Validation of screening instruments for common mental disorders and suicide risk in south African primary care settings.

INTRODUCTION: In South Africa, there is limited mental health infrastructure and resources. Valid screening tools are needed to facilitate identification and linkage to care. We evaluated the performance of Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Primary Care Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Screen for DSM-5 (PC-PTSD-5), and the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) among adults in South Africa against a diagnostic gold standard. METHODS: Adults present at healthcare facilities were screened with the PHQ-9, GAD-7, PC-PTSD-5, and the C-SSRS. Nurses used a structured diagnostic interview to identify depression, anxiety, panic disorder, PTSD and elevated suicide risk. We assessed the internal consistency, criterion validity, and the sensitivity and specificity of these tools. RESULTS: Of the 1885 participants, the prevalence of common mental disorders and suicide risk was 24.4 % and 14.9 %, respectively. The PHQ-9, GAD-7, and PC-PTSD-5 showed good internal consistency (0.80-0.89). All screeners demonstrated good criterion validity. For depression, a cut-off of ≥5 on the PHQ-9 yielded sensitivity of 84.24 %, while ≥10 yielded sensitivity of 48.77 %. For anxiety, the GAD-7 performed similarly. A cut-off of ≥4 on the PC-PTSD yielded sensitivity of 61.96 %. The C-SSRS yielded lower sensitivity than expected. LIMITATIONS: The prevalence data is not generalizable to the larger South African adult population given the use of a targeted, healthcare facility-based sampling and recruitment strategy. CONCLUSIONS: The performance of the PHQ-9, GAD-7, and PC-PTSD-5 demonstrated good internal consistency and criterion validity, though sensitivity and specificity trade-offs were enhanced with lower cut-offs. Further research into suicide risk screening is warranted.

Validation of a brief screener for broad-spectrum mental and substance-use disorders in South Africa.

In low-resource settings, valid mental health screening tools for non-specialists can be used to identify patients with psychiatric disorders in need of critical mental health care. The Mental Wellness Tool-13 (mwTool-13) is a 13-item screener for identifying adults at risk for common mental disorders (CMDs) alcohol-use disorders (AUDs), substance-use disorders (SUD), severe mental disorders (SMDs), and suicide risk (SR). The mwTool-13 is administered in two steps, specifically, only those who endorse any of the initial three questions receive the remaining ten questions. We evaluated the performance of mwTool-13 in South Africa against a diagnostic gold standard. We recruited a targeted, gender-balanced sample of adults, aged ≥18 years at primary and tertiary healthcare facilities in Eastern Cape Province. Of the 1885 participants, the prevalence of CMD, AUD, SMD, SR, and SUD was 24.4%, 9.5%, 8.1%, 6.0%, and 1.6%, respectively. The mwTool-13 yielded high sensitivities for CMD, SMD, and SR, but sub-optimal sensitivities for AUD and SUD (56.7% and 64.5%, respectively). Including a single AUD question in the initial question set improved the tool's performance in identifying AUD and SUD (sensitivity > 70%), while maintaining brevity, face-validity, and simplicity in the South African setting.

Qualitative Identification of Intervention Preferences to Support Men's Engagement and Retention in TB Care in South Africa.

Globally and in South African specifically, men account for 56% and 62% of all tuberculosis (TB) cases, respectively. Men are at increased risk of not accessing TB testing or treatment, and having poor treatment outcomes. Unfortunately, no interventions exist to address these issues. Toward the development of targeted, patient-centered TB care and support interventions, we used semistructured interviews to explored men's social network composition, TB testing behaviors, disclosure and treatment support, clinical experiences, and TB's influence on daily living. Data were analyzed using a thematic approach guided by the Network Individual Resource Model to identify mental and tangible resources influential and preferred during engagement in TB treatment. Men emphasized the desire for peer-to-peer support to navigate TB-related stigma and unhealthy masculinity norms. Men advocated for awareness events to educate communities about their challenges with TB. Men strongly suggested that interventions be delivered in familiar locations where men congregate. Since 2022, no TB treatment support interventions have included the preferred components or delivery modes described by men in our study. To improve men's TB-related health outcomes, the global TB community must identify and address men's unique challenges when designing interventions.

Masculinity, resources, and retention in care: South African men's behaviors and experiences while engaged in TB care and treatment.

RATIONALE: Globally, the prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) disease is significantly higher among men compared to women. This is compounded by men's poorer uptake of TB testing and treatment, and worse outcomes for smear conversion and successful treatment completion compared to women; in South Africa specifically, TB accounts for a large portion of sex-specific life expectancy differences. OBJECTIVE: To understand men's unique barriers to accessing care and their needs while engaged in TB treatment, we conducted a qualitative study with men currently in or who recently completed TB treatment to understand how social norms for masculinity influence resource access and health behaviors, and in turn affect their engagement in care. METHODS: We interviewed 31 men using a semi-structured protocol, with domains including: social network composition and support; TB illness; and testing, treatment, and clinical care experiences. Interviews were analyzed using a constant comparison approach to identify resources and how these are exchanged within men's social networks for TB care. RESULTS: We found that men's prioritizing of work ensured food security and maintenance of masculinity norms, but delayed seeking and engagement in care. Once in treatment, men found it difficult both to negotiate clinic hours and work schedules and to navigate clinic environments without being labeled as weak. To mitigate individual resource gaps and losses, men typically accessed women family members who provided key resources (e.g., food, money, and emotional encouragement). Masculine identification with fatherhood was a key motivator to remain engaged in TB care and treatment. Loss from care was facilitated by isolation and limited access to social network resources. CONCLUSION: To improve men's engagement in care and successful treatment outcomes, interventions that leverage their social networks and build upon existing resources should be strongly considered.