The modules of mental health programs implemented in schools in low- and middle-income countries: findings from a systematic literature review

Background: Secondary schools in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) provide health promotion, preventive, and early intervention services. Nevertheless, literature indicates that the modules of these services are either adapted or modified from existing mental health programs in developed countries. The literature also highlights the provision of non-comprehensive services (mental health promotion, prevention, and early intervention), in LMICs. These findings inform the need for undertaking this systematic literature review. The aim of this review was thus to identify the modules of school-based mental health programs (SBMHP) that have been implemented in LMICs to guide the development of a culturally sensitive comprehensive mental health program for adolescents in a LMIC country. Methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement was used to guide this review. The following databases were searched in September 2018, to identify the relevant literature: PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and ERIC. The search was conducted by the first author and reviewed by the authors. Results: Following the screening process, a total of 11 papers were identified and reviewed for quality. The systematic review highlighted that the mental health programs provided in schools included: an introduction module, a communication and relationship module, a psychoeducation module, a cognitive skills module, a behavioral skills module, establishing social networks for recovery and help seeking behavioral activities and a summary/conclusion module. Conclusion: This review sheds light on the characteristics of the programs in LMICs. Two programs were found to be universal in nature. Five programs were directed at key risk factors or at-risk groups, and four were early intervention programs. The review also revealed that only one program out of the 11 programs included modules for parents. The synthesis indicated that all the identified programs were adapted or modified from existing programs. The dearth of comprehensive programs in LMICs was also revealed. Lastly, the review revealed seven modules that can be useful for developing a SBMHP

Understanding nurses' perceptions of sexual health and function in people requiring haemodialysis

Background: Sexual dysfunction is common for adults receiving chronic haemodialysis; however, renal nurses seldom discuss this topic with patients. Objectives: This study aimed to identify renal nurses' attitudes towards providing sexual healthcare and to determine their confidence in discussing sexual dysfunction with adults who are receiving haemodialysis. Design: An online cross-sectional study. Participants: Renal nurses across Australia and New Zealand (n = 65) who were members of the Renal Society of Australasia provided direct care to adults receiving haemodialysis. Measurements: Two questionnaires measuring (1) the frequency of sexual health discussions, levels of knowledge and competence, barriers to discussing sexual dysfunction and views on accountability (Van Ek survey) and (2) communication, practical knowledge, and attitude (sexual health educator for professionals scale) were used. Demographic characteristics were also collected. Results: Most participants were females (60%) with postgraduate qualifications (61.4%). The average nephrology nursing experience was 13.10 ± 9.14 years. Most renal nurses identified as having positive attitudes (77.2%) about providing sexual healthcare and were confident in communicating with patients about sexual concerns (42.9%), although many nurses (64.35%) rarely did so. Less than one-half (48.6%) indicated feeling competent to discuss sexual dysfunction, and less than one-third (30%) had sufficient knowledge about sexual dysfunction. Barriers were lack of practical training (74.2%) and insufficient time (57.1%). Younger nurses (≤45 years old) and male nurses were significantly more confident in discussing sexual health matters. Conclusions: Overall, renal nurses had positive attitudes towards discussing sexual health concerns with patients however they rarely did so.</p

Additional file 2: of Interventions for domestic violence among pregnant women in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review protocol

MEDLINE search strategy. Strategy used to search articles in MEDLINE (Ovid) database. (DOCX 21 kb

The Impact of Counseling on the Self-Esteem of Women in Thailand Who Have Experienced Intimate Partner Violence

Background: Intimate partner violence is a significant and serious public health problem. It adversely affects the health and self esteem of abused women.Objective: To investigate and compare self-esteem, coping methods and general health in women who have experienced partner violence living in the Northeast region of Thailand.Methodology: The study was carried out at two sites: a primary care unit, and a drug treatment center. Women who showed abuse indicators based on the abuse indicator screening questionnaire received counseling from a nurse who was trained on the assessment of and care for women who had experienced intimate partner violence. Evaluations of abused women’s self-esteem, coping, and general health were carried out before and after counseling.Results: Seventeen women reported having experienced partner violence and had displayed at one time or another indicator symptoms such as headaches, stomach pain, weakness, anxiety and depression. After receiving counseling, abused women showed better self-esteem (t = -4.80, p<0.001) and improved health status according to the General Health Questionnaire (z = -3.09, p<0.01). In addition, they felt the need to use less avoidance coping strategies (z = 9.19, p<0.01) with a better approach to coping styles (z = -2.59, p<0.01).Conclusions: Nurses trained in counseling can help improve the health of abused women, raise their self-esteem and encourage them to use the proper coping strategies

Association between dietary patterns and sociodemographics: A cross‐sectional study of Australian nursing students

Khalesi Taharoom, SS ORCiD: 0000-0002-8208-2518; Vandelanotte, CL ORCiD: 0000-0002-4445-8094; Williams, SL ORCiD: 0000-0003-4289-9248Lack of time, financial issues, and stressful clinical and educational environments in nursing studies promote higher intakes of convenience and fast foods loaded with fat and sugar, which are linked to reduced mental and physical health. In this study, we examined the dietary patterns of nursing students and their associated sociodemographic factors to inform the development of future health‐promotion interventions. A total of 548 Bachelor of Nursing students were invited to complete a survey. Associations were explored using χ2 and logistic regression. Three dietary patterns were identified: healthy (fruit, vegetables, and legumes), Western (loaded with fat, sugar, and salt), and unbalanced. Only 21% of participants were classified as following a healthy dietary pattern, and more likely to be older (>35 years old) and have a personal annual income between $AUD20 000–$59 999 and $60 000–$99 999. Students with one to two and three or more children were more likely to follow a Western dietary pattern. There is a need to develop interventions to improve the dietary behaviors of nursing students by health‐promoting activities and the provision of online health resources

Associations between health behaviors and mental health in Australian nursing students

AIM: Nursing students experience high levels of stress, anxiety and depression. This study examined associations between health behaviors and stress, anxiety and depression in Australian nursing students. DESIGN: this was a cross-sectional study. METHODS: Participants completed an online survey providing demographic information and responses to the 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence, short Food Frequency Questionnaire, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, International Physical Activity Questionnaire and Workforce Sitting Questionnaire. Associations were evaluated using multivariate linear regression. RESULTS: Mild to extremely severe stress (46.6%), anxiety (52.8%) and depression (42.2%) were prevalent. Intake of snack-foods was associated with higher depression (β = 8.66, p < 0.05) and stress (β = 3.92, p = 0.055) scores. More time spent sitting was associated with higher depression (β = 0.48, p < 0.001) and stress (β = 0.28, p < 0.05) scores. Skipping meals correlated with higher stress, anxiety and depression scores. CONCLUSION: More support must be provided to nursing students to manage psychological distress and mental health during university study