School-based interventions for preventing substance use in indigenous children ages 7–13: a scoping review protocol

IntroductionThroughout the world, indigenous peoples share traumatic colonial experiences that have caused gross inequalities for them and continue to impact every aspect of their lives. The effect of intergenerational trauma and other health disparities have been remarkable for Indigenous children and adolescents, who are at a greater risk of adverse mental health and addiction outcomes compared with non-indigenous people of the same age. Most indigenous children are exposed to addictive substances at an early age, which often leads to early initiation of substance use and is associated with subsequent physical and mental health issues, poor social and relational functioning, and occupational and legal problems. The aim of this paper is to report the protocol for the scoping review of school-based interventions for substance use prevention in Indigenous children ages 7–13 living in Canada, the USA, Australia and New Zealand. This scoping review seeks to answer the following questions: (1) What is known about indigenous school-based interventions for preventing substance use and (2) What are the characteristics and outcomes of school-based interventions for preventing substance use?Methods and analysisThis scoping review will use steps described by Arksey and O’Malley and Levac: (1) identifying the research question(s); (2) identifying relevant studies; (3) selecting the studies; (4) charting the data; (5) collating, summarising and reporting the results and (6) consulting with experts. Our findings will be reported according to the guidelines set by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews.Ethics and disseminationEthics review approval is not required for this project. Findings from this study will be presented to lay public, at scientific conferences and published in a peer-reviewed journal.

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A scoping review of school-based indigenous substance use prevention in preteens (7–13 years)

Substance Abuse Treatment Prevention and Policy ◽

10.1186/s13011-020-00314-1 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Geoffrey Maina ◽

Maeve Mclean ◽

Solomon Mcharo ◽

Megan Kennedy ◽

Joseph Djiometio ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Substance Use ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Early Onset ◽

Real Life ◽

Indigenous Communities ◽

Prevention Programs ◽

Substance Use Prevention ◽

Indigenous Youth ◽

School Based ◽

Scoping Reviews

Abstract Background Early-onset substance use is a risk factor for continued use, dependency, and poor long-term health outcomes. Indigenous youth are more likely to engage in early-onset substance use than their non-Indigenous counterparts. In Canada, culturally appropriate prevention programs are needed for Indigenous youth in elementary schools. Therefore, this scoping review aims to explore the published, international literature examining school-based substance use prevention programs for Indigenous children aged 7–13. Main text Methods: This scoping review followed a six-step approach: 1) identifying the research questions, 2) identifying relevant studies, 3) selecting the studies, 4) charting the data, 5) collating, summarizing, and reporting the results, and 6) consulting with experts. The review was reported using guidelines from Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extensions for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Results: Eleven articles (3 Canadian; 7 American and; 1 Australian) were included in the review. The prevention programs they studied were based on existing research or were adapted from existing interventions. The programs were tailored to each communities’ culture by including Indigenous stakeholders in developing or adapting prevention programs to be culturally safe and responsive. The articles evaluated the programs’ Effectiveness in changing student knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors using pre- and post-intervention surveys, randomized control trials, longitudinally designed analysis, and mixed methods. Mixed quantitative findings and qualitative findings highlighted the programs’ value in building community capacity and fostering cultural revitalization. Conclusion This review highlights best practices for developing school-based substance use prevention programs for Indigenous youth. Findings suggest that prevention programs should be culturally responsive and provide students with the knowledge and skills to prevent and manage substance use in real-life situations. Making Indigenous beliefs, values, languages, images, and worldviews central to the prevention curriculum enhanced the Effectiveness, appropriateness, and sustainability of prevention programs. Indigenous communities are best positioned to facilitate cultural tailoring without compromising the fidelity of evidence-based prevention programs.

