Psychosocial Support Programs Research Articles

Implementation of a Community-Based Psychosocial Support Focal Point Response for Internally Displaced Persons in Myanmar During COVID-19.

BackgroundIn response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Global Mental Health research group at Johns Hopkins School of Public Health worked with three local partner organizations in Myanmar to develop a psychosocial support (PSS) program that could be delivered by community-based focal points in internally displaced persons camps. This PSS program was designed to be delivered in communities with limited access to regional mental health services due to pandemic travel restrictions. The content of the PSS program was based on materials from an ongoing Common Elements Treatment Approach (CETA) mental health program; CETA counselors based in the three partner organizations were available to provide telephone-based CETA counseling. In April 2020, the partners organizations recruited and trained PSS focal points in 25 IDP camps to establish a multi-tiered system of MHPSS supports.ImplementationThe PSS program including psychoeducation handouts focused on stress and coping during COVID-19 and skills for cognitive restructuring (i.e., changing unhelpful thoughts) in simplified terms, audio recordings of the content of these handouts and referral opportunities for telephone-based services by CETA counselors located outside of the camps. PSS focal points distributed the handouts, had the recordings played via radio and loudspeaker, and were available to answer questions and provide access to a PSS program phones to connect with the CETA counselors. After 6 months of implementation, program monitoring logs were reviewed and a cross-sectional evaluation was conducted to assess the PSS program's reach, understanding, and perceived utility.EvaluationForty-one focal points implemented the PSS program in 25 IDP camps in Kachin and northern Shan States. From May to September 2020, the focal points distributed handouts to 5,725 households and reported 679 visits by IDPs, including facilitating 332 calls to a CETA counselor. Data from the program evaluation (n = 793 participants) found high levels of handout readership and perceived utility of the information, and good comprehension of the content and application of skills.DiscussionFindings suggest that provision of a multi-tiered MHPSS program, with PSS focal points providing direct information and linkages to further mental health services via telephone, was feasible despite the constraints of the pandemic. Utilizing camp-based focal points was acceptable and successful in delivering basic psychosocial supports to a broad population while serving as points of contact for individuals who wanted and needed telephone-based counseling services.

Second Victims in Intensive Care-Emotional Stress and Traumatization of Intensive Care Nurses in Western Austria after Adverse Events during the Treatment of Patients.

Background: The second victim phenomenon is common among nurses in intensive care units. Apart from quantitative studies, little is known about individual cases among those high-risk groups. This study evaluates the natural history and cause of second victim traumatization in Western Austria for the first time to tailor specific intervention. Methods: A total of 20 guided interviews were conducted with intensive care nurses in Western Austria. All interviews were transcribed and analyzed with MAXQDA software. Evaluation followed the structuring qualitative content analysis scheme according to Kuckartz. Results: The most frequent symptoms of the second victim phenomenon reported were feelings of guilt and problems with falling asleep. Coping with the second victim phenomenon was accomplished by conversations in private as well as among work colleagues. Conclusions: Intensive care nurses are exposed to many exceptional situations which have a high likelihood of resulting in second victim traumatization. As proximal psychosocial support is considered to be a main source of coping, wide-spread implementation of effective psychosocial peer support programs ought to be applied by medical organizations. Patient safety measures such as proactive and reactive clinical risk management (e.g., CIRS) should be linked to second victim support.

Overdose prevention centres in the UK

Overdose prevention centres in the UK

Farmers’ Suicides and Psychosocial Intervention

Farmers’ suicides in India, exemplifying the agrarian crisis, have been a contemporary cause of grave concern. The Vidarbha Psychosocial Support and Care Program (VPSCP) in western India is an example of a psychosocial intervention being implemented to address the psychological consequences of adverse circumstances triggered by the agrarian distress of farmers through a multi-pronged strategy of delivery of mental health care services to those in need dovetailed with livelihood/employment support schemes. This article, which forms part of a larger evaluation carried out on the impact and effectiveness of the VPSCP, focuses primarily on the process and functioning of the programme; its strengths and challenges through the perspectives of key stakeholders; and perceptions of psychosocial stress in the community. Although firmer linkages with the government health care programme and with employment support/welfare schemes is needed, the VPSCP can be taken as a viable template for the integration of socio-economic determinants and mental health concerns in the agrarian context in order to reduce the incidence of suicide.

