A pilot randomised control study to investigate the effect of the South African Adolescence Group Sleep Intervention (SAASI) on adolescent sleep and PTSD.

Trauma exposure prevalence and consequent post-traumatic stress disorder among South African adolescents are significant. Sleep disturbances are among the most frequently reported difficulties faced by those dealing with PTSD. The current study examined the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of the South African Adolescence Group Sleep Intervention on PTSD symptom severity and sleep disturbance.

Participants' experiences of a counsellor-supported PTSD Coach intervention in a resource-constrained setting.

We explored participants' experiences of a counsellor-supported PTSD Coach mobile application intervention (PTSD Coach-CS) in a randomised controlled trial. PTSD Coach-CS participants, who received the intervention and self-completed a custom-designed questionnaire at intervention completion were included ( = 25; female = 20; ages 19-59; isiXhosa = 22). This questionnaire comprised questions regarding the feasibility, acceptability and potential impact of the PTSD Coach-CS intervention, and general psychological support in our setting.

A counsellor-supported 'PTSD Coach' intervention versus enhanced Treatment-as-Usual in a resource-constrained setting: A randomised controlled trial.

To widen treatment access for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in resource-constrained South Africa, we evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of a counsellor-supported PTSD Coach mobile application (app) (PTSD Coach-CS) intervention on PTSD and associated sequelae in a community sample. Participants (female = 89%; black = 77%; aged 19-61) with PTSD were randomised to PTSD Coach-CS ( = 32) or enhanced Treatment-as-Usual ( = 30), and assessed with the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-5), PTSD Checklist (PCL-5) and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 items, at pre- to post-treatment and follow-up (1 and 3 months). We also collected data on user experiences of the PTSD Coach app with self-administered surveys.

The relationship between nutrient intake and executive function in adults with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Background: Executive function (EF) deficits are common in adults with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Macro- and micronutrient intake are potential modifiable factors that may influence EF in PTSD.

Objectives: To explore the relationship between the daily dietary intake of ω-3 and ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin D, vitamin B12 and folate, and EF in adults with PTSD.

EMDR other psychological therapies for PTSD: a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis.

Background: This systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis (IPDMA) examined the overall effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) in reducing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, achieving response and remission, and reducing treatment dropout among adults with PTSD compared to other psychological treatments. Additionally, we examined available participant-level moderators of the efficacy of EMDR.

Methods: This study included randomized controlled trials.

Neuropsychological Test Norms for the Assessment of HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Impairment Among South African Adults.

Reliable and valid neurocognitive (NC) test batteries that assess multiple domains of cognitive functioning are vital tools in the early detection of HIV-associated NC impairment. The HIV Neurobehavioral Research Center's International Neurobehavioral Battery (HNRC Battery) is one such diagnostic tool and has shown cultural validity in several international neuroHIV studies. However, no published norms are currently available for the full HNRC Battery in South Africa.

Screening for HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment: Development and validation of an abbreviated neuropsychological test battery for use in South African clinical settings.

Background: The HIV Neurobehavioral Research Center International Neurobehavioral Battery is a culturally valid battery sensitive to the neurocognitive (NC) effects of HIV-infection. However, its lengthy administration time makes the battery impractical in resource-limited settings, like South Africa, which are often faced with an overwhelming disease burden, a lack of neurological and neuropsychological (NP) expertise, and staff shortages. The present study therefore sought to develop an abbreviated version of the HNRC Battery and validate this battery in a sample of people with HIV (PWH) in South Africa.

A clinician-monitored 'PTSD Coach' intervention: findings from two pilot feasibility and acceptability studies in a resource-constrained setting.

The high prevalence of trauma exposure and consequent post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is well documented in low- and middle-income countries, and most individuals with PTSD have limited access to treatment in these settings. Freely available internet-based interventions, such as PTSD Coach (web-based and mobile application), can help to address this gap and improve access to and efficiency of care. We conducted two pilot studies to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of PTSD Coach in a South African resource-constrained context.

Development of a Mobile Application for Detection of Adolescent Mental Health Problems and Feasibility Assessment with Primary Health Care Workers.

There has been a sharp increase in the use of digital health interventions in global health, particularly mobile health applications, in recent years. The extreme shortage of health care providers trained in mental health screening and intervention in low- and middle-income countries raises questions about the applicability of mobile applications to deliver these services due to their accessibility and availability. This exploratory paper describes the development and feasibility assessment of a mobile screening application for the detection of mental disorders among adolescents in Zambia and South Africa.

Depression, Anxiety, and Their Association to Health-Related Quality of Life in Men Commencing Prostate Cancer Treatment at Tertiary Hospitals in Cape Town, South Africa.

Background: Comorbid depression and anxiety in men with localised prostate cancer (CaP) largely go undiagnosed and untreated and their effects on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in men with CaP should not be underestimated. We examined the prevalence of depression and anxiety and its association with HRQOL in men about to commence treatment for CaP and the differences between treatment groups, radical prostatectomy (RP) and radiation therapy (RT).

Method: One hundred and seven participants from a longitudinal prospective observational study assessing depression, anxiety and HRQOL in men with localised CaP (DAHCaP), were used in this cross-sectional analysis.

The impact of childhood maltreatment on women's reproductive health, with a focus on symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome.

Background: Childhood maltreatment leads to lifelong health risks, particularly in women. Although reproductive health has been linked to such maltreatment, limited literature exists on its association with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Objectives: In a sample of psychiatrically healthy women, we evaluated the impact of child maltreatment (subtypes of abuse and neglect) on women's reproductive health outcomes, specifically PCOS.

Rates of and factors associated with atopy and allergies in posttraumatic stress disorder as compared to controls.

