Dana Chow, Paul Pronyk, Rainald Mgimba, Winner Elimwaria, Regina Ndaki, Aloyce Ambokile, Blandina T Mmbaga, Dorothy Dow
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of integrating a mental health stepped-care referral pathway for young people with HIV (YPWH) who screened positive for mental health distress using task-sharing and stepped-care approaches.
Design: This is a longitudinal nested study within the Sauti ya Vijana (SYV: The Voice of Youth) randomized controlled trial, describing an integrated referral pathway created within adolescent HIV clinics. SYV is a peer-led, group-based mental health intervention for YPWH. The study includes youth enrolled between March and September 2023 who completed a 6-month visit by March 2024.
Methods: YPWH who knew their HIV status, received antiretroviral therapy, and could attend 10-weekly intervention sessions were included. Enrolled youth responded to interviewer-guided mental health screening questionnaires at every study visit. Automatic referral alerts were generated if a YPWH had a total score ≥10 on the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) or General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) Questionnaire, reported sexual abuse, self-harm, or suicidal ideation. An interviewer could self-refer a participant if they had a separate mental health concern. Site-specific mental health referrals were tracked using a REDCap database. Data were analyzed for incidence of mental health referrals, attendance to referral appointment, and outcome.
Results: Of 349 YPWH included in this study, 62 (18%) generated referral alerts. Most attended their appointment ( n = 50, 81%) and many ( n = 28, 56%) experienced resolution of distress after one visit. Eight participants required stepped-up care to a mental health professional.
Conclusion: The integration of a mental health stepped-care referral pathway was acceptable and feasible for YPLW within existing primary adolescent HIV clinics in Tanzania.
期刊介绍：
Publishing the very latest ground breaking research on HIV and AIDS. Read by all the top clinicians and researchers, AIDS has the highest impact of all AIDS-related journals. With 18 issues per year, AIDS guarantees the authoritative presentation of significant advances. The Editors, themselves noted international experts who know the demands of your work, are committed to making AIDS the most distinguished and innovative journal in the field. Submitted articles undergo a preliminary review by the editor. Some articles may be returned to authors without further consideration. Those being considered for publication will undergo further assessment and peer-review by the editors and those invited to do so from a reviewer pool.
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