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BACKGROUND: Patient and stakeholders' involvement in the development of mental health interventions is a central part of the research process as end-user's input can improve the design of patient-centered interventions. This is particularly important when developing interventions directed towards improving the mental health of children and adolescents. The rising prevalence of mental health disorders in this population requires special attention and the development of interventions that include them as active participants is crucial. OBJECTIVE: Our aim is to explore the perspectives and opinions of adolescents, parents, educators/youth workers, and clinicians regarding the appeal and usability of an existing patient-centered digital intervention (DIALOG+), which aims to improve quality of life. METHODS: As part of a broader study aiming to adapt and test DIALOG+, we conducted Online Focus Groups (OFGs) with adults and adolescents in two cities in Colombia. The existing DIALOG+ intervention was introduced to participants, followed by a structured discussion regarding the opinions and views of stakeholders. A framework approach was used to identify the main themes followed by content analysis to aid adaptation. RESULTS: We conducted 10 OFGs with a total of 45 participants. A positive feature highlighted by all groups was the innovation of including a digital intervention in a traditional medical visit. Additionally, participants considered that the active role that adolescents have when using the intervention empowers them. Barriers identified included concerns from clinicians related to the time required during consultations and confusion with terminology. Furthermore, additional domains that are particularly relevant for the adolescent population were suggested. CONCLUSIONS: Data obtained suggest that overall, the DIALOG+ intervention and supporting app are seen as innovative and appealing to adolescents as well as adult stakeholders. However, concerns raised about the availability of time to apply the intervention, the app interface and the language and terminology require modification.
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Transtornos Mentais , Qualidade de Vida , Adolescente , Adulto , Criança , Colômbia/epidemiologia , Humanos , Transtornos Mentais/epidemiologia , Transtornos Mentais/terapia , Saúde Mental , Pesquisa QualitativaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Associations between mental health and dermatology have generated a new branch of study called psychodermatology, which includes relevant conditions to the adolescent population. However, there is limited research focusing on this field and this specific population. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of dermatological pathologies in the Colombian adolescent population and their possible associations with mental health conditions. METHODS: We performed a secondary analysis of the Colombian National Mental Health Survey results. A representative sample of the adolescent Colombian population answered questions regarding dermatological conditions and mental health disorders. We estimated the prevalence and evaluated associations using the chi squared independence test. RESULTS: Of 1753 adolescents, 8.3% (CI95%=[6.8-10.1]) had dermatitis or skin allergies and 4.5% (CI95%=[3.3-6.1]) acne. For dermatitis, we found associations with age, education, and family dysfunction (p-Values=0.024; <0.001; 0.046 respectively). Acne was associated with age, sex, educational level, the number of social groups involved in, alcohol consumption, psychoactive substances use and previous violent experiences (respective p-Values=0.007; 0.004; 0.005; 0.036; 0.002; 0.003; 0.044). Regarding mental health, dermatological conditions were associated with depression, affective disorders, suicide attempt and suicide ideation. CONCLUSION: Our results are the first to describe the prevalence of these disorders in Colombia. This is an exploratory study; nonetheless, it is of great value since it is the first to describe these associations in adolescents in a middle-income country, which should be considered during clinical examinations. Further longitudinal studies evaluating possible causal relationship between psychiatric and dermatological conditions are fundamental to establish causal links.
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BACKGROUND: Although focus groups are a valuable qualitative research tool, face-to-face meetings may be difficult to arrange and time consuming. This challenge has been further compounded by the global COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown and physical distancing measures implemented, which caused exceptional challenges to human activities. Online focus groups (OFGs) are an example of an alternative strategy and require further study. At present, OFGs have mostly been studied and used in high-income countries, with little information relating to their implementation in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to share our experiences of conducting OFGs through a web conferencing service and provide recommendations for future research. METHODS: As part of a broader study, OFGs were developed with adults and adolescents in Colombia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through a convenience sampling method, we invited eligible participants via email in two different cities of Colombia to participate in OFGs conducted via Microsoft Teams. Researcher notes and discussion were used to capture participant and facilitator experiences, as well as practical considerations. RESULTS: Technical issues were encountered, but various measures were taken to minimize them, such as using a web conferencing service that was familiar to participants, sending written instructions, and performing a trial meeting prior to the OFG. Adolescent participants, unlike their adult counterparts, were fluent in using web conferencing platforms and did not encounter technical challenges. CONCLUSIONS: OFGs have great potential in research settings, especially during the current and any future public health emergencies. It is important to keep in mind that even with the advantages that they offer, technical issues (ie, internet speed and access to technology) are major obstacles in LMICs. Further research is required and should carefully consider the appropriateness of OFGs in different settings.
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BACKGROUND: The implementation of new technologies in medical research, such as novel big storage systems, has recently gained importance. Electronic data capture is a perfect example as it powerfully facilitates medical research. However, its implementation in resource-limited settings, where basic clinical resources, internet access, and human resources may be reduced might be a problem. METHODS: In this paper we described our approach for building a network architecture for data collection to achieve our objectives using a REDCap® tool in Colombia and provide guidance for data collection in similar settings. CONCLUSIONS: REDCap is a feasible and efficient electronic data capture software to use in similar contexts to Colombia. The software facilitated the whole data management process and is a way to build research capacities in resourced-limited settings.
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Pesquisa Biomédica , Saúde Mental , Colômbia , Coleta de Dados , Humanos , SoftwareRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Colombia has one of the largest populations of internally displaced individuals by an armed conflict. However, there is no data demonstrating its effect on health, particularly in adolescents. PURPOSE: To describe the prevalence and associations of mental illness in the adolescent population displaced by violence in Colombia. METHODS: We conducted a secondary analysis of the 2015 National Mental Health Survey (NMHS), which provides data of mental health issues (SRQ), mental health disorders (CIDI-CAPI) and sociodemographic characteristics. RESULTS: Of the 1754 adolescents interviewed 5.3% (95% CI 4.1 to 6.9) mentioned a change in residence due to violence. Among them 38.5% lived in poverty compared to 23.6% of those non-displaced by the conflict. Suicidal thoughts and suicide attempt were present in 19.8% and 9.1% of displaced adolescents respectively, compared to 5.8% and 2.1% of non-displaced adolescents. The prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and any mental health disorder (measured with the CIDI-CAPI) was higher in the displaced population 12.3%, 11% respectively, in contrast to 2.1% and 7% of those non-displaced. Finally, anxiety and depressive disorders were more common among displaced adolescents. CONCLUSION: A higher prevalence of mental health conditions and disorders is observed among displaced adolescents.