Development of mental health first-aid guidelines for a person after a potentially traumatic event: A Delphi expert consensus study in Argentina and Chile.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to potentially traumatic events increases the risk of a person developing a mental disorder. Training community members to offer support to a person during and after a traumatic situation may help lower this risk. This study reports on the cultural adaptation of Australian mental health first aid guidelines for individuals exposed to a potentially traumatic event to the Chilean and Argentinian context. METHODS: A Delphi expert consensus study was conducted with two panels of experts, one of people with lived experience of trauma (either their own or as a carer; n = 26) and another one of health professionals (n = 41). A total of 158 items, drawn from guidelines developed by Australian experts in 2019, were translated to Spanish and evaluated in a two-round survey process. The panellists were asked to rate each item on a five-point Likert scale; statements were included in the final guidelines if 80% of both panels endorsed the item as "essential" or "important". RESULTS: Consensus was achieved on 142 statements over two survey rounds. A total of 102 statements were included from the English-language guidelines, and 40 locally generated statements were accepted in the second round. Local experts endorsed a larger number of items compared to their counterparts in Australia and emphasised the importance of acknowledging the first aider's limitations, both personally and as part of their helping role. Additional items about working as a team with other first responders and considering helping the person's significant others were endorsed by the local panellists. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed a high level of acceptance of the original actions suggested for inclusion in the guidelines for Australia, but also a significant number of new statements that highlight the importance of the adaptation process. Further research on the dissemination of these guidelines into a Mental Health First Aid training course for Chile and Argentina is still required.

Development of mental health first-aid guidelines for psychosis: a Delphi expert consensus study in Argentina and Chile.

BACKGROUND: Psychotic symptoms may be less common than anxiety or affective symptoms, but they are still frequent and typically highly debilitating. Community members can have a role in helping to identify, offer initial help and facilitate access to mental health services of individuals experiencing psychosis. Mental health first aid guidelines for helping a person experiencing psychosis have been developed for the global north. This study aimed to adapt the English- language guidelines for Chile and Argentina. METHODS: A Delphi expert consensus study was conducted with two panels of experts, one of people with lived experience of psychosis (either their own or as a carer; n = 29) and another one of health professionals (n = 29). Overall, 249 survey items from the original English guidelines and 26 items suggested by the local team formed a total of 275 that were evaluated in the first round. Participants were invited to rate how essential or important those statements were for Chile and Argentina, and encouraged to suggest new statements if necessary. These were presented in a second round. Items with 80% of endorsement by both panels were included in the guidelines for Chile and Argentina. RESULTS: Data were obtained over two survey rounds. Consensus was achieved on 244 statements, including 26 statements locally generated for the second round. Almost 20% of the English statements were not endorsed (n = 50), showing the applicability of the original guidelines but also the importance of culturally adapting them. Attributions and tasks expected to be delivered by first aiders were shrunk in favour of a greater involvement of mental health professionals. Self-help strategies were mostly not endorsed and as were items relating to respecting the person's autonomy. CONCLUSIONS: While panellists agreed that first aiders should be aware of human rights principles, items based on recovery principles were only partially endorsed. Further research on the dissemination of these guidelines and development of a Mental Health First Aid training course for Chile and Argentina is still required.

Development of mental health first-aid guidelines for suicide risk: a Delphi expert consensus study in Argentina and Chile.

BACKGROUND: Suicide continues to pose a significant global public health challenge and ranks as one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Given the prevalence of suicide risk in the community, there is a significant likelihood of encountering individuals who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts or plans, creating an opening for non-health professionals to offer support. This study aims to culturally adapt the original Australian Mental Health First Aid Guidelines for suicide risk to the Chilean and Argentine context. METHODS: A two-round Delphi expert consensus study was conducted involving two panels, one comprising individuals with personal experience in suicide thoughts/attempts or caregiving for those with such experiences (n = 18), and the other consisting of professionals specialized in suicide assessment and support for individuals at risk (n = 25). They rated a total of 179 items mainly derived from guidelines developed by Australian experts and translated into Spanish (168), and new items included by the research team (11). The panel members were requested to assess each item utilizing a five-point Likert scale. During the second round, items that received moderate approval in the initial round were re-evaluated, and new items suggested by the local experts in the first round were also subjected to evaluation in the next round. Inclusion in the final guidelines required an 80% endorsement as "essential" or "important" from both panels. RESULTS: Consensus of approval was reached for 189 statements. Among these, 139 statements were derived from the English-language guidelines, while 50 locally generated statements were accepted during the second round. A significant difference from the original guideline was identified concerning the local experts' reluctance to discuss actions collaboratively with adolescents. Furthermore, the local experts proposed the inclusion of an entirely new section addressing suicide risk in older individuals, particularly focusing on suicide methods and warning signs. CONCLUSIONS: A Delphi expert consensus study was conducted to culturally adapt mental health first aid guidelines for assessing suicide risk in Chile and Argentina. This study involved professionals and individuals with lived experience. While many items were endorsed, some related to inquiring about suicide risk and autonomy, particularly for adolescents, were not. An additional section for older individuals was introduced. Future research should explore the implementation and impact of these adapted guidelines in training courses. This is vital for enhancing mental health support and implementing effective suicide prevention strategies in Chile and Argentina.