Psychosocial Implications of COVID-19 on Head and Neck Cancer.

The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally changed healthcare access, delivery, and treatment paradigms throughout oncology. Patients with head and neck cancer comprise an especially vulnerable population due to the nature of their disease and the transmission mechanism of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The consequences of triage decisions and delays in care have serious psychosocial implications for patients. The development of structured psychosocial support programs, coupled with clear and consistent communication from treating physicians, can help mitigate perceptions of abandonment and distress that may accompany delays in care. As the unpredictability of the pandemic’s course continues to burden both providers and patients, we must be proactive in addressing the psychosocial implications of these delays in care.

The use of formative research to culturally adapt a psychosocial support program for perinatal Mayan women in Guatemala

Indigenous Mayan women in Guatemala are at increased risk for perinatal psychological distress due to higher base rates of anxiety, depression, and PTSD linked to oppression, poverty, and a legacy of femicide. This paper discusses the process of adapting the Thinking Healthy Program (THP), a task-sharing intervention that targets perinatal depression, for use within a community health organization serving indigenous, Tz'utujil Mayan families in the Sololá region of Guatemala.The cultural adaptation of scalable psychological interventions conceptual framework was used throughout the adaptation process. A formative, mixed-methods approach triangulated findings from 1) qualitative key informant interviews with perinatal community health workers (PCHWs) and local mothers, 2) observational mock-role plays between PCHWs and distressed perinatal women, 3) a self-report questionnaire examining stigma and culturally-sanctioned help-seeking approaches, and 4) consultation with local stakeholders.Results of this study suggest that the THP can be adapted for Tz'utujil Mayan women by centering the adaption on the cultural idiom of Qajnaq ruchojq'aq’ (low force/energy). The explanatory model of Qajnaq ruchojq'aq’ is interpersonal in nature, thus the integration of techniques from a low-intensity interpersonal therapy intervention are indicated. Symptoms of Qajnaq ruchojq'aq’ were largely cognitive and behavioral, thus the primary treatment elements of the THP are well-aligned. Training adaptations were also identified, including addressing safety concerns and mental health stigma in the community. The next step is to pilot the adapted intervention, making iterative changes as necessary to best meet the psychosocial needs of Tz'utujil Mayan women. This model of adaptation, and findings regarding implementation of interpersonal elements and aspects to address safety, should be considered in future psychosocial programming for perinatal women in Latin American indigenous contexts.

Evaluation of Anxiety, Burnout and Psychological Resilience Levels of Healthcare Workers in the COVID-19 Pandemic

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic affects mental health as well as physical health. Many studies have shown that the pandemic has negative effects on the mental health of individuals. Determining the factors that play a role in the psychological resilience and burnout levels of healthcare workers, who are at the forefront of the pandemic, will play an important role in preventive and therapeutic planning in pandemic management. Our aim is to evaluate the anxiety-burnout levels and psychological resilience levels in healthcare workers and the factors affecting them. Method:Sociodemographic data form, State-Trait Anxiety Scale (STAI), Connor-Davidson Psychological Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) and Maslach Burnout Inventory, were created in Google Documents and applied to the Healthcare workers via mail and message groups and social media groups. A total of 257 people were included in the study. Results: In our study, high trait anxiety scores and increased working were associated with increased levels of burnout. Doctors and nurses showed more signs of burnout than auxiliary assistant staff. The emotional exhaustion and personal accomplishment were higher in females. Psychological resilience could predict personal accomplishment sub-dimension and total scores of MBI. Conclusions: Healthcare workers are at risk for burnout. Working conditions should be regulated and psychosocial support programs should be established for healthcare workers who are at the forefront in pandemic.

Vulnerabilities and Strengths of Pregnant Haitian Adolescents and their Families During Transition to Motherhood.

