Dickens Akena1, Ronald Kiguba2, Wilson W Muhwezi3, Brendan Kwesiga4, Gwendolyne Kigozi5, Noeline Nakasujja3, Hafsa Lukwata6. 1. Department of Psychiatry, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda. akendickens@yahoo.co.uk. 2. Department of Pharmacology, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda. 3. Department of Psychiatry, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda. 4. Health Systems Strengthening Cluster, World Health Organization, Kenya Country Office, Nairobi, Kenya. 5. Grants office, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda. 6. Department of Mental Health, Ministry of Health of Uganda, Kampala, Uganda.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Literature shows a high prevalence of psychological distress (PD) as well as common mental disorders (CMD) such as major depressive disorders (MDD), generalized anxiety disorders (GAD), post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD), and substance misuse disorders (SUD) among people exposed to disasters and pandemics like the COVID-19. Moreover, CMD are associated with increased mortality (mainly through suicide) and morbidity (loss of productivity). A number of countries have made deliberate efforts to identify and manage CMD in light of COVID-19. However, low levels of mental health literacy (MHL) manifested by the individual's unawareness of CMD symptoms, limited human and mental health infrastructure resources, and high levels of mental illness stigma (MIS) are barriers to integration of mental health care in general health care during pandemics and epidemics such as the COVID-19. OBJECTIVES: For the proposed study, we will determine effectiveness of a psycho-education intervention delivered by village health team (VHT) members. METHODS: We will employ a cluster randomized trial design in 24 villages in central Uganda. We will collect baseline data to and document the prevalence of MHL, PD, MDD, PTSD, GAD, and SUD. We will distribute information education and communication materials (IEC) aimed at improving MHL to 420 adult individuals in the intervention arm (n = 12 villages). In the control arm (n = 12 villages), VHTs will distribute ministry of health COVID-19 information leaflets to 420 participants. Within 7 days of distributing the materials, research assistants will conduct a follow-up interview and assess for the same parameters (MHL, PD, MDD, PTSD, GAD, and SUD). We will use an intention to treat analysis to estimate the effectiveness of the psycho-education intervention. DISCUSSION: Findings from this research will guide policy and practice regarding the integration of mental health services in the community in the context of epidemic preparedness and response. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04616989 . Registered on 05 November 2020.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND: Literature shows a high prevalence of psychological distress (PD) as well as common mental disorders (CMD) such as major depressive disorders (MDD), generalized anxiety disorders (GAD), post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD), and substance misuse disorders (SUD) among people exposed to disasters and pandemics like the COVID-19. Moreover, CMD are associated with increased mortality (mainly through suicide) and morbidity (loss of productivity). A number of countries have made deliberate efforts to identify and manage CMD in light of COVID-19. However, low levels of mental health literacy (MHL) manifested by the individual's unawareness of CMD symptoms, limited human and mental health infrastructure resources, and high levels of mental illness stigma (MIS) are barriers to integration of mental health care in general health care during pandemics and epidemics such as the COVID-19. OBJECTIVES: For the proposed study, we will determine effectiveness of a psycho-education intervention delivered by village health team (VHT) members. METHODS: We will employ a cluster randomized trial design in 24 villages in central Uganda. We will collect baseline data to and document the prevalence of MHL, PD, MDD, PTSD, GAD, and SUD. We will distribute information education and communication materials (IEC) aimed at improving MHL to 420 adult individuals in the intervention arm (n = 12 villages). In the control arm (n = 12 villages), VHTs will distribute ministry of health COVID-19 information leaflets to 420 participants. Within 7 days of distributing the materials, research assistants will conduct a follow-up interview and assess for the same parameters (MHL, PD, MDD, PTSD, GAD, and SUD). We will use an intention to treat analysis to estimate the effectiveness of the psycho-education intervention. DISCUSSION: Findings from this research will guide policy and practice regarding the integration of mental health services in the community in the context of epidemic preparedness and response. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04616989 . Registered on 05 November 2020.
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