Developing interventions to improve detection of depression in primary healthcare settings in rural Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: The poor detection of depression in primary healthcare (PHC) in low- and middle-income countries continues to threaten the plan to scale up mental healthcare coverage. AIMS: To describe the process followed to develop an intervention package to improve detection of depression in PHC settings in rural Ethiopia. METHOD: The study was conducted in Sodo, a rural district in south Ethiopia. The Medical Research Council's framework for the development of complex interventions was followed. Qualitative interviews, observations of provider-patient communication, intervention development workshops and pre-testing of the screening component of the intervention were conducted to develop the intervention. RESULTS: A multicomponent intervention package was developed, which included (a) manual-based training of PHC workers for 10 days, adapted from the World Health Organization's Mental Health Gap Action Programme Intervention Guide, with emphasis on depression, locally identified depressive symptoms, communication skills, training by people with lived experience and active learning methods; (b) screening for culturally salient manifestations of depression, using a four-item tool; (c) raising awareness among people attending out-patient clinics about depression, using information leaflets and health education; and (d) system-level interventions, such as supportive supervision, use of posters at health facilities and a decision support mobile app. CONCLUSIONS: This contextualised, multicomponent intervention package may lead to meaningful impact on the detection of depression in PHC in rural Ethiopia and similar settings. The intervention will be pilot tested for feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness before its wider implementation.

Depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and associated factors among adults, in the Eastern part of Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Depressive disorder is one of the severe and common mental illnesses in the general population. Bipolar disorder is a severe, persistent mental illness associated with significant morbidity and mortality. However, there is a paucity of data on the prevalence of depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder in our study area. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of depressive and bipolar disorders among adults in Kersa, Haramaya, and Harar Health and Demographic Surveillance Sites in Eastern Ethiopia. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,416 participants. A multi-stage sampling was employed to select the participants. DSM-5 diagnostic criteria was used to assess depressive disorder and bipolar disorder. Data was collected using a standard questionnaire. Data were entered into Epi-Data 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Both binary and multivariate logistic regression analyses were done. Those with a p-value < 0.05 in the final model were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of depressive and bipolar disorders among our study participants was 6.7% (95% CI: 5.40, 8.20) and 2.1% (95% CI: (1.40, 3.00), respectively. The independent predictors of depressive disorder included a family history of mental illness, chronic medical illnesses, unemployment, low educational status, divorced or widowed, poor social support, and current alcohol use or khat chewing. Single, males, divorced or widowed, and current consumers of alcohol were independent predictors for bipolar disorder. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION: The results of our investigation showed that bipolar illness and depression were significant public health issues. It was shown that although bipolar disorder is highly prevalent in the society, depression is a widespread concern. As a result, it is imperative that the relevant body grow and enhance the provision of mental health services. Furthermore, research on the effects and burdens of bipolar disorder in the community is required.

Adapting brief problem-solving therapy for pregnant women experiencing depressive symptoms and intimate partner violence in rural Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVE: To adapt an evidence-based psychological intervention for pregnant women experiencing depressive symptoms and intimate partner violence (IPV) in rural Ethiopia. METHOD: We conducted a desk review of contextual factors in Sodo, Ethiopia, followed by qualitative interviews with 16 pregnant women and 12 antenatal care (ANC) providers. We engaged stakeholders through participatory theory of change (ToC) workshops, to select the intervention and articulate a programme theory. We used "ADAPT" guidance to adapt the intervention to the context, before mapping potential harms in a "dark logic model". RESULTS: Brief problem-solving therapy developed for South Africa was the most contextually relevant model. We adapted the delivery format (participants prioritised confidentiality and brevity) and training and supervision (addressing IPV). Consensus long-term outcomes in our ToC were ANC providers skilled in detecting and responding to emotional difficulties and IPV, women receiving appropriate support, and emotional difficulties improving. Our dark logic model highlighted the risk of more severe IPV and mental health symptoms not being referred appropriately. CONCLUSION: Although intervention adaptation is recommended, the process is rarely reported in depth. We comprehensively describe how contextual considerations, stakeholder engagement, programme theory, and adaptation can tailor psychological interventions for the target population in a low-income, rural setting.

Motivation and job satisfaction of community health workers in Ethiopia: a mixed-methods approach.

