The Feasibility of Adapted Group-Based Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) for the Treatment of Depression by Community Health Workers Within the Context of Task Shifting in South Africa

Abstract

Within the context of a large treatment gap for depression and a scarcity of specialist resources, there is a need for task shifting to scale up mental health services to address this gap in South Africa. This study assessed the feasibility of an adapted manualized version of grouped based Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) for use by supervised community health workers through a pilot study on 60 primary health care clinic users screened as having moderate to severe depression. Retention was good and participants in the group-based IPT intervention showed significant reduction in depressive symptoms on completion of the 12-week intervention as well as 24 weeks post baseline compared to the control group. Qualitative process evaluation suggests that improved social support, individual coping skills and improved personal agency assisted in the reduction of depressive symptoms.

Social Support, Sexual Violence, and Transactional Sex Among Female Transnational Migrants to South Africa

“…34,35 These interventions have also been shown to be successful in reducing depression and intimate partner violence among women. 34,35 Thus, another potential intervention strategy is to help increase social support for migrant women once they arrive in South Africa, with the hope that this increased support will help buffer any negative psychological effects resulting from travel-phase sexual violence or other trauma. Organizations that currently provide services for migrants and are well trusted in the community may be most effective in delivering these interventions.…”

Mental Health Services in South Africa: Scaling up and future directions

“…van't Hof and colleagues reviewed the literature on psychotherapy trials in low and middle income countries, and noted that there is some evidence for efficacy. 36 A number of preliminary effectiveness studies in South Africa show promise, including the treatment of depression by community workers using interpersonal therapy in primary care 37 and a multimedia-supported adherence tools administered by lay counsellors for ARV adherence. 38 Data on efficacy and effectiveness of packages of care for priority mental disorders are important for the primary care revitalisation programme of the South African Department of Health.…”

Cervical Cancer Prevention in Malawi: A Qualitative Study of Women's Perspectives

“…One potential avenue is community health advocacy. A growing body of research demonstrates the beneficial outcomes of engaging community members in health advocacy, including increased access to care and provision of health services ranging from health education and immunization, particularly in remote areas (Petersen, Bhana, & Baillie, 2012;Perez & Martinez, 2008;Swider, 2002;World Bank, 2004). The inclusion of community health advocates in cervical cancer prevention efforts may bolster the effectiveness of cervical cancer prevention programs while reducing the physical and financial burden of information dissemination.…”