Browsing by Author "Nyamali, Simunye"

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    Assessing Effects of Covid-19 Responses on Mental Health in Malawi (Poster)
    (2023) Ndasauka, Yamikani; Mchenga, Martina; Kondowe, Fiskani; M'manga, Chilungamo; Kainja, Jimmy; Maliwichi, Limbika; Nyamali, Simunye
    The Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19) pandemic has overwhelmed health systems in all countries, especially those in the least developing countries, Malawi included. As such, this project sought to investigate the effects of Covid-19 responses on mental health in Malawi in terms of perception toward mental health in general, the mental health of adolescents and health workers and mental health services. The project had three main phases, research, awareness campaign and dissemination.
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    Effect of Covid-19 on Mental Health of Adolescents in Malawi (Policy Brief)
    (2024) Kainja, Jimmy; M'manga, Chilungamo; Maliwichi, Limbika; Kondowe, Fiskani; Nyamali, Simunye; Mchenga, Martina; Ndasauka, Yamikani
    COVID-19 has profoundly affected life as COVID-19 measures requiring social isolation, movement restrictions, and economic shutdowns change the psychosocial environment worldwide. These measures can significantly threaten the mental health of children and adolescents, especially as the closure of schools meant minimal social contact and out-of-home leisure activities for adolescents. School routines are essential coping mechanisms for young people with mental health issues. When schools are closed, they lose an anchor in life, and their symptoms could relapse. Although others turned to home school with the support of their parents, the challenge was that parents were also required to work from home. The COVID-19 mitigating measures mean the absence of external support by other family members, and social support systems have fallen away. Besides worry and anxiety related to COVID-19, the economic situation has worsened with high and rising levels of unemployment worldwide. These factors have put much pressure on children, adolescents and their families, resulting in distress, mental health problems and violence. For some children with depression, there will be considerable difficulties adjusting to everyday life when school resumes. (Lancet, 2020). The Covid-19 and Mental Health in Malawi project conducted a study to assess the effects of Covid-19 on adolescents' mental health in the country. Specifically, the study looked at Covid-19-related depression, anxiety and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The study used quantitative and qualitative methods. It collected quantitative data through a survey (n=320) and qualitative data through focus group discussions (n-4), and key informant interviews (n=12) with guardians and caregivers of adolescents in Malawi. The data were collected from four districts: Blantyre, Mangochi, Lilongwe and Karonga.
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    Effect of COVID-19 on Mental Health of Health Workers in Malawi (Policy Brief)
    (2024) Kainja, Jimmy; Maliwichi, Limbika; Kondowe, Fiskani; M'manga, Chilungamo; Nyamali, Simunye; Mchenga, Martina; Ndasauka, Yamikani
    Mental health or psychological well-being is integral to an individual's capacity to lead a fulfilling life, including forming and maintaining relationships, studying, working, or pursuing leisure interests and making day-to-day decisions about these issues. Disturbances to a person's mental well-being can adversely compromise their capacity to make the right choices, leading to diminished functioning at the individual level and broader welfare losses for one's household and society. A recent analysis by the World Economic Forum estimated that the cumulative global impact of mental disorders in terms of lost economic output would amount to US$ 16 trillion over the next 20 years. The estimate marks mental health as a significant concern for public health, economic development, and societal welfare. The current study by Covid-19 and Mental Health in Malawi project has also highlighted the importance of mental health and the effects of neglecting it.
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    The mental health toll among healthcare workers during the COVID‐19 Pandemic in Malawi
    (Springer Nature, 2024-05-06) Maliwichi, Limbika; Kondowe, Fiskani; Chilungamo, M'manga; Mchenga, Martina; Kainja, Jimmy; Nyamali, Simunye; Ndasauka, Yamikani
    The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the mental health of healthcare workers worldwide, with frontline personnel experiencing heightened rates of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress. This mixed-methods study aimed to assess the mental health toll of COVID-19 on healthcare workers in Malawi. A cross-sectional survey utilising the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5 (PC-PTSD-5) was conducted among 109 frontline healthcare workers. Additionally, in-depth interviews were conducted with 16 healthcare workers to explore their experiences and challenges during the pandemic. The results indicated a high prevalence of COVID-19-related depression (31%; CI [23, 41]), anxiety (30%; CI [22, 40]), and PTSD (25%; CI [17, 34]) among participants. Regression analysis revealed significantly higher rates of depression, anxiety, and PTSD among healthcare workers in city referral hospitals compared to district hospitals. Qualitative findings highlighted the emotional distress, impact on work and personal life, and experiences of stigma and discrimination faced by healthcare workers. The stress process model provided a valuable framework for understanding the relationship among pandemic-related stressors, coping resources, and mental health outcomes. The findings underscore the urgent need for interventions and support systems to mitigate the mental health impact of COVID-19 on frontline healthcare workers in Malawi. Policymakers should prioritise the assessment and treatment of mental health problems among this critical workforce to maintain an effective pandemic response and build resilience for future crises.