BACKGROUND: Ethiopia has been providing health care to its rural population since 2004 using female Community Health Workers called Health Extension Workers (HEWs). The HEWs are credited with several achievements in improving the country's health indicators. However, information about the HEWs' motivation and job satisfaction is limited. The aim of this study was to assess the HEWs' motivation and job satisfaction, as well as the factors that influence them. METHODS: A mixed-methods study was nested within a national health extension program assessment conducted from March 01 to May 31, 2019. A structured questionnaire which looked at motivation and satisfaction with Likert type single-question and multiple-item measures was used to collect quantitative data from 584 HEWs. Focus group discussion and in-depth interviews were used to gather qualitative data. Means and percentages were used to descriptively summarize important variables. Linear regression was used to identify factors associated with job satisfaction. The qualitative data was analysed thematically. RESULTS: Overall, 48.6% of HEWs were satisfied with their job, with a mean score of 2.5 out of 4.0. The result showed a high level of satisfaction with autonomy (72%), relationships with co-workers (67%), and recognition (56%). Low level of satisfaction was linked to pay and benefits (13%), opportunities for promotion (29%), and education (34%). Regression analysis showed that HEWs in the age category of 30 years and older had lower satisfaction scores as compared to HEWs in the age category of 18-24 years (adjusted ß = - 7.71, 95% CI: - 14.42, - 0.99). The qualitative result revealed that desire to help their community, recognition or respect gained from the community, and achievement were the major motivating factors. In contrast, inadequate pay and benefit, limited education and career advancement opportunities, workload, work environment, limited supportive supervision, and absence of opportunity to change workplace were the demotivating factors. CONCLUSIONS: The overall job satisfaction of HEWs was low; extrinsic factors, such as inadequate pay, limited education and career advancement opportunities were the major sources of demotivation. Policy makers and human resource managers should revise their human resource policies and guidelines to address the main sources of low level of job satisfaction and demotivation.

Adaptation of a model for integration of interventions for alcohol use disorders in primary health care in Tanzania.

BACKGROUND: Integrating evidence-based interventions for people with alcohol use disorder (AUD) into primary healthcare (PHC) can increase access to care and reduce morbidity, mortality, and population burden. However, for the integration to be feasible, acceptable, and sustainable, there is a need to contextualize the approach and involve stakeholders. Therefore, this study aimed to use participatory methods to adapt a model for integrating AUD interventions in Tanzania's PHC system at the community, facility, and organizational levels. METHODS: A mixed-methods study was used. Participants include key mental health stakeholders, experts, and PHC providers. We conducted a situational analysis to investigate opportunities and constraints in the existing systems of care, utilizing data available from the routine collection and/or in the public domain, individual semi-structured interviews (n = 11), and focus group discussions (3 groups; total n = 26 participants) and a series of theory of change (ToC) workshops (n = 32). Data from the three methods were triangulated to develop the adapted model for integrating interventions for AUD in PHC. RESULTS: A situational appraisal revealed limited community, facility, and organizational resources and infrastructures for supporting services delivery of integrated AUD interventions. Also, shortage of health workforce, inadequate health management information systems, and limited medical supply and financing. Nevertheless, the theory of change proposed integrated AUD intervention packages and strategies to facilitate integrated care for people with AUD. Additionally, the barriers and facilitators for implementing these integrated AUD interventions and how to overcome them were explored. CONCLUSIONS: The adapted model for the integrated AUD intervention in Tanzanian PHC revealed limited resources and system functioning for facilitating integrated AUD services. Nevertheless, it proposes the needed integrated AUD interventions and its barriers, facilitators, and strategies for overcoming them. There is a need to pilot the adapted model to inform plans for more comprehensive implementation or scaling up.

