Research and innovation as a catalyst for food system transformation.

BACKGROUND: Food systems are associated with severe and persistent problems worldwide. Governance approaches aiming to foster sustainable transformation of food systems face several challenges due to the complex nature of food systems. SCOPE AND APPROACH: In this commentary we argue that addressing these governance challenges requires the development and adoption of novel research and innovation (R&I) approaches that will provide evidence to inform food system transformation and will serve as catalysts for change. We first elaborate on the complexity of food systems (transformation) and stress the need to move beyond traditional linear R&I approaches to be able to respond to persistent problems that affect food systems. Though integrated transdisciplinary approaches are promising, current R&I systems do not sufficiently support such endeavors. As such, we argue, we need strategies that trigger a double transformation - of food systems and of their R&I systems. KEY FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS: Seizing the opportunities to transform R&I systems has implications for how research is done - pointing to the need for competence development among researchers, policy makers and society in general - and requires specific governance interventions that stimulate a systemic approach. Such interventions should foster transdisciplinary and transformative research agendas that stimulate portfolios of projects that will reinforce one another, and stimulate innovative experiments to shape conditions for systemic change. In short, a thorough rethinking of the role of R&I as well as how it is funded is a crucial step towards the development of the integrative policies that are necessary to engender systemic change - in the food system and beyond.

Traumatic loss and psychosis - reconceptualising the role of trauma in psychosis.

Literature suggests that the occurrence of psychological trauma (PT) from various negative life experiences beyond events mentioned in the DSM-criterion A, receives little to no attention when comorbid with psychosis. In fact, despite research indicating the intricate interplay between PT and psychosis, and the need for trauma-focused interventions (TFI), there continue to be mixed views on whether treating PT would worsen psychosis, with many practitioners hesitating to initiate treatment for this reason. This study, therefore, aimed to understand patient perspectives on the role of PT in psychosis and related treatment options. A qualitative exploratory approach was adopted using in-depth interviews with individuals experiencing psychosis. The Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale was administered on a predetermined maximum variation sample resulting in two groups of participants- those with moderate-mild disability (GAF 54-80; n = 10) and those experiencing moderate-severe disability (GAF 41-57; n = 10). With the former group, a semi-structured interview schedule was used, while with the latter, owing to multiple symptoms and difficulty in cognitive processing, a structured interview schedule was used. Results from interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) indicated that traumatic loss was central to experienced PT, but received no attention; this often contributed to the psychotic experience and/or depression, through maintenance factors such as cognitive distortions and attenuated affective responses. Further, the experience of loss seems to be more consequential to trauma-related symptoms than the event itself. Participants opined strongly the need for TFI and the role of it in promoting recovery from psychosis.

La literatura sugiere que la ocurrencia de un trauma psicológico (TP) derivado de experiencias negativas de la vida más allá de los eventos mencionados en el criterio A del DSM, recibe poca o ninguna atención cuando se encuentra en comorbilidad con la psicosis. De hecho, a pesar de que la investigación indica la interacción intrincada entre el TP y la psicosis, y la necesidad de Intervenciones con Foco en el Trauma (IFT), continúa habiendo visiones mixtas respecto a si el tratar el TP podría empeorar la psicosis, con muchos profesionales dudando iniciar tratamiento por este motivo. Este estudio por tanto buscó comprender las perspectivas de los pacientes respecto al rol del TP en la psicosis y las opciones de tratamiento relacionadas. Se utilizó un enfoque cualitativo exploratorio usando entrevistas en profundidad con individuos que experimentaban una psicosis. Se administró la Escala Global de Funcionamiento (GAF) a una muestra predeterminada de máxima variación, resultando en 2 grupos de participantes: aquellos con discapacidad leve a moderada (GAF 54­80; n=10) y quienes presentaban discapacidad moderada a severa (GAF 41­57; n=10). Con el primer grupo se utilizó una entrevista semi-estructurada, mientras que con el segundo, debido a sus múltiples síntomas y dificultad en el procesamiento cognitivo, se utilizó un esquema de entrevista estructurada. Los resultados del análisis fenomenológico interpretativo (AFI) indicaron que la pérdida traumática era central al TP experimentado, pero no recibía atención; esto generalmente contribuía a la experiencia psicótica y/o depresión, a través de factores mantenedores como distorsiones cognitivas y respuestas afectivas atenuadas. Más aún, la experiencia de pérdida parece ser más consecuencia de los síntomas relacionados al trauma que del evento en sí mismo. Los participantes opinaron enérgicamente sobre la necesidad de IFT y su rol en la promoción de la recuperación de la psicosis.

Barriers to and facilitators of employment for people with psychiatric disabilities in Africa: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Despite the importance of inclusive employment, described in Goal 8 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), employment of persons with psychiatric disabilities in Africa is lower than among the general population. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this scoping review is to explore evidence related to the barriers to and facilitators of employment of persons with psychiatric disabilities in Africa. METHODS: A literature search was conducted using six relevant electronic databases of articles published between 1990 and 2017. RESULTS: Eight studies were identified and analysed regarding barriers and facilitators of employment of persons with psychiatric disabilities. The dynamic adaptation of the bio-psycho-social model was used as an analytical framework. Identified barriers include ill health, (anticipated) psychiatric illness, social stigma and discrimination, negative attitudes among employers and the lack of social support and government welfare. Facilitators of employment include stability of mental illness, heightened self-esteem, a personal decision to work despite stigma, competitive and supported employment, reduction in social barriers/stigma and workplace accommodations. CONCLUSION: Employment of persons with psychiatric disabilities is essential, yet there is dearth of scientific evidence to identify contextual models that might be useful in African countries and other low-and middle countries (LMICs). This gap in information would benefit from further research to improve the employment rates of persons with psychiatric disabilities in Africa.

Prices and availability of locally produced and imported medicines in Ethiopia and Tanzania.

BACKGROUND: To assess the effect of policies supporting local medicine production to improve access to medicines. METHODS: We adapted the WHO/HAI instruments measuring medicines availability and prices to differentiate local from imported products, then pilot tested in Ethiopia and Tanzania. In each outlet, prices were recorded for all products in stock for medicines on a country-specific list. Government procurement prices were also collected. Prices were compared to an international reference and expressed as median price ratios (MPR). RESULTS: The Ethiopian government paid more for local products (median MPR = 1.20) than for imports (median MPR = 0.84). Eight of nine medicines procured as both local and imported products were cheaper when imported. Availability was better for local products compared to imports, in the public (48% vs. 19%, respectively) and private (54% vs. 35%, respectively) sectors. Patient prices were lower for imports in the public sector (median MPR = 1.18[imported] vs. 1.44[local]) and higher in the private sector (median MPR = 5.42[imported] vs. 1.85[local]). In the public sector, patients paid 17% and 53% more than the government procurement price for local and imported products, respectively. The Tanzanian government paid less for local products (median MPR = 0.69) than imports (median MPR = 1.34). In the public sector, availability of local and imported products was 21% and 32% respectively, with patients paying slightly more for local products (median MPR = 1.35[imported] vs. 1.44[local]). In the private sector, local products were less available (21%) than imports (70%) but prices were similar (median MPR = 2.29[imported] vs. 2.27[local]). In the public sector, patients paid 135% and 65% more than the government procurement price for local and imported products, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show how local production can affect availability and prices, and how it can be influenced by preferential purchasing and mark-ups in the public sector. Governments need to evaluate the impact of local production policies, and adjust policies to protect patients from paying more for local products.