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    The world is coming to an end! COVID-19, depression, and anxiety among adolescents in Malawi
    (Frontiers, 2023) M'manga, Chilungamo; Ndasauka, Yamikani; Kainja, Jimmy; Kondowe, Fiskani; Mchenga, Martina; Maliwichi, Limbika; Nyamali, Simunye
    Introduction: This paper assessed the effects of Covid-19 on adolescent mental health in Malawi. There is minimal research on adolescent mental health in Africa, Malawi in particular. The study shows a link between the pandemic and mental health. Some factors that may have contributed to this link include; Covid-19 preventive measures, media exposure and the increase in unemployment. Methods: The study used a mixed methods approach, quantitative and qualitative methods. It was conducted in Malawi's four districts (Blantyre, Mangochi, Lilongwe and Karonga). Results: Overall 22%, 21%, and 23% of the respondents had depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder, respectively. The Chi-square test showed that significantly more adolescents with secondary education (28%) had anxiety than those with primary education (14%). Further, regression analysis revealed that adolescents with anxiety were 18 [95%CI: 9.34, 35.8] times more likely to have depression compared to those who did not have anxiety. The study found no significant differences in the proportions of adolescents with the three outcomes when comparing different groups within the explanatory variable. The ratio of female and male adolescents with depression and anxiety was the same. Discussion: The adolescents expressed that Covid-19 affected their social, academic, and financial status. These effects had a significant bearing on their mental health in that they led to depression, anxiety, fear of the unknown, and stress. During the Covid-19 pandemic, adolescents' mental health diminished and posed a considerable risk to productivity of adolescents. As a result, adolescents may not fully realize their potential, form and maintain good relationships, contribute to their community and become resilient. These effects have devastating consequences for this young generation without proper coping strategies.
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    Umunthu, Covid-19 and mental health in Malawi
    (Elsevier, 2022) Kainja, Jimmy; Ndasauka, Yamikani; Mchenga, Martina; Kondowe, Fiskani; M'manga, Chilungamo; Maliwichi, Limbika; Nyamali, Simunye
    This paper investigates the centrality of Umunthu in mental health conception and treatment in Malawi. Umunthu is an African philosophical worldview which stresses that an individual is human as they relate to others, as in the saying I am because we are. Its communitarian approach contrasts with a predominantly western individualistic worldview; I think therefore I am. There are spelling variations of the word across Bantu languages, including bomoto (Congo), gimuntu (Angola); umunthu (Malawi); vumutu (Mozambique); vumuntu, vhutu (South Africa); humhunu/ubuthosi (Zimbabwe); bumuntu (Tanzania); and umuntu (Uganda). Literature shows that if embraced and advocated for, Umunthu plays a positive and influential role in mainstreaming and dealing with mental health issues in communitarian societies where the Umunthu ideals are part of the social fabric. However, in the case of Covid-19 and mental health in Malawi, the paper argues that Covid-19 preventive measures, particularly self-isolation when Covid-19 positive; maintaining social distance at all times; and reducing the number of people gathered at funerals, challenge Umunthu ideals, which have in the past been crucial in reducing stress, trauma and anxiety. This original paper bases its arguments on empirical data collected in a study conducted in Mangochi, Blantyre, Karonga and Lilongwe. Based on the study's findings, the paper highlights that although Covid-19 preventative measures have been globally embraced, it is also a limiting factor in the quest for mental health in societies with communitarian value systems.