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Suicide Prevention in HIV Treatment Centres: Population Attributable Risk Analysis of Treating Common Mental Disorders

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Abstract

The aim was to establish the potential reduction in non-fatal suicidal behaviour (NFSB) that could be achieved by treating common mental disorders (CMDs) among persons receiving HIV treatment. Data were collected from antiretroviral therapy (ART) patients in South Africa (n = 688). Structured Clinical Interviews assessed CMDs and the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview assessed 1-month prevalence of NFSB and suicide risk. Population Attributable Risk (PAR) analysis established the potential reduction in prevalence of NFSB and suicide risk that could be achieved by treating CMDs, with the simplifying assumption of a causal relationship between psychopathology and suicidality. Treating CMDs could result in as much as a 63.9% proportional reduction in the prevalence of suicide ideation, 84.2% proportional reduction in the prevalence of suicide plan, and 63.4% proportional decrease in prevalence of suicide risk. There is potential to significantly reduce NFSB among ART patients. Pragmatic trials are needed to evaluate the effects of treating CMDs in HIV treatment centres.

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Funding

This work was made possible with financial support from the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) through its Division of Research Capacity Development under the MCSP (awarded to Jason Bantjes). The content hereof is the sole responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the SAMRC. This work was also made possible with financial support from the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Self-Initiated Grant awarded to Ashraf Kagee.

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  1. Institute for Life Course Health Research, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa

    Jason Bantjes

  2. Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa

    Ashraf Kagee

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  1. Jason Bantjes
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Bantjes, J., Kagee, A. Suicide Prevention in HIV Treatment Centres: Population Attributable Risk Analysis of Treating Common Mental Disorders. AIDS Behav 25, 1864–1872 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-020-03116-5

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