ABSTRACT
Background: Research on suicide attempts during pregnancy is limited as these are considered to be rare in the perinatal period. Aim: A retrospective pilot study was undertaken to establish what percentage of suicide attempters admitted to a hospital were pregnant and to identify their clinical and sociodemographic characteristics. Setting: The study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Durban, South Africa. Methods: A retrospective chart review was undertaken of all female patients admitted following suicide attempts over a period of 1 year. Clinical and sociodemographic data of pregnant suicide attempters were extracted. Results: Of 27 charts reviewed, 33% ( n = 9) patients were pregnant at the time of the attempt. V Code diagnoses predominated, followed by major depressive disorder. Past psychiatric diagnoses and suicide attempts were also present. Conclusion: Suicide attempts during pregnancy are not rare. Pregnant women should be routinely screened for prior suicide attempts, depression and stressors as part of perinatal assessments
Subject(s)
Patients , Pregnancy , Pregnant Women , South Africa , SuicideABSTRACT
Background: Sexual transmission of HIV frequently occurs in the context of a primary relationship between two partners; however, HIV prevention interventions generally focus on individuals at risk, rather than specifying couples as a unit of change and analysis, neglecting the crucial role that partners may play in sexual behaviour. This article reviews published scientific literature addressing couple-oriented HIV counselling and testing and other behavioural interventions using an online search for peer-reviewed papers. Methods: A systematic review was conducted to evaluate what has been published on psychosocial interventions in HIV serodiscordant couples in Africa. Electronic databases were searched from January 1990 to December 2015. Quality assessment of included studies was conducted using the Systematic Appraisal of Quality in Observational Research tool. Results: The electronic database searches initially retrieved 493 records; after cross-referencing, removing duplicates and applying strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, only eight papers were included in this review. All the studies under review showed that couples-focused counselling and educational programmes were associated with positive outcomes including reduced HIV transmission, reduced unprotected sex, increased rates of status disclosure and high levels of treatment adherence. Conclusions: The literature on interventions for HIV serodiscordant couples is sparse. However, most interventions indicate that couples-focused interventions are effective in HIV risk reduction. In spite of the limited available data and repeated recommendations by different health authorities, couple-centred approaches to HIV prevention have not been implemented on a large scale
Subject(s)
HIVABSTRACT
Background: Sexual transmission of HIV frequently occurs in the context of a primary relationship between two partners; however, HIV prevention interventions generally focus on individuals at risk, rather than specifying couples as a unit of change and analysis, neglecting the crucial role that partners may play in sexual behaviour. This article reviews published scientific literature addressing couple-oriented HIV counselling and testing and other behavioural interventions using an online search for peer-reviewed papers. Methods: A systematic review was conducted to evaluate what has been published on psychosocial interventions in HIV serodiscordant couples in Africa. Electronic databases were searched from January 1990 to December 2015. Quality assessment of included studies was conducted using the Systematic Appraisal of Quality in Observational Research tool. Results: The electronic database searches initially retrieved 493 records; after cross-referencing, removing duplicates and applying strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, only eight papers were included in this review. All the studies under review showed that couples-focused counselling and educational programmes were associated with positive outcomes including reduced HIV transmission, reduced unprotected sex, increased rates of status disclosure and high levels of treatment adherence. Conclusions: The literature on interventions for HIV serodiscordant couples is sparse. However, most interventions indicate that couples-focused interventions are effective in HIV risk reduction. In spite of the limited available data and repeated recommendations by different health authorities, couple-centred approaches to HIV prevention have not been implemented on a large scale
Subject(s)
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome , Mental Health , Public Health Systems Research , South AfricaABSTRACT
Background: For every suicide; a minimum of six people are affected. Given the increasing number of suicide deaths in South Africa; the associations between the suicide of a family member and personal suicidal behaviour were explored in grade 8 students.Method: Grade 8 students were asked to participate with parental consent and child assent. Demographic questionnaires were completed and formal psychometric assessment instruments were used.Results: Thirty-five (15.98) students reported knowing that a family member had committed suicide. The mean age was 13.3 years (range 13-15 years). There were significant associations between family suicide and students' self-reported involvement in physical fights; use of alcohol and concerns about physical health. Family suicide was associated with personal suicidal ideation; suicidal plans and suicide attempts. Higher scores were reported on the scales assessing depression; perceived stress and feelings of hopelessness by those having had a family member commit suicide. There were low scores for having a sense of mastery; self-esteem and perceived social support among those who had experienced a family member commit suicide.Conclusion: Significant associations were found between the suicide of a family member and personal suicidal behaviour among the participants. There appear to be negative associations at a psychological level for the youth in a family in which a family member has committed suicide. Family practitioners play an important role in the identification and management of suicidal behaviour. While there are organisations in South Africa that offer help to the family and friends of those who have committed suicide; specific programmes directed towards child/adolescent survivors appear to be limited; and this needs to be addressed. The limitations of the study are discussed