Background and Objective:Teenage pregnancy is considered a social and health problem because of its multifaceted consequences for pregnant teens, their family and society. The objectives of this article are 1) to describe the vulnerabilities encountered by pregnant teenagers and their relatives throughout the time of transition from pregnancy to motherhood and 2) to identify the strengths that are mobilized by these individuals during this period.Methods:The qualitative data collection and analysis methodology was based on John Dewey’s Social Inquiry. Participants were recruited from nine health institutions in the North and Northeast departments of Haiti. Data were collected through individual semi-structured interviews, which were audiotaped, transcribed, and exported for coding after verification and validation. The data were analyzed using the thematic analysis of Paillé and Mucchielli.Results:A total of 50 interviews were conducted with 33 pregnant teenagers (aged 14 - 19 years) and 17 relatives. This research identified vulnerabilities and strengths experienced by the adolescent participants and their relatives during the motherhood transition.Conclusion and Global Health Implications:The experiences, challenges, and vulnerabilities associated with the teenage-motherhood transition and the needs of pregnant teens, partners, and parents were identified in this study. The results indicated that more attention must be given to psychosocial and material support programs for pregnant adolescents and their loved ones during the motherhood transition and after-childbirth period. When logically and effectively implemented, the study results and suggested recommendations can be used as tools for reaching local and global public-health initiatives in Haiti.

Mechanisms of Change for Child Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Conflict Settings: A Systematic Review

There is a growing evidence-base for the effectiveness of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) programmes for children affected by conflict for a range of mental health and wellbeing outcomes, but with limited evidence for how these interventions produce change. This study aimed to review the evidence for mechanisms of change of MHPSS interventions for children affected by conflict. Systematic review methodology was used to screen the PubMed, Published International Literature on Traumatic Stress (PILOTS) and PsycInfo databases for primary quantitative studies. Out of 3,903 records, seven studies were included, all evaluations of school-based preventative programmes. Results showed a mediation effect of peer relations on treatment change for wellbeing outcomes, while a predictable and cooperative learning environment partially mediated treatment change for academic outcomes, victimisation and mental health. One study found a small negative mediation effect of play-based social support for posttraumatic stress disorder. No evidence was found for any other mechanisms. The findings of this review highlight the role of social relationships as mechanisms of change in MHPSS programmes, but with limited studies to draw from. Future programme evaluations should include measures of proposed mechanisms to further our understanding of how MHPSS programmes work to continue to improve their relevance and scope and to do no harm.

Mental health and psychosocial wellbeing in education: The case to integrate core actions and interventions into learning environments

Exposure to adversity, particularly in early childhood, can lead to lifelong struggles with learning and adverse physical and mental health. Mental health promotion and prevention, care services and psychosocial approaches can play an important role in mitigating these adversities and improving a range of developmental outcomes for children – including learning, relational and social skills, and health and nutrition. This study explores effective mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) programming integrated within education in emergencies (EiE). Core actions developed through a participatory consultation with multisectoral actors are outlined to address the common challenges and barriers associated with MHPSS programming in emergency education. Targeted approaches, resources and case studies from humanitarian settings are highlighted and provide detail on how to address planning, coordination and implementation barriers to effective MHPSS integration. This study explores the social and psychological foundations of MHPSS programming in EiE and how caregivers, teachers and communities can meaningfully participate in creating safe and healing learning environments, forming the critical safety net for children's wellbeing in situations of adversity.

Evaluation of the Changes in Mental Health State at the Beginning of COVID-19 in Hospital Personnel

Objective: In the present study, it was aimed to determine the changes in the mental states of hospital personnel at the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic, and the factors affecting these changes. Methods: The research sample consisted of 299 hospital personnel in Turkey, who could be reached with the online method. The data were collected using the “Information Form”, which was prepared in line with the literature and the pandemic process, “The Impact of Event Scale (IES)” and the “Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale (DAS-21)”. Results: It was found that the sociodemographic characteristics, medical history, and the characteristics related to COVID-19 were effective on the participants in terms of their mental states and the way they perceived traumatic experiences. According to the multiple linear regression analyses, it was found that hyper arousal and reexperiencing predicted stress, anxiety, and depression with a rate of 58.5%, 59.0% and 60.6%, respectively. Conclusion: At the beginning of the pandemic, it was observed that the responses of frontline hospital employees to traumatic experiences affected their mental states. Psychiatric nurses should take an active role in the development and implementation of psychosocial support programs for hospital personnel. Bangladesh J Medicine July 2022; 33(1) : 19-26