'We see they are abandoned': Social support between people discharged from long-term psychiatric hospitalizations and their neighbors in Argentina.

BACKGROUND: Neighbors are an important component of personal social network (PSN) and despite their peripheral role and being considered as familiar strangers, they typically provide instrumental support. For people who is discharged after long-term psychiatric hospitalizations, neighbors would offer other types of social support and play a different role fostering the process of becoming full member of a given community. AIMS: To analyze the effects of neighboring on both, those who have had long-term psychiatric hospitalizations and their neighbors. METHOD: Data was collected between 2020 and 2021, including interviews with formal care staff of three housing support experiences in Argentina, and short testimonies from formerly discharged mental health service users living in the community and their neighbors. We analyzed the data using the Framework Method with a focus on the different aspects of social support and equity and reciprocity theories. RESULTS: Results suggest that emotional support was a frequent function displayed by neighbors toward people with a history of long-term psychiatric hospitalizations, which differs from typical neighboring relationships. CONCLUSIONS: Despite reciprocity was observed, users and neighbors displayed an unbalanced helping relationship.

[Attitudes of neighbors about the treatment and community life of people with severe mental health disorders in Argentina]. / Actitudes de vecinos acerca del tratamiento y la vida en comunidad de personas con problemáticas severas de salud mental en Argentina.

A psychiatric reform is underway in Latin America and the Caribbean. Specifically in Argentina, a model of community mental health is being built, and prolonged psychiatric hospitalizations are still taking place, especially in neuropsychiatric hospitals. Therefore, it is necessary to closely monitor the psychiatric reform. One of the possible ways to monitor the reform is by analyzing society's attitudes towards prolonged psychiatric hospitalization as a mean of mental health treatment. Thus, an analytical observational study was conducted at the Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, in 2021, to analyze the behavior of neighbors of people who had prolonged psychiatric hospitalizations and who received housing support. Questionnaires were applied to neighbors and non-neighbors, addressing the behaviors toward prolonged psychiatric hospitalization as a mean of treatment, social distance toward people who were hospitalized, as well as specific interviews with key informants from neighborhoods where people with severe mental health disorders and who receive housing support live. Based on the answers of neighbors and non-neighbors, no statistically significant differences were identified in behaviors toward prolonged psychiatric hospitalization as a mean of treatment, nor for social distance in relation to people who were hospitalized. Key informants conditioned their assessment of prolonged hospitalization and valued the role of support teams in making community life viable.

La reforma psiquiátrica se encuentra en proceso en la región de América Latina y el Caribe. Específicamente en Argentina, el modelo de salud mental comunitaria está en construcción, siendo aún observable la presencia de internaciones psiquiátricas prolongadas, principalmente en hospitales neuropsiquiátricos. Resulta así necesario monitorear la reforma psiquiátrica, siendo una de las vías para ello el análisis de las actitudes de la sociedad hacia la internación psiquiátrica prolongada como modalidad de atención en salud mental. Así, se realizó un estudio observacional analítico en la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina, en el año 2021, en donde se analizaron las actitudes de vecinos de personas que tuvieron internaciones psiquiátricas prolongadas y que recibían apoyos a la vivienda. Se hicieron cuestionarios a vecinos y no vecinos, indagándose por las actitudes hacia la internación psiquiátrica prolongada como modalidad de tratamiento, así como la distancia social hacia personas que tuvieron internaciones psiquiátricas, y también entrevistas a profundidad con informantes clave de barrios en donde habitan personas con problemáticas severas de salud mental y que reciben apoyos a la vivienda. No se identificaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en las actitudes en relación a la internación psiquiátrica prolongada como modalidad de tratamiento de vecinos y no vecinos, ni tampoco respecto a la distancia social hacia personas que tuvieron internaciones psiquiátricas. Los informantes clave condicionaron su valoración sobre la internación prolongada, y valoraron el rol de los equipos de apoyo para posibilitar la vida en comunidad.