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Digital Mental Health Resources for Asylum Seekers, Refugees, and Immigrants: Protocol for a Scoping Review (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.19031 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Buaphrao Raphiphatthana ◽

Herdiyan Maulana ◽

Timothy Howarth ◽

Karen Gardner ◽

Tricia Nagel

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Full Text ◽

Asylum Seekers ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Research Question ◽

Health Resources ◽

Well Being ◽

Gray Literature ◽

Scoping Reviews

BACKGROUND Asylum seekers, refugees, and immigrants experience a number of risk factors for mental health problems. However, in comparison to the host population, these populations are less likely to use mental health services. Digital mental health approaches have been shown to be effective in improving well-being for the general population. Thus, they may provide an effective and culturally appropriate strategy to bridge the treatment gap for these populations vulnerable to mental health risks. OBJECTIVE This paper aims to provide the background and rationale for conducting a scoping review on digital mental health resources for asylum seekers, refugees, and immigrants. It also provides an outline of the methods and analyses, which will be used to answer the following questions. What are the available digital mental health resources for asylum seekers, refugees, and immigrants? Are they effective, feasible, appropriate, and accepted by the population? What are the knowledge gaps in the field? METHODS The scoping review methodology will follow 5 phases: identifying the research question; identifying relevant studies; study selection; charting the data; and collating, summarizing, and reporting the results. Searches will be conducted in the following databases: EBSCOhost databases (CINAHL Plus with Full Text, MEDLINE with Full Text, APA PsycArticles, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, and APA PsycInfo), PubMed, and Scopus. Additionally, OpenGrey, Mednar, and Eldis will be searched for gray literature. All primary studies and gray literature in English concerning the use of information and communication technology to deliver services addressing mental health issues for asylum seekers, refugees, and immigrants will be included. RESULTS This scoping review will provide an overview of the available digital mental health resources for asylum seekers, refugees, and immigrants and describe the implementation outcomes of feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness of such approaches for those populations. Potential gaps in the field will also be identified. CONCLUSIONS As of February 2020, there were no scoping reviews, which assessed the effectiveness, feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness of the available digital mental health resources for asylum seekers, refugees, and immigrants. This review will provide an extensive coverage on a promising and innovative intervention for such populations. It will give insight into the range of approaches, their effectiveness, and progress in their implementation. It will also provide valuable information for health practitioners, policy makers, and researchers working with the population. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT PRR1-10.2196/19031

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Digital Mental Health Resources for Asylum Seekers, Refugees, and Immigrants: Protocol for a Scoping Review

JMIR Research Protocols ◽

10.2196/19031 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (8) ◽

pp. e19031

Author(s):

Buaphrao Raphiphatthana ◽

Herdiyan Maulana ◽

Timothy Howarth ◽

Karen Gardner ◽

Tricia Nagel

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Full Text ◽

Asylum Seekers ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Research Question ◽

Health Resources ◽

Well Being ◽

Gray Literature ◽

Scoping Reviews

Background Asylum seekers, refugees, and immigrants experience a number of risk factors for mental health problems. However, in comparison to the host population, these populations are less likely to use mental health services. Digital mental health approaches have been shown to be effective in improving well-being for the general population. Thus, they may provide an effective and culturally appropriate strategy to bridge the treatment gap for these populations vulnerable to mental health risks. Objective This paper aims to provide the background and rationale for conducting a scoping review on digital mental health resources for asylum seekers, refugees, and immigrants. It also provides an outline of the methods and analyses, which will be used to answer the following questions. What are the available digital mental health resources for asylum seekers, refugees, and immigrants? Are they effective, feasible, appropriate, and accepted by the population? What are the knowledge gaps in the field? Methods The scoping review methodology will follow 5 phases: identifying the research question; identifying relevant studies; study selection; charting the data; and collating, summarizing, and reporting the results. Searches will be conducted in the following databases: EBSCOhost databases (CINAHL Plus with Full Text, MEDLINE with Full Text, APA PsycArticles, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, and APA PsycInfo), PubMed, and Scopus. Additionally, OpenGrey, Mednar, and Eldis will be searched for gray literature. All primary studies and gray literature in English concerning the use of information and communication technology to deliver services addressing mental health issues for asylum seekers, refugees, and immigrants will be included. Results This scoping review will provide an overview of the available digital mental health resources for asylum seekers, refugees, and immigrants and describe the implementation outcomes of feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness of such approaches for those populations. Potential gaps in the field will also be identified. Conclusions As of February 2020, there were no scoping reviews, which assessed the effectiveness, feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness of the available digital mental health resources for asylum seekers, refugees, and immigrants. This review will provide an extensive coverage on a promising and innovative intervention for such populations. It will give insight into the range of approaches, their effectiveness, and progress in their implementation. It will also provide valuable information for health practitioners, policy makers, and researchers working with the population. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/19031

