies should continue to assess the validity of this stigma instrument in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josée M Dussault
- Department of Epidemiology, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, USA.
| | | | - Jullita Malava
- Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Karonga, Malawi
| | | | - Melissa A Stockton
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, USA
| | - Michael Udedi
- NCDs and Mental Health Unit, Ministry of Health Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Bradley N Gaynes
- Department of Epidemiology, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Mina C Hosseinipour
- UNC Project, Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Division of Infectious Disease, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Brian W Pence
- Department of Epidemiology, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Jones Masiye
- NCDs and Mental Health Unit, Ministry of Health Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
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23
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Kip EC, Udedi M, Kulisewa K, Go VF, Gaynes BN. Stigma and mental health challenges among adolescents living with HIV in selected adolescent-specific antiretroviral therapy clinics in Zomba District, Malawi. BMC Pediatr 2022; 22:253. [PMID: 35524228 PMCID: PMC9077887 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-022-03292-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Of the 1.8 million adolescents between the ages of 10 and 19 living with HIV globally in 2020; approximately 1.5 million of these live in sub-Saharan Africa. These adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) are at higher risk of experiencing mental health problems than those without; in Malawi, 18.9% have a depressive disorder. ALHIV can face numerous psychosocial challenges, but little is known about how ALHIV in Malawi perceive these stressors. Understanding psychosocial challenges of ALHIV is a key step in ensuring good mental health care. The aim of this study was to assess the psychosocial challenges faced by ALHIV attending adolescent-specific ART program in Zomba, Malawi. METHODS Between April and May 2019, we engaged a purposive sample of ALHIV ages 12-18 (n = 80) in a series of eight focus groups drawing from four Teen Clubs linked to an adolescent-specific ART program. Data were analyzed inductively and deductively to identify themes related to ALHIV psychosocial experiences. RESULTS Two themes that emerged from the study include: 1) stigma and discrimination within communities and families; 2) non-adherence to medications. HIV-related stigma was associated with increased psychological distress; physical and emotional/verbal abuse; low social support, isolation, and a feeling of rejection; and risky health behaviors such as medication hiding and non-adherence to ART. Discriminatory actions were manifested in a form of being given separate utensils for their meals and mistreatment at school. Furthermore, some parents did not allow their children to play with the participants out of fear that HIV transmission. CONCLUSIONS Stigma and discrimination are overlooked potential barriers to HIV treatment and care. If HIV services are to effectively meet ALHIVs' needs, mental health interventions are needed to prevent and manage depression and improve adherence to ART. These findings highlight the crucial need to develop culturally relevant mental interventions aimed at helping ALHIV to cope with these diverse challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther C Kip
- Malawi College of Medicine, Private Bag 360, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi.
| | - Michael Udedi
- Malawi Ministry of Health, P.O. Box 30377, Lilongwe 3, Malawi
| | - Kazione Kulisewa
- Malawi College of Medicine, Private Bag 360, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi
| | - Vivian F Go
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA
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Kip EC, Udedi M, Kulisewa K, Go VF, Gaynes BN. Barriers and facilitators to implementing the HEADSS psychosocial screening tool for adolescents living with HIV/AIDS in teen club program in Malawi: health care providers perspectives. Int J Ment Health Syst 2022; 16:8. [PMID: 35101066 PMCID: PMC8805413 DOI: 10.1186/s13033-022-00520-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) are at high risk of experiencing mental health problems. Depression is a major contributor to the burden of HIV-related disease amongst ALHIV and is significantly linked to non-adherence to anti-retroviral therapy (ART), yet it is under-recognized. In 2015, the Baylor College of Medicine International Pediatric AIDS Initiative (BIPAI) recommended that the psychosocial screening tool Home, Education, Activities, Drugs, Sexuality, Suicide/Depression (HEADSS) be used to screen ALHIV in Malawi who were part of an adolescent antiretroviral therapy program termed "Teen Club". However, the HEADSS tool has been substantially under-utilized. This study assessed barriers and facilitators to implementing HEADSS for ALHIV attending Teen Club Program in four selected health facilities in Malawi. METHODS We conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews at four program sites (one district hospital and one health center each in two districts) between April and May 2019. Twenty key informants were purposively selected to join this study based on their role and experiences. We used the five domains of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to guide the development of the interview guides, analysis and interpretation of results. RESULTS Barriers included inadequate planning for integration of the HEADSS approach; concerns that the HEADSS tool was too long, time consuming, lacked appropriate cultural context, and increased workload; and reports by participants that they did not have knowledge and skills to screen ALHIV using this tool. Facilitators to implementing the screening were that health care providers viewed screening as a guide to better systematic counselling, believed that screening could build better client provider relationship, and thought that it could fit into the existing work practice since it is not complex. CONCLUSIONS A culturally adapted screening tool, especially one that can be used by non-clinicians such as lay health workers, would improve the ability to address mental health needs of ALHIV in many primary care and social service settings where resources for professional mental health staff are limited. These findings are a springboard for efforts to culturally adapt the HEADSS screening tool for detection of mental and risky behaviors among ALHIV attending ART program in Malawi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther C Kip
- Malawi College of Medicine, Private Bag 360, Blantyre, Malawi.
| | - Michael Udedi
- Malawi College of Medicine, Private Bag 360, Blantyre, Malawi
- Malawi Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | - Vivian F Go
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Stockton MA, Minnick CE, Kulisewa K, Mphonda SM, Hosseinipour MC, Gaynes BN, Maselko J, Pettifor AE, Go V, Udedi M, Pence BW. A Mixed-Methods Process Evaluation: Integrating Depression Treatment Into HIV Care in Malawi. Glob Health Sci Pract 2021; 9:611-625. [PMID: 34593585 PMCID: PMC8514021 DOI: 10.9745/ghsp-d-20-00607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression is highly prevalent among people living with HIV in Malawi. Depression can undermine engagement in HIV care and worsen HIV morbidity and mortality. The Ministry of Health integrated a pilot depression management program into HIV care at 2 clinics. This program included a measurement-based care protocol for prescribing antidepressants and an adapted Friendship Bench psychotherapy protocol for providing problem solving. Early evaluations indicated successful integration of the initial stages of training and depression screening, diagnosis, and treatment initiation. This follow-up mixed-method investigation contextualizes our previous findings and shares insights from the implementation experience. METHODS We conducted a mixed-methods process evaluation drawing on both patient clinical data and qualitative interviews with patients and clinic staff. We focus on the following implementation outcomes: fidelity, acceptability, and sustainability. RESULTS Although fidelity to depression screening and treatment initiation was high, fidelity to the follow-up treatment protocol was poor. Antidepressants and problem-solving therapy were acceptable to patients, but clinic staff found delivering treatment challenging given constrained human resources and infrastructure. The program was not sustained after the project. Key identified needs included substantial support to supervise the implementation of the program, continue to build and maintain the capacity of providers, integrate the program into the electronic medical records system, and ensure the availability of Friendship Bench counselors. CONCLUSIONS Although initial steps were successful, sustained integration of this depression treatment program into HIV care in this setting met greater challenges. Implementation science studies that support both implementation and evaluation should recognize the potential for clinical implementers to rely on evaluation staff for clinical support and consider distancing evaluation staff from the actual program implementation. Further research is needed to test enhanced implementation strategies for integrating evidence-based mental health interventions into existing health care systems in a sustainable fashion, particularly in low-resource settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A Stockton
- Epidemiology Department, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Caroline E Minnick
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Tidziwe Centre, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Kazione Kulisewa
- Department of Mental Health, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Steven M Mphonda
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Tidziwe Centre, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Mina C Hosseinipour
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Tidziwe Centre, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Bradley N Gaynes
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Joanna Maselko
- Epidemiology Department, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Audrey E Pettifor
- Epidemiology Department, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Vivian Go
- Epidemiology Department, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Michael Udedi
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Tidziwe Centre, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health Unit, Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Brian W Pence