Uma reforma psiquiátrica está em curso na América Latina e Caribe. Especificamente na Argentina, um modelo de saúde mental comunitária está sendo construído, ainda acontecendo internações psiquiátricas prolongadas, principalmente em hospitais neuropsiquiátricos. Faz-se necessário, portanto, o acompanhamento da reforma psiquiátrica. Uma das formas de fazê-lo é analisando as atitudes da sociedade frente à internação psiquiátrica prolongada como forma de tratamento da saúde mental. Assim, foi realizado um estudo observacional analítico na Província de Buenos Aires, Argentina, no ano de 2021, onde foram analisadas as atitudes de vizinhos de pessoas que tiveram internações psiquiátricas prolongadas e que receberam apoio habitacional. Foram aplicados questionários a vizinhos e não vizinhos, questionando as atitudes em relação à internação psiquiátrica prolongada como forma de tratamento, bem como a distância social em relação às pessoas que foram internadas, e também entrevistas específicas com informantes-chave de bairros onde vivem pessoas com problemas graves de saúde mental e que recebem apoio habitacional. Com base nas respostas de vizinho e não vizinhos, não foram identificadas diferenças estatisticamente significantes nas atitudes em relação à internação psiquiátrica prolongada como forma de tratamento, nem em relação à distância social em relação às pessoas que foram internadas. Os informantes-chave condicionaram sua avaliação da hospitalização prolongada e valorizaram o papel das equipes de apoio na viabilização da vida comunitária.

Repercussions of COVID-19 on psychiatric inpatient care in Latin America and the Caribbean.

OBJETIVE: To characterise the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on psychiatric hospitalisations in the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region. METHODS: Descriptive study. 85 semi-structured interviews were conducted with health workers involved with psychiatric hospitalisations in general hospitals (GHs) and specialised psychiatric hospitals (SHs) from 18 LAC countries. The interviews were done between 8 May and 30 June 2020. The data were analysed quantitatively and qualitatively. RESULTS: An initial decrease in the demand for hospitalisation is reported, attributed to the population's fear of approaching health services as well as restrictions on mobility. Stricter criteria for hospitalisation were reported with a double focus on the acute within the acute. The length of hospitalisations were mixed, with both increases and decreases in GHs and SHs. The therapeutic offer was drastically reduced, and interaction between hospitalised people and their support networks was restricted. CONCLUSIONS: In the COVID-19 context, hospitalisation seems to be not the last but the only alternative for psychiatric treatment. The decrease in the number of beds in SHs could be a positive aspect for the reform of psychiatric care, but it is questioned since this reduction also occurs in GHs.

Development of mental health first-aid guidelines for depression: a Delphi expert consensus study in Argentina and Chile.

BACKGROUND: Depression is one of the most common mental health problems worldwide and, while prevalence rates in Latin America are relatively high, most people who meet the criteria for diagnosis do not receive treatment. Family and friends of a person with depression can play an important role in supporting a person to seek and engage with treatment. However, many people do not have the necessary skills or confidence to help. English-language mental health first aid guidelines have been developed to support people to provide such help. The aim of this study was to culturally adapt these guidelines for Chile and Argentina. METHODS: A Delphi expert consensus study was conducted with two expert panels, one of people with lived experience of depression (either their own or as a carer; n = 26) and one of health professionals (n = 29). Overall, 172 statements from the English-language guidelines were translated and compiled into a questionnaire. Participants were asked to rate statements based on how essential or important those statements were for Chile and Argentina and to suggest new statements if necessary. RESULTS: Data were obtained over two survey rounds. Consensus was achieved on 172 statements. A total of 137 statements were adopted from the English-language guidelines, whereas 35 new endorsed statements were generated from panel suggestions. There were similarities between the English-language guidelines and those for Chile and Argentina. The adapted guidelines did not include some of the items from the English-language guidelines related to commenting on a person's strengths or making judgements about their character, and also incorporated new items related to the incorporation of sociocultural considerations as causes of depression and attention to inequities in mental health. CONCLUSIONS: The significant number of new items underscores the importance of undertaking a careful process of cultural adaptation. Further research on dissemination and incorporation of the guidelines into the Mental Health First Aid training course for Chile and Argentina is still required.