Participants’ experiences of engagement in community-centred mental health and psychosocial support programmes in conflict-affected communities within sub-Saharan Africa: a qualitative systematic review

BackgroundSub-Saharan Africa (SSA) experienced a burden of organised violence within 18 low-income and middle-income countries and hosted over 33 million displaced persons in 2019. Community-centred mental health and psychosocial support...

A scope review on the global impact of COVID-19 lockdown on adolescents' health.

The implementation of COVID-19 lockdown measures across the globe could affect adolescents' health. This review was conducted to assess the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on the health of the adolescents. We conducted this study using the scope reviews methodological framework. We searched for articles on the effects of COVID-19 lockdown among adolescents on four databases; MedLine, PubMed, Directory of Open Access Journals and Google Scholar. Screening of articles was done for relevance to the study objective. The positive effects of the COVID-19 lockdown on adolescents included increased physical activity for adolescents 17 years and below, increased resource mobilization for healthy lifestyle, and psychosocial support programs for schools. The negative effects of the lockdown period were decreased physical activity with resulting disruptive sleep patterns; increased screen time, behavioral addictive disorder from excessive use of the internet, increased levels of domestic abuse, and worsening of existing mental health disorders. Overall, the COVID-19 lockdown period has had considerable adverse effects on adolescents' health. To curb the negative effects of the COVID-19 lockdown, we recommend parental supervision of adolescents' screen time. Adolescent health should be prioritized by policymakers to ensure that future lockdown does not adversely affect them.

Determination of resilience factors in individuals who tested COVID-19 positive

ABSTRACT The main purpose of this study was to determine the protective factors that can aid people in their recovery or help maintain their well-being in the face of collective adversity, in this case, the COVID-19 pandemic, and to examine how these factors can be further strengthened. The study included 89 participants from 14 different cities in Turkey, ranging in age from 18 to 70, 46 of them men and 43 women. In light of the findings of the study, it can be said that psychosocial support and re-adaptation programmes are needed to ease the social-emotional burden of living through a pandemic on individuals (especially those who survived the virus) even after the COVID-19 pandemic ends.

The contribution of neurocognitive situation, physical capacity and daily life activities to quality of life in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia survivors

Background/aim There are no extensive studies on the QL in children who completed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment and currently living without any disease in Turkey. Our study aimed to analyze both the QL and the effects of physical, neurocognitive capacities on QL in childhood ALL survivors aged 7–12 years at the time of recruitment.Materials and methodsPedsQL cancer module 3.0 child and proxy report, for ages 5–7 and 8–12 years, WeeFIM scale, BOTMP Short Form, RPM, reading, writing, and mathematics assessment tools, sociodemographic information form were carried out to the children and their family.Results There was no effect of the months since the completion of therapy on pain, anxiety, cognitive problems, perceived physical appearance, and the total QL scores of children and proxy reports (p > 0.05).Children’s physical capacities were significantly worse than healthy controls and have not reached the level of healthy children even after a long time since completion of ALL therapy. There was a significant association between physical capacity and daily independent living status (p < 0.001). Reading, writing, and mathematical skills were significantly associated with the mean time off-treatment (p < 0.001), and the total score of RPM and PedsQL of those with mathematical difficulties were significantly lower than those without any difficulty (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe months after the treatment (off-treatment time) have not affected total and subunit QL scores. As motor skills difficulties will lead to low academic achievement, early recognition direct the parents for immediate intervention. lead to low academic achievement, early recognition could direct the parents for immediate intervention. Planning psychosocial support programs for physical activity and age-appropriate development of patients from the initiation of treatment will increase the QL in childhood ALL with a survival rate of 80% or more.

