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The cultural adaptation of the Friendship Bench Intervention to address perinatal psychological distress in Sierra Leone: an application of the ADAPT-ITT framework and the Ecological Validity Model
Get PDFFrom Frontiers via Jisc Publications RouterHistory: received 2024-05-31, collection 2025-01-01, accepted 2025-01-22, epub 2025-02-19Peer reviewed: TrueAcknowledgements: We acknowledge the contribution of the research assistants, who demonstrated high levels of commitment and professionalism throughout the data collection process, which include Ajaratu Kamara, Mamadu Jalloh, Sinava B. Lamin, Simeon S. Sesay, and Malik Sulaiman Daewood. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Aminata Shamit Koroma and her team, Directorate of Nutrition at the MoHS, for her invaluable support and for assigning the MMSGs to our study. We also recognize the dedication and passion exhibited by the MMSGs in delivering the intervention.Publication status: PublishedAbdulai Jawo Bah - ORCID:
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3334-7882Alastair Ager - ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9474-3563
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9474-3563Background: In Sierra Leone, women of reproductive age represent a significant portion of the population and face heightened mental health challenges due to the lasting effects of civil war, the Ebola epidemic, and the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to culturally adapt the Friendship Bench Intervention (FBI) for perinatal psychological distress in Sierra Leone. Method: We utilized the ADAPT-ITT framework and Bernal’s Ecological Validity Model (EVM) for culturally adapting the FBI’s process and content. The adaptation stages included a formative study to assess perinatal women’s mental health needs. We screened the FBI for modifications based on the data from the formative study and EVM. The initial FBI manual was presented to mother-mother support groups (MMSGs, n=5) and primary health workers (n=3) for feedback (version 1.0). A theatre test with perinatal women (n=10) was conducted led by MMSGs, yielding further feedback (version 2.0). The revised manual was then reviewed by topical experts (n=2), whose insights were incorporated (version 3.0). Results: The Friendship Bench manual for Sierra Leone has been revised to better meet the cultural needs of perinatal women. The cover now illustrates an elderly woman conversing with a new mother, emphasizing community support. Culturally relevant idioms, such as “poil at” and “mind not steady,” replace previous terms, and new screening tools, the Sierra Leone Perinatal Psychological Distress Scale (SLPPDS) and the Function Scale, have been introduced. The problem-solving therapy was simplified from seven to four steps, and training duration was reduced from nine days to two, using visual aids to enhance comprehension for those with low literacy levels. Conclusion: Through this systematic approach, we successfully culturally adapted the FBI for treating perinatal psychological distress in Sierra Leone. The next step is to evaluate it feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness in perinatal care settings.The author(s) declare financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. This research was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Global Health Research programme 16/136/100. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the National Health Service, the NIHR or the UK Department of Health and Social Care.pubpu
Exploring the Potential for Developing Person-Centred Practices in a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Inpatient Unit: A Qualitative Research Protocol
Get PDFFrom SAGE Publishing via Jisc Publications RouterHistory: received 2024-04-08, rev-recd 2025-01-03, accepted 2025-01-12, epub 2025-03-04Peer reviewed: TruePublication status: PublishedChristie Attard - ORCID: 0000-0002-8147-3429
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8147-3429Michelle L. Elliot - ORCID: 0000-0002-0181-5581
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0181-5581Due to a drastic increase in child and adolescent mental health difficulties worldwide, there is a constant need to evaluate current practices and further develop person-centred practices. The importance of person-centred practices is highlighted in research worldwide. This study will look into the potential development of person-centred practices within a child and adolecent mental health in-patient unit, the Young People’s Unit. Initially the current care practices, and person-centred moments were explored, which then lead to the development of pathways to create person-centred practices. This study followed a philosophical inquiry based on the SECI model and the concept of Ba developed by Ikujiro Nonaka. Data was collected from 15 young persons admitted to the Young People’s Unit. 15 main caregivers and the healthcare professionals which were part of the multi-discplinary team within the unit. 3 Different methods were used, the