Interventions to improve the detection of depression in primary healthcare: systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have been conducted on the effect of interventions on the detection of depression in primary healthcare (PHC). Systematic reviews have also been done on the effectiveness of separate interventions. However, systematic reviews are not done on the comparative effectiveness of several interventions. This study, therefore, aimed at synthesizing the global evidence on the effectiveness of interventions to improve the detection of depression in PHC. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Global Index Medicus, African Index Medicus, and African Journals Online, from the inception of the databases to until the 4th week of April 2020. We also searched references of the included articles. We included randomized trials, cluster randomized trials, or quasi-experimental studies, which evaluated the effectiveness of an intervention to improve detection of depression in the PHC setting. Two of the review authors independently extracted data from the included studies. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies developed by the Effective Public Health Practice Project. The protocol for the review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020166291). RESULTS: Of 23,305 records identified, we included 58 articles in the review. Diverse types of interventions were evaluated to improve clinician diagnosis of depression in the PHC setting. Interventions related to implementation of guidelines, screening with feedback, educational interventions which incorporated active learning and clinical practice, and disclosure of screening results were found to be mostly effective. Interventions which combined education, screening, and feedback were particularly more effective. Most of the included studies were weak or moderate in their methodological quality. CONCLUSIONS: Our review indicates that implementation of a single type of intervention does not improve the detection of depression in PHC. Combining aspects of each type of intervention which are more effective may be useful. Education and training interventions which include more simulation and role playing are found to be effective over time. Most of the studies conducted in the area are from high-income countries and are weak in their methodological quality. There is need to conduct more number of studies in low-income settings.

Relevance of the Health Extension Program to the current Health Needs and Evolving Demands of Rural Ethiopia: A Mixed-Method Analysis.

Background: Ethiopia has been implementing a health extension program (HEP) to respond to the high maternal and child mortality in rural communities. HEP has brought tremendous contributions to improved access and coverage of primary healthcare in the last 15 years. Despite its attributions, attention to HEP has declined in recent years due to several reasons. This study is designed to explore HEP's relevance to the current healthcare needs of the rural communities. Methods: This study is a nested cross-sectional mixed-method to the overall HEP's evaluation between March and May 2019. Descriptive statistics were used on qualitative and quantitative assessment. A literature review supplemented the assessment. A representative quantitative sample of 11,746 women, men, and young girls; a qualitative sample of 268 key informants from Kebele administrators, HEWs, program people in the health system and focus groups from community leaders, men and women from 185 Kebeles in 62 woredas were selected. A thematic approach was used for qualitative analysis. Results: Rural communities and program managers asserted that HEP's service packages with the existing service delivery modalities were relevant. Eighty-two percent of men and women and 77% of young girls confirmed this relevance. Besides the existing packages, additional curative services for adults and children were recommended with emphasis on the pastoralist community. HEP's service uptake has declined as over 86% of targeted rural communities bypassed HPs due to unavailability of services and capacity problems of HEWs. Conclusion: The current HEP packages with the existing service delivery modalities are still relevant to the rural communities' health needs. However, on-going changes to address the evolving demands of the targeted rural communities are crucial.

The Quality of Logistics Management Information System and the Availability of Tracer Drugs at Health Posts in Rural Ethiopia: A Mixed-Method Study.

Background: Proper implementation of the logistics management information system (LMIS) would facilitate access to essential pharmaceutical products. It also prevents wastage at health posts. The aim of this study was to assess the implementation of the LMIS and the availability of tracer drugs at health posts in rural Ethiopia. Methods: We employed a cross-sectional descriptive design with a mixed-method approach. The data used for this paper was collected from March to May 2019 as part of the National HEP assessment. The study involved 343 health posts randomly selected from nine regions of Ethiopia. Women's Development Army members and household heads participated in the qualitative study (i.e. in FGD and KII). The quantitative data were exported from Open Data Kit (ODK) to Stata 15.1 for statistical analysis, and the qualitative data were entered into NVivo 12 and analyzed using thematic content analysis. Results: Of the health posts, 59.4% had a space for storing drugs; less than half (41.9%; 95% confidence interval (CI) [36%, 48%]) had a functioning refrigerator. The mean percentage of the availability of selected tracer drugs at health posts was 59.6%, with a 95% CI (58.9%, 60.3%). Bin cards were available at 43% (95% CI [40%, 46%]) of health posts, and among these, only 27.5% of the health posts adequately used the bin cards. Conclusion: The absence and poor use of LMIS tools was observed at health posts. Proper implementation of the LMIS has the potential to improve the availability of essential drugs that, in turn, improve health post level delivery of health services.

Ethiopian Health Extension Workers' Training Status and Perceived Competency.

