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Protocol for process evaluation of integration of mental health into primary healthcare in two states in Nigeria: the mhSUN programme

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 February 2021

Julian Eaton*
Affiliation:
Centre for Global Mental Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK
Yusuf Akande
Affiliation:
Research Unit, Department of Clinical Services, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Kaduna, Nigeria
Uchechi Onukogu
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical Psychology, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Calabar, Nigeria
Emeka Nwefoh
Affiliation:
Mental Health Department, CBM Country Office, Nigeria
Taiwo Lateef Sheikh
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Ahmadu Bello University College of Medical Sciences, Nigeria
Ekpe Essien Ekpe
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical Services, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Calabar, Nigeria
Oye Gureje
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Ibadan College of Medicine, Nigeria
*
Correspondence: Julian Eaton. Email: julian.eaton@lshtm.ac.uk
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Abstract

Background

Current international recommendations to address the large treatment gap for mental healthcare in low- and middle-income countries are to scale up integration of mental health into primary care. There are good outcome studies to support this, but less robust evidence for effectively carrying out integration and scale-up of such services, or for understanding how to address contextual issues that routinely arise.

Aims

This protocol is for a process evaluation of a programme called Mental Health Scale Up Nigeria. The study aims are to determine the extent to which the intervention was carried out according to the plans developed (fidelity), to examine the effect of postulated moderating factors and local context, and the perception of the programme by primary care staff and implementers.

Method

We use a theoretical framework for process evaluation based on the Medical Research Council's Guidelines on Process Evaluation. A Theory of Change workshop was carried out in programme development, to highlight relevant factors influencing the process, ensure good adaptation of global normative guidelines and gain buy-in from local stakeholders. We will use mixed methods to examine programme implementation and outcomes, and influence of moderating factors.

Results

Data sources will include the routine health information system, facility records (for staff, medication and infrastructure), log books of intervention activities, supervision records, patient questionnaires and qualitative interviews.

Conclusions

Evidence from this process evaluation will help guide implementers aiming to scale up mental health services in primary care in low- and middle-income countries.

Information

Type
Papers
Creative Commons
Creative Common License - CCCreative Common License - BY
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution licence (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright
Copyright © The Authors, 2021. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of the Royal College of Psychiatrists
Figure 0

Table 1 Research questions, and linked data sources and analysis approach

Figure 1

Fig. 1 Map of Nigeria showing the research sites Kaduna State and Cross River State. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is a monetary value of all goods and services produced in a given period. The Human Development Index (HDI) is a measure combining dimensions of health, education and standard of living.

Figure 2

Fig. 2 Conceptual framework for evaluation of the Mental Health Scale Up Nigeria (mhSUN) intervention. HMIS, health management information system.

Figure 3

Table 2 Components of the mhSUN intervention, and data sources for assessment of fidelity

Figure 4

Table 3 Potential moderating factors and data sources