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Mudiyanselage KWW, De Santis KK, Jörg F, Saleem M, Stewart R, Zeeb H, Busse H. The effectiveness of mental health interventions involving non-specialists and digital technology in low-and middle-income countries - a systematic review. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:77. [PMID: 38172713 PMCID: PMC10763181 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17417-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Combining non-specialists and digital technologies in mental health interventions could decrease the mental healthcare gap in resource scarce countries. This systematic review examined different combinations of non-specialists and digital technologies in mental health interventions and their effectiveness in reducing the mental healthcare gap in low-and middle-income countries. METHODS Literature searches were conducted in four databases (September 2023), three trial registries (January-February 2022), and using forward and backward citation searches (May-June 2022). The review included primary studies on mental health interventions combining non-specialists and digital technologies in low-and middle-income countries. The outcomes were: (1) the mental health of intervention receivers and (2) the competencies of non-specialists to deliver mental health interventions. Data were expressed as standardised effect sizes (Cohen's d) and narratively synthesised. Risk of bias assessment was conducted using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tools for individual and cluster randomised and non-randomised controlled trials. RESULTS Of the 28 included studies (n = 32 interventions), digital technology was mainly used in non-specialist primary-delivery treatment models for common mental disorders or subthreshold symptoms. The competencies of non-specialists were improved with digital training (d ≤ 0.8 in 4/7 outcomes, n = 4 studies, 398 participants). The mental health of receivers improved through non-specialist-delivered interventions, in which digital technologies were used to support the delivery of the intervention (d > 0.8 in 24/40 outcomes, n = 11, 2469) or to supervise the non-specialists' work (d = 0.2-0.8 in 10/17 outcomes, n = 3, 3096). Additionally, the mental health of service receivers improved through digitally delivered mental health services with non-specialist involvement (d = 0.2-0.8 in 12/27 outcomes, n = 8, 2335). However, the overall certainty of the evidence was poor. CONCLUSION Incorporating digital technologies into non-specialist mental health interventions tended to enhance non-specialists' competencies and knowledge in intervention delivery, and had a positive influence on the severity of mental health problems, mental healthcare utilization, and psychosocial functioning outcomes of service recipients, primarily within primary-deliverer care models. More robust evidence is needed to compare the magnitude of effectiveness and identify the clinical relevance of specific digital functions. Future studies should also explore long-term and potential adverse effects and interventions targeting men and marginalised communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalpani Wijekoon Wijekoon Mudiyanselage
- Faculty 11 Human and Health Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany.
- Department of Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology- BIPS, Bremen, Germany.
| | - Karina Karolina De Santis
- Department of Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology- BIPS, Bremen, Germany
| | - Frederike Jörg
- Department of Psychiatry, Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion regulation, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- Department of Education and Research, Friesland Mental Health Care Services, Leeuwarden, the Netherlands
| | - Maham Saleem
- Department of Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology- BIPS, Bremen, Germany
| | - Roy Stewart
- Department of Health Sciences, Community & Occupational Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Hajo Zeeb
- Faculty 11 Human and Health Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
- Department of Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology- BIPS, Bremen, Germany
- Leibniz ScienceCampus Digital Public Health Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Heide Busse
- Department of Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology- BIPS, Bremen, Germany
- Leibniz ScienceCampus Digital Public Health Bremen, Bremen, Germany
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Oyedeji AD, Ullah I, Weich S, Bentall R, Booth A. Effectiveness of non-specialist delivered psychological interventions on glycemic control and mental health problems in individuals with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Ment Health Syst 2022; 16:9. [PMID: 35120528 PMCID: PMC8817494 DOI: 10.1186/s13033-022-00521-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Typically, specialist mental health professionals deliver psychological interventions for individuals with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and related mental health problems. However, such interventions are not generalizable to low- and middle-income countries, due to the dearth of trained mental health professionals. Individuals with little or no experience in the field of mental health (referred to as non-specialists) may have an important role to play in bridging this treatment gap. Aim To synthesise evidence for the effectiveness of non-specialist delivered psychological interventions on glycaemic control and