Background: Training and work experience are critical inputs for delivering quality health services. However, no nationwide assessment has been conducted on the status of training and the competency of Health Extension Workers (HEWs). Therefore, this study aimed to assess HEWs' pre-service training status and perceived competency in Ethiopia. Methods: The study was conducted in all regions and all HEWs training institutions in Ethiopia. We used cross-sectional study design with a mixed method approach that included 585 HEWs, 1,245 HEW trainees, 192 instructors, and 43 key informants. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to analyse quantitative and quantitative data respectively. Result: Twenty-six percent of the HEWs said that they were competent to deliver all the HEP activities, and 73% of the HEWs said that they could confidently deliver 75% of the HEP activities. Receiving in-service training and having level III/IV qualifications are positively associated with the competency of HEWs. Similarly, HEP trainees perceived themselves as highly competent in executing their professional work, except in using computer and mobile health technology. Both instructors and trainees rated the quality of the curriculum and course materials positively. However, basic services and facilities in most training institutions were perceived to be inadequate. Additionally, individual learning, problem-solving, case-analysis, and assessment methods such as project work and portfolios were rarely practiced. Conclusions: Although the perceived competence of HEW trainees is high, the HEWs' training is not provided as per the curriculum because of limited resources. All the necessary resources should be made available to produce competent HEWs.

The Effect of Community Health Information System on Health Care Services Utilization in Rural Ethiopia.

Background: In Ethiopia, the community health information system (CHIS) is implemented at the health post (hp) level with the aim of improving service delivery and use. We conducted a national level assessment of CHIS utilization and explored the associations of CHIS utilization with use of antenatal care (ANC), postnatal care (PNC), institutional delivery and child immunization in rural Ethiopia. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study measuring community-based health service use and HP based CHIS assessment from March to May 2019. Data were collected from 343 HPs and 2,864 women who delivered in the last five years, and multistage sampling was used to select the study subjects. We used descriptive statistics for CHIS implementation and service utilization and multilevel logistic regression to investigate the association of CHIS implementation with maternal and child health care services use. Results: Fifty five percent of the HPs were implementing CHIS. These HPs were using a paper-based household data collection tool called family folder (FF). Of the HPs, one third implemented lot quality assurance sampling (LQAS) based data quality check and 60.4% documented and followed execution of decisions. Overall, among the eligible women, 40% used ANC, close to 50% of currently married women used ANC services; 28% of women that fall in the high wealth index category used PNC within 48 hours after delivery; and 86.1% of women who had at least a high school education delivered at a health facility. Implementation of CHIS and family folder utilization and conducting LQAS based data quality check in the HPs were significantly associated with increased odds of ANC, delivery, and vaccination services use. Conclusion: We found that better implementation of CHIS was associated with better maternal and child health service use which implies that increasing utilization of CHIS at HPs will improve mother and child health service use.

Depression and Burnout among Health Extension Workers in Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Depression and burnout are common among healthcare workers (HCWs) and negatively affect their well-being and the quality of the service they provide. However, the burden of depression and burnout among health extension workers (HEWs) in Ethiopia and their relationship has not been documented well.The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of depression and burnout among HEWs in Ethiopia and to investigate the relationship between these conditions. Materials and Methods: We used a cross-sectional study design and collected data from 584 rural and 581 urban HEWs in Ethiopia, as part of the 2019 national health extension program assessment. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Burnout Self-Test were used to screen HEWs for depression and burnout, respectively. We used descriptive statistics to estimate the magnitude of depression and burnout, and logistic regression to examine their relationship. Result: Based on PHQ-9 cutoff scores of 10, the prevalence of major depression was 16.5% among rural and 8.9% among urban HEWs, whereas burnout risk was 39.8% among rural and 12.6% among urban HEWs. The odds of having depression among HEWs with burnout risk was relatively higher compared to those without burnout risk [For rural HEWs, the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) is 11.88 at a 95% confidence interval (CI; 5.27, 26.80), and for urban HEWs, the AOR is 11.49 at a 95% CI (5.35, 24.63)]. Conclusion: The prevalence of depression and burnout is high among HEWs in Ethiopia, with a significant rural-urban difference, and burnout is a significant predictor of depression. Mental health interventions that enable prevention, early detection, and management are needed especially for rural HEWs who are in charge of preventive health service delivery for the disadvantaged rural communities.