- Epidemiology Department, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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McBain RK, Mwale O, Ruderman T, Kayira W, Connolly E, Chalamanda M, Kachimanga C, Khongo BD, Wilson J, Wroe E, Raviola G, Smith S, Coleman S, Kelly K, Houde A, Tebeka MG, Watson S, Kulisewa K, Udedi M, Wagner G. Stepped care for depression at integrated chronic care centers (IC3) in Malawi: study protocol for a stepped-wedge cluster randomized controlled trial. Trials 2021; 22:630. [PMID: 34530894 PMCID: PMC8444539 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-021-05601-1] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malawi is a low-income country in sub-Saharan Africa that has limited resources to address a significant burden of disease-including HIV/AIDS. Additionally, depression is a leading cause of disability in the country but largely remains undiagnosed and untreated. The lack of cost-effective, scalable solutions is a fundamental barrier to expanding depression treatment. Against this backdrop, one major success has been the scale-up of a network of more than 700 HIV clinics, with over half a million patients enrolled in antiretroviral therapy (ART). As a chronic care system with dedicated human resources and infrastructure, this presents a strategic platform for integrating depression care and responds to a robust evidence base outlining the bi-directionality of depression and HIV outcomes. METHODS We will evaluate a stepped model of depression care that combines group-based Problem Management Plus (group PM+) with antidepressant therapy (ADT) for 420 adults with moderate/severe depression in Neno District, Malawi, as measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). Roll-out will follow a stepped-wedge cluster randomized design in which 14 health facilities are randomized to implement the model in five steps over a 15-month period. Primary outcomes (depression symptoms, functional impairment, and overall health) and secondary outcomes (e.g., HIV: viral load, ART adherence; diabetes: A1C levels, treatment adherence; hypertension: systolic blood pressure, treatment adherence) will be measured every 3 months through 12-month follow-up. We will also evaluate the model's cost-effectiveness, quantified as an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) compared to baseline chronic care services in the absence of the intervention model. DISCUSSION This study will conduct a stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial to compare the effects of an evidence-based depression care model versus usual care on depression symptom remediation as well as physical health outcomes for chronic care conditions. If determined to be cost-effective, this study will provide a model for integrating depression care into HIV clinics in additional districts of Malawi and other low-resource settings with high HIV prevalence. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04777006 . Registered on 1 March, 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan K McBain
- RAND Corporation, Boston, 20 Park Plz, Boston, MA, 02116, USA.
- Partners In Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Owen Mwale
- Partners in Health, Neno District, Malawi
| | | | | | - Emilia Connolly
- Partners in Health, Neno District, Malawi
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Division of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Emily Wroe
- Partners In Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Giuseppe Raviola
- Partners In Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stephanie Smith
- Partners In Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Gaynes BN, Akiba CF, Hosseinipour MC, Kulisewa K, Amberbir A, Udedi M, Zimba CC, Masiye JK, Crampin M, Amarreh I, Pence BW. The Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Partnership (SHARP) for Mental Health Capacity-Building Scale-Up Trial: Study Design and Protocol. Psychiatr Serv 2021; 72:812-821. [PMID: 33291973 PMCID: PMC8187465 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.202000003] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, including in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Depression often coexists with chronic medical conditions and is associated with worse clinical outcomes. This confluence has led to calls to integrate mental health treatment with chronic disease care systems in LMICs. This article describes the rationale and protocol for a trial comparing the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of two different intervention packages to implement evidence-based antidepressant management and psychotherapy into chronic noncommunicable disease (NCD) clinics in Malawi. METHODS Using constrained randomization, the Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Partnership (SHARP) for mental health capacity building will assign five Malawian NCD clinics to a basic implementation strategy via an internal coordinator, a provider within the chronic care clinic who champions depression services by providing training, supervision, operations, and reporting. Another five clinics will be assigned to depression services implementation via an internal coordinator along with an external quality assurance committee, which will provide a quarterly audit of intervention component delivery with feedback to providers and the health management team. RESULTS The authors will compare key implementation outcomes (fidelity to intervention), clinical effectiveness outcomes (patient health), and cost-effectiveness and will assess characteristics of clinics that may influence uptake and fidelity. NEXT STEPS This trial will provide key information to guide the Malawi Ministry of Health in scaling up depression management in existing NCD settings. The SHARP trial is anticipated to substantially contribute to enhancing both mental health treatment and implementation science research capacity in Malawi and the wider region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley N Gaynes
- Department of Psychiatry (Gaynes) and Department of Medicine (Hosseinipour), School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill; Department of Health Behavior (Akiba) and Department of Epidemiology (Pence), Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill; Department of Mental Health and Psychiatry, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi (Kulisewa); Partners in Hope, Lilongwe, Malawi (Amberbir); Malawi Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi (Udedi, Masiye); University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi (Zimba); Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Lilongwe, Malawi (Crampin); National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland (Amarreh)
| | - Christopher F Akiba
- Department of Psychiatry (Gaynes) and Department of Medicine (Hosseinipour), School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill; Department of Health Behavior (Akiba) and Department of Epidemiology (Pence), Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill; Department of Mental Health and Psychiatry, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi (Kulisewa); Partners in Hope, Lilongwe, Malawi (Amberbir); Malawi Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi (Udedi, Masiye); University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi (Zimba); Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Lilongwe, Malawi (Crampin); National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland (Amarreh)
| | - Mina C Hosseinipour
- Department of Psychiatry (Gaynes) and Department of Medicine (Hosseinipour), School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill; Department of Health Behavior (Akiba) and Department of Epidemiology (Pence), Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill; Department of Mental Health and Psychiatry, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi (Kulisewa); Partners in Hope, Lilongwe, Malawi (Amberbir); Malawi Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi (Udedi, Masiye); University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi (Zimba); Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Lilongwe, Malawi (Crampin); National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland (Amarreh)
| | - Kazione Kulisewa
- Department of Psychiatry (Gaynes) and Department of Medicine (Hosseinipour), School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill; Department of Health Behavior (Akiba) and Department of Epidemiology (Pence), Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill; Department of Mental Health and Psychiatry, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi (Kulisewa); Partners in Hope, Lilongwe, Malawi (Amberbir); Malawi Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi (Udedi, Masiye); University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi (Zimba); Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Lilongwe, Malawi (Crampin); National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland (Amarreh)
| | - Alemayehu Amberbir
- Department of Psychiatry (Gaynes) and Department of Medicine (Hosseinipour), School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill; Department of Health Behavior (Akiba) and Department of Epidemiology (Pence), Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill; Department of Mental Health and Psychiatry, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi (Kulisewa); Partners in Hope, Lilongwe, Malawi (Amberbir); Malawi Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi (Udedi, Masiye); University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi (Zimba); Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Lilongwe, Malawi (Crampin); National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland (Amarreh)
| | - Michael Udedi
- Department of Psychiatry (Gaynes) and Department of Medicine (Hosseinipour), School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill; Department of Health Behavior (Akiba) and Department of Epidemiology (Pence), Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill; Department of Mental Health and Psychiatry, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi (Kulisewa); Partners in Hope, Lilongwe, Malawi (Amberbir); Malawi Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi (Udedi, Masiye); University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi (Zimba); Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Lilongwe, Malawi (Crampin); National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland (Amarreh)
| | - Chifundo C Zimba
- Department of Psychiatry (Gaynes) and Department of Medicine (Hosseinipour), School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill; Department of Health Behavior (Akiba) and Department of Epidemiology (Pence), Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill; Department of Mental Health and Psychiatry, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi (Kulisewa); Partners in Hope, Lilongwe, Malawi (Amberbir); Malawi Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi (Udedi, Masiye); University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi (Zimba); Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Lilongwe, Malawi (Crampin); National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland (Amarreh)
| | - Jones K Masiye
- Department of Psychiatry (Gaynes) and Department of Medicine (Hosseinipour), School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill; Department of Health Behavior (Akiba) and Department of Epidemiology (Pence), Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill; Department of Mental Health and Psychiatry, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi (Kulisewa); Partners in Hope, Lilongwe, Malawi (Amberbir); Malawi Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi (Udedi, Masiye); University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi (Zimba); Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Lilongwe, Malawi (Crampin); National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland (Amarreh)
| | - Mia Crampin