Repercusiones de la COVID-19 en la Internación Psiquiátrica en América Latina y el Caribe

Objetivo: Caracterizar el impacto de la pandemia por COVID-19 en las internaciones psiquiátricas en la región de América Latina y el Caribe. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo. Se realizaron 85 entrevistas semiestructuradas con trabajadores de hospitales generales (HG) y hospitales especializados (HE) en salud mental en 18 países de la región de América Latina y el Caribe entre el 8 de mayo y el 30 de junio de 2020. Los datos se analizaron cuantitativa y cualitativamente. Resultados: Se reporta una disminución inicial en la demanda de internación, atribuida al temor de la población a acercarse a los servicios, así como a restricciones en la movilidad. Se indican criterios más estrictos para internar con una doble focalización de lo agudo dentro de lo agudo. Los tiempos de internación presentaron un comportamiento mixto, tanto de aumento como de disminución en HG y en HE. La oferta terapéutica durante la internación se vio drásticamente reducida, y se restringió la interacción de las personas internadas con sus redes de apoyo. Conclusiones: La internación pareciera estar siendo no la última, sino la única alternativa de tratamiento psiquiátrico en el contexto de la pandemia. La reducción de camas en los HE podría ser un aspecto positivo para la reforma de la atención, pero es puesto en duda, ya que dicha reducción también se produce en los HG.

Objetive: To characterise the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on psychiatric hospitalisations in the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region. Methods: Descriptive study. 85 semi-structured interviews were conducted with health workers involved with psychiatric hospitalizations in general hospitals (GHs) and specialised psychiatric hospitals (SHs) from 18 LAC countries. The interviews were done between 8 May and 30 June 2020. The data were analysed quantitatively and qualitatively. Results: An initial decrease in the demand for hospitalization is reported, attributed to the population's fear of approaching health services as well as restrictions on mobility. Stricter criteria for hospitalization were reported with a double focus on the acute within the acute. The length of hospitalizations were mixed, with both increases and decreases in GHs and SHs. The therapeutic offer was drastically reduced, and interaction between hospitalised people and their support networks was restricted. Conclusions: In the COVID-19 context, hospitalization seems to be not the last but the only alternative for psychiatric treatment. The decrease in the number of beds in SHs could be a positive aspect for the reform of psychiatric care, but it is questioned since this reduction also occurs in GHs.

Experiencias, actitudes y expectativas laborales de personas con trastornos mentales severos en un hospital de día del sector privado / Experiences, attitudes and expectations towards work among individuals with severe mental disorders in a private day hospital

INTRODUCCIÓN: El empleo es uno de los componentes centrales de la recuperación en personas con trastornos mentales severos y un aspecto clave en la validación social. El objetivo del estudio fue conocer la experiencia laboral, el interés por trabajar, las conductas específicas de búsqueda laboral, el estatus ocupacional y las actitudes frente al trabajo en esta población. MÉTODOS: Un total de 103 personas en tratamiento en una institución de salud mental de la ciudad de Buenos Aires completaron un cuestionario censal en 2018 con preguntas abiertas y cerradas. El análisis fue mixto, con cálculo y comparación de frecuencias según grupos y análisis temático. RESULTADOS: La mayoría de los participantes tenía experiencia laboral, aunque solo el 29% estaba trabajando. El 93% de quienes no trabajaban dijo tener interés en hacerlo. Solo un 33% de quienes no tenían trabajo realizaban actividades para conseguirlo. Un 85% consideró que podría tener problemas en caso de trabajar y el 15% señaló que podría hacerle mal. No se observaron diferencias significativas según diagnóstico o género. DISCUSIÓN: El elevado interés por trabajar de las personas con trastornos mentales severos contrasta con un porcentaje considerable que, pese a ello, no busca trabajo y anticipa dificultades laborales. El estigma podría ser uno de los mayores obstáculos para la búsqueda y la inclusión laboral. Los programas de apoyo al empleo deben considerar algunos de los problemas hallados en este estudio.

'Now you will understand what it is like to be confined': Did COVID-19 lockdowns affect perceptions about long-term psychiatric hospitalizations? A report from Argentina.

BACKGROUND: Lockdowns have been one of the government's primary measures to control COVID-19, especially during the initial waves of the pandemic, but there is concern on the impact of lockdowns on people's mental health. Confinement is still today the reality of many people with severe mental illness in many places of the world. OBJECTIVE: Given that the general population experienced confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic, we sought to explore if that affected perceptions about long-term psychiatric hospitalizations. METHODS: About 134 residents from middle-class neighborhoods in urban settings in the Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina, were surveyed. Participants were asked if they felt emotionally affected by the pandemic and lockdown, and about their perceptions of long-term psychiatric hospitalizations. Association between personal emotional impact by the pandemic or lockdown with perceptions about long-term psychiatric hospitalization were analyzed using chi-square test. Qualitative analysis of pandemic and lockdown effects was held. RESULTS: Respondents tended to overlap the emotional effects of the pandemic and the lockdown. Some responses explicitly referred to confinement. No association was observed between emotional impact by the pandemic or lockdown and perceptions about long-term psychiatric hospitalization among the sample. The general population's perceptions of long-term psychiatric hospitalization do not appear to be affected by the first-hand experience of confinement, which suggest persistence of stigma, and the need to reconsider public policies and actions that attempt to impact on it.

