scholarly journals Mental health interventions in Myanmar: a review of the academic and gray literature

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. J. Nguyen ◽  
C. Lee ◽  
M. Schojan ◽  
P. Bolton
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
English Language ◽  
Psychosocial Support ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Network Resources ◽  
Gray Literature ◽  
Psychotherapeutic Interventions ◽  
Practice Meditation ◽  
Mental Health Interventions ◽  
Psychosocial Programs

Background.Recent political changes in Myanmar provide opportunities to expand mental health (MH) services. Given Myanmar's unique situation, we felt a need to assemble and interpret available local information on MH in Myanmar to inform service design, rather than simply drawing lessons from other countries. We reviewed academic and gray literature on the experience of MH problems in Myanmar and the suitability, availability, and effectiveness of MH and psychosocial programming.Methods.We searched: (1) Google Scholar; (2) PubMed; (3) PsychInfo; (4) English-language Myanmar journals and databases; (5) the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Network resources website; (6) websites and (7) local contacts of organizations identified during 2010 and 2013 mapping exercise of MHPSS providers; (8) the Myanmar Information Management Unit (MIMU) website; (9) University libraries in Yangon and Mandalay; and (10) identified local MH professionals.Results.Qualitative data suggest that MH conditions resulting from stress are similar to those experienced elsewhere. Fourteen intervention evaluations were identified: three on community-level interventions, three on adult religion-based practice (meditation), four adult psychotherapeutic interventions, and four child-focused interventions. Support for the acceptability and effectiveness of interventions is mostly anecdotal. With the exception of two rigorous, randomized control trials, most evaluations had serious methodologic limitations.Conclusions.Few evaluations of psychotherapeutic or psychosocial programs for people from Myanmar have been published in the black or gray literature. Incorporating rigorous evaluations into existing and future programs is imperative for expanding the evidence base for psychotherapeutic and psychosocial programs in this context.

scholarly journals The economics of mental health in the workplace: what do we know and where do we go?

2007 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 294-298 ◽  
Author(s):  
David McDaid
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Health Interventions ◽  
Economic Evaluations ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Productivity Losses ◽  
Mental Health Interventions

AbstractTo provide an overview of the economic impact of poor mental health in the workplace and assess the extent to which economic evaluation has been used to further the case for investment in workplace based mental health programmes. Rapid scoping review of published and grey literature. The socio-economic costs of poor mental health in the workplace are substantial but conservative, as few studies have included productivity losses from work cutback, as well as absenteeism. While few economic evaluations of workplace based mental health interventions were identified, the available evidence base suggests that they have the potential to be highly cost effective. Much of this evidence may be from the US and be less applicable elsewhere; it may also have been solely published in company documents making assessment of methodological quality difficult. The potential economic case for workplace based mental health interventions appears good. More collaboration between policy makers and the private sector would help facilitate rigorous and transparent economic evaluations. A number of evaluations are planned. The challenge is to build on these initiatives, in order to address what remains a major gap in our knowledge on the economics of mental health.

The effects of non-clinician guidance on effectiveness and process outcomes of digital mental health interventions: A systematic review and meta-analysis. (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Calista Leung ◽  
Julia Pei ◽  
Kristen Hudec ◽  
Farhud Shams ◽  
Richard Munthali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Psychosocial Support ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Health Interventions ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Process Outcomes ◽  
Mental Health Interventions

BACKGROUND Digital mental health interventions are increasingly prevalent in the current context of rapidly evolving technology, and research indicates that they yield effectiveness outcomes comparable to in-person treatment. Integrating professionals (i.e. psychologists, physicians) into digital mental health interventions has been common, and the inclusion of guidance within programs can increase adherence to interventions. However, employing professionals to enhance mental health programs may undermine the scalability of digital interventions. Therefore, delegating guidance tasks to paraprofessionals (peer supporters, technicians, lay counsellors, or other non-clinicians) can help reduce costs and increase accessibility. OBJECTIVE This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the effectiveness, adherence, and other process outcomes of non-clinician guided digital mental health interventions. METHODS Four databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PSYCInfo) were searched for randomized controlled trials published between 2010 and 2020 examining digital mental health interventions. Three journals focused on digital intervention were also hand searched and grey literature was searched using ProQuest and the Cochrane Central Register of Control Trials (CENTRAL). Two researchers independently assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2. Data were collected on effectiveness, adherence, and other process outcomes, and meta-analyses were conducted for effectiveness and adherence outcomes. Non-clinician guided interventions were compared with treatment as usual, clinician-guided interventions, and unguided interventions. RESULTS Thirteen studies qualified for inclusion. Results indicate that non-clinician guided interventions yielded higher post-treatment effectiveness outcomes when compared to conditions involving control programs (e.g. online psychoeducation, monitored attention control) or waitlist controls (k=7, Hedges g=-0.73 (95% CI -1.08 to -0.38)). There are significant differences between non-clinician guided interventions and unguided interventions as well (k=6, Hedges g=-0.17 (95% CI -0.23 to -0.11)). In addition, non-clinician guided interventions did not differ in effectiveness from clinician-guided interventions (k=3, Hedges g=0.08 (95% CI -0.01 to 0.17)). These results suggest that guided digital mental health interventions are helpful to improve mental health outcomes regardless of the qualification, and that the presence of a non-clinician guide improves effectiveness outcomes more than no guidance. Non-clinician guided interventions did not yield significantly different effects on adherence outcomes when compared with unguided interventions (k=3, OR 1.58 (95% CI 0.51 to 4.92)), although a general trend of improved adherence was observed within non-clinician guided interventions. CONCLUSIONS Integrating paraprofessionals and non-clinicians appear to improve outcomes of digital mental health interventions, and may also enhance adherence outcomes (though the trend was nonsignificant). Further research should focus on the specific types of tasks these paraprofessionals can successfully provide (i.e. psychosocial support, therapeutic alliance, technical augmentation) and their associated outcomes. CLINICALTRIAL The protocol is preregistered on PROSPERO (CRD42020191226).