- Department of Psychiatry (Gaynes) and Department of Medicine (Hosseinipour), School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill; Department of Health Behavior (Akiba) and Department of Epidemiology (Pence), Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill; Department of Mental Health and Psychiatry, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi (Kulisewa); Partners in Hope, Lilongwe, Malawi (Amberbir); Malawi Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi (Udedi, Masiye); University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi (Zimba); Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Lilongwe, Malawi (Crampin); National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland (Amarreh)
| | - Ishmael Amarreh
- Department of Psychiatry (Gaynes) and Department of Medicine (Hosseinipour), School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill; Department of Health Behavior (Akiba) and Department of Epidemiology (Pence), Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill; Department of Mental Health and Psychiatry, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi (Kulisewa); Partners in Hope, Lilongwe, Malawi (Amberbir); Malawi Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi (Udedi, Masiye); University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi (Zimba); Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Lilongwe, Malawi (Crampin); National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland (Amarreh)
| | - Brian W Pence
- Department of Psychiatry (Gaynes) and Department of Medicine (Hosseinipour), School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill; Department of Health Behavior (Akiba) and Department of Epidemiology (Pence), Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill; Department of Mental Health and Psychiatry, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi (Kulisewa); Partners in Hope, Lilongwe, Malawi (Amberbir); Malawi Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi (Udedi, Masiye); University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi (Zimba); Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Lilongwe, Malawi (Crampin); National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland (Amarreh)
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Zimba CC, Akiba CF, Matewere M, Thom A, Udedi M, Masiye JK, Kulisewa K, Go VFL, Hosseinipour MC, Gaynes BN, Pence BW. Facilitators, barriers and potential solutions to the integration of depression and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) care in Malawi: a qualitative study with service providers. Int J Ment Health Syst 2021; 15:59. [PMID: 34116699 PMCID: PMC8196431 DOI: 10.1186/s13033-021-00480-0] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Integration of depression services into infectious disease care is feasible, acceptable, and effective in sub-Saharan African settings. However, while the region shifts focus to include chronic diseases, additional information is required to integrate depression services into chronic disease settings. We assessed service providers’ views on the concept of integrating depression care into non-communicable diseases’ (NCD) clinics in Malawi. The aim of this analysis was to better understand barriers, facilitators, and solutions to integrating depression into NCD services. Methods Between June and August 2018, we conducted nineteen in-depth interviews with providers. Providers were recruited from 10 public hospitals located within the central region of Malawi (i.e., 2 per clinic, with the exception of one clinic where only one provider was interviewed because of scheduling challenges). Using a semi structured interview guide, we asked participants questions related to their understanding of depression and its management at their clinic. We used thematic analysis allowing for both inductive and deductive approach. Themes that emerged related to facilitators, barriers and suggested solutions to integrate depression assessment and care into NCD clinics. We used CFIR constructs to categorize the facilitators and barriers. Results Almost all providers knew what depression is and its associated signs and symptoms. Almost all facilities had an NCD-dedicated room and reported that integrating depression into NCD care was feasible. Facilitators of service integration included readiness to integrate services by the NCD providers, availability of antidepressants at the clinic. Barriers to service integration included limited knowledge and lack of training regarding depression care, inadequacy of both human and material resources, high workload experienced by the providers and lack of physical space for some depression services especially counseling. Suggested solutions were training of NCD staff on depression assessment and care, engaging hospital leaders to create an NCD and depression care integration policy, integrating depression information into existing documents, increasing staff, and reorganizing clinic flow. Conclusion Findings of this study suggest a need for innovative implementation science solutions such as reorganizing clinic flow to increase the quality and duration of the patient-provider interaction, as well as ongoing trainings and supervisions to increase clinical knowledge. Trial registration This study reports finding of part of the formative phase of “The Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Partnership (SHARP) for Mental Health Capacity Building—A Clinic-Randomized Trial of Strategies to Integrate Depression Care in Malawi” registered as NCT03711786
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christopher F Akiba
- Gillings School of Global and Public Health, University of North Carolina At Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Annie Thom
- Malawi Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
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Stockton MA, Gaynes BN, Hosseinipour MC, Pettifor AE, Maselko J, Mphonda SM, Kulisewa K, Udedi M, Pence BW. Association Between Depression and HIV Care Engagement Outcomes Among Patients Newly Initiating ART in Lilongwe, Malawi. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:826-835. [PMID: 32970274 PMCID: PMC7886828 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-020-03041-7] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
As in other sub-Saharan countries, the burden of depression is high among people living with HIV in Malawi. However, the association between depression at ART initiation and two critical outcomes-retention in HIV care and viral suppression-is not well understood. Prior to the launch of an integrated depression treatment program, adult patients were screened for depression at ART initiation at two clinics in Lilongwe, Malawi. We compared retention in HIV care and viral suppression at 6 months between patients with and without depression at ART initiation using tabular comparison and regression models. The prevalence of depression among this population of adults newly initiating ART was 27%. Those with depression had similar HIV care outcomes at 6 months to those without depression. Retention metrics were generally poor for those with and without depression. However, among those completing viral load testing, nearly all achieved viral suppression. Depression at ART initiation was not associated with either retention or viral suppression. Further investigation of the relationship between depression and HIV is needed to understand the ways depression impacts the different aspects of HIV care engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A Stockton
- Epidemiology Department, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health, 135 Dauer Dr, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
| | - Bradley N Gaynes
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, 333 S Columbia St, Chapel Hill, NC, 27516, USA
| | - Mina C Hosseinipour
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Tidziwe Centre, Private Bag A-104, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Division of Infectious Disease, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, 333 S Columbia St, Chapel Hill, NC, 27516, USA
| | - Audrey E Pettifor
- Epidemiology Department, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health, 135 Dauer Dr, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Joanna Maselko
- Epidemiology Department, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health, 135 Dauer Dr, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Steven M Mphonda
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Tidziwe Centre, Private Bag A-104, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Kazione Kulisewa
- College of Medicine, Department of Mental Health, University of Malawi, P/Bag 360, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi
| | - Michael Udedi
- NCDs & Mental Health Unit, Ministry of Health, P. O. Box 30377, Capital City, Lilongwe 3, Malawi
- College of Medicine, Department of Mental Health, University of Malawi, P/Bag 360, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi
| | - Brian W Pence
- Epidemiology Department, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health, 135 Dauer Dr, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
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Udedi M, Pence BW, Stewart RC, Muula AS. Detection and prevalence of depression among adult type 2 diabetes mellitus patients attending non-communicable diseases clinics in Lilongwe, Malawi. Int J Ment Health Syst 2020; 14:79. [PMID: 33292422 PMCID: PMC7640665 DOI: 10.1186/s13033-020-00413-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Depression is associated with chronic physical illnesses and negatively affects health outcomes. However, it often goes undiagnosed and untreated. We investigated the prevalence of depression among adult type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients attending non-communicable diseases (NCD) clinics in Lilongwe, Malawi, and estimated the level of routine detection by NCD clinicians. This study set out to determine the prevalence of major depression and its detection among adult type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients attending NCD clinics in Lilongwe, Malawi. Methods In a cross-sectional study design, 323 T2DM patients aged ≥ 18 years were screened for depression with the Patient Health Questionnare-9 (PHQ-9) followed by diagnostic assessment with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID). We analysed the association between presence of major depression and sociodemographic factors using logistic regression. Results Three quarters of the participants (76%) were females. The participants’ ages ranged from 21–79 years. Of the 323 participants, 58 (18%) met criteria for DSM-IV major depression. None of the cases of major depression had been identified by the NCD clinicians. Major depression was found not to be significantly associated with any of the sociodemographic factors. Conclusions We found that depression is common among NCD clinic attendees with T2DM in Malawi, and poorly detected by NCD clinicians. Given the high prevalence and challenges in clinical identification, integration of depression screening with a standardized validated tool should be a high priority so as to link patients to appropriate services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Udedi
- Department of Mental Health, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Chichiri, P/Bag 360, Blantyre 3, Malawi. .,Department of Clinical Services, Ministry of Health, P. O. Box 30377, Capital City, Lilongwe 3, Malawi. .,Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Chichiri, P/Bag 360, Blantyre 3, Malawi.
