scholarly journals The Latest Treatment Interventions Improving Mental Health Outcomes for Women, Following Gender-Based Violence in Low-and-Middle-Income Countries: A Mini Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lily St. John ◽  
Rebecca Walmsley
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Healthcare Systems ◽  
Mental Health Outcomes ◽  
Gender Based Violence ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Humanitarian Crises ◽  
Gender Based ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Gender-based violence (GBV), specifically violence against women, is a worldwide pandemic. Prevalence is further escalated in low-and-middle-income countries and in humanitarian crises. Survivors are left with a combination of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety. These mental health disorders lead to further morbidity and mortality. Despite its high prevalence and co-morbidities, gender disparities and mental health stigma globally lead to few interventions developed for this population. The aim of this review is to highlight the mental health interventions developed in the past 5 years, for women following GBV in low-and-middle-income countries. It aims to discuss their efficacy and controversies when implemented into healthcare systems, understand the gaps that remain in the field and suggest future research developments. A thorough literature search revealed 16 new interventions available for improving mental health outcomes for women following GBV in low-and-middle-income countries. Following an in-depth evaluation of the papers, one intervention was successful in effectively implementing treatment into healthcare systems—“PM+.” However, it proved only to be effective in the short term. Further research must be done for improving long-term mental health outcomes. Results demonstrated poor follow-up for women engaging in group therapy. The review also highlights community workers were used in service delivery to reduce barriers accessing care. No interventions proved effective in humanitarian crises, despite GBV escalated in these settings. There are very few interventions available in comparison to the prevalence of this global health issue. Therefore, this review encourages further research and improvements in mental healthcare interventions following GBV.

scholarly journals Efficacy of psychosocial interventions for mental health outcomes in low-income and middle-income countries: an umbrella review

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 162-172 ◽  
Author(s):  
Corrado Barbui ◽  
Marianna Purgato ◽  
Jibril Abdulmalik ◽  
Ceren Acarturk ◽  
Julian Eaton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Psychosocial Interventions ◽  
Mental Health Outcomes ◽  
Umbrella Review ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries

Gender-Based Violence Against Adolescent and Young Adult Women in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

2015 ◽  
Vol 56 (2) ◽  
pp. 188-196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michele R. Decker ◽  
Amanda D. Latimore ◽  
Suzumi Yasutake ◽  
Miriam Haviland ◽  
Saifuddin Ahmed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Adult ◽  
Adolescent And Young Adult ◽  
Adult Women ◽  
Gender Based Violence ◽  
Young Adult Women ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Gender Based ◽  
Low And Middle Income

scholarly journals Lay-delivered talk therapies for adults affected by humanitarian crises in low- and middle-income countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Grace K. Ryan ◽  
Andreas Bauer ◽  
Tarik Endale ◽  
Onaiza Qureshi ◽  
Asmae Doukani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Evidence Synthesis ◽  
World Health ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Link Type ◽  
Humanitarian Crises ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Abstract Background Published by the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in 2015, the mental health Gap Action Programme Humanitarian Intervention Guide (mhGAP-HIG) recommends brief versions of structured psychological interventions for people experiencing symptoms of common mental disorders (CMDs). mhGAP-HIG acknowledges a growing body of evidence suggesting these interventions can be delivered by lay workers to people affected by humanitarian crises in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, there has not yet been a systematic review and synthesis of this evidence. This paper reports the results of a systematic review of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies assessing the implementation and/or effectiveness of talk therapies for CMDs when provided by lay workers in LMICs to adults who have survived or are currently living in humanitarian situations. Methods Seven electronic databases were searched: MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, PsycEXTRA, Global Health, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov. We also hand-searched the contents pages of three academic journals, reference lists of 30 systematic reviews, and online resource directories of two mental health networks. A preliminary list of included studies was circulated to topical experts for review, and all included studies were backward and forward searched. All titles, abstracts, and full-texts were independently double-screened. Quality appraisal and data extraction were carried out by a single reviewer and checked by a second reviewer, using standardised tools. Any disagreements were discussed and referred to a third reviewer as needed. Results We identified 23 unique studies and carried out a narrative synthesis of patient and implementation outcome data. Every evaluation of the effectiveness of lay-delivered talk therapies for adults affected by humanitarian crises in LMICs showed some treatment effect for at least one CMD, and often multiple CMDs. Implementation research generally found these interventions to be acceptable, appropriate and feasible to implement, with good fidelity to manualised therapies. Conclusion Although results are promising, particularly for individually-delivered talk therapies based on cognitive behavioural therapy techniques, there is a high degree of heterogeneity in this literature. We make several recommendations on how to improve the quality and generalisability of research on this topic, to facilitate further evidence synthesis. Trial registration PROSPERO registration number: CRD42017058287.

scholarly journals Towards Ethical International Research Partnerships in Gender-Based Violence Research: Insights From Research Partners in Kenya

2021 ◽  
pp. 107780122110357
Author(s):  
Sanne Weber ◽  
Margaret Hardiman ◽  
Wangu Kanja ◽  
Siân Thomas ◽  
Nicole Robinson-Edwards ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
International Research ◽  
High Income ◽  
Ethical Challenges ◽  
Gender Based Violence ◽  
Research Partnerships ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Safety Concerns ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Gender Based ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Research with survivors of gender-based violence in low- and middle-income countries is important to improve understanding of experiences of violence and the policies that can help combat it. But this research also implies risks for survivors, such as re-traumatization, safety concerns, and feelings of exploitation. These risks are magnified if research is undertaken by researchers from high-income countries, whose positionality produces power inequalities affecting both participants and research partners. This article describes the ethical challenges of international gender-based violence research from the perspective of Kenyan researchers and organizations and identifies recommendations about how to prevent them.

scholarly journals Mental health and psychosocial support programmes for adults in humanitarian emergencies: a systematic review and meta-analysis in low and middle-income countries

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
pp. e001484 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mukdarut Bangpan ◽  
Lambert Felix ◽  
Kelly Dickson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Psychosocial Support ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Mental Health Outcomes ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Humanitarian Emergencies ◽  
Humanitarian Settings ◽  
Middle Income Countries

BackgroundHumanitarian emergencies are a major global health challenge with the potential to have a profound impact on people’s mental and psychological health. Effective interventions in humanitarian settings are needed to support the mental health and psychosocial needs of affected populations. To fill this gap, this systematic review synthesises evidence on the effectiveness of a wide range of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) programmes delivered to adults affected by humanitarian emergencies in low and middle-income countries (LMICs).MethodsA comprehensive search of 12 electronic databases, key websites and citation checking was undertaken in 2015 and updated in May 2018. We included controlled trials published in English from 1980. We extracted data and assessed risk of bias prior to performing a meta-analysis using random effects models. When meta-analysis was not used, we narratively described individual trial effect sizes using forest plots.ResultsThirty-five studies were included. Overall, MHPSS programmes show benefits in improved functioning and reducing post-traumatic stress disorder. There are also indications from a limited pool of evidence that cognitive–behavioural therapy and narrative exposure therapy may improve mental health conditions. Other psychotherapy modalities also showed a positive trend in favour of MHPSS programmes for improving several mental health outcomes.ConclusionIn addition to MHPSS programme for improving mental health outcomes in adults affected by humanitarian emergencies in LMICs, there is also a need to generate robust evidence to identify potential impact on broader social dimensions. Doing so could aid the future development of MHPSS programmes and ensure their effective implementation across different humanitarian contexts in LMICs. Future research on MHPSS programmes which focus on basic services and security, community and family programmes, their cost-effectiveness and mechanisms of impact could also strengthen the MHPSS evidence base to better inform policy and practice decision-making in humanitarian settings.Protocol registration numberCRD42016033578.

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