A scoping review of substance use brief interventions in Africa

Bibliographic Data

ID19593644
AuthorsFlorence Jaguga (0000-0002-8381-6309, Moi University), Sarah Kanana Kiburi (0000-0002-7296-7216, Aga Khan University Hospital Nairobi), Eunice Temet (0000-0002-6462-1813, Moi University), Matthew C Aalsma (0000-0001-5952-6785, Indiana University Health), Mary A Ott (0000-0003-1347-2480, Mount Sinai Health System), Rachel Maina (0000-0002-6038-1357, Aga Khan University), Rachel W Maina, Juddy Wachira (0000-0002-3654-5788, Moi University), Cyprian M Mostert (0000-0002-1911-9373, Aga Khan University), Cyprian Mostert, Gilliane Kosgei (0009-0000-5076-4680, AMPATH), Angeline Tenge (Moi University), Lukoye Atwoli (0000-0001-7710-9723, Aga Khan University)
EditorsGuillaume Fontaine (0000-0002-7806-814X)
Year2024
Volume4
Issue10
Pagese0003340
Publication date2024-10-24
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenuePLOS Global Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2767-3375 • E-ISSN: 2767-3375
PublisherPublic Library of Science (PLoS) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1371/journal.pgph.0003340
PMID39446874
OpenAlexW4403707979
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited106

Background The burden of substance use in Africa is substantial. Brief interventions (BIs) are a recommended public health strategy for the prevention and early intervention for substance use problems. The objective of this scoping review was to map the literature on substance use BIs in Africa, identify gaps, and provide directions for future research. Methods The scoping review was guided by the Arksey O’Malley Framework and the PRISMA-Scoping review (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. A search of five bibliographic databases (PubMed, PsychINFO, Web of Science, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Professionals (CINAHL) and Cochrane Library) was conducted from inception until 1 st November 2023. BIs were defined as those targeting substance use and delivered over 1–4 sessions, or interventions delivered over more than four sessions if the authors referred to them as ‘brief’. Results of the review have been summarized descriptively and organized by three broad outcomes: BI effect and feasibility; feasibility and effectiveness of training providers to deliver BIs; Other outcomes i.e. cost-effectiveness, BI adaptation and development, and knowledge attitude and practice of BIs by providers. Results Of the 80 studies that were eligible for inclusion, 68 investigated the effect and feasibility of BIs, six studies investigated the feasibility and effectiveness of training providers to deliver BIs, and six explored other outcomes. Most of the available studies had been conducted in Eastern and Southern Africa. BIs were largely based on motivational interviewing and psychoeducational principles. Overall, the BIs were reported as feasible to implement from the perspective of policy makers, providers, and the intervention recipients. Findings on the effect of BIs on substance use were mixed. Key evidence gaps emerged. There was paucity of BI research focusing on substances other than alcohol, and there was limited literature on feasibility and efficacy of BIs among youth and adolescents. Conclusion The results of this scoping review provide important directions for future substance use BI research in Africa

CINAHL · Medical education · MEDLINE · Motivational interviewing · Political science · Psychological intervention · Systematic review · Health Policy Implementation Science · Medicine · Nursing · Prenatal Substance Exposure Effects · Psychology · Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes