scholarly journals Self-harm and suicidal behaviour in Ghana: a systematic review protocol

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. e053144
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Nii-Boye Quarshie ◽  
Kwaku Oppong Asante ◽  
Johnny Andoh-Arthur
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Global Health ◽  
Protective Factors ◽  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Suicidal Behaviour ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Risk And Protective Factors ◽  
Prevalence Estimates ◽  
Self Harm

IntroductionSelf-harm and suicidal behaviour represent major global health problems, which account for significant proportions of the disease burden in low-income and middle-income countries, including Ghana. This review aims to synthesise the available and accessible evidence on prevalence estimates, correlates, risk and protective factors, the commonly reported methods and reasons for self-harm and suicidal behaviour in Ghana.Methods and analysisWe will conduct a systematic review reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement (2009) recommendations. Regional and global electronic databases (African Journals OnLine, African Index Medicus, APA PsycINFO, Global Health, MEDLINE and PubMed) will be searched systematically up to December 2021 for observational studies and qualitative studies that have reported prevalence estimates, correlates, risk and protective factors, methods and reasons for self-harm and suicidal behaviour in Ghana. The electronic database searches will be supplemented with reference harvesting and grey literature searching in Google Scholar and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global for postgraduate dissertations. Only records in English will be included. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (2018) will be used to assess the methodological quality of included studies. Meta-analysis or narrative synthesis or both will be used, contingent on the extent of heterogeneity across eligible observational studies.Ethics and disseminationConsidering that this is a systematic review of accessible and available literature, we will not seek ethical approval. On completion, this review will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal, be disseminated publicly at (mental) health conferences with focus on self-harm and suicide prevention. The important findings would also be shared with key national stakeholder groups in Ghana: Ghana Association for Suicide Prevention, Ghana Mental Health Authority, Ghana Psychological Association, Centre for Suicide and Violence Research, Accra and the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health.Prospero registration numberCRD42021234622.

scholarly journals Understanding Mental Health in the Context of Adolescent Pregnancy and HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review Identifying a Critical Evidence Gap

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn J. Roberts ◽  
Colette Smith ◽  
Lucie Cluver ◽  
Elona Toska ◽  
Lorraine Sherr
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Mental Disorder ◽  
Protective Factors ◽  
Adolescent Pregnancy ◽  
Common Mental Disorder ◽  
Risk And Protective Factors ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Living With Hiv

AbstractAdolescent (10–19 years) mental health remains an overlooked global health issue. Rates of adolescent pregnancy within sub-Saharan Africa are some of the highest in the world and occur at the epicentre of the global HIV epidemic. Both experiencing adolescent pregnancy and living with HIV have been found to be associated with adverse mental health outcomes, when investigated separately. Poor mental health may have implications for both parent and child. The literature regarding mental health within groups experiencing both HIV and adolescent pregnancy is yet to be summarised. This systematic review sought to identify (1) the prevalence/occurrence of common mental disorder amongst adolescents who are living with HIV and have experienced pregnancy, (inclusive of adolescent fathers) in sub-Saharan Africa (2) risk and protective factors for common mental disorder among this group, and (3) interventions (prevention/treatment) for common mental disorder among this group. A systematic search of electronic databases using pre-defined search terms, supplemented by hand-searching, was undertaken in September 2020. One author and an independent researcher completed a title and abstract screening of results from the search. A full-text search of all seemingly relevant manuscripts (both quantitative and qualitative) was undertaken and data extracted using pre-determined criteria. A narrative synthesis of included studies is provided. Quality and risk of bias within included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. A systematic keyword search of databases and follow-up hand searching identified 2287 unique records. Of these, thirty-eight full-text quantitative records and seven full-text qualitative records were assessed for eligibility. No qualitative records met the eligibility criteria for inclusion within the review. One quantitative record was identified for inclusion. This study reported on depressive symptomology amongst 14 pregnant adolescents living with HIV in Kenya, identifying a prevalence of 92.9%. This included study did not meet the high methodological quality of this review. No studies were identified reporting on risk and protective factors for common mental disorder, and no studies were found identifying any specific interventions for common mental disorder for this group, either for prevention or for treatment. The limited data identified within this review provides no good quality evidence relating to the prevalence of common mental disorder among adolescents living with HIV who have experienced pregnancy in sub-Saharan Africa. No data was available relating to risk and protective factors or interventions for psychological distress amongst this group. This systematic review identifies a need for rigorous evidence regarding the mental health of pregnant and parenting adolescents living with HIV, and calls for granular interrogation of existing data to further our understanding of the needs of this group. The absence of research on this topic (both quantitative and qualitative) is a critical evidence gap, limiting evidence-based policy and programming responses, as well as regional development opportunities.