scholarly journals Access to community-based mental healthcare and psychosocial support within a disaster context

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 44-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine P O'Hanlon ◽  
Boris Budosan
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Psychosocial Support ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Community Services ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Clear Vision ◽  
Mental Health Interventions ◽  
Mental Health Effects

After a large-scale humanitarian disaster, 30–50% of victims develop moderate or severe psychological distress. Rates of mild and moderate mental disorders increase by 5–10% and severe disorders by 1–2%. Those with such disorders need access to mental healthcare. Primary care clinics are appropriate due to their easy accessibility and the non-stigmatising environment. There is a consensus among experts that the mental health effects of disaster are best addressed by existing services, that is, through capacity building rather than by establishing parallel systems. Mental health interventions in emergencies should begin with a clear vision for the long-term advancement of community services.

The Eight Ujarait (Rocks) Model: Supporting Inuit Adolescent Mental Health With an Intervention Model Based on Inuit Ways of Knowing

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gwen Katheryn Healey ◽  
Jennifer Noah ◽  
Ceporah Mearns
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Peer Relationships ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Ways Of Knowing ◽  
Youth Mental Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Health Interventions ◽  
Mental Health Interventions

<p><strong><em>Objective:</em> </strong>This study responded to a community-identified need to form an evidence base for interventions to promote mental health and wellness among youth in Nunavut. <strong><em>Methods: </em></strong>A literature review was conducted using the terms <em>adolescence </em>and <em>Inuit</em> and <em>intervention </em>or <em>program </em>or <em>camp </em>or <em>land-based</em>. PubMed and Google Scholar databases were used to find peer-reviewed and grey literature on community-based youth programs. The literature review was presented to parents, elders, and youth for discussion over several months in 2009-2010. <strong><em>Results:</em></strong> Key themes included: self-esteem, physical activity, stress and coping, positive peer relationships, Inuit identity, mental health and well-being, and the effects of intergenerational trauma on youth in Nunavut. Themes were incorporated into a model for youth mental health interventions based on Inuit terminology, philosophy, and societal values—the Eight <em>Ujarait</em>/Rocks Model. The model was implemented as a camp program in 6 pilots in 5 communities from 2011 to 2013. Data were collected before and after the camp. Results indicated that the program fostered physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness among youth. Parent observations of participants included an improvement in behaviour and attitude, strong cultural pride, greater confidence in identity, and improved family and community relationships. <strong><em>Conclusion: </em></strong>Evidence-based, community-driven models for youth mental health interventions in the North hold promise. The application of one such model through a camp program had a lasting impact on the individuals involved, beyond their immediate participation. Long-term monitoring of the participants, and ongoing evaluations of camps as they continue to unfold across Nunavut, are needed to contribute to the robust evidence base for this program over time.</p>

Short report: A quantitative methodological review of participant characteristics in the literature testing mental health interventions for youth with autism spectrum disorder

Autism ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 136236132110564
Author(s):  
Kelsey S Dickson ◽  
Megan Ledoux Galligan ◽  
Ho Lok
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Treatment ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Health Interventions ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Health Treatment ◽  
Current Evidence Base ◽  
Mental Health Interventions ◽  
Treatment Research

There have been significant efforts to develop, adapt, and test interventions targeting the co-occurring mental health conditions common among autistic youth, with several extant narrative and systematic reviews demonstrating the efficacy of these interventions. Yet, a methodological analysis of the literature testing these interventions, particularly the characteristics of the participant samples comprising this evidence base, is needed to contextualize our current understanding of treatment effects and highlight current gaps in the current evidence base to inform future research. This systematic quantitative methodology review characterized participants included in the mental health treatment research for autistic youth. One hundred and thirty-one articles testing mental health interventions for autism spectrum disorder were coded for youth, caregiver, and provider participant demographics. Findings indicated limited representation of females, transition age youth, racial/ethnic minority groups, and youth diverse in cognitive functioning and co-occurring mental health symptoms or conditions. Limited inclusion of providers’ representative of the clinical workforce was also noted. These results illuminate several critical gaps in the current evidence base for mental health interventions for autistic youth and provide recommendations for future research directions. Lay abstract Previous research has highlighted the importance of mental health treatment for autistic youth. In that research base, most studies focus on demonstrating the efficacy of a particular intervention with a sample of autistic youth. However, understanding the characteristics of samples used within these studies (i.e. demographics) is an important avenue for expanding this research to a more diverse, representative sample of autistic youth in community settings. As such, the current review examined and characterized participants included within mental health treatment research. We coded studies for various demographics among the youth sample, caregivers, and providers participants. Results indicated that while efforts have been made to increase diversity in research, very few studies including transition-aged youth, those identifying as female, and/or those identifying as non-Caucasian. Clinically, a few studies included youth with lower cognitive abilities and/or those with specific mental health problems (e.g. trauma and depression) or more than one co-occurring mental health conditions. Overall, our results highlight several critical gaps in our current evidence base regarding mental health treatment for autistic youth, including the limited clinical representativeness of both provider and child participants.

