Journal article
Some peace of mind: Assessing a pilot intervention to promote mental health among widows of injecting drug users in north-east India
M Kermode, A Devine, P Chandra, B Dzuvichu, T Gilbert, H Herrman
BMC Public Health | BMC | Published : 2008
Abstract
Background. HIV prevalence in north-east India is high and injecting drug use (IDU) is common. Due to HIV-related deaths there are increasing numbers of IDU widows, many of whom are HIV infected, and experiencing poor health, social isolation, discrimination and poverty, all factors likely to be compromising their mental health. There is increasing recognition of the links between HIV and mental health. Methods. The aim of this study was to pilot a peer-facilitated, participatory action group (PAG) process and assess the impact of the intervention on the mental health of participants. The intervention consisted of 10 PAG meetings involving 74 IDU widows. Changes in quality of life (WHOQOL-BR..
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Funding Acknowledgements
The study was funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) through the Research and Learning Fund. The authors would like to acknowledge the contribution of the following north-east Indian organisations: Project ORCHID; Development Association of Nagaland (DAN), Guardian Angel (GA), Lamka Rehabilitation & Research Centre Evangelical Baptist Convention (LRRC), Manipur Network of Positive People (MNP+), Naga Mothers Association HIV/AIDS Care and Support Hospice (NMA), Sneha Bhavan (SB) and the Emmanuel Hospital Association. We are also very grateful to the following people: Dr B Langkham, Dr Rebecca Sinate (Emmanuel Hospital Association); Mr Aviw-u Nienu (NMA); Mr Raphuba Paul Chawang (DAN); Ms Leishipem Shingnai (GA); Ms Kim and Ms Bina (MNP+); Ms Hatnu Simte (SB); Ms Biak Lun (LRRC); Ms Angela Rintoul (AIHI); and Ms N. Roopa (India). We thank Dr Jessica Dart (Clear Horizon) for her assistance with the Most Significant Change component of the study and Ms Suzanne O'Neill (Burnet Institute) for her contribution to the project design. Finally, we want to warmly acknowledge the contribution made by the peer facilitators and all the women who participated in the study. Without their courage and determination it would not have been possible.