Objective: Several studies suggest a relationship between atopy and psychiatric disorders, but few have investigated the association between atopic conditions and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We sought to compare the rates of atopy and allergies in a South African case-control study of 220 patients with PTSD (mean age 41.7 years, SD = 11.

The association between hair cortisol levels, inflammation and cognitive functioning in females.

Glucocorticoids and inflammatory markers can influence cognitive function. Hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) reflect longer-term hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis function and combined with immune markers can provide insights into how HPA-axis and immune pathways interact to influence cognition. We examined the association between HCC and high sensitivity c-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels, as well as the interaction between HCC and hsCRP, and cognitive function in a sample of 153 females, aged between 18 and 79 years, from a cross-sectional case-control study (SHARED ROOTS), conducted in Cape Town, South Africa from May 2014 until June 2017.

COVID-19 Related Anxiety in Men With Localized Prostate Cancer at Tertiary Hospitals in Cape Town, South Africa.

Introduction: The health profile of older adults places them at risk of infirmity and death from COVID-19 which may induce anxiety or exacerbate pre-existing anxiety. We examined COVID-19 related anxiety in men undergoing treatment for prostate cancer (CaP).

Method: This study was conducted between July and September 2020.

The prevalence of mental health problems in sub-Saharan adolescents: A systematic review.

Background And Purpose: Most research regarding child and adolescent mental health prevention and promotion in low-and middle-income countries is undertaken in high-income countries. This systematic review set out to synthesise findings from epidemiological studies, published between 2008 and 2020, documenting the prevalence of mental health problems in adolescents from across sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods: A systematic search of multiple databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus) and Google Scholar was conducted guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Reviewer's manual for systematic reviews of observational epidemiological studies.

Cognitive insight is associated with perceived body weight in overweight and obese adults.

Background: Accurate perception of body weight is necessary for individuals with a high body mass index (BMI) to initiate strategies to improve their health status. Furthermore, identifying factors that influence accurate body weight perception can assist in designing appropriate educational and weight management programs. We therefore aimed to investigate whether levels of cognitive functioning and insight influence the ability to correctly judge body weight.

Hair cortisol levels in posttraumatic stress disorder and metabolic syndrome.

Individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) evidence increased rates of metabolic syndrome (MetS), and both PTSD and MetS are associated with alterations in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function. Few investigations have examined the possible role of HPA-axis dysfunction in the co-occurrence of PTSD and MetS. In a case-control study, we aimed to determine whether hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) were associated with (i) PTSD caseness and severity and (ii) PTSD and MetS co-occurrence.

Hair cortisol as a biomarker of stress and resilience in South African mixed ancestry females.

Background: Hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) are increasingly used as a biomarker of stress, however limited research exists regarding the relationship between HCC and protective factors, such as resilience. Additionally, studies measuring HCC need to account for possible confounders, and these factors have not been examined in sufficiently diverse settings.

Objectives: Our objectives were to identify determinants of HCC in a sample of mixed ancestry adults and investigate the association of HCC with measures of self-perceived stress and resilience.

Publication and non-publication of clinical trials in PTSD: an overview.

Background: Although a large number of clinical trials on interventions demonstrating efficacy (or lack thereof) are conducted annually, much of this evidence is not accessible to scientists and clinicians.

Objectives: We aimed to determine the publication rate of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) trials that have been registered in clinical trial registries, and the factors associated with publication.

Methods: Trials, completed on January 15, 2015, were identified via the US National Institutes of Health clinical trials registry, the European Union Clinical Trials Register and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform.

Design and Development Process of a Youth Depression Screening m-Health Application for Primary Health Care Workers in South Africa and Zambia: An Overview of the MEGA Project.

Literature indicates a high prevalence and burden of mental illness in youths world-wide, which may be even higher in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), such as South Africa and Zambia. Additionally, there is a lack of knowledge regarding youth depression amongst many primary health care (PHC) practitioners. The principal goal of the MEGA project is to provide youth with better access to mental health services and appropriate care, by developing a mental health screening mobile application tool to be used in PHC settings in South Africa and Zambia.

Cortisol levels in different tissue samples in posttraumatic stress disorder patients versus controls: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.

Background: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that develops following exposure to severely stressful events. Altered cortisol secretion has been reported in PTSD; however, results have been inconsistent. Previous meta-analyses of cortisol levels in PTSD have combined results of studies that have used different tissue samples (blood, saliva, urine) for cortisol measurement and have not included newer methods of determining cortisol levels (e.

Sexual abuse but not posttraumatic stress disorder is associated with neurocognitive deficits in South African traumatized adolescents.

Objectives: Neurocognitive impairments are commonly observed in adults suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The picture is less clear in adolescents. Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) may have an independent influence on neuropsychological test performance and provide partial explanatory power of the inconsistent findings.

Secondary Prevention of Chronic PTSD by Early and Short-Term Administration of Escitalopram: A Prospective Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Trial.

Objective: Prospective studies have not identified a viable pharmacologic strategy for secondary prevention of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The authors examined whether preventive intervention via early and short-term administration of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), within 1 month of exposure to a traumatic event (before diagnosis of PTSD could be made), may reduce the severity of PTSD symptoms according to DSM-IV at 13 months' follow-up.

Methods: Over 25,000 screening calls to patients referred to an emergency department for a traumatic event performed between June 2006 and December 2008 yielded 353 participants who were recruited within the month following a traumatic event .

Trauma type as a conditional risk factor for posttraumatic stress disorder in a referred clinic sample of adolescents.

Introduction: Traumatic experiences that are varied in type and severity may lead to the development of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Some trauma types present a higher conditional risk for PTSD owing to their nature and impact on growth and functioning. Few studies have investigated the conditional risk of PTSD in clinic referred adolescents in low- and middle-income countries.