mental health problems in people with T2DM. Methods Eight databases and reference lists of previous reviews were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Outcome measures were glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), diabetes distress and depression. The Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool was used for risk of bias assessment. Data from the included studies were synthesized using narrative synthesis and random effects meta-analysis. Results 16 RCTs were eligible for inclusion in the systematic review. The 11 studies that were pooled in the meta-analysis demonstrated a reduction in HbA1c in favor of non-specialist delivered psychological interventions when compared with control groups (pooled mean difference = − 0.13; 95% CI − 0.22 to − 0.04, p = 0.005) with high heterogeneity across studies (I2 = 71%, p = 0.0002). The beneficial effects of the interventions on diabetes distress and depression were not consistent across the different trials. Conclusion Non-specialist delivered psychological interventions may be effective in improving HbA1c. These interventions have some promising benefits on diabetes distress and depression, although the findings are inconclusive. More studies of non-specialist delivered psychological interventions are needed in low- and middle-income countries to provide more evidence of the potential effectiveness of these interventions for individuals living with T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayodeji D Oyedeji
- School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S1 4DA, UK.
| | - Ibrahim Ullah
- Centre for Assistive Technology and Connected Healthcare, School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S1 4DA, UK
| | - Scott Weich
- School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S1 4DA, UK
| | - Richard Bentall
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S1 4DA, UK
| | - Andrew Booth
- School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S1 4DA, UK
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Van't Hof E, Sangraula M, Luitel NP, Turner EL, Marahatta K, van Ommeren M, Shrestha P, Bryant R, Kohrt BA, Jordans MJD. Effectiveness of Group Problem Management Plus (Group-PM+) for adults affected by humanitarian crises in Nepal: study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial. Trials 2020; 21:343. [PMID: 32307009 PMCID: PMC7168994 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-020-04263-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, the lack of availability of psychological services for people exposed to adversities has led to the development of a range of scalable psychological interventions with features that enable better scale-up. Problem Management Plus (PM+) is a brief intervention of five sessions that can be delivered by non-specialists. It is designed for people in communities in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) affected by any kind of adversity. Two recent randomized controlled trials in Pakistan and Kenya demonstrated the effectiveness of individually delivered PM+. A group version of PM+ has been developed to make the intervention more scalable and acceptable. This paper describes the protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial (c-RCT) on locally adapted Group PM+ in Nepal. METHODS/DESIGN This c-RCT will compare Group PM+ to enhanced usual care (EUC) in participants with high levels of psychological distress recruited from the community. The study is designed as a two-arm, single-blind c-RCT that will be conducted in a community-based setting in Morang, a flood affected district in Eastern Nepal. Randomization will occur at ward level, the smallest administrative level in Nepal, with 72 enrolled wards allocated to Group PM+ or to EUC (ratio 1:1). Group PM+ consists of five approximately 2.5-h sessions, in which participants are taught techniques to manage their stressors and problems, and is delivered by trained and supervised community psychosocial workers (CPSWs). EUC consists of a family meeting with (a) basic information on adversity and mental health, (b) benefits of getting support, (c) information on seeking services from local health facilities with mhGAP-trained staff. The primary outcome measure is levels of individual psychological distress at endline (equivalent to 20 ± 1 weeks after baseline), measured by the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). Secondary outcome measures include levels of functioning, depressive symptoms, post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, levels of social support, somatic symptoms, and ways of coping. We hypothesize that skills acquired will mediate any impact of the intervention. DISCUSSION This c-RCT will contribute to the growing evidence-base for transdiagnostic psychological interventions delivered by non-specialists for people in communities affected by adversity. If Group PM+ is proven effective, the intervention manual will be released for use, giving the opportunity for further adaptation and implementation of the intervention in diverse settings with communities that require better access to psychological interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03747055.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edith Van't Hof
- Department of Mental Health and Substance Use, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Manaswi Sangraula
- Transcultural Psychosocial Organization Nepal, Baluwatar, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Nagendra P Luitel
- Transcultural Psychosocial Organization Nepal, Baluwatar, Kathmandu, Nepal.