[Repercussions of COVID-19 on psychiatric inpatient care in Latin America and the Caribbean]. / Repercusiones de la COVID-19 en la Internación Psiquiátrica en América Latina y el Caribe.

Objetive: To characterise the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on psychiatric hospitalisations in the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region. Methods: Descriptive study. 85 semi-structured interviews were conducted with health workers involved with psychiatric hospitalisations in general hospitals (GHs) and specialised psychiatric hospitals (SHs) from 18 LAC countries. The interviews were done between 8 May and 30 June 2020. The data were analysed quantitatively and qualitatively. Results: An initial decrease in the demand for hospitalisation is reported, attributed to the population's fear of approaching health services as well as restrictions on mobility. Stricter criteria for hospitalisation were reported with a double focus on the acute within the acute. The length of hospitalisations were mixed, with both increases and decreases in GHs and SHs. The therapeutic offer was drastically reduced, and interaction between hospitalised people and their support networks was restricted. Conclusions: In the COVID-19 context, hospitalisation seems to be not the last but the only alternative for psychiatric treatment. The decrease in the number of beds in SHs could be a positive aspect for the reform of psychiatric care, but it is questioned since this reduction also occurs in GHs.

Actitudes de vecinos acerca del tratamiento y la vida en comunidad de personas con problemáticas severas de salud mental en Argentina / Attitudes of neighbors about the treatment and community life of people with severe mental health disorders in Argentina / Atitudes de vizinhos sobre o tratamento e a vida comunitária de pessoas com problemas graves de saúde mental na Argentina

Resumen: La reforma psiquiátrica se encuentra en proceso en la región de América Latina y el Caribe. Específicamente en Argentina, el modelo de salud mental comunitaria está en construcción, siendo aún observable la presencia de internaciones psiquiátricas prolongadas, principalmente en hospitales neuropsiquiátricos. Resulta así necesario monitorear la reforma psiquiátrica, siendo una de las vías para ello el análisis de las actitudes de la sociedad hacia la internación psiquiátrica prolongada como modalidad de atención en salud mental. Así, se realizó un estudio observacional analítico en la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina, en el año 2021, en donde se analizaron las actitudes de vecinos de personas que tuvieron internaciones psiquiátricas prolongadas y que recibían apoyos a la vivienda. Se hicieron cuestionarios a vecinos y no vecinos, indagándose por las actitudes hacia la internación psiquiátrica prolongada como modalidad de tratamiento, así como la distancia social hacia personas que tuvieron internaciones psiquiátricas, y también entrevistas a profundidad con informantes clave de barrios en donde habitan personas con problemáticas severas de salud mental y que reciben apoyos a la vivienda. No se identificaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en las actitudes en relación a la internación psiquiátrica prolongada como modalidad de tratamiento de vecinos y no vecinos, ni tampoco respecto a la distancia social hacia personas que tuvieron internaciones psiquiátricas. Los informantes clave condicionaron su valoración sobre la internación prolongada, y valoraron el rol de los equipos de apoyo para posibilitar la vida en comunidad.

Abstract: A psychiatric reform is underway in Latin America and the Caribbean. Specifically in Argentina, a model of community mental health is being built, and prolonged psychiatric hospitalizations are still taking place, especially in neuropsychiatric hospitals. Therefore, it is necessary to closely monitor the psychiatric reform. One of the possible ways to monitor the reform is by analyzing society's attitudes towards prolonged psychiatric hospitalization as a mean of mental health treatment. Thus, an analytical observational study was conducted at the Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, in 2021, to analyze the behavior of neighbors of people who had prolonged psychiatric hospitalizations and who received housing support. Questionnaires were applied to neighbors and non-neighbors, addressing the behaviors toward prolonged psychiatric hospitalization as a mean of treatment, social distance toward people who were hospitalized, as well as specific interviews with key informants from neighborhoods where people with severe mental health disorders and who receive housing support live. Based on the answers of neighbors and non-neighbors, no statistically significant differences were identified in behaviors toward prolonged psychiatric hospitalization as a mean of treatment, nor for social distance in relation to people who were hospitalized. Key informants conditioned their assessment of prolonged hospitalization and valued the role of support teams in making community life viable.