Community empowerment psychosocial support for disaster survival children in Adonara

The Seroja cyclone disaster that occurred in East Adonara, East Flores, left deep wounds for the community, the families of the victims who died, lost property, and lost their homes and relatives. This certainly causes severe psychological disturbances for family members, especially for children who have survived the disaster. The results of the assessment of the condition of the children in the Nelelamadiken Village area, East Adonara are very concerning. These child survivors seem to have received less serious attention from their parents and the local government. It should be noted that the banjirbandang disaster is not the main factor causing trauma and psychological injuries to children in the area, but it is only a reinforcing factor for the deepening of the wounds felt by children who survived the disaster. For this reason, there is a need for psychosocial support in overcoming the psychological vulnerability of the survivors. Psychosocial support is a process to facilitate the development of well-being in a person by using the resources that exist within himself and also the resources that exist in his community or social environment. This psychosocial support aims to minimize the physical, psychological and social impacts caused by disasters or crisis situations. Psychosocial support is carried out for 14 days, namely three days of conducting an assessment and ten days of carrying out psychosocial support programs according to the needs of children who have survived the disaster. The psychosocial support program for 14 days showed a significant change in the behavior of the children who survived the disaster.

217 - ECN Award: Effect of a Chronic Disease Self-Management Support Program for Spouse Caregivers of Relatives with Dementia in Shanghai, China: A Randomised Controlled Study

Background:Research found that caregivers of relatives with dementia（RWD)were more vulnerable to chronic diseases than those caring for relatives with other diseases. Unfamiliarity with and/or difficulty in balancing their own health needs was common among the caregivers, from the findings of our previous studies and relevant literatures. Therefore, an educational and psycho-social support program named Chronic Disease Self-Management Support (CD-SMS) program was developed for spouse caregivers of RWD in Shanghai, China.Research Objective:This study was to examine the effectiveness of the CD-SMS program on spouse caregivers’ health-related results, including caregiving self-efficacy, self-efficacy for chronic condition management, and their health behavior.Method:This study was a randomised, wait-list controlled design. A total of 53 participants with common chronic conditions were recruited and assigned to experimental (n = 25) and waiting-list control group (n=28) by stratified randomization. All participants received an illustrated psychoeducation booklet. The intervention group received six bio-weekly support group sessions, and the control group will receive the same support group sessions after the posttest. Participants in both groups received baseline and post-test assessments. The caregivers were assessed with the Chinese versions of Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic Disease 6-item Scale, Self-Efficacy Questionnaire for Chinese Family Caregivers and Self-Management Behaviors Scale. The care recipients were measured with the Chinese version of Disability Assessment in Dementia.Preliminary results of the ongoing study:A significant interaction between time and group was found in total scores of self-efficacy for managing chronic disease and caregiving self-efficacy for gathering information (P＜0.05). After intervention, caregivers in experimental group reported significant improvements in the total scores of self-efficacy for managing chronic disease, caregiving self-efficacy, and three self-management behaviors (stretching and strengthening exercise, cognitive symptom management, and communication with physicians). The care recipients’ levels of activities of daily living in each group were worse at posttest compared to those at baseline (P＜0.01).Conclusion:The findings indicated that the CD-SMS program was effective in improving the caregivers’ confidence in balancing their caregiving management and their chronic health conditions management, and their main health behaviors were also improved.

A Psychosocial Support Program for Young Adult Childhood Cancer Survivors in Austria: a Qualitative Evaluation Study