scholarly journals Mental burden and its risk and protective factors during the early phase of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: systematic review and meta-analyses

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela M. Kunzler ◽  
Nikolaus Röthke ◽  
Lukas Günthner ◽  
Jutta Stoffers-Winterling ◽  
Oliver Tüscher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
General Population ◽  
Protective Factors ◽  
Early Phase ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Risk And Protective Factors ◽  
Comparative Data ◽  
Meta Analyses

Abstract Background Mental burden due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has been widely reported for the general public and specific risk groups like healthcare workers and different patient populations. We aimed to assess its impact on mental health during the early phase by comparing pandemic with prepandemic data and to identify potential risk and protective factors. Methods For this systematic review and meta-analyses, we systematically searched PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science from January 1, 2019 to May 29, 2020, and screened reference lists of included studies. In addition, we searched PubMed and PsycINFO for prepandemic comparative data. Survey studies assessing mental burden by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in the general population, healthcare workers, or any patients (eg, COVID-19 patients), with a broad range of eligible mental health outcomes, and matching studies evaluating prepandemic comparative data in the same population (if available) were included. We used multilevel meta-analyses for main, subgroup, and sensitivity analyses, focusing on (perceived) stress, symptoms of anxiety and depression, and sleep-related symptoms as primary outcomes. Results Of 2429 records retrieved, 104 were included in the review (n = 208,261 participants), 43 in the meta-analysis (n = 71,613 participants). While symptoms of anxiety (standardized mean difference [SMD] 0.40; 95% CI 0.15–0.65) and depression (SMD 0.67; 95% CI 0.07–1.27) were increased in the general population during the early phase of the pandemic compared with prepandemic conditions, mental burden was not increased in patients as well as healthcare workers, irrespective of COVID-19 patient contact. Specific outcome measures (eg, Patient Health Questionnaire) and older comparative data (published ≥5 years ago) were associated with increased mental burden. Across the three population groups, existing mental disorders, female sex, and concerns about getting infected were repeatedly reported as risk factors, while older age, a good economic situation, and education were protective. Conclusions This meta-analysis paints a more differentiated picture of the mental health consequences in pandemic situations than previous reviews. High-quality, representative surveys, high granular longitudinal studies, and more research on protective factors are required to better understand the psychological impacts of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and to help design effective preventive measures and interventions that are tailored to the needs of specific population groups.

scholarly journals 272Transdiagnostic Risk and Protective Factors for Psychopathology in Young People: A systematic review

2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Miss Samantha Lynch ◽  
Matthew Sunderland ◽  
Nicola C Newton ◽  
Cath Chapman
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Young People ◽  
Protective Factors ◽  
Substance Use Disorders ◽  
Risk And Protective Factors ◽  
Mental Health Disorders ◽  
Diagnostic Systems ◽  
Health Disorders

Abstract Focus of Presentation Mental health and substance use disorders are among the leading causes of burden of disease worldwide. These disorders often emerge during adolescence, with risk of onset peaking between the ages 13 and 24. Despite decades of research, the underlying causes of mental health disorders remain unclear. This in part may be due to limitations of existing, categorical diagnostic systems, such as low specificity demonstrated by the high rates of co-occurring mental health disorders. A growing body of research supports a move towards dimensional, empirically derived models of psychopathology, such as the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (Hi-TOP) model. The present systematic review seeks to identify risk and protective factors for psychopathology in young people that occur across traditional diagnostic categories by synthesising and evaluating findings from research investigating empirically based models of psychopathology. Findings Findings will be summarised in a narrative synthesis and grouped by broad research domain, such as genetic, neurobiological, cognitive social and environmental. Conclusions/Implications The implications of these findings for the development of prevention and early intervention programs will be discussed. Key messages Empirically based models of psychopathology provide a vital opportunity to advance our knowledge of the risk and protective factors for mental health and substance use disorders, and in turn lead to the development or enhancement of prevention programs.

scholarly journals Similarities and Differences of Mental Health in Women and Men: A Systematic Review of Findings in Three Large German Cohorts