Resumo: Uma reforma psiquiátrica está em curso na América Latina e Caribe. Especificamente na Argentina, um modelo de saúde mental comunitária está sendo construído, ainda acontecendo internações psiquiátricas prolongadas, principalmente em hospitais neuropsiquiátricos. Faz-se necessário, portanto, o acompanhamento da reforma psiquiátrica. Uma das formas de fazê-lo é analisando as atitudes da sociedade frente à internação psiquiátrica prolongada como forma de tratamento da saúde mental. Assim, foi realizado um estudo observacional analítico na Província de Buenos Aires, Argentina, no ano de 2021, onde foram analisadas as atitudes de vizinhos de pessoas que tiveram internações psiquiátricas prolongadas e que receberam apoio habitacional. Foram aplicados questionários a vizinhos e não vizinhos, questionando as atitudes em relação à internação psiquiátrica prolongada como forma de tratamento, bem como a distância social em relação às pessoas que foram internadas, e também entrevistas específicas com informantes-chave de bairros onde vivem pessoas com problemas graves de saúde mental e que recebem apoio habitacional. Com base nas respostas de vizinho e não vizinhos, não foram identificadas diferenças estatisticamente significantes nas atitudes em relação à internação psiquiátrica prolongada como forma de tratamento, nem em relação à distância social em relação às pessoas que foram internadas. Os informantes-chave condicionaram sua avaliação da hospitalização prolongada e valorizaram o papel das equipes de apoio na viabilização da vida comunitária.

Critical Time Intervention - Task-Shifting for Individuals with Psychosis in Latin America: A Multi-stakeholder Qualitative Analysis of Implementation Barriers and Facilitators.

This article presents the results of a qualitative study conducted to understand the barriers and facilitators in implementing a pilot trial of Critical Time Intervention-Task-Shifting-a time-limited, community-based, recovery-oriented intervention for individuals with psychosis-in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Santiago, Chile. Data included 40 semi-structured interviews with service users, task-shifting providers, and administrators. Analysis proceeded in three iterative phases and combined inductive and deductive approaches. Coding frameworks for implementation factors, and whether or not they acted as barriers and facilitators, were developed and refined using many domains and constructs from the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Barriers and facilitators were ultimately grouped into five domains: 1-Personal; 2-Interpersonal; 3-Intervention; 4-Mental Health System; and 5-Contextual. A rating system was also developed and applied, which enabled comparisons across stakeholders and study sites. Major facilitators included intervention characteristics such as the roles of the task-shifting providers and community-based care. Top barriers included mental health stigma and community conditions (violence). Nevertheless, the findings suggest that Critical Time Intervention-Task-Shifting is largely acceptable and feasible, and could contribute to efforts to strengthen community mental health systems of care for individuals with psychosis in Latin America, especially in advancing the task-shifting strategy and the recovery-oriented approach.

"About Navigating Chaos": Latin American and Caribbean Mental Health Workers' Personal Impact Due to SARS-CoV-2 in the First Hundred Days.

Objectives: The personal impact of COVID-19 on mental health care workers (MHWs) has received scarce attention despite their work addressing the emotional wellbeing of those affected by the pandemic. This study aims to analyze Latin American and Caribbean's MHWs' subjective impact in connection to working during the initial times of the pandemic. Methods: One hundred and fifty-five persons (n = 155) from seventeen countries were contacted in May-June 2020 through a snowball approach. Complementary methodological strategies of analysis used for data triangulation included content analysis, thematic analysis, and interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results: Participants reported feelings of fear, anxiety, anguish, and fatigue. Milder negative impacts (e.g., uncertainty, concern), and complex feelings (e.g., ambivalence) were also frequent. One third of participants acknowledged their capacity to learn from this situation and/or experience satisfaction. Conclusion: Mental health of MHWs in Latin America and the Caribbean were under severe strain and the ongoing mental health reforms at risk during the pandemic's beginning. More research and additional care may be needed to offer support to those involved in caring for the wellbeing of others.

Development of mental health first aid guidelines for problem drinking: a Delphi expert consensus study in Argentina and Chile.