| | - Brian W Pence
- Epidemiology Department, University of North Carolina At Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health, 135 Dauer Dr, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Robert C Stewart
- Department of Mental Health, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Chichiri, P/Bag 360, Blantyre 3, Malawi.,Division of Psychiatry, University of Edinburgh, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Morningside Park, Edinburgh, EH10 5HF, UK.,Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit (MEIRU), Box 148, Lilongwe 3, Malawi
| | - Adamson S Muula
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Chichiri, P/Bag 360, Blantyre 3, Malawi.,Africa Center of Excellence in Public Health and Herbal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Chichiri, P/Bag 360, Blantyre 3, Malawi
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LeMasters K, Dussault J, Barrington C, Bengtson A, Gaynes B, Go V, Hosseinipour MC, Kulisewa K, Kutengule A, Meltzer-Brody S, Midiani D, Mphonda S, Udedi M, Pence B. "Pain in my heart": Understanding perinatal depression among women living with HIV in Malawi. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0227935. [PMID: 32502150 PMCID: PMC7274419 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perinatal depression (PND) can interfere with HIV care engagement and outcomes. We examined experiences of PND among women living with HIV (WLWH) in Malawi. METHODS We screened 73 WLWH presenting for perinatal care in Lilongwe, Malawi using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). We conducted qualitative interviews with 24 women experiencing PND and analyzed data using inductive and deductive coding and narrative analysis. RESULTS Women experienced a double burden of physical and mental illness, expressed as pain in one's heart. Receiving an HIV diagnosis unexpectedly during antenatal care was a key contributor to developing PND. This development was influenced by stigmatization and social support. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the need to recognize the mental health implications of routine screening for HIV and to routinely screen and treat PND among WLWH. Culturally appropriate mental health interventions are needed in settings with a high HIV burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine LeMasters
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Carolina Population Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Josée Dussault
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Clare Barrington
- Carolina Population Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Angela Bengtson
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Bradley Gaynes
- Department of Psychiatry, UNC School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Vivian Go
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Mina C. Hosseinipour
- UNC-Project Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Medicine, UNC School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | | | | | - Samantha Meltzer-Brody
- Department of Psychiatry, UNC School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | | | | | - Michael Udedi
- College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Brian Pence
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
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Bunn C, Mtema O, Songo J, Udedi M. The growth of sports betting in Malawi: corporate strategies, public space and public health. Public Health 2020; 184:95-101. [PMID: 32466981 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2020.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Gambling is increasingly positioned as a public health issue, with links to a wide range of harms for individuals, communities and societies. Malawi has experienced a rapid rise in the availability of high street and online sports betting services, situated in a context of extreme inequality and poverty. We aim to document the strategies through which a leading sports betting firm have established a market worth MK2.1bn, to inform future initiatives to mitigate gambling-related harm. STUDY DESIGN A case study of strategies deployed by a leading firm to grow a sports betting market in Malawi. METHODS We undertook a qualitative media analysis of articles from six major Malawian news outlets and combined this with photographic evidence relating to company advertising and presence in Malawian public space. Data were analysed thematically and triangulated to generate a typology of corporate strategies. RESULTS We collected 39 articles and 15 photographs. After we screened the articles, we analysed 27 and identified seven corporate strategies: adopt a mobile network franchise model; use media coverage; purchase high-visibility advertising; sponsor locally; build association with (European) football; appeal to aspects of hegemonic masculinity; construct narratives of individual and collective benefit. CONCLUSION Malawi has been exposed to a sophisticated set of corporate strategies aimed at growing a sports betting market. These strategies have been successful, and it is likely that a range of foreseeable gambling-related harms are affecting Malawi. We offer suggestions for how policy-makers and public health professionals might respond.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Bunn
- College of Social Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom; Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Malawi.
| | | | - J Songo
- Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Malawi
| | - M Udedi
- Non-Communicable Diseases Unit, Ministry of Health, Malawi
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Stockton MA, Udedi M, Kulisewa K, Hosseinipour MC, Gaynes BN, Mphonda SM, Maselko J, Pettifor AE, Verhey R, Chibanda D, Lapidos-Salaiz I, Pence BW. The impact of an integrated depression and HIV treatment program on mental health and HIV care outcomes among people newly initiating antiretroviral therapy in Malawi. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0231872. [PMID: 32374724 PMCID: PMC7202614 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0231872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression is highly prevalent among patients newly starting antiretroviral treatment (ART) in Malawi and many other countries. Untreated depression at ART initiation can disrupt the HIV care continuum. Effective approaches for depression screening and treatment exist for low-resource settings, but they are rarely applied. Identifying effective implementation strategies are critical. METHODS A pilot program integrated depression screening and treatment into routine HIV care using existing staff at two public health clinics in Malawi in two phases; a screening-only "control" phase and an active "intervention" phase. During the intervention phase, providers prescribed antidepressants or referred patients for Friendship Bench problem-solving therapy. We evaluated the program's impact on retention in HIV care, viral suppression, and depression remission at 6 months using tabular comparisons and log-binomial models to estimate adjusted risk ratios and mean differences among the intervention group relative to the control group. RESULTS Nearly all consenting participants were screened for depression appropriately and 25% had mild to severe depressive symptoms. During the intervention phase, 86% of participants with mild depressive symptoms started Friendship Bench therapy and 96% of participants with moderate to severe depressive symptoms started antidepressants. Few participants in the intervention group received consistent depression treatment over their first 6 months in care. In the adjusted main analysis, program exposure did not demonstrably affect most HIV or mental health outcomes, though the probability of currently being on ART at 6 months was significantly lower among the intervention group than the control group [RR 0.6(95%CI: 0.4-0.9)]. CONCLUSIONS While it is feasible to integrate depression screening and treatment initiation into ART initiation, providing ongoing depression treatment over time is challenging. Similar implementation science studies focused on maintaining depression management will be increasingly important as we strive to understand and test the best ways to implement evidence-based depression treatment within HIV care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A. Stockton
- Epidemiology Department, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Michael Udedi
- NCDs & Mental Health Unit, Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Mental Health, University of Malawi, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Kazione Kulisewa
- Department of Mental Health, University of Malawi, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Mina C. Hosseinipour
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Tidziwe Centre, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Bradley N. Gaynes
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Steven M. Mphonda
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Tidziwe Centre, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Joanna Maselko
- Epidemiology Department, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Audrey E. Pettifor
- Epidemiology Department, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Ruth Verhey
- Friendship Bench Zimbabwe, Milton Park, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Dixon Chibanda
- Friendship Bench Zimbabwe, Milton Park, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Ilana Lapidos-Salaiz
- United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Arlington, VA, United States of America
| | - Brian W. Pence
- Epidemiology Department, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
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Barnett BS, Kusunzi V, Magola L, Borba CPC, Udedi M, Kulisewa K, Hosseinipour MC. Risk factors for readmission among a cohort of psychiatric inpatients in Lilongwe, Malawi. Int J Psychiatry Clin Pract 2020; 24:25-30. [PMID: 31799886 PMCID: PMC7085440 DOI: 10.1080/13651501.2019.1699116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: Inpatient psychiatric capacity is limited in Malawi and no published studies have assessed psychiatric readmissions there. Information about factors associated with readmission may help guide strategies to reduce readmission rates and keep patients stabilised in the community. Our goal was to determine factors associated with readmission among a cohort of psychiatric inpatients in Lilongwe, Malawi.Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of all patients admitted to an inpatient psychiatric unit in Lilongwe, Malawi from January 1 to December 31, 2011. We used logistic regression to test for associations between readmissions during the study period and patient variables.Results: 419 patients were hospitalised during the study period. Twenty-nine patients (6.9%) were readmitted at least once during the study period. Readmission was associated only with intentional medication non-adherence at home (aOR: 3.33, p = 0.02).Conclusions: Intentional medication non-adherence is a potentially modifiable behaviour associated with psychiatric readmission. Efforts to improve medication adherence among patients following hospital discharge may help decrease the risk of readmission.KEY POINTSThe prevalence of readmission among psychiatric inpatients in Lilongwe, Malawi was 6.9% during the 1-year study period.Readmission was associated with intentional medication non-adherence at home.Future research efforts in Malawi should focus on improving medication adherence among psychiatric patients in the community to help decrease rates of readmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian S Barnett