Many adolescents and young adult (AYAs) childhood cancer survivors face disease- or therapy-related late-effects, which limit their participation in various areas of daily life. AYAs are often left alone in our health care system, and many worry about their ability to cope with long-term sequelae, and some are even lost to follow-up. Therefore, in the present study, a targeted aftercare program was developed and evaluated with the goal of facilitating three important “life skills”: (1) self-perception, (2) social interaction and conflict management, and (3) self-conscious communication of support needs. A total of n = 13 participants (19.2–30.2 years, mean age 22.8 years) completed a 3-day aftercare seminar, at the end of which each participant wrote a reflection letter (“letter to my future self”), elaborating on observed effects of the seminar, applicability of the given information in daily life, and the direct impact of the seminar on their individual circumstances. The reflection letters were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. All target life skills were mentioned in the reflection letters. The participants reported individual benefits from the program especially with respect to self-perception and self-confidence, giving and taking feedback, and acceptance of personal strengths and weaknesses. Moreover, the feeling of “not being alone” was associated with the survivors’ experience of emotional and social support. This evaluation highlights the potential of a one weekend aftercare seminar to address important life skills that are known to positively influence health behavior in AYAs. The detailed description of the seminar can serve as a basis for making this kind of aftercare accessible for other people in similar circumstances.

Q Chat Space: Assessing the Feasibility and Acceptability of an Internet-Based Support Program for LGBTQ Youth.

There are few psychosocial support programs specifically designed to meet the unique developmental and health needs of LGBTQ youth. Even when available, many youth face significant barriers to accessing LGBTQ-specific services for fear of being “outed” to parents, peers, and community members. The current study assessed the utility, feasibility, and acceptability of a synchronous, adult-facilitated, chat-based Internet community support program for LGBTQ youth aged 13–19. Chat transcripts were analyzed to examine how LGBTQ youth used the chat-based platform to connect with peers and trusted adults. A separate user satisfaction survey was collected to assess the personal (e.g., sexual orientation, gender identity, age) and contextual (e.g., geography, family environment) characteristics of youth engaging in the platform, their preferred topics of discussion, and their satisfaction with the program focus and facilitators. Qualitative data analysis demonstrated the degree to which LGBTQ youth were comfortable disclosing difficult and challenging situations with family, friends, and in their community and in seeking support from peers and facilitators online. Youth also used the platform to explore facets of sexual and gender identity/expression and self-acceptance. Overall, users were very satisfied with the platform, and participants accurately reflect the program’s desired populations for engagement (e.g., LGBTQ youth of color, LGBTQ youth in the South). Together, findings support the feasibility and acceptability of synchronous, adult-facilitated, chat-based Internet programs to connect and support LGBTQ youth, which encourage future research and innovation in service delivery.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11121-021-01291-y.

The Effectiveness of Psychological Interventions in the Well-Being of Adolescents Surviving Natural Disasters in East Azerbaijan Province

INTRODUCTION: Given that Iran is among the top five earthquake-prone countries in the world and no region of the country is safe from unforeseen crises, raising awareness regarding the victims' mental health issues is one of the top priorities limiting the extent of problems and subsequent consequences. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of psychological interventions in the well-being of adolescents surviving natural disasters as opposed to regular individuals. METHODS: The study population in the present cross-sectional comparative study consists of high school students (13–18 years old) from the earthquake-stricken village of Sarand in East Azerbaijan Province, and normal students from Zarnaq in the same province. They were assessed through the total population sampling method. The data collection tool utilized was a questionnaire (Ryff) to assess anxiety and depression. Data is analyzed and screened by measures of central tendency (mean and standard deviation) for the first section of variables. In the second section, the analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed to test the research questions. FINDINGS: The earthquake group achieved the lowest and highest mean scores in the aspects of environmental mastery (9.46), personal growth (10.93), and purpose in life (10.90), respectively. In the Non-Affected group, the lowest mean score is associated with paranoia (2.25) and the highest mean score is linked to anxiety (3.86). The post-test revealed the lowest mean score in the control group was related to autonomy (11.09), and the highest mean score pertained to personal growth (14.38). The scores are normally distributed in all dimensions. Eventually, the obtained data indicated that the psychological interventions performed for the benefit of the disaster-stricken group were significantly more than the group that was not subjected to psychological interventions. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of sex. CONCLUSION: Providing post-crisis social psychosocial support programs for adolescents consolidates cognitive and behavioral rehabilitation, diminishes stress and vulnerability, enriches relationships with peers, decreases psychosomatic disorders caused by the crisis, and modifies social performance. Moreover, spending time with their peers, family members, and relatives ameliorates various disorders and issues.