BACKGROUND: Among all psychoactive substances, alcohol consumption presents the most significant public health problem and is a leading risk factor for overall disease burden in Latin America. However, most people who meet criteria for a substance use disorder do not receive treatment in primary or secondary care sources. Community members can play a role in helping people to seek help as they are likely to encounter people experiencing problem drinking and recognize the signs. However, many do not have adequate mental health first aid knowledge or skills to provide help. We aimed to culturally adapt the existing English-language mental health first aid guidelines for helping someone with problem drinking for Argentina and Chile. METHODS: The Delphi consensus method was used to determine the importance of helping actions translated from the English-language guidelines and to add new actions suggested by expert panellists. The importance of each statement was rated by two expert panels. Panel one included people with lived experience (either their own or as a support person, n = 23) recruited in Argentina and panel two included health professionals (n = 31) recruited in Argentina and Chile. RESULTS: Overall, 165 helping actions were endorsed by panellists across two consecutive survey rounds. Endorsed items included 132 of the 182 items translated into Spanish from the English-language guidelines and 33 of the 61 new items generated from panellists' comments in the first survey round. CONCLUSIONS: While there were some similarities in recommended helping actions between English-speaking countries, and Argentina and Chile, key differences were seen in attitudes to low-risk drinking. While there was a relatively high level of agreement between health professionals and people with lived experience, some divergence of opinion was seen, particularly in the area of commitment to recovery as a condition for help. Future research should explore the implementation of the guidelines.

Efectos de la pandemia por COVID-19 en la atención de personas con discapacidad psicosocial: perspectiva de trabajadores / COVID-19 pandemic effects on the care of people with psychosocial disabilities: workers' perspective

INTRODUCCIÓN: La pandemia de COVID-19 alteró el funcionamiento de los sistemas de salud y, particularmente, la provisión de servicios destinados a personas con discapacidad psicosocial de un modo pendiente de análisis en Argentina. El objetivo fue caracterizar los efectos de la pandemia de COVID-19 en los servicios de atención dirigidos a personas con discapacidad psicosocial en Rosario (Santa Fe), Resistencia (Chaco) y el Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires desde la perspectiva de sus trabajadores durante 2020-2021. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio exploratorio y descriptivo a partir de entrevistas a 53 trabajadores de tres tipos de servicios de rehabilitación (orientados a dar apoyo para la socialización, el trabajo o la vivienda), en dos momentos (fin de 2020 y mediados de 2021). Se calcularon frecuencias y se realizó un análisis temático. RESULTADOS: Hubo una afectación amplia y duradera de los servicios, que se tornaron menos accesibles y eficaces para contribuir a la rehabilitación. Se observaron aspectos comunes, como la adaptación para seguir funcionando, la centralidad de la tecnología y el impacto subjetivo en los trabajadores, marcado por el cansancio. Al año de la pandemia, dos tercios de los servicios orientados a la socialización estaban muy afectados o cerrados. DISCUSIÓN: A partir de la descripción y análisis de cómo se vieron afectados los servicios de rehabilitación, se abre el interrogante respecto de su futuro y el rumbo que tomará la reforma en salud mental.

COVID-19 pandemic effects on the care of people with psychosocial disabilities: workers' perspective / Efectos de la pandemia por covid-19 en la atención de personas con discapacidad psicosocial: perspectiva de trabajadores

RESUMEN INTRODUCCIÓN La pandemia de COVID-19 alteró el funcionamiento de los sistemas de salud y, particularmente, la provisión de servicios destinados a personas con discapacidad psicosocial de un modo pendiente de análisis en Argentina. El objetivo fue caracterizar los efectos de la pandemia de COVID-19 en los servicios de atención dirigidos a personas con discapacidad psicosocial en Rosario (Santa Fe), Resistencia (Chaco) y el Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires desde la perspectiva de sus trabajadores durante 2020-2021 MÉTODOS Se realizó un estudio exploratorio y descriptivo a partir de entrevistas a 53 trabajadores de tres tipos de servicios de rehabilitación (orientados a dar apoyo para la socialización, el trabajo o la vivienda), en dos momentos (fin de 2020 y mediados de 2021). Se calcularon frecuencias y se realizó un análisis temático RESULTADOS Hubo una afectación amplia y duradera de los servicios, que se tornaron menos accesibles y eficaces para contribuir a la rehabilitación. Se observaron aspectos comunes, como la adaptación para seguir funcionando, la centralidad de la tecnología y el impacto subjetivo en los trabajadores, marcado por el cansancio. Al año de la pandemia, dos tercios de los servicios orientados a la socialización estaban muy afectados o cerrados DISCUSIÓN A partir de la descripción y análisis de cómo se vieron afectados los servicios de rehabilitación, se abre el interrogante respecto de su futuro y el rumbo que tomará la reforma en salud mental. ^s+