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.,University of North Carolina Project, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Veronica Kusunzi
- Bwaila Psychiatric Unit, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Lucy Magola
- Bwaila Psychiatric Unit, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Christina P C Borba
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 East Concord St, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Michael Udedi
- Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi.,Department of Mental Health, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Kazione Kulisewa
- Bwaila Psychiatric Unit, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
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Akiba CF, Go V, Mwapasa V, Hosseinipour M, Gaynes BN, Amberbir A, Udedi M, Pence BW. The Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Partnership (SHARP) for Mental Health Capacity Building: a program protocol for building implementation science and mental health research and policymaking capacity in Malawi and Tanzania. Int J Ment Health Syst 2019; 13:70. [PMID: 31728158 PMCID: PMC6842238 DOI: 10.1186/s13033-019-0327-2] [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: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mental health (MH) disorders in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) account for a large proportion of disease burden. While efficacious treatments exist, only 10% of those in need are able to access care. This treatment gap is fueled by structural determinants including inadequate resource allocation and prioritization, both rooted in a lack of research and policy capacity. The goal of the Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Partnership for Mental Health Capacity Building (SHARP), based in Malawi and Tanzania, is to address those research and policy-based determinants. Methods SHARP aims to (1) build implementation science skills and expertise among Malawian and Tanzanian researchers in the area of mental health; (2) ensure that Malawian and Tanzanian policymakers and providers have the knowledge and skills to effectively apply research findings on evidence-based mental health programs to routine practice; and (3) strengthen dialogue between researchers, policymakers, and providers leading to efficient and sustainable scale-up of mental health services in Malawi and Tanzania. SHARP comprises five capacity building components: introductory and advanced short courses, a multifaceted dialogue, on-the-job training, pilot grants, and “mentor the mentors” courses. Discussion Program evaluation includes measuring dose delivered and received, participant knowledge and satisfaction, as well as academic output (e.g., conference posters or presentations, manuscript submissions, grant applications). The SHARP Capacity Building Program aims to make a meaningful contribution in pursuit of a model of capacity building that could be replicated in other LMICs. If impactful, the SHARP Capacity Building Program could increase the knowledge, skills, and mentorship capabilities of researchers, policymakers, and providers regarding effective scale up of evidence-based MH treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vivian Go
- 363 Rosenau Hall, CB# 7440, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
| | - Victor Mwapasa
- 2Centre for Reproductive Health, Malawi College of Medicine, P/Bag 360, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi
| | | | | | | | - Michael Udedi
- 6Ministry of Health, Malawi, P.O. Box 30377, Lilongwe, Malawi
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Udedi M, Stockton MA, Kulisewa K, Hosseinipour MC, Gaynes BN, Mphonda SM, Pence BW. The effectiveness of depression management for improving HIV care outcomes in Malawi: protocol for a quasi-experimental study. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:827. [PMID: 31242877 PMCID: PMC6595692 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-7132-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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: 04/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression, prevalent among people living with HIV (PLWH) in Malawi, is associated with negative HIV patient outcomes and likely affects HIV medical management. Despite the high prevalence of depression, its management has not been integrated into HIV care in Malawi or most low-income countries. METHODS This study employs a pre-post design in two HIV clinics in Lilongwe, Malawi, to evaluate the effect of integrating depression management into routine HIV care on both mental health and HIV outcomes. Using a multiple baseline design, this study is examining mental health and HIV outcome data of adult (≥18 years) patients newly initiating ART who also have depression, comparing those entering care before and after the integration of depression screening and treatment into HIV care. The study is also collecting cost information to estimate the cost-effectiveness of the program in improving rates of depression remission and HIV treatment engagement and success. DISCUSSION We anticipate that the study will generate evidence on the effect of depression management on HIV outcomes and the feasibility of integrating depression management into existing HIV care clinics. The results of the study will inform practice and policy decisions on integration of depression management in HIV care clinics in Malawi and related settings, and will help design a next-step strategy to scale-up integration to a larger scale. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov ID [ NCT03555669 ]. Retrospectively registered on 13 June 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Udedi
- NCDs and Mental Health Unit, Ministry of Health, P. O. Box 30377, Capital City, Lilongwe 3, Malawi
- Department of Mental Health, University of Malawi, College of Medicine, P/Bag 360, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi
| | - Melissa A. Stockton
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Gillings School of Global Public Health, 135 Dauer Dr, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
| | - Kazione Kulisewa
- Department of Mental Health, University of Malawi, College of Medicine, P/Bag 360, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi
| | - Mina C. Hosseinipour
- Tidziwe Centre, University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Private Bag A-104, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, 333 S Columbia St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516 USA
| | - Bradley N. Gaynes
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, 333 S Columbia St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516 USA
| | - Steven M. Mphonda
- Tidziwe Centre, University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Private Bag A-104, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Brian W. Pence
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Gillings School of Global Public Health, 135 Dauer Dr, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
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Udedi M, Muula AS, Stewart RC, Pence BW. The validity of the patient health Questionnaire-9 to screen for depression in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus in non-communicable diseases clinics in Malawi. BMC Psychiatry 2019; 19:81. [PMID: 30813922 PMCID: PMC6391834 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-019-2062-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression is a global problem, affecting populations worldwide, but is too often under-diagnosed. The identification of depression among patients with diabetes is important because depression is prevalent in this group and can complicate diabetes management. OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the PHQ-9 in the detection of depression among patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus attending non-communicable diseases (NCD) clinics in Malawi. METHODS We conducted a validation study of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) among 323 patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus who attended two NCD clinics in one of the 28 districts of Malawi. The participants were screened consecutively using the nine-item PHQ-9 in Chichewa by a research assistant and completed a diagnostic interview using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID) for depression with a mental health clinician. We evaluated both content validity based on expert judgement and criterion validity of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) based on performance against the SCID. The PHQ-9 cutpoint that maximized sensitivity plus specificity was selected to report test characteristics. RESULTS Using the SCID for depression, the prevalence of minor or major depression was 41% (133/323). The internal consistency estimate for the PHQ-9 was 0.83, with an area under the receiver operator curve (AUC) of 0.93 (95% CI, [0.91-0.96]). Using the optimal cut-point of ≥9, the PHQ-9 had a sensitivity of 64% and a specificity of 94% in detecting both minor and major depression, with likelihood ratio-positive = 10.1 and likelihood ratio negative =0.4 as well as overall correct classification (OCC) rate of 81%. CONCLUSIONS This is the first validation study of the PHQ-9 in NCD clinics in Malawi. Depression was highly prevalent in this sample. The PHQ-9 demonstrated reasonable accuracy in identifying cases of depression and is a useful screening tool in this setting. Health care workers in NCD clinics can use the PHQ-9 to identify depression among their patients with those having a positive screen followed up by additional diagnostic assessment to confirm diagnosis. TRIAL REGISTRATION PACTR201807135104799 . Retrospectively registered on 12 July 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Udedi
- Department of Mental Health, University of Malawi, College of Medicine, P/Bag 360, Chichiri, Blantyre, 3, Malawi. .,Department of Clinical Services, Ministry of Health, P. O. Box 30377, Capital City, Lilongwe, 3, Malawi. .,Department of Public Health, University of Malawi, College of Medicine, P/Bag 360, Chichiri, Blantyre, 3, Malawi.