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Evaluating the Long-Term Effectiveness of School-Based Depression, Anxiety, and Substance Use Prevention Into Young Adulthood: Protocol for the Climate School Combined Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.11372 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Louise Birrell ◽

Nicola C Newton ◽

Tim Slade ◽

Catherine Chapman ◽

Louise Mewton ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Substance Use ◽

Cannabis Use ◽

Health Prevention ◽

Substance Use Prevention ◽

Post Intervention ◽

Web Based ◽

School Based

BACKGROUND Mental health and substance use disorders are the leading causes of global disability in children and youth. Both tend to first onset or escalate in adolescence and young adulthood, calling for effective prevention during this time. The Climate Schools Combined (CSC) study was the first trial of a Web-based combined universal approach, delivered through school classes, to prevent both mental health and substance use problems in adolescence. There is also limited evidence for the cost-effectiveness of school-based prevention programs. OBJECTIVE The aim of this protocol paper is to describe the CSC follow-up study, which aims to determine the long-term efficacy and cost-effectiveness of the CSC prevention program for depression, anxiety, and substance use (alcohol and cannabis use) up to 7 years post intervention. METHODS A cluster randomized controlled trial (the CSC study) was conducted with 6411 participants aged approximately 13.5 years at baseline from 2014 to 2016. Participating schools were randomized to 1 of 4 conditions: (1) control (health education as usual), (2) Climate Substance Use (universal substance use prevention), (3) Climate Mental Health (universal mental health prevention), or (4) CSC (universal substance use and mental health prevention). It was hypothesized that the CSC program would be more effective than conditions (1) to (3) in reducing alcohol and cannabis use (and related harms), anxiety, and depression symptoms as well as increasing knowledge related to alcohol, cannabis, anxiety, and depression. This long-term study will invite follow-up participants to complete 3 additional Web-based assessments at approximately 5, 6, and 7 years post baseline using multiple sources of locator information already provided to the research team. The primary outcomes include alcohol and cannabis use (and related harms) and mental health symptoms. An economic evaluation of the program will also be conducted using both data linkage as well as self-report resource use and quality of life measures. Secondary outcomes include self-efficacy, social networks, peer substance use, emotion regulation, and perfectionism. Analyses will be conducted using multilevel mixed-effects models within an intention-to-treat framework. RESULTS The CSC long-term follow-up study is funded from 2018 to 2022 by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (APP1143555). The first follow-up wave commences in August 2018, and the results are expected to be submitted for publication in 2022. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to provide a long-term evaluation of combined universal substance use and mental health prevention up to 7 years post intervention. Evidence of sustained benefits into early adulthood would provide a scalable, easy-to-implement prevention strategy with the potential for widespread dissemination to reduce the considerable harms, burden of disease, injury, and social costs associated with youth substance use and mental disorders. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPOR PRR1-10.2196/11372

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The Experiences of Older Adults with Cannabis and Mental Health: A Scoping Review of the Literature

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.3528 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 991-991

Author(s):

Raza Mirza ◽

Amanda Bull ◽

Andrea Gardiola ◽

Sabina Mirza ◽

Mary Hynes ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Research Question ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Mental Health Outcomes ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Hand Search ◽