Draw, Write & Tell with the young persons, semi-structured interviews with the main caregivers, and observations by the researcher using the WCCAT-R tool and the world cafe method with the multidisciplinary team. The use of different methods ensured that the methods used were age appropriate. The externalistion and combination stage of the SECI model were done collaboratively with two young persons, two main care givers and 2 healthcare professionals who were initially participants in the data collection of the research. The involvement of different stakeholder in the data analysis resulted in the investigation of different aspects of the data which otherwise may have been missed. This study also looks into how Ba was created throughout the research process, and shows how this is congruent with the principles which are adopted in person-centred research.pubpu
Why are you still talking about Black Sabbath? Spotting the music buff charlatans in playlists of contemporary heavy metal music
Get PDFStephen C. Scholes - ORCID: 0000-0002-5808-6121
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5808-6121This is a
pre-publication version of the following article: Bainbridge, A. and Scholes, S.C. (2025) ‘Why are you still talking about Black Sabbath? Spotting the music buff charlatans in playlists of contemporary heavy metal music’, Psychology of Education Review, 49(1), pp. 39–42. Available at: https://doi.org/10.53841/bpsper.2025.49.1.39.https://doi.org/10.53841/bpsper.2025.49.1.3949pubpub
A comparison of health-related quality of life using the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF and 5-Level EuroQol-5 Dimensions in the Malaysian population.
Get PDFFrom PubMed via Jisc Publications RouterHistory: received 2024-03-14, accepted 2025-02-16pubDaniel Reidpath - ORCID: 0000-0002-8796-0420
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8796-0420This study aimed to describe and compare health-related quality of life (QoL) as measured by the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQoL-BREF) and the EuroQol-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) among the Malaysian population, examining differences by sociodemographic characteristics including age, income, sex, ethnicity, educational level, and occupation. This cross-sectional study used data from 19,402 individuals collected as part of a health and demographic surveillance system survey conducted in the Segamat district of Malaysia in 2018-2019. Descriptive statistics and measures of central tendency were produced. Differences in QoL among demographic sub-groups were examined using the t-test and analysis of variance, while the correlations between the WHOQoL-BREF and EQ-5D were evaluated using Pearson correlation coefficients. Based on complete case analysis (n=19,129), the average scores for the 4 WHOQoL-BREF domains were 28.2 (physical), 24.1 (psychological), 12.0 (social relationships), and 30.4 (environment). The percentages of participants not in full health for each EQ-5D dimension were 12.8% (mobility), 3.1% (self-care), 6.9% (usual activities), 20.9% (pain/discomfort), and 6.8% (anxiety/depression). Correlations between the 4 WHOQoL-BREF domains and the 5 EQ-5D dimensions were relatively weak, ranging from -0.06 (social relationships with self-care and pain/discomfort; p<0.001) to -0.42 (physical with mobility; p<0.001). Although health-related QoL as measured by the WHOQoL-BREF and the EQ-5D are correlated, these 2 measures should not be considered interchangeable. The choice between them should be guided by the specific research questions and the intended use of the data.16pubpub
Unveiling the Life of Trish Arnold: A Review of Lizzie Ballinger’s Biography [Book review]
No full textItem is not available in this repository.https://doi.org/10.1080/19443927.2025.249830416pubpub
Interpreting for deaf children in healthcare settings: An exploration of challenges and strategies
Get PDFRachel Mapson - ORCID: 0000-0003-0400-6576
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0400-6576Good health literacy enables individuals to look after their health and well-being. However, deaf adults are seven times more likely to experience poor health literacy then their hearing counterparts, leading to poorer health outcomes. To improve health literacy levels in the deaf community, researchers emphasise the need for deaf children to access health-related information. When a child attends healthcare appointments, a qualified sign language interpreter is therefore essential. However, interpreting in this environment is a complex phenomenon. This qualitative study adopts an emic perspective to explore the challenges encountered by interpreters and some of the strategies adopted. Ten registered sign language interpreters with experience of working with deaf children in healthcare settings were selected to be involved in the research. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with each participant and reflexive thematic analysis was used to identify themes in the data. This study illustrates that, in addition to linguistic skills, an interpreter needs to possess interpersonal skills to conduct themselves in a professional manner and work in collaboration with the healthcare practitioner, child and parents. Additionally, the research shows that in this environment, interpreters may experience intrapersonal demands, highlighting the need for them to manage their emotions and look after their own well-being.inpressinpres