| | - Adamson S. Muula
- 0000 0001 2113 2211grid.10595.38Department of Public Health, University of Malawi, College of Medicine, P/Bag 360, Chichiri, Blantyre, 3 Malawi ,0000 0001 2113 2211grid.10595.38Africa Center of Excellence in Public Health and Herbal Medicine, University of Malawi, College of Medicine, P/Bag 360, Chichiri, Blantyre, 3 Malawi
| | - Robert C. Stewart
- 0000 0001 2113 2211grid.10595.38Department of Mental Health, University of Malawi, College of Medicine, P/Bag 360, Chichiri, Blantyre, 3 Malawi
| | - Brian W. Pence
- 0000000122483208grid.10698.36Epidemiology Department, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health, 135 Dauer Dr, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
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Barnett BS, Kusunzi V, Magola L, Borba CPC, Udedi M, Kulisewa K, Hosseinipour MC. Factors associated with long length of stay in an inpatient psychiatric unit in Lilongwe, Malawi. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2019; 54:235-242. [PMID: 30349960 PMCID: PMC6586467 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-018-1611-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 04/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Studies of factors affecting length of stay during psychiatric hospitalization in sub-Saharan Africa are sparse. A better understanding of such factors may lead to interventions resulting in quicker patient stabilization and discharge, freeing up needed psychiatric beds and reducing health care system expenditures. Therefore, we sought to identify factors associated with long length of stay in Malawi. METHODS We reviewed the charts of 417 patients hospitalized at Kamuzu Central Hospital's Bwaila Psychiatric Unit in Lilongwe, Malawi from January 1 to December 31, 2011. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to test for associations between patient factors and long length of stay (defined as more than 28 days). RESULTS Mean length of stay was 22.08 ± 27.70 days (range 0-243). 21.82% (91/417) of patients stayed longer than 28 days. Long length of stay was associated with living outside of Lilongwe district [aOR: 3.65 (1.66-8.01), p = 0.001] and treatment for antipsychotic extrapyramidal side effects (EPS) during hospitalization [aOR: 3.45 (1.32-9.03), p = 0.012]. Patients who had more interactions with medical providers for this episode of illness prior to presentation at the unit were less likely to have a long length of stay [aOR: 0.35 (0.16-0.76), p = 0.008]. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate areas of possible intervention to reduce length of stay, including securing means for patient transport home, rapid identification and treatment of EPS, and reducing the risk of EPS by decreased use of high potency first-generation antipsychotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian S Barnett
- Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital Outpatient Clinic, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA, 02478, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, 37232-0740, USA.
- University of North Carolina Project, Lilongwe, Malawi.
| | - Veronica Kusunzi
- Department of Mental Health, Bwaila Hospital Psychiatric Unit, Kamuzu Central Hospital, PO Box 149, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Lucy Magola
- Department of Mental Health, Bwaila Hospital Psychiatric Unit, Kamuzu Central Hospital, PO Box 149, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Christina P C Borba
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Medical Center, 720 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 East Concord St, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Michael Udedi
- Non Communicable Diseases and Mental Health Unit, Clinical Services Department, Ministry of Health, PO Box 30377, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Mental Health, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Kazione Kulisewa
- Department of Mental Health, Bwaila Hospital Psychiatric Unit, Kamuzu Central Hospital, PO Box 149, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Psychiatry, Kamuzu Central Hospital, PO Box 149, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Mina C Hosseinipour
- University of North Carolina Project, Lilongwe, Malawi
- UNC Project Private Bag A104, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Tidziwe Clinic, Lilongwe, Malawi
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Kutcher S, Perkins K, Gilberds H, Udedi M, Ubuguyu O, Njau T, Chapota R, Hashish M. Creating Evidence-Based Youth Mental Health Policy in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Description of the Integrated Approach to Addressing the Issue of Youth Depression in Malawi and Tanzania. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:542. [PMID: 31555156 PMCID: PMC6724683 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Addressing depression in young people is a health-care policy need in sub-Saharan Africa. There exists poor mental health literacy, high levels of stigma, and weak capacity at the community level to address this health-care need. These challenges are significant barriers to accessing mental health care for depression, soon to be the largest single contributor to the global burden of disease. We here describe an innovative approach that addresses these issues simultaneously while concurrently strengthening key mental health components in existing education and health-care systems as successfully applied in Malawi and replicated in Tanzania. Improving the pathway to care for young people with depression requires the following: improving mental health literacy (MHL) of communities, youth, and teachers; enhancing case identification and linking schools to community health clinics; improving the capacity of community health-care providers to identify, diagnose, and effectively treat depression in youth. Funded by Grand Challenges Canada, we developed and applied a program called "An Integrated Approach to Addressing the Challenge of Depression Among the Youth in Malawi and Tanzania" (IACD). This was an example of, a horizontally integrated pathway to care model designed to be applied in low-resource settings. The model is designed to 1) improve awareness/knowledge of mental health and mental disorders (especially depression) in communities; 2) enhance mental health literacy among youth and teachers within schools; 3) enhance capacity for teachers to identify students with possible depression; 4) create linkages between schools and community health clinics for improved access to mental health care for youth identified with possible depression; and 5) enhance the capacity of community-based health-care providers to identify, diagnose, and effectively treat youth with depression. With the use of interactive, youth-informed weekly radio programs, mental health curriculum training for teachers and peer educators in secondary schools, and a clinical competency training program for community-based health workers, the innovation created a "hub and spoke" model for improving mental health care for young people. Positive results obtained in Malawi and replicated in Tanzania suggest that this approach may provide an effective and potentially sustainable framework for enhancing youth mental health care, thus providing a policy ready framework that can be considered for application in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanley Kutcher
- Department of Psychiatry, IWK Health Centre and Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Omary Ubuguyu
- Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Tasiana Njau
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Mina Hashish
- Department of Psychiatry, IWK Health Centre and Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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Udedi M, Pence B, Kauye F, Muula AS. The effect of depression management on diabetes and hypertension outcomes in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review protocol. Syst Rev 2018; 7:223. [PMID: 30518434 PMCID: PMC6280497 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-018-0896-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for a growing burden on health systems in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Depression is generally associated with the outcomes of NCDs and is an important barrier to consistent NCD care management. There is great need to understand the efficacy of interventions to treat depression for people with NCDs, but there is a paucity of evidence of the efficacy of the interventions in LMICs. Therefore, the broad objective of this review is to systematically review the literature on the effectiveness of depression management among patients with diabetes and hypertension to improve outcomes. METHODS This is a systematic review to assess the evidence of the effect of depression management in diabetic and hypertensive patients on diabetes and hypertension outcomes in LMICs. Two independent reviewers will search articles on PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Global Index Medicus. Two reviewers will then screen the articles independently based on predefined criteria. We will use standard methods as recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration of assessing quality of evidence and publish our report using the PRISMA guidelines. DISCUSSION The findings from this review will provide evidence to be used in guiding practice and policy on how to integrate depression management in diabetes and hypertension clinics. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42017068257.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Udedi
- College of Medicine, University of Malawi, P/Bag 360, Chichiri, Blantyre, 3 Malawi
| | - Brian Pence
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, McGavran-Greenberg, 2103C Campus Box 7435, UNC-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7435 USA
| | - Felix Kauye
- College of Medicine, University of Malawi, P/Bag 360, Chichiri, Blantyre, 3 Malawi
| | - Adamson S. Muula
