Child sexual abuse survivors: Differential complex multimodal treatment outcomes for pre-COVID and COVID era cohorts

Reeson, Matthew; Polzin, Wanda; Pazderka, Hannah; Agyapong, Vincent Israel Opoku; Greenshaw, Andrew J.; Hnatko, Gary; Wei, Yifeng; Szymanski, Laurie; Silverstone, Peter H.

doi:10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105926

Cited by 4 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 82 publications

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“…Cognitive function was assessed online using a self-administered online assessment tool (MyCognition [MyCQ], ). The MyCQ tool comprises of digital versions of commonly utilised neuropsychological tests validated against the Cambridge Neuropsychological Automated Test Battery [ 22 , 23 ] and assesses processing speed, attention, working memory, executive function and memory domains [ 24 ].…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

COVID-19 and cognitive function: Evidence for increased processing speed variability in COVID-19 survivors and multifaceted impairment with long-COVID symptoms

Vakani

Ratto²,

Sandford-James³

et al. 2023

Eur. Psychiatr.

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Background There is increasing evidence for cognitive function to be negatively impacted by COVID-19. There is, however, limited research evaluating cognitive function pre- and post-COVID-19 using objective measures. Methods We examined processing speed, attention, working memory, executive function and memory in adults (≤69 years) with a history of COVID-19 (n = 129, none acutely unwell), compared to those with no known history of COVID-19 (n = 93). We also examined cognitive changes in a sub-group of COVID (n = 30) and non-COVID (n = 33) participants, compared to their pre-COVID-19 pandemic level. Results Cross-sectionally, the COVID group showed significantly larger intra-individual variability in processing speed, compared to the non-COVID group. The COVID sub-group also showed significantly larger intra-individual variability in processing speed, compared to their pre-COVID level; no significant change occurred in non-COVID participants over the same time scale. Other cognitive indices were not significantly impacted in the cross-sectional or within-subjects investigations, but participants (n = 20) who had needed hospitalisation due to COVID-19 showed poor attention and executive function relative to those who had not required hospitalisation (n = 109). Poor health and long-COVID symptoms correlated with poor cognitive function across domains in the COVID group. Conclusions The findings indicate a limited cognitive impact of COVID-19 with only intra-individual variability in processing speed being significantly impacted in an adult UK sample. However, those who required hospitalisation due to COVID-19 severity and/or experience long-COVID symptoms display multifaceted cognitive impairment and may benefit from repeated cognitive assessments and remediation efforts.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

COVID-19 and cognitive function: Evidence for increased processing speed variability in COVID-19 survivors and multifaceted impairment with long-COVID symptoms

Vakani

Ratto²,

Sandford-James³

et al. 2023

Eur. Psychiatr.

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“…The MyCQ mobile application tool (approved by the National Health Service in the UK) assesses processing speed, attention, working memory, executive function, and memory domains, using digital versions of commonly utilised neuropsychological tests validated against the Cambridge Neuropsychological Automated Test Battery [21][22][23]. As described previously [18], Processing Speed was assessed using a simple reaction time (RT) task, Attention using a choice RT task, Working Memory using the 2-back task, Executive Function using the Trail-Making B task, and memory was assessed using a visual recognition memory task (for further details, see Table 1).…”

Section: Cognitive Functionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cognitive and mental health trajectories of COVID-19: Role of hospitalisation and long-COVID symptoms

Vakani,

Ratto,

Sandford-James

et al. 2024

Eur. Psychiatr.

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Background. There is considerable evidence of cognitive impairment post COVID-19, especially in individuals with long-COVID symptoms, but limited research objectively evaluating whether such impairment attenuates or resolves over time, especially in young and middle-aged adults. Methods. Follow-up assessments (T2) of cognitive function (processing speed, attention, working memory, executive function, memory) and mental health were conducted in 138 adults (18-69 years) who had been assessed 6 months earlier (T1). Of these, 88 had a confirmed history of COVID-19 at T1 assessment (≥20 days post-diagnosis) and were also followed-up on COVID-19-related symptoms (acute and long-COVID); 50 adults had no known COVID-19 history at any point up to their T2 assessment. Results. From T1 to T2, a trend-level improvement occurred in intra-individual variability in processing speed in the COVID, relative to the non-COVID group. However, longer response/task completion times persisted in participants with COVID-19-related hospitalisation relative to those without COVID-19-related hospitalisation and non-COVID controls. There was a significant reduction in long-COVID symptom load, which correlated with improved executive function in non-hospitalised COVID-19 participants. The COVID group continued to self-report poorer mental health, irrespective of hospitalisation history, relative to non-COVID group. Conclusions. Although some cognitive improvement has occurred over a 6-month period in young and middle-aged COVID-19 survivors, cognitive impairment persists in those with a history of COVID-19-related hospitalisation and/or long-COVID symptoms. Continuous follow-up assessments are required to determine whether cognitive function improves or possibly worsens, over time in hospitalised and long-COVID participants.

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“…Little Warriors is a novel intensive multimodal not-for-profit treatment program for children and adolescents with a CSA history [12]. The Little Warriors Be Brave Ranch (BBR) facility is "camp-like" in order to create a fun and recreational environment for activities.…”

Section: Study Contextmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…We were interested in getting feedback (in the form of caregivers' attitudes and opinions) about the Little Warriors treatment facility for CSA survivors. To address this, we adopted a novel engagement approach using a hybrid webinar/focus group strategy with video conferencing technology (building on previous work: [11,12]). By involving two stakeholder groups (caregivers and treatment facility staff), as suggested by previous systematic reviews, we developed an efficient and ethical way to engage caregivers of CSA survivors and generate value for stakeholders in an anonymous question and answer (Q&A) format [13].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Access to therapy for child sexual abuse survivors: Preliminary dialogue of barriers and facilitators between caregivers

Jin,

Al-Shamali,

Smith-MacDonald

et al. 2023

PLoS ONE

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Background Difficulties in access to therapy were highlighted by COVID-19 measures restricting in-person gatherings. Additional challenges arise when focusing on caregivers of child sexual abuse (CSA) survivors in particular, which are a population that has been historically difficult to engage with due to issues of stigma and confidentiality. Objectives To present preliminary qualitative results from caregivers of CSA survivors. Methods This study was conducted with caregivers of CSA survivors. Two hybrid webinar/focus groups were conducted using a video conferencing platform in fall of 2021 with two groups of stakeholders (11 caregivers and 5 moderators/clinical staff at Little Warriors, an intensive episodic treatment facility). Sessions were recorded, transcribed, and thematically-analyzed using standard qualitative methodology. Results A total of 11 caregivers contributed to the data. Themes include: (1) Challenges of starting and maintaining treatment (i.e., emotional impact of intake day, challenges of enrolling), (2) Therapeutic benefits of specialized treatment (i.e., feeling safe and supported and the importance of trauma-informed care), and (3) Barriers and facilitators of treatment (i.e., avenues to scale-up and self-care). Conclusion The importance of a strong therapeutic alliance was highlighted by both caregivers/clinical staff and further support is needed for families post-treatment. The present hybrid webinar/focus group also achieved engagement goals in a population that is typically difficult to reach. Overall, the response rate (12%) was equivalent to reported registrant attendance rates for general business to consumer webinars and the recommended focus group size. This preliminary approach warrants replication in other populations outside our clinical context.

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Child sexual abuse survivors: Differential complex multimodal treatment outcomes for pre-COVID and COVID era cohorts

Cited by 4 publications

References 82 publications

COVID-19 and cognitive function: Evidence for increased processing speed variability in COVID-19 survivors and multifaceted impairment with long-COVID symptoms

COVID-19 and cognitive function: Evidence for increased processing speed variability in COVID-19 survivors and multifaceted impairment with long-COVID symptoms

Cognitive and mental health trajectories of COVID-19: Role of hospitalisation and long-COVID symptoms

Access to therapy for child sexual abuse survivors: Preliminary dialogue of barriers and facilitators between caregivers

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