Climate justice and the politics of extraction in Africa: the case of Zimbabwe
Get PDFThis practice note links climate justice with the politics of extraction in Africa, using the case of lithium mining in Zimbabwe. The note emanates from a critical review of how current activities in key sectors at the centre of extractive politics in Africa, particularly mining, expose political rhetoric in as far as the move to and benefits of green transition in Africa are concerned. As the global demand for minerals important in climate change mitigation like cobalt and lithium rises, it appears the extraction patterns from colonial times are continuing and local communities directly impacted by extraction of these minerals are not meaningfully benefiting. Concerns have been raised around poor safety standards, unsafe working conditions, unfair displacement measures, environmental damage, and low wages for the workers. The practice note advances recommendations for a just green transition particularly as it involves the mining sector and implications of mining activities in Africa.https://doi.org/10.1080/09614524.2025.2492669aheadofprintaheadofprin
The Evaluation of a Simulated Interprofessional Education Session Between Dietetics and Acting Students
Get PDFFrom Wiley via Jisc Publications RouterHistory: received 2025-04-29, ppub 2025-08-01, rev-recd 2025-08-07, accepted 2025-08-08, epub 2025-08-18Article version: VoRPublication status: PublishedFunder: The authors received no specific funding for this study.Alison Lyles - ORCID: 0009-0004-5467-2256 https://orcid.org/0009-0004-5467-2256Introduction: This paper evaluates a simulated interprofessional education (IPE) session that brought together dietetic and acting students to explore the development of communication skills and collaborative practice through role‐play consultations. Designed to foster experiential learning, the session enabled dietetics students to practice patient‐centred communication while acting students portrayed patients based on character briefs and offered feedback from a service‐user perspective. Methods: The session aimed to enhance empathy, rapport‐building, and professional adaptability across both disciplines. Evaluation data were collected via a structured questionnaire completed by 17 dietetic and 5 acting students, assessing areas including skill development, interprofessional collaboration, and session impact. Results: Results indicated high satisfaction, with 100% of participants rating the session positively and reporting gains in communication, teamwork, and understanding of interdisciplinary roles. Both groups valued the opportunity to apply their respective skills in a realistic, low‐risk setting, highlighting the benefits of including nontraditional disciplines in IPE. Recommendations for future iterations include expanding scenario diversity and providing more time for practice and feedback. Conclusion: Overall, the session was found to be an effective and engaging method of supporting communication competence and mutual learning between healthcare and performing arts students.38aheadofprintaheadofprint
“It’s not OK to talk to anyone this way”: Responding to Disability-Based Hate Crime
No full textItem updated with VoR 23/07/2025.Psychological research has highlighted national differences in responses to disability-based hate crime. However, there has been limited systematic exploration of the type of disability that is represented in hate crime scenarios, and of responses of disabled people . We surveyed N= 467 adults online, presenting them with disability-based hate crime scenarios. We systematically changed the disability of the hate crime target (deaf person or wheelchair user) across Hungary, Italy, Nordic countries, and the UK. We measured responses and intentions, direct contact with disabled people, identification as disabled, and reasons for their responses. Results showed cross-national differences, and higher helping intentions among disabled participants than non-disabled participants. Path analyses showed that anger and anxiety significantly mediated the association between direct contact with disabled people and helping intentions. Qualitative template analysis showed that intentions to help and avoid the incident from disabled and non-disabled people are motivated by a variety of reasons.pubpu
UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF INFORMAL HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS IN PROVIDING NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASE CARE IN SIERRA LEONE