Main Research

Abstract Following the 2018 federal legalization of cannabis in Canada, there was a drastic increase in older adults reporting marijuana use. Most cannabis research today focuses on children and young adults, however, it is important to acknowledge the potential harms in seniors as well. Aging and substance use presents unique considerations, such as the interactions between cannabis and chronic conditions, multiple comorbidities, polypharmacy, and mental health. The goal of this scoping review was to analyze the literature that addresses mental health outcomes of seniors who use cannabis, in order to answer the main research question: What is the relationship between older adults’ use of cannabis and mental health? Following Arksey and O’Malley’s five-stage framework, 10 electronic databases were searched along with a hand search of references. The search revealed 7000+ peer-reviewed and grey literature sources. 233 full-text sources were assessed for eligibility, with a total of 25 articles included. Thematic content analysis produced four major themes which addressed: (1) Usage characteristics; (2) User characteristics; (3) Outcomes; and (4) Physical and mental health considerations. Findings from this scoping review are positioned in terms of their implications for research, practice, and policy. While more in-depth, qualitative methods are required to develop further research, several harm-reduction strategies may be immediately utilized by both users and healthcare practitioners. It is critical that older adults and their physicians are able to make cannabis-related decisions with evidence-informed guidance to prevent problematic cannabis use and ensure positive mental health outcomes.

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Health Inequalities in Children and Adolescents: A Scoping Review of the Mediating and Moderating Effects of Family Characteristics

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18157739 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (15) ◽

pp. 7739

Author(s):

Miriam Blume ◽

Petra Rattay ◽

Stephanie Hoffmann ◽

Jacob Spallek ◽

Lydia Sander ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Children And Adolescents ◽

Health Inequalities ◽

Scoping Review ◽

The United States ◽

Family Characteristics ◽

Future Research ◽

Childhood And Adolescence ◽

Moderating Effects ◽

Scoping Reviews

This scoping review systematically mapped evidence of the mediating and moderating effects of family characteristics on health inequalities in school-aged children and adolescents (6–18 years) in countries with developed economies in Europe and North America. We conducted a systematic scoping review following the PRISMA extension for Scoping Reviews recommendations. We searched the PubMed, PsycINFO and Scopus databases. Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts and full texts. Evidence was synthesized narratively. Of the 12,403 records initially identified, 50 articles were included in the synthesis. The included studies were conducted in the United States (n = 27), Europe (n = 18), Canada (n = 3), or in multiple countries combined (n = 2). We found that mental health was the most frequently assessed health outcome. The included studies reported that different family characteristics mediated or moderated health inequalities. Parental mental health, parenting practices, and parent-child-relationships were most frequently examined, and were found to be important mediating or moderating factors. In addition, family conflict and distress were relevant family characteristics. Future research should integrate additional health outcomes besides mental health, and attempt to integrate the complexity of families. The family characteristics identified in this review represent potential starting points for reducing health inequalities in childhood and adolescence.

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Research Trends on Mobile Mental Health Application for General Population: A Scoping Review

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18052459 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (5) ◽

pp. 2459

Author(s):

Won Ju Hwang ◽

Ji Sun Ha ◽

Mi Jeong Kim

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Mobile Apps ◽

Rapid Development ◽

Adult Population ◽

Well Being ◽

Stress Theory ◽

Scoping Reviews ◽

General Adult Population ◽

Health Related

Background: Scoping reviews of the literature on the development and application of mental health apps based on theoretical suggestions are lacking. This study systematically examines studies on the effects and results of mental health mobile apps for the general adult population. Methods: Following PICOs (population, intervention, comparison, outcome, study design), a general form of scoping review was adopted. From January 2010 to December 2019, we selected the effects of mental health-related apps and intervention programs provided by mobile to the general adult population over the age of 18. Additionally, evaluation of methodological quality was assessed using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) checklist. Results: Fourteen studies were analyzed of 1205 that were identified; duplicate and matching studies were excluded. One was a descriptive study and 13 were experimental, of which randomized control trials (RCTs) accounted for 71.4%. Four of the mobile apps were developed based on cognitive behavior theory, one based on stress theory, and one on ecological instant intervention theory. These apps included breathing training, meditation, and music therapy. Stress, depression, and anxiety decreased using these apps, and some were effective for well-being. Conclusion: With the rapid development of technology related to mental health, many mobile apps are developed, but apps based on theoretical knowledge and well-designed research are lacking. Further research and practices should be conducted to develop, test, and disseminate evidence-based mHealth for mental health promotion. RCT studies are needed to expand the application to mental health services to various populations.