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic produced a reorganization of health systems and, in particular, affected the provision of services for people with psychosocial disabilities in a way that was pending an analysis in Argentina. The objective was to characterize the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on services aimed at people with psychosocial disabilities in the cities of Rosario (Santa Fe), Resistencia (Chaco) and the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires from the perspective of their workers during 2020-2021 METHODS An exploratory and descriptive study was carried out by interviewing 53 workers from three types of rehabilitation services (aimed at providing support for socialization, for work or for housing) in two moments (November-December 2020 and April-June 2021). Frequencies were calculated and a thematic analysis was performed RESULTS The impact on services was broad and long-lasting, they became less accessible and effective in contributing to rehabilitation. Common aspects such as the new centrality of technology, massive adaptations and deep subjective impact on workers marked by fatigue were observed. Within a year of the pandemic, two-thirds of socialization-oriented services were still severely affected or closed DISCUSSION From the description and analysis of how the rehabilitation services were affected, the question remains regarding their future and how the mental health reform will unfold.

'Love comes first, and it is ahead of any different political partisanism': How political polarizations compare to other forms of discrimination in Buenos Aires (Argentina).

BACKGROUND: Affective polarization and stigma toward individuals with schizophrenia and toward immigrants in Argentina are not new despite its importance and dissemination. However, no research has been conducted taking into consideration political partisanship and attitudes toward these groups. AIMS: Political polarization and attitudes toward socialization across party lines are studied in conjunction with attitudes toward immigrants and toward individuals with schizophrenia. METHOD: Individuals from Buenos Aires (n = 712) were surveyed for their political partisanship and their attitudes toward Peruvian and Bolivian immigrants, people with schizophrenia and partisans from the opposing political party. A modified version of the Bogardus scale was used. RESULTS: Social distance was from highest to lowest toward people with schizophrenia, political opponents, and immigrants. Individuals with schizophrenia were strongly discriminated against by most participants: 86% would definitely or probably not want them to take care of their children, 83% would not want them to be their healthcare provider, and 81% would not want to marry them. Immigrants were comparatively not discriminated against: 10% would not want them to take care of their children, 8% would not want to receive health care from them, and 28% would not want to marry them. Cristina Fernández de Kirchner partisans showed the lowest level of discrimination toward these two groups, compared to Mauricio Macri partisans and to independent voters. However, the former group had greater discriminatory attitudes toward Mauricio Macri partisans than the latter. CONCLUSIONS: As compared to other discriminatory attitudes, discrimination toward persons with schizophrenia is widespread and pervasive. Lower levels of discrimination toward people with schizophrenia and toward immigrants would not predict attitudes toward the opposing political partisans.

Understanding Users' Perspectives of Psychosocial Mechanisms Underpinning Peer Support Work in Chile.

This study explores the beliefs and attitudes about the psychosocial mechanisms of peer support work among users who participated in Critical Time Intervention-Task Shifting (CTI-TS), which tested the acceptability and feasibility of a peer support work model to improve community-based mental health care for individuals with psychosis in Latin America. We conducted a secondary analysis of 15 in-depth interviews with CTI-TS participants in Chile, using the framework method and defined the framework domains based on five major mechanisms of peer support work identified by a recent literature review. The analysis revealed that users' perceptions of peer support work mechanisms were strongly shaped by personal motivations, beliefs about professional hierarchies, familial support, and the Chilean mental health system's incipient recovery orientation. The findings underscore the importance of adopting culturally tailored strategies to promote peer support work, such as involving mental health professionals and fostering equal-powered relationships between PSWs and users.

[Subjective impact of COVID-19 pandemic among mental health service workers in Argentina]. / Impacto subjetivo de la pandemia de COVID-19 en los trabajadores de salud mental de la Argentina.

INTRODUCTION: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health workers has been studied on an international level. However, mental health workers, who are also called upon to address such ailments both in the general population as well as in the health personnel, have not been asked about their experiences. METHODS: Seventy mental health workers in five regions of Argentina were interviewed between May and June 2020 regarding the subjective impact of changes in their work due to the pandemic. The responses were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. RESULTS: The results indicate emotions and experiences associated with a negative impact, in connection to feelings of tiresome, uncertainty, fear, anguish and anxiety and, to a lesser extent, some positive impacts are also described. More than a third of participants mentioned mixed feelings (i.e., being surprised, ambivalent, alert and sensitive). CONCLUSIONS: The personnel who are supposed to support the rest of the health workers are affected and experience having been relegated one more time to other aspects within the health care system. Focusing on learnings, having management roles, counting on colleagues, and agreeing with macro policies could be protective factors against the difficulties associated with the changes in work that the pandemic has imposed.