Get PDFNon-communicable diseases (NCDs) present a significant and increasing challenge to global health, with particularly severe consequences for Sierra Leone's healthcare system. This study explores the critical yet under-explored role of Informal Health Providers (IHPs), such as traditional healers, herbalists, and drug peddlers, in managing NCDs within a resource-constrained context. IHPs frequently serve as the preferred healthcare provider for individuals with NCDs, especially in underserved communities, due to their accessibility and the co-existence of formal and informal healthcare providers. Despite their relatively more widespread presence, the contributions of IHPs are often marginalized within the biomedical framework of Sierra Leone’s health policies. This research seeks to examine this gap by providing a comprehensive understanding of IHPs' utilization, the factors influencing their services, and the implications for healthcare delivery. It also examines the interactions between IHPs and the formal healthcare system, aiming to align their roles to better support the achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Sierra Leone The study was conducted across six diverse communities in Sierra Leone and sought to understand healthcare-seeking behaviours and the role of Informal Health Providers (IHPs) in managing non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as diabetes and hypertension. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, utilizing six focus group discussions (FGDs) with various community stakeholders and conducting 42 indepth interviews (IDIs). These interviews were carefully structured to capture a broad range of perspectives. The IDIs involved 18 IHPs, 12 patients with diabetes or hypertension (or their caregivers), and 12 formal healthcare providers, providing a comprehensive understanding of healthcare dynamics within the pluralistic system of Sierra Leone. The analysis was conducted using the NVivo 11® software, which supported the coding and organization of qualitative data. Through this tool, the study explored the key themes related to healthcare-seeking patterns, specifically identifying who community members sought care from, why IHPs were utilized, and the challenges and opportunities surrounding NCD care provision. The research illuminates the complex socio-cultural and economic factors that influence healthcare decisions, highlighting the reasons why many patients prefer IHPs for managing chronic conditions despite the availability of formal healthcare services. The study also explores the interactions between formal and informal healthcare systems, assessing how the two sectors either complement or conflict with one another in providing care for NCDs.
The analysis categorizes IHPs into traditional healers, herbalists, and drug peddlers, each offering different scopes of practice, skills, and interventions. Traditional healers and herbalists, regarded as trusted figures within their communities, blend traditional remedies with biomedical treatments, while drug peddlers provide quick access to medications, though often without formal diagnostic procedures. Despite their different approaches, all face challenges related to limited resources, low incomes, and lack of formal recognition, which hinder the quality and reach of NCD care. These challenges are compounded by the shortcomings of Sierra Leone's formal healthcare system, including medication shortages, resource constraints, and patient dissatisfaction, which push many individuals towards IHPs despite the risks involved.
The study reveals that the informal healthcare sector operates in parallel with the formal system, with occasional interactions but little structured collaboration. Notably, some IHPs informally refer patients to formal providers, and certain drug peddlers seek advice from healthcare workers. However, these interactions remain sporadic and unregulated. The research advocates for a more integrated approach, where collaboration between IHPs and formal health providers could strengthen the healthcare system’s capacity to address NCDs. Recognizing the complementary strengths of both sectors can improve patient outcomes by enhancing service Availability, Accessibility, Acceptability, and Quality (AAAQ). The study’s findings have broader implications for health policy in Sierra Leone and other low and middle-income countries (LMICs) where informal healthcare systems play a critical role. The research highlights the urgent need for policy reforms that align the role of IHPs within the national healthcare system. Key recommendations include strengthening regulatory frameworks to ensure safe and effective care, simplifying licensing processes, providing regular training for IHPs, and fostering stronger partnerships between IHPs and formal healthcare providers. Additionally, public awareness campaigns are necessary to inform communities about the roles of IHPs and promote informed healthcare-seeking behaviours. These steps are crucial for enhancing the overall quality of NCD care in Sierra Leone, particularly in underserved areas, and for aligning healthcare delivery with the broader goal of Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
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