- College of Medicine, University of Malawi, P/Bag 360, Chichiri, Blantyre, 3 Malawi
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Barnett BS, Kusunzi V, Magola L, Borba CP, Udedi M, Kulisewa K, Hosseinipour MC. Factors associated with the use of seclusion in an inpatient psychiatric unit in Lilongwe, Malawi. Malawi Med J 2018; 30:197-204. [PMID: 30627356 PMCID: PMC6307050 DOI: 10.4314/mmj.v30i3.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Revised: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Data on the use of seclusion for psychiatric inpatients in sub-Saharan Africa are extremely limited. Though seclusion is sometimes necessary for patients that pose a threat to themselves or others, adverse physical and psychological sequelae from the experience are increasingly being recognized, leading to efforts to reduce its use. The purpose of this study was to calculate the frequency of seclusion in patients hospitalized in an inpatient psychiatric unit in Lilongwe, Malawi, and to identify factors associated with its use. Methods Records of 419 psychiatric inpatients hospitalized at Kamuzu Central Hospital's Bwaila Psychiatric Unit in Lilongwe, Malawi, from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011, were reviewed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to identify factors associated with the use of seclusion. Results Seclusion was used for 30.3% (127/419) of patients during the study period. Male patients had increased odds of being secluded (aOR: 2.22, p=0.02). Assaulting other patients on the unit (aOR 7.92, p<0.01) and presenting to the unit in mechanical restraints (aOR 2.33, p<0.01) were also associated with seclusion. There was no association between seclusion and age; diagnosis of alcohol use disorder, marijuana use disorder, or schizophrenia; involuntary admission; presence of extra pyramidal side effects; presence of hallucinations; suicidality; or commission of violent acts prior to admission. Conclusions Documentation about the rationale for the use of seclusion on the unit was minimal. Improved record keeping requirements will be essential to future efforts to study seclusion and reduce its use. Development of strategies to address patient violence on the unit could decrease the use of seclusion for aggressive patients. Patients arriving to the unit in restraints would benefit from increased efforts by staff to apply behavioural interventions or administer medications, in order to deescalate these individuals and limit the use of seclusion in their treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian S Barnett
- Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, USA
- University of North Carolina Project, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | - Lucy Magola
- Bwaila Psychiatric Unit, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Malawi
| | - Christina Pc Borba
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Medical Center; Boston, University School of Medicine, 72 East Concord St, Boston, USA
| | - Michael Udedi
- Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Mental Health, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
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Udedi M, Stockton MA, Kulisewa K, Hosseinipour MC, Gaynes BN, Mphonda SM, Mwagomba BM, Mazenga AC, Pence BW. Integrating depression management into HIV primary care in central Malawi: the implementation of a pilot capacity building program. BMC Health Serv Res 2018; 18:593. [PMID: 30064418 PMCID: PMC6069990 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-018-3388-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [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: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Malawi, early retention in HIV care remains challenging. Depression is strongly associated with reduced anti-retroviral therapy (ART) adherence and viral suppression. Appropriate depression care for people initiating ART is likely to be supportive of early and continued engagement in the HIV care continuum. This paper aims to provide an overview of a task-shifting program that integrates depression screening and treatment into HIV care and the strategy used to evaluate this program, describes the implementation process, and discusses key challenges and lessons learned in the first phase of program implementation. METHODS We are implementing a program integrating depression screening and treatment into HIV care initiation at two clinics in Lilongwe District, Malawi. The program's effect on patients' depression and HIV outcomes will be evaluated using a multiple baseline pre-post study. In this manuscript, we draw from our experiences as program implementers and some of the quantitative data to describe the process of implementation and key lessons learned. RESULTS We successfully implemented the screening phase of this program at both clinics; 88.3 and 93.2% of newly diagnosed patients have been screened for depression at each clinic respectively. 25% of enrolled patients reported symptoms of mild-to-severe depression and only 6% reported symptoms of moderate-to-severe depression. Key lessons learned from the process show the importance of utilizing existing processes and infrastructure and focusing on iterative and collaborative learning. We continued to face challenges around establishing a sense of program ownership among providers, developing capacity to diagnose and manage depression, and ensuring the availability of appropriate medication. Our efforts to address these challenges provide insight into the technical and managerial support needed to prepare for, roll out, and sustain integrated models of mental health and HIV care. CONCLUSIONS This activity demonstrates how a depression screening program can successfully be integrated into HIV care within the public health system in Malawi. While this program focuses on integrating depression management into HIV care, most of the lessons learned could apply to integration of mental health into any non-psychiatric specialist setting. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov ID [ NCT03555669 ]. Retrospectively registered on 13 June 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Udedi
- NCDs & Mental Health Unit, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Health, P. O. Box 30377 Capital City, Lilongwe 3, Malawi
| | - Melissa A. Stockton
- Epidemiology Department, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health, 135 Dauer Dr, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
| | - Kazione Kulisewa
- Ministry of Health, Kamuzu Central Hospital and Bwaila Psychiatric Hospital, Private Bag, 149 Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Mina C. Hosseinipour
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Tidziwe Centre, Private Bag, A-104 Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, 333 S Columbia St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516 USA
| | - Bradley N. Gaynes
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, 333 S Columbia St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516 USA
| | - Steven M. Mphonda
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Tidziwe Centre, Private Bag, A-104 Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | - Alick C. Mazenga
- Baylor College of Medicine Abbott Fund Children’s Clinical Centre of Excellence, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Private Bag, B-397 Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Brian W. Pence
- Epidemiology Department, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health, 135 Dauer Dr, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
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Barnett BS, Kusunzi V, Magola L, Borba CP, Udedi M, Kulisewa K, Hosseinipour MC. Description of the inpatient population and care received at a psychiatric unit in Lilongwe, Malawi. Int J Cult Ment Health 2018; 11:574-582. [PMID: 32863863 PMCID: PMC7450978 DOI: 10.1080/17542863.2018.1448424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 02/17/2018] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Like in much of Sub-Saharan Africa, descriptive data about psychiatric inpatients and inpatient psychiatric care in Malawi is limited. This study describes the inpatient population at the Bwaila Hospital Psychiatric Unit in Lilongwe, Malawi, as well as treatments received and treatment outcomes. Records of 419 psychiatric inpatients hospitalized from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011 were reviewed. Patients were primarily male (73.0%) and were most commonly referred from district hospitals (46.4%). Nearly all patients were involuntarily hospitalized under Malawi's Mental Treatment Act (94.2%). Schizophrenia (30.1%), cannabis use disorder (27.9%) and alcohol use disorder (25.1%) were the most common diagnoses. Suicidal ideation was reported by 4.8% of patients and 2.4% had attempted suicide prior to admission. Homicidal ideation was reported by 7.3% of patients and 5.1% of patients assaulted another patient during their hospitalization. Mean length of stay was 22.1 ± 27.7 days (range: 1.0-243.0). Chlorpromazine (81.3%), diazepam (75.8%), carbamazepine (59.8%) and fluphenazine (56.0%) were the most commonly used medications on the ward. Stabilization and discharge to home was the most common outcome (68.0%), followed by transfer to another hospital (19.5%), discharge against medical advice (8.2%), abscondment (3.4%) and death (1.0%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian S. Barnett
- Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA 02478, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, 37232-0740, USA
- University of North Carolina Project, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Veronica Kusunzi
- Bwaila Hospital Psychiatric Unit, Kamuzu Central Hospital, PO Box 149, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Lucy Magola
- Bwaila Hospital Psychiatric Unit, Kamuzu Central Hospital, PO Box 149, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Christina P.C. Borba