| | - Elizabeth L Turner
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics and Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Kedar Marahatta
- World Health Organization, Country Office for Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Mark van Ommeren
- Department of Mental Health and Substance Use, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Pragya Shrestha
- Transcultural Psychosocial Organization Nepal, Baluwatar, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | | | - Brandon A Kohrt
- Transcultural Psychosocial Organization Nepal, Baluwatar, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Mark J D Jordans
- Transcultural Psychosocial Organization Nepal, Baluwatar, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Centre for Global Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neurosciences, King's College London, London, UK
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Sangraula M, Van't Hof E, Luitel NP, Turner EL, Marahatta K, Nakao JH, van Ommeren M, Jordans MJD, Kohrt BA. Protocol for a feasibility study of group-based focused psychosocial support to improve the psychosocial well-being and functioning of adults affected by humanitarian crises in Nepal: Group Problem Management Plus (PM+). Pilot Feasibility Stud 2018; 4:126. [PMID: 30038793 PMCID: PMC6052626 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-018-0315-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The prevalence of common mental disorders increases in humanitarian emergencies while access to services to address them decreases. Problem Management Plus (PM+) is a brief five-session trans-diagnostic psychological WHO intervention employing empirically supported strategies that can be delivered by non-specialist lay-providers under specialist supervision to adults impaired by distress. Two recent randomized controlled trials in Pakistan and Kenya demonstrated the efficacy of individually delivered PM+. To make PM+ more scalable and acceptable in different contexts, it is important to develop a group version as well, with 6–8 participants in session. A study is needed to demonstrate the feasibility and acceptability of both the intervention in a new cultural context and the procedures to evaluate Group PM+ in a cluster randomized controlled trial. Methods This protocol describes a feasibility trial to Group PM+ in Sindhuli, Nepal. This study will evaluate procedures for a cluster randomized controlled trial (c-RCT) with Village Development Committees (VDCs), which are the second smallest unit of government administration, as the unit of randomization. Adults with high levels of psychological distress and functional impairment will receive either Group PM+ (n = 60) or enhanced usual care (EUC; n = 60). Psychological distress, functional impairment, depression symptoms, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and perceived problems will be measured during screening, pre-treatment baseline, and 7–10 days after the intervention. Qualitative data will be collected from beneficiaries, their families, local stakeholders, and staff to support quantitative data and to identify themes reporting that those involved and/or effected by Group PM+ perceived it as being acceptable, feasible, and useful. The primary objective of this trial is to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of the intervention; to identify issues around implementation of local adaptation methods, training, supervision, and outcomes measures; and to assure that procedures are adequate for a subsequent effectiveness c-RCT. Discussion Outcomes from this trial will contribute to optimizing feasibility and acceptability through cultural adaptation and contextualization of the intervention as well as refining the design for a c-RCT, which will evaluate the effectiveness of Group PM+ in Nepal. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03359486
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Affiliation(s)
- Manaswi Sangraula
- Transcultural Psychosocial Organization Nepal, Baluwatar, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Edith Van't Hof
- 2Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nagendra P Luitel
- Transcultural Psychosocial Organization Nepal, Baluwatar, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Elizabeth L Turner
- 3Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics and Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, USA
| | - Kedar Marahatta
- World Health Organization, Country Office for Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Jolene H Nakao
- 5Emergency Response and Recovery Branch, Division of Global Health Protection, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA USA.,6Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA), United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Washington, DC USA
| | - Mark van Ommeren
- 2Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Mark J D Jordans
- Transcultural Psychosocial Organization Nepal, Baluwatar, Kathmandu, Nepal.,7Centre for Global Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neurosciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Brandon A Kohrt