Under detection of depression in primary care settings in low and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Depression is one of the commonest mental disorders in primary care but is poorly identified. The objective of this review was to determine the level of detection of depression by primary care clinicians and its determinants in studies from low- to middle-income countries (LMICs). METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted using PubMed, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILAC, and AJOL with no restriction of year of publication. Risk of bias within studies was evaluated with the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP). "Gold standard" diagnosis for the purposes of this review was based on the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9; cutoff scores of 5 and 10), other standard questionnaires and interview scales or expert diagnosis. Meta-analysis was conducted excluding studies on special populations. Analyses of pooled data were stratified by diagnostic approaches. RESULTS: A total of 3159 non-duplicate publications were screened. Nine publications, 2 multi-country studies, and 7 single-country studies, making 12 country-level reports, were included. Overall methodological quality of the studies was good. Depression detection was 0.0% in four of the twelve reports and < 12% in another five. PHQ-9 was the main tool used: the pooled detection in two reports that used PHQ-9 at a cutoff point of 5 (combined sample size = 1426) was 3.9% (95% CI = 2.3%, 5.5%); in four reports that used PHQ-9 cutoff score of 10 (combined sample size = 5481), the pooled detection was 7.0% (95% CI = 3.9%, 10.2%). Severity of depression and suicidality were significantly associated with detection. CONCLUSIONS: While the use of screening tools is an important limitation, the extremely low detection of depression by primary care clinicians poses a serious threat to scaling up mental healthcare in LMICs. Interventions to improve detection should be prioritized. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42016039704 .

Unmet need for family planning among rural married women in Ethiopia: What is the role of the health extension program in reducing unmet need?

BACKGROUND: Ethiopia is striving to reduce unmet need for family planning (FP) and implementation of the health extension program (HEP) is one of the major actions that the country took to address health issues of rural communities including FP. However, there is limited published evidence demonstrating the role of HEP in reducing the unmet need of married rural women for FP. The aim of this study is to estimate the role of HEP in reducing unmet need for FP in rural Ethiopia. METHODS: This paper is based on data extracted from a national rural HEP assessment that covered all regions of Ethiopia. We identified 4991 eligible married women both from agrarian and pastoralist settings. The role of HEP was measured by the exposure of eligible women to FP services through the implementation of HEP packages. We used descriptive statistics to summarize different variables and used logistic regression to model the unmet need for FP. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of unmet need for FP among married rural Ethiopian women was 22.41%, contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) was 44.60%, and the total demand for FP was 60.86%. Women exposed to HEP had a lower level of unmet need (4.82%), a higher demand for FP (37.78%) and a higher CPR (24.93%) compared to women unexposed to HEP. Having exposure to FP services (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.37-0.59), having level IV Health Extension Workers (HEWs) in the catchment health post (AOR = 0.80, 95% CI 0.67-0.95) and older age are significantly associated with lower levels of unmet need for FP. Having more children (AOR = 2.11, 95% CI 1.67-2.65) and better awareness of the husband about the availability of FP services (AOR = 1.22, 95% CI 1.01-1.48) were associated with a higher likelihood of an unmet need for FP. CONCLUSION: The unmet need for family planning is high in rural Ethiopia in general and among women who do not have exposure to HEP packages in particular. Assigning a better-qualified health worker at the health post, reaching out to pastoralist women, maximizing opportunities to counsel rural women about FP during any contact with HEWs, and increasing positive attitudes of husbands towards FP use are likely to have positive impacts in reducing the unmet need for FP of rural women.

Family planning is a method that couples can use to limit the number of child or space the gap. Unmet need for family planning is defined as the percentage of reproductive age women who wants to space or limit the number of children but not currently using any family planning method. There is a huge proportion of eligible women have an unmet need for family planning in Ethiopia. The health extension program is one of the strategies to reach rural women to improve the health of the community. Although, family planning service is one of the packages in a health extension program and this study aimed to estimate the role of health extension program in reducing unmet need for family planning. About 4991 married women were asked about the family planning use, need and the place where they get the services. During the assessment the role of health extension program was assessed by different question. Some of the major assessment areas were women exposer to service, service availability, awareness and mode of service delivery. One fourth of the women have unmet need for family planning. The family planning utilization is still low. The contribution of the health extension program in family planning service is significant. Women exposed to HEP through level 4 health extension worker and older age are significantly associated with low level of unmet need FP. The unmet need for family planning is high in rural Ethiopia. This will inform the improvement and sustainability of the program.