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniëlle Otten ◽  
Ana N. Tibubos ◽  
Georg Schomerus ◽  
Elmar Brähler ◽  
Harald Binder ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Protective Factors ◽  
Health Research ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Risk And Protective Factors ◽  
Externalizing Disorders ◽  
Mental Health Research ◽  
Prevalence Rates

In Germany, large, population-based cohort studies have been implemented in order to identify risk and protective factors for maintaining health across the life span. The purpose of this systematic review is to analyse findings from three large ongoing cohorts and to identify sex-specific prevalence rates, risk and protective factors for mental health. Published studies from the Cooperative Health Research in the Region Augsburg (KORA), the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP) and the Gutenberg Health Study (GHS)), representing the southern, north-eastern and middle parts of Germany, were identified through searches of the databases PubMed and Web of Science. A total of 52 articles was identified from the start of each cohort until June 2019. Articles reporting prevalence rates of mental health [N = 22], explanatory factors for mental health [N = 25], or both [N = 5] were identified. Consistent across cohorts, higher prevalence rates of internalizing disorders were found for women and more externalizing disorders for men. Risk and protective factors for mental health included social factors, lifestyle, physical health, body mass index (BMI), diabetes, genetic and biological factors. In all areas, differences and similarities were found between women and men. The most evident were the sex-specific risk profiles for depression with mostly external risk factors for men and internal risk factors for women. Gender was not assessed directly, therefore we examined whether socioeconomic and family-related factors reflecting gender roles or institutionalized gender could be used as a proxy for gender. Overall, this systematic review shows differences and similarities in prevalence rates and determinants of mental health indicators between women and men. They underline the importance of focussing on sex specific approaches in mental health research and in the development of prevention measures. Current research on mental health still lacks focus on gender aspects. Therefore, an increased focus on sex and gender in mental health research is of great importance.

A Systematic Review of Longitudinal Risk and Protective Factors and Correlates for Posttraumatic Stress and Its Natural History in Forcibly Displaced Children

2015 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 377-395 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Y. Tam ◽  
Shea Houlihan ◽  
G. J. Melendez-Torres
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Natural History ◽  
Protective Factors ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Risk And Protective Factors ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Prevalence Studies ◽  
Displaced Children

Background: Posttraumatic stress (PTS) results in significant distress or functional impairment. Prevalence studies report higher rates of PTS in forcibly displaced children (FDC). Current evidence deriving mainly from cross-sectional studies is unable to make causal attributions. Given rising rates of forcible displacement reported by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in 2014, there is increasing need to determine the best policies and practice for engaging mental health needs of FDC. Methods: This systematic review identifies (1) longitudinal risk and protective factors and correlates for PTS and (2) its natural history in FDC, contributing to research identifying vulnerable subgroups and malleable factors for PTS and understanding its natural history. No meta-analysis was conducted due to heterogeneity; results were analyzed through narrative synthesis. Results: Eleven longitudinal studies were identified. All but one were prospective cohort designs. They identified prevalence rates between 20% and 48.7% at baseline, 10% and 48.3% at 1 year ( k = 7), 18% and 48% at 2–3 years ( k = 2), 8% and 38% at 6 years ( k = 2), and 35% at 12 years using nine measurement methods in seven independent samples. Evidence from multiple associations supported the following risk factors: exposure to traumatic stressors or other stress, older age, and prior psychopathology. Evidence predominantly supported the stability of PTS with some decline. Conclusion: While results should be interpreted with caution given small or unrepresentative samples, they suggest regular mental health screenings should be conducted for FDC, who are a vulnerable subgroup with variable onset and remission. Risk associations with prior psychopathology also suggest that screening upon arrival may be advisable for early intervention and prevention.

Systems modelling and simulation to inform strategic decision making for suicide prevention in rural New South Wales (Australia)

2020 ◽  
Vol 54 (9) ◽  
pp. 892-901 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jo-An Atkinson ◽  
Adam Skinner ◽  
Sue Hackney ◽  
Linda Mason ◽  
Mark Heffernan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Suicidal Behaviour ◽  
New South ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Self Harm ◽  
Systems Modelling