- Transcultural Psychosocial Organization Nepal, Baluwatar, Kathmandu, Nepal.,8Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC USA
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Kohrt BA, Jordans MJD, Turner EL, Sikkema KJ, Luitel NP, Rai S, Singla DR, Lamichhane J, Lund C, Patel V. Reducing stigma among healthcare providers to improve mental health services (RESHAPE): protocol for a pilot cluster randomized controlled trial of a stigma reduction intervention for training primary healthcare workers in Nepal. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2018; 4:36. [PMID: 29403650 PMCID: PMC5781273 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-018-0234-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Non-specialist healthcare providers, including primary and community healthcare workers, in low- and middle-income countries can effectively treat mental illness. However, scaling-up mental health services within existing health systems has been limited by barriers such as stigma against people with mental illness. Therefore, interventions are needed to address attitudes and behaviors among non-specialists. Aimed at addressing this gap, REducing Stigma among HealthcAre Providers to ImprovE mental health services (RESHAPE) is an intervention in which social contact with mental health service users is added to training for non-specialist healthcare workers integrating mental health services into primary healthcare. Methods This protocol describes a mixed methods pilot and feasibility study in primary care centers in Chitwan, Nepal. The qualitative component will include key informant interviews and focus group discussions. The quantitative component consists of a pilot cluster randomized controlled trial (c-RCT), which will establish parameters for a future effectiveness study of RESHAPE compared to training as usual (TAU). Primary healthcare facilities (the cluster unit, k = 34) will be randomized to TAU or RESHAPE. The direct beneficiaries of the intervention are the primary healthcare workers in the facilities (n = 150); indirect beneficiaries are their patients (n = 100). The TAU condition is existing mental health training and supervision for primary healthcare workers delivered through the Programme for Improving Mental healthcarE (PRIME) implementing the mental health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP). The primary objective is to evaluate acceptability and feasibility through qualitative interviews with primary healthcare workers, trainers, and mental health service users. The secondary objective is to collect quantitative information on health worker outcomes including mental health stigma (Social Distance Scale), clinical knowledge (mhGAP), clinical competency (ENhancing Assessment of Common Therapeutic factors, ENACT), and implicit attitudes (Implicit Association Test, IAT), and patient outcomes including stigma-related barriers to care, daily functioning, and symptoms. Discussion The pilot and feasibility study will contribute to refining recommendations for implementation of mhGAP and other mental health services in primary healthcare settings in low-resource health systems. The pilot c-RCT findings will inform an effectiveness trial of RESHAPE to advance the evidence-base for optimal approaches to training and supervision for non-specialist providers. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT02793271
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon A Kohrt
- 1Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, USA.,Transcultural Psychosocial Organization Nepal, Baluwatar, Nepal.,3Department of Psychiatry, George Washington University, 2120 L St NW, Suite #600, Washington, DC 20037 USA
| | - Mark J D Jordans
- Transcultural Psychosocial Organization Nepal, Baluwatar, Nepal.,4King's College London, Centre for Global Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK
| | - Elizabeth L Turner
- 1Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, USA.,5Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University, Durham, USA
| | - Kathleen J Sikkema
- 1Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, USA.,6Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, USA
| | | | - Sauharda Rai
- 1Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, USA.,Transcultural Psychosocial Organization Nepal, Baluwatar, Nepal.,3Department of Psychiatry, George Washington University, 2120 L St NW, Suite #600, Washington, DC 20037 USA
| | - Daisy R Singla
- 7Department of Psychiatry, Sinai Health System and University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada.,8Lunenfeld-Tanebaum Research Institute, Toronto, ON Canada
| | | | - Crick Lund
- 4King's College London, Centre for Global Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK.,10Alan J Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Vikram Patel
- 11Sangath, Porvorim, Goa India.,12Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, USA.,13Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
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