Efficacy and safety of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine for the treatment of COVID19 infection: An umbrella review

Introduction: Among all therapeutic approaches for COVID-19, most controversies have been raised about the efficacy and safety hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and chloroquine. We conducted an umbrella review to assess any potential benefits of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine in treating COVID-19.Methods: We searched the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, PubMed and covid-evidence.org from December 2019 until July 2022. Time to viral clearance, need for mechanical ventilation and mortality were assessed as main efficacy outcomes. The analysis was performed using R package version 4.1.2.Result : Hydroxychloroquine had no benefit in decreasing time to viral clearance at days 7 (RR 0.81; 95% CI 0.63, 1.03) and 14 (RR 1.00; 95% CI 0.90, 1.139). Chloroquine has no statistically significant effect in decreasing the time of viral negativity at days 7 (RR 1.20; 95%CI 0.64, 2.25) and 14 (RR 1.08; 95%CI 0.85, 1.36). There is no difference in the need for mechanical ventilation among hydroxychloroquine plus azithromycin versus standard of care groups. Hydroxychloroquine marginally increased the mortality rate compared to placebo but not statistically significant (RR 1.09; P-value 0.05). Adding azithromycin to hydroxychloroquine had no statistically significant effect of decreasing mortality (RR 0.52; 95%CI 0.13, 2.07). Treatments with hydroxychloroquine increased the risk of adverse effects (RR 2.71; 95%CI 1.66, 4.43; p-value <0.0001). Adding azithromycin to hydroxychloroquine increased the adverse events (RR 1.74; 95% CI 1.27, 2.38). Conclusion: Though access to antivirals is an important challenge in developing countries, the decision to sus-pend hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine in treating COVID-19 appears right

Why doesn't God say "enough"? Experiences of living with bipolar disorder in rural Ethiopia.

RATIONALE: Little is known about the specific experience people living with bipolar disorder in rural, low resource settings, where conditions that disrupt normal social interactions are often highly stigmatized and evidence-based treatments are rare. OBJECTIVE: To explore illness experience, coping strategies, help-seeking practices, and consequences of illness among people with bipolar disorder (PBD) and their family members in rural Ethiopia as an initial step for developing psychosocial intervention grounded by the experiences of PBD. METHOD: A qualitative methods using in-depth interviews were carried out with 27 individuals (15 PBD and 12 caregivers). The participants were identified on the basis of previous community-based research among people with severe mental illness. Interviews were carried out in Amharic, audio-recorded, transcribed, and translated into English. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Our approach was informed by phenomenological theory. RESULT: Three major themes emerged: expressions and experiences of illness, managing self and living with otherness, and the costs of affliction. PBD and caregivers were concerned by different forewarnings of illness. Stigma and social exclusion were entwined in a vicious cycle that shaped both illness experience and the economic health and social life of the household. Nonetheless, PBD and caregivers learned from their experiences, developed coping strategies, and sought relief from trusted relationships, spirituality, and medication. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that psychosocial intervention could be used to strengthen existing resources, in order to improve the lives of PBD and their family members. However, pervasive stigma may be a barrier to group and peer support approaches.

Psychological interventions for bipolar disorder in low- and middle-income countries: systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Adjunctive psychological interventions for bipolar disorder have demonstrated better efficacy in preventing or delaying relapse and improving outcomes compared with pharmacotherapy alone. AIMS: To evaluate the efficacy of psychological interventions for bipolar disorder in low- and middle-income countries. METHOD: A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, PsycINFO, Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane database for systematic review, Cochrane central register of controlled trials, Latin America and Caribbean Center on Health Science Literature and African Journals Online databases with no restriction of language or year of publication. Methodological heterogeneity of studies precluded meta-analysis. RESULTS: A total of 18 adjunctive studies were identified: psychoeducation (n = 14), family intervention (n = 1), group cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) (n = 2) and group mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) (n = 1). In total, 16 of the 18 studies were from upper-middle-income countries and none from low-income countries. All used mental health specialists or experienced therapists to deliver the intervention. Most of the studies have moderately high risk of bias. Psychoeducation improved treatment adherence, knowledge of and attitudes towards bipolar disorder and quality of life, and led to decreased relapse rates and hospital admissions. Family psychoeducation prevented relapse, decreased hospital admissions and improved medication adherence. CBT reduced both depressive and manic symptoms. MBCT reduced emotional dysregulation. CONCLUSIONS: Adjunctive psychological interventions alongside pharmacotherapy appear to improve the clinical outcome and quality of life of people with bipolar disorder in middle-income countries. Further studies are required to investigate contextual adaptation and the role of non-specialists in the provision of psychological interventions to ensure scalability and the efficacy of these interventions in low-income country settings. DECLARATION OF INTEREST: None.