Yirdaw Biksegn Asrat, Moussallem Marianne, Alkasaby Muhammad, Asmar Michele Kosremelli, Alves Vania, Mamba Dumsani Njobo, Tolba Basma, Kyalo Claire W, Hussain Mujataba, Dafwat Jennifer, Kagaayi Godfrey, Nkhoma Duncan, Eaton Julian, Walker Ian F
UK Public Health Rapid Support Team, UK Health Security Agency/London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
Centre for Global Mental Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
IJID Reg. 2024 Jun 26;12:100396. doi: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2024.100396. eCollection 2024 Sep.
Outbreaks are associated with increased risk of anxiety disorders, depression, and severe mental conditions. Integrating mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) into outbreak response facilitates the delivery of holistic care to the affected community. As there is an increasing incidence of outbreaks globally, integrating MHPSS into preparedness and response plans is paramount to strengthen the capacity of existing health systems and respond to mental health and psychosocial needs. However, the attention given to MHPSS during outbreak response is critically low. The objectives of this study were to identify areas of MHPSS integration and explore the challenges that hinder the delivery of an integrated care during outbreak response.
A participatory qualitative study was conducted to explore how MHPSS can be incorporated into outbreak preparedness and response plans as a cross-cutting intervention in the context of low- and middle-income countries. We brought together civil society representatives, key stakeholders, and public health experts to explore areas of MHPSS integration during outbreak response.
Systematic integration of MHPSS into outbreak response was perceived to be feasible. Study participants strongly agreed that MHPSS can be integrated into most of the outbreak response pillars including partner coordination, case management, infection prevention and control, staff health and well-being, and risk communication and community engagement. However, the effort requires multi-sectoral collaboration, political commitment, and adequate recognition in planning and financing.
Despite complex challenges, integrating MHPSS into outbreak pillars is possible. Moreover, emphasis should be placed on cultural adaptation of MHPSS guidelines and strong leadership in coordinating MHPSS into outbreak planning and response.
疫情爆发与焦虑症、抑郁症及严重精神疾病风险增加相关。将心理健康和社会心理支持（MHPSS）纳入疫情应对工作有助于为受影响社区提供全面护理。鉴于全球疫情爆发的发生率不断上升，将MHPSS纳入防范和应对计划对于加强现有卫生系统的能力以及满足心理健康和社会心理需求至关重要。然而，疫情应对期间对MHPSS的关注严重不足。本研究的目的是确定MHPSS整合的领域，并探讨在疫情应对期间阻碍提供综合护理的挑战。
开展了一项参与性定性研究，以探讨如何在低收入和中等收入国家的背景下，将MHPSS作为一项贯穿各领域的干预措施纳入疫情防范和应对计划。我们召集了民间社会代表、关键利益攸关方和公共卫生专家，以探讨疫情应对期间MHPSS的整合领域。
将MHPSS系统地整合到疫情应对中被认为是可行的。研究参与者强烈同意，MHPSS可以整合到大多数疫情应对支柱中，包括伙伴协调、病例管理、感染预防与控制、工作人员健康与福祉以及风险沟通和社区参与。然而，这一努力需要多部门合作、政治承诺以及在规划和筹资方面得到充分认可。
尽管存在复杂的挑战，但将MHPSS整合到疫情应对支柱中是可行的。此外，应强调对MHPSS指南进行文化调适，并在将MHPSS协调纳入疫情规划和应对方面发挥强有力的领导作用。