Background: The need to understand and respond to the unique characteristics and drivers of suicidal behaviour in rural areas has been enabled through the Australian Government’s 2015 mental health reforms facilitating a move to an evidence-based, regional approach to suicide prevention. However, a key challenge has been the complex decision-making environment and lack of appropriate tools to facilitate the use of evidence, data and expert knowledge in a way that can inform contextually appropriate strategies that will deliver the greatest impact. This paper reports the co-development of an advanced decision support tool that enables regional decision makers to explore the likely impacts of their decisions before implementing them in the real world. Methods: A system dynamics model for the rural and remote population catchment of Western New South Wales was developed. The model was based on defined pathways to mental health care and suicidal behaviour and reproduced historic trends in the incidence of attempted suicide (self-harm hospitalisations) and suicide deaths in the region. A series of intervention scenarios were investigated to forecast their impact on suicidal behaviour over a 10-year period. Results: Post-suicide attempt assertive aftercare was forecast to deliver the greatest impact, reducing the numbers of self-harm hospitalisations and suicide deaths by 5.65% (95% interval, 4.87−6.42%) and 5.45% (4.68−6.22%), respectively. Reductions were also projected for community support programs (self-harm hospitalisations: 2.83%, 95% interval 2.23−3.46%; suicide deaths: 4.38%, 95% interval 3.78−5.00%). Some scenarios produced unintuitive impacts or effect sizes that were significantly lower than what has been anticipated under the traditional evidence-based approach to suicide prevention and provide an opportunity for learning. Conclusion: Systems modelling and simulation offers significant potential for regional decision makers to better understand and respond to the unique characteristics and drivers of suicidal behaviour in their catchments and more effectively allocate limited health resources.

scholarly journals Poor school attendance and exclusion: a systematic review protocol on educational risk factors for self-harm and suicidal behaviours

BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. e023953 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie Epstein ◽  
Emmert Roberts ◽  
Rosemary Sedgwick ◽  
Katie Finning ◽  
Tamsin Ford ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Suicidal Behaviour ◽  
School Attendance ◽  
School Age Children ◽  
School Age ◽  
Manual Search ◽  
Self Harm ◽  
Poor School

IntroductionSchools have an important role in recognising and preventing self-harm and suicidal behaviour in their students, however little is known about which educational factors are associated with heightened risk. We will systematically review the existing evidence on two key educational performance indicators that are routinely collected by school administrative systems: school attendance and exclusion. We will investigate their association with self-harm and suicidal behaviour in school-age children and adolescents. Knowledge of this association could help inform suicide prevention strategies at clinical, school and population levels.Methods and analysisWe will conduct a systematic search of Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, British Education Index and Education Resources Information Centre (ERIC) from 1 January 1990, and conduct a manual search for additional references. We aim to identify studies that explore the association between poor school attendance or exclusion and self-harm or suicidal behaviours in school-age children and adolescents. Two independent reviewers will screen titles, abstracts and full-text documents and independently extract relevant data for analysis. Study quality will be assessed using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. A descriptive analysis will be performed, and where appropriate, results will be combined in meta-analyses.Ethics and disseminationThis is a systematic review of published literature, and therefore ethical approval will not be sought. We will publish reports in health and education journals, present our work at conferences focused on school mental health and communicate our findings to practitioners and managers in public health, education and child mental health.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42018088608.

Technology-enhanced suicide prevention interventions: A systematic review

2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 605-617 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Kreuze ◽  
Carolyn Jenkins ◽  
Mathew Gregoski ◽  
Janet York ◽  
Martina Mueller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Protective Factors ◽  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Ecological Model ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Risk And Protective Factors ◽  
Cd Rom ◽  
Mobile Phone Application

Objective Suicide prevention is a high priority. Scalable and sustainable interventions for suicide prevention are needed to set the stage for population-level impact. This systematic review explores how technology-enhanced interventions target suicide risk and protective factors, using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2015) Risk and Protective Factors Ecological Model. Methods Information databases (PsycINFO, PubMed and CINAHL) were systematically searched and records including technology-enhanced interventions for suicide prevention ( n = 3764) were reviewed. Records with varying technologies and diverse methodologies were integrated into the search. Results Review of the records resulted in the inclusion of 16 studies that utilized technology-enhanced interventions to address determinants of suicidal behaviour. This includes the use of standalone or, in most cases, adjunct technology-enhanced interventions for suicide prevention delivered by mobile phone application, text message, telephone, computer, web, CD-ROM and video. Conclusion Intervention effectiveness was variable, but several technology-enhanced interventions have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing suicidal ideation and mental health co-morbidities. Large-scale research and evaluation initiatives are needed to evaluate the costs and long-term population-level impact of these interventions.

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