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Medical Center, 720 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02118 USA ; Boston University School of Medicine, 72 East Concord St, Boston, MA 02118 USA
| | - Michael Udedi
- Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Mental Health, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Kazione Kulisewa
- Bwaila Hospital Psychiatric Unit, Kamuzu Central Hospital, PO Box 149, Lilongwe, Malawi
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Kutcher S, Udedi M, Gilberds H, Brown A, Chapota R, Perkins K. Clinic outcomes of the Pathway to Care Model: A cross-sectional survey of adolescent depression in Malawi. Malawi Med J 2017; 29:97-102. [PMID: 28955414 PMCID: PMC5610277 DOI: 10.4314/mmj.v29i2.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Depression is one of the leading contributors to the global burden of disease and often has an onset during adolescence. While effective treatments are available, many low-income countries, such as Malawi, lack appropriately trained health providers in community health settings, and this limits access to effective mental healthcare for young people with depression. To address this need, a Canadian-developed youth depression Pathway to Care Model, linking school-based mental health literacy interventions to training of community healthcare providers, was adapted for use in Malawi and successfully applied. Methods A sample of healthcare providers (N = 25) from community health clinics (N = 9) were trained in the use of comprehensive, systematic clinical interventions, addressing the identification, diagnosis, and treatment of depression in youth who had been referred from schools where mental health literacy interventions had been implemented. Referral outcomes were obtained using a standardised clinical record form. Results Over 120 clinical outcome forms were available for analysis. Seventy percent of youth referred by their teachers were diagnosed with depression. Most youth diagnosed with depression identified physical symptoms as their primary difficulty. Available standardised outcome measures applied by clinicians indicated that, overall, youth showed positive outcomes as a result of treatment. Conclusions Community healthcare providers in Malawi were trained in the identification, diagnosis, and treatment of youth depression. When this training was applied in usual clinical care to youth referred from schools, it led to generally favourable clinical outcomes. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of a clinically feasible intervention that results in positive outcomes for young people with depression in Malawi, and it may provide a useful model to replicate elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Paramedics dominate primary health care in Malawi where native healers also play a major role in the provision of health care and psychiatric nurses are the backbone of district mental health services. AIM The aim is to improve understanding of prior care-seeking and treatment of new patients seen at mental health services in a developing country like Malawi. METHOD For one calendar month, 128 newly referred patients to the mental health services in the three psychiatric units in Malawi were interviewed using an encounter form. RESULTS Most of the patients went through a first carer before attending a psychiatric unit with only 11.7% going straight to a psychiatric unit. All patients who went straight to a psychiatric unit involved the private/Christian Health Association of Malawi (CHAM) unit in the northern region of Malawi. About 22.7% of the patients had a native healer as a first carer. Only 23% of all patients seen went through a second carer, with none going through a third carer. Over 8% of those who had a paramedic as their first carer had a native healer as their second carer. Duration of stay at different carers varied a lot with about half (48.2%) of all patients who saw a native healer as the first carer spending more than 2 weeks before referral while about 67.0% of those who saw convectional health workers spent 3 days or less before referral. CONCLUSION The pathway to care for patients with psychological problems in Malawi is not very much different to pathways to care in other developing countries whereby native healers and paramedics play a significant role. With the high proportion of patients being seen by native healers and the fact that most patients stay longer at native healers before referral, there is need for official collaboration and training of native healers on mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Kauye
- Clinical Psychiatry Department, Zomba Mental Hospital, Zomba, Malawi Department of Mental Health, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Michael Udedi
- NCDs and Mental Health Unit, Clinical Services Department, Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Chitsanzo Mafuta
- Clinical Psychiatry Department, Zomba Mental Hospital, Zomba, Malawi
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Udedi M, Swartz L, Stewart RC, Kauye F. Health service utilization by patients with common mental disorder identified by the Self-Reporting Questionnaire in a primary care setting in Zomba, Malawi: a descriptive study. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2014; 60:454-61. [PMID: 23877337 PMCID: PMC4171248 DOI: 10.1177/0020764013495527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There has been no study carried out to assess health service utilization by people with common mental disorder (CMD) in Malawi. AIM The aim of the study was to evaluate health service utilization patterns of patients with CMD in primary health care (PHC) clinics. METHODS The study was conducted in two PHC clinics in one of the 28 districts in Malawi. Face-to-face interviews with the Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20) were conducted in a sample of 323 PHC attendees aged 18 years and older who attended the PHC clinics for any reason. RESULTS The prevalence of probable CMD in the sample was 20.1%. People with probable CMD had a higher mean number of health facility visits in the previous three months compared to those without probable CMD (1.6 vs 1.19, p = .02). CONCLUSION The study reveals high utilization of health services for people with CMD in the PHC setting. There is a need for PHC workers to improve skills in diagnosing patients with CMD to make PHC services more effective by reducing re-attendance and improving patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Udedi
- Centre for Public Mental Health, Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, Matieland, South Africa Clinical Psychiatry Department, Zomba Mental Hospital, Zomba, Malawi
| | - Leslie Swartz
- Centre for Public Mental Health, Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, Matieland, South Africa
| | - Robert C Stewart
- Department of Mental Health, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Felix Kauye
- Clinical Psychiatry Department, Zomba Mental Hospital, Zomba, Malawi Department of Mental Health, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
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Udedi M. The prevalence of depression among patients and its detection by primary health care workers at Matawale Health Centre (Zomba). Malawi Med J 2014; 26:34-37. [PMID: 25157314 PMCID: PMC4141239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little information is available on the prevalence of depression in Malawi in primary health care settings and yet there is increased number of cases of depression presenting at tertiary level in severe form. AIM The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of depression among patients and its detection by health care workers at a primary health care clinic in Zomba. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was done among patients attending outpatient department at Matawale Health Centre, in Zomba from 1st July 2009 through to 31st July 2009. A total of 350 adults were randomly selected using systematic sampling. The "Self Reporting Questionnaire", a questionnaire measuring social demographic factors and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I disorders Non-Patient Version (SCID-NP) were administered verbally to the participants. FINDINGS The prevalence of depression among the patients attending the outpatients department was found to be 30.3% while detection rate of depression by clinician was 0%. CONCLUSION The results revealed the magnitude of depression which is prevalent in the primary health care clinic that goes undiagnosed and unmanaged. It is therefore recommended that primary health care providers do thorough assessments to address common mental disorders especially depression and they should be educated to recognise and manage depression appropriately at primary care level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Udedi
- NCDs and Mental Health Unit, Clinical Services Department, Ministry of Health, Malawi
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Kauye F, Chiwandira C, Wright J, Common S, Phiri M, Mafuta C, Maliwichi-Senganimalunje L, Udedi M. Increasing the capacity of health surveillance assistants in community mental health care in a developing country, Malawi. Malawi Med J 2011; 23:85-88. [PMID: 23448002 PMCID: PMC3588564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Mental health services in Malawi are centralized in the three tertiary units which are located one in each of the three regions of Malawi and this means that most people with mental health problems do not get help. With severe shortages of mental health professionals in the country, integration of mental health into existing primary and community health services is the most feasible way of increasing access to services for people with mental health problems. This paper discusses a pilot program of integrating mental health in the activities of Health Surveillance Assistants (HSAs) who are community health workers in Malawi.
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