Transitioning Mental Health & Psychosocial Support: From Short-Term Emergency to Sustainable Post-Disaster Development. Humanitarian Action Summit 2011

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 470-481 ◽  
Author(s):  
P.P. Patel ◽  
J. Russell ◽  
K. Allden ◽  
T.S. Betancourt ◽  
P. Bolton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Working Group ◽  
Psychosocial Support ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Development Phase ◽  
Case Examples ◽  
Humanitarian Action ◽  
Group Members ◽  
Psychosocial Programs

AbstractIntroduction: The Working Group (WG) on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support participated in its second Humanitarian Action Summit in 2011. This year, the WG chose to focus on a new goal: reviewing practice related to transitioning mental health and psychosocial support programs from the emergency phase to long-term development. The Working Group's findings draw on a review of relevant literature as well as case examples.Objectives: The objective of the Working Group was to identify factors that promote or hinder the long term sustainability of emergency mental health and psychosocial interventions in crisis and conflict, and to provide recommendations for transitioning such programs from relief to development.Methods: The Working Group (WG) conducted a review of relevant literature and collected case examples based on experiences and observations of working group members in implementing mental and psychosocial programming in the field. The WG focused on reviewing literature on mental health and psychosocial programs and interventions that were established in conflict, disaster, protracted crisis settings, or transition from acute phase to development phase. The WG utilized case examples from programs in Lebanon, the Gaza Strip, Sierra Leone, Aceh (Indonesia), Sri Lanka, and New Orleans (United States).Results: The WG identified five key thematic areas that should be addressed in order to successfully transition lasting and effective mental health and psychosocial programs from emergency settings to the development phase. The five areas identified were as follows: Government and Policy, Human Resources and Training, Programming and Services, Research and Monitoring, and Finance.Conclusions: The group identified several recommendations for each thematic area, which were generated from key lessons learned by working group members through implementing mental health and psychosocial support programs in a variety of settings, some successfully sustained and some that were not.

scholarly journals International representation in psychiatric literature

2001 ◽  
Vol 178 (5) ◽  
pp. 406-409 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vikram Patel ◽  
Athula Sumathipala
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Health Interventions ◽  
Psychiatric Disease ◽  
Global Burden ◽  
The World ◽  
Mental Health Interventions ◽  
Acceptance Rates ◽  
International Representation ◽  
Global Population

BackgroundDespite the growing recognition of the global burden of psychiatric disease, there are questions about the strength of the evidence base from non-Western societies.AimsTo compare the contribution of Euro-American countries and the rest of the world (RoW) to psychiatric literature.MethodSurvey of the country of origin of papers submitted to and published in six leading psychiatric journals over a 3-year period (1996–1998).ResultsOnly 6% of the literature is published from regions of the world that account for over 90% of global population. The three journals published in Europe had a significantly higher proportion of international articles when compared to the three American journals. Less than 1% of all published articles described mental health interventions in the RoW. Acceptance rates were significantly lower for papers submitted from the RoW.ConclusionsThere is a gross under-representation of research from the RoW. This has implications for the development of a truly international psychiatry.

scholarly journals Psychosocial support services provided for Syrian refugees with disabilities: a systematic review and thematic analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali M. Alodat ◽  
Hanan I. Alshagran ◽  
Al-Muatasem M. Al-Bakkar
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Support Services ◽  
English Language ◽  
Web Of Science ◽  
Psychosocial Support ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Syrian Refugees

AbstractThis study systematically reviewed and thematically analyzed studies that investigated psychosocial support services provided to Syrian refugees with disabilities between 2011 and 2020. Nine studies published in the English language were identified from database searches (Google Scholar, PsychInfo, EBSCOhost, Web of Science, and Scopus). Results showed that the forms of psychosocial support services provided to Syrian refugees with disabilities were varied based on the nature of the study and the disability type. The results also provided detailed information about methods, participants, and findings of the identified studies. The thematic analysis results identified six themes that represent the factors related to the psychosocial support services, which were assessment, mental health, psychological well-being, rehabilitation, social participation, and vulnerability. This study provided a set of recommendations that may improve the quality of mental health and psychosocial support services provided to Syrian refugees with disabilities and their families, which are professional development, researches, and policy reforming.

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