DESIGN: Cross-sectional serosurvey.
METHODS: Demographic characteristics, medical history and a serum sample were collected from consenting PWH. Samples were analysed centrally for immunoglobulin G antibodies to recombinant nucleocapsid and spike proteins derived from SARS-CoV-2 using a Luminex based assay.
RESULTS: The 549participants recruited in 9 sites across Africa had a median age of 40 years (IQR [34-45]); 63.0% (346) were female. All were on ART; 81.8% (449) had an HIV-1 viral load <50 copies/mL, with CD4 count median at 478/mm 3 (IQR [320-677]). None had received vaccination against SARS-CoV-2. Forty participants (7.3%) had a prior SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing, of whom 10 were positive (1.8%). Crude SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was 36.2% (; 95%CI [32.2-40.4]). In the explorative multivariable analysis, comparison of the characteristics of PWH with a positive SARS-CoV-2 serology with those with a negative or indeterminate serology: PWH with a body mass index (BMI)≥30 kg/m 2 were more likely to have a positive serology than those with a BMI≤25 (aOR = 2.39 [1.48-3.86], p
AIM: To synthesize the available mental health stigma literature from Asia and LMICs and compare them on the mental health stigma, anti-stigma interventions, and the effectiveness of such interventions from HICs.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed and Google Scholar databases were screened using the following search terms: stigma, prejudice, discrimination, stereotype, perceived stigma, associate stigma (for Stigma), mental health, mental illness, mental disorder psychiatric* (for mental health), and low-and-middle-income countries, LMICs, High-income countries, and Asia, South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation/SAARC (for countries of interest). Bibliographic and grey literature were also performed to obtain the relevant records.
RESULTS: The anti-stigma interventions in Asia nations and LMICs are generalized (vs. disorder specific), population-based (vs. specific groups, such as patients, caregivers, and health professionals), mostly educative (vs. contact-based or attitude and behavioral-based programs), and lacking in long-term effectiveness data. Government, international/national bodies, professional organizations, and mental health professionals can play a crucial in addressing mental health stigma.
CONCLUSION: There is a need for a multi-modal intervention and multi-sectoral coordination to mitigate the mental health stigma. Greater research (nationwide surveys, cultural determinants of stigma, culture-specific anti-stigma interventions) in this area is required.