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Impact of the Coronavirus Lockdown on Older Adolescents Engaged in a School-Based Stress Management Program: Changes in Mental Health, Sleep, Social Support, and Routines

Children & Schools ◽

10.1093/cs/cdab006 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Sara Schjølberg Marques ◽

Ruth Braidwood

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Social Support ◽

Stress Management ◽

Behavioral Therapy ◽

Management Program ◽

Return To School ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

School Based ◽

Older Adolescents ◽

Stress Management Program

Abstract The mental health effects of the coronavirus pandemic are likely to be significant and sustained, especially for those who experience adversity or preexisting mental health difficulties. This article examines the experiences of older adolescents during the United Kingdom government’s “lockdown” period (April 2020 to June 2020) on mental health, social support, sleep, and routines using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Participants were enrolled in DISCOVER, a school-based stress management program, in London (N = 107; 72 percent Black, Asian, or minority ethnicity). The Coping with COVID-19 questionnaire was developed and administered online. Changes in mental health, sleep, and routines were reported during the lockdown period as well as increased worry about family members’ physical and mental health. Positive experiences of the lockdown period included improvements in quality of relationships and increased time to spend on hobbies. Participants reported the use of cognitive–behavioral therapy techniques for coping. Results have implications for supporting older adolescents during the pandemic, including on their return to school.

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3191 Adolescent Substance Use: School and Community Perspectives on School-Based Interventions

Journal of Clinical and Translational Science ◽

10.1017/cts.2019.192 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (s1) ◽

pp. 82-83

Author(s):

Sycarah Fisher

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Substance Use ◽

School Counselors ◽

School Psychologists ◽

Early Identification ◽

Health Personnel ◽

Adolescent Substance Use ◽

Adolescent Substance ◽

School Based ◽

School And Community

OBJECTIVES/SPECIFIC AIMS: Fifty percent of adolescents have tried an illicit drug and 70% have tried alcohol by the end of high school. Further, despite 7-9% of youth 12-17 meeting criteria for a substance use disorder only 1 in 10 actually receive it. Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) is an evidence based process that facilitates early identification and treatment for adults and adolescents in community (primary care) facilities. Despite the documented effectiveness of SBIRT, no research has examined the implementation of SBIRT in school settings by school-based mental health personnel. The purpose of the present study was to identify facilitators and barriers to SBIRT implementation by school-based personnel in secondary schools. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Participants included 30 school and community service providers including: teachers, school counselors, school psychologists, school administrators (principals and central office staff), city council members, school board members, community mental health services providers as well as state level individuals from the department of Adolescent Substance Use and the Office of Drug Control Policy. Interview guides were developed using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to identify facilitators and barriers regarding the following: inner setting, outer setting, individuals involved, and intervention (SBIRT). The six-phase framework of Thematic Analysis (TA) was employed to analyze the data. We specifically used the deductive method to analyze the data with a pre-determined theory in mind (CFIR) to move to hypothesis building, and coding the data. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Contrary to research conducted outside of the schools under the auspices that schools do not have the time or interest in providing school-based substance use interventions, several themes emerged identifying a receptivity, willingness, and eagerness to provide these services. Specifically, school-based mental health professionals (i.e., school counselors, school psychologists) being aware of adolescent substance use in their schools, but not knowing how to appropriately handle such disclosures. Further, school-based mental health personnel indicated that they would want additional training on how to identify and provide services to adolescents with substance use needs. School-based administrators also indicated a receptivity to addressing substance use with an acknowledgement that schools would need to move from a punitive model for substance use infractions to a treatment model. Some identified barriers to implementation included lack of awareness of community treatment settings for referrals and anonymity or lack thereof of substance use screening. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: While the data analyzed come from a limited sample in one school district, the present study found that schools could be potential settings for the early identification and intervention of adolescent substance use. Findings from this study contribute to our understanding of school and community receptivity to school-based interventions. Future research should identify training needs of school-based mental health personnel to assist in the early identification and prevention of substance use disorders.

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