Piloting a trauma surveillance tool for primary healthcare emergency centres

Int J Ment Health Addiction

Jones

Doherty

et al. 2015

A cross-sectional survey of 298 pregnant women from Cape Town, South Africa was conducted to examine socio-demographic, reproductive health, mental health, and relationship correlates of lifetime trauma exposure and whether these correlates vary as a function of age. Overall, 19.8% of participants reported trauma exposure. We found similarities and differences in correlates of trauma exposure among women in emerging adulthood and older women. Prior termination of pregnancy was associated with trauma exposure in both age groups. Difficulties in resolving arguments, lifetime substance use, and a prior sexually transmitted infection were associated with trauma exposure among women in emerging adulthood. In contrast, depression and awareness of substance abuse treatment programmes were associated with trauma exposure among older women. These findings highlight the need for interventions that prevent and treat trauma exposure among vulnerable women. Such interventions should be tailored to address the correlates of trauma exposure in each age group.

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 90%

Correlates of Lifetime Trauma Exposure Among Pregnant Women from Cape Town, South Africa

Int J Ment Health Addiction

Jones

Doherty

et al. 2015

“…As close to half of the individuals presenting with injuries at emergency rooms in the province have been using AODs [6–8], these settings are potentially good locations for identifying individuals (through screening) at risk for AOD-related problems who would not normally seek treatment and for conducting brief interventions to reduce their AOD use and risk for future AOD-related injuries. …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Feasibility and Acceptability of Screening and Brief Interventions to Address Alcohol and Other Drug Use among Patients Presenting for Emergency Services in Cape Town, South Africa

Advances in Preventive Medicine

Stein

Mtukushe

et al. 2012

Despite evidence from high income countries, it is not known whether screening and brief interventions (SBI) for alcohol and other drug (AOD) use are feasible to implement in low and middle income countries. This paper describes the feasibility and acceptability of a peer-led SBI for AOD-using patients presenting with injuries at emergency services in Cape Town, South Africa. Data were extracted from program records on the number of eligible patients screened and the number of program refusals. A questionnaire examined preliminary responses to the intervention for 30 patients who had completed the program and 10 emergency personnel. Peer counselors were also interviewed to identify barriers to implementation. Of the 1458 patients screened, 21% (305) met inclusion criteria, of which 74% (225) were enrolled in the intervention. Of the 30 patients interviewed, most (83%) found the program useful. Emergency personnel were supportive of the program but felt that visibility and reach could improve. Peer counselors identified the need for better integration of the program into emergency services and for additional training and support. In conclusion, with limited additional resources, peer-led SBIs for AOD use are feasible to conduct in South African emergency services and are acceptable to patients and emergency personnel.

“…The lower levels of actionoriented RTC in this patient population group are not surprising given that they are still experiencing many problems related to their substance use. However, as this is a population at high risk of recurring substance userelated injuries [7], it is important to continue to reach them through interventions that build RTC.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Untreated substance use disorders impact negatively on public health in South Africa through their association with risk for HIV and other infectious diseases [3], non-communicable diseases [4], and interpersonal violence and injury [5] -the main contributors to morbidity and mortality in the country [6]. For example, data indicate that between 33 and 79 % of patients presenting to South African emergency departments (EDs) have substance use-related injuries [7][8][9]. Although many of these patients will have recurring substance-related injuries [10], most have never sought formal substance abuse treatment [11].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Readiness to change is a predictor of reduced substance use involvement: Findings from a randomized controlled trial of patients attending South African emergency departments

Drug and Alcohol Dependence

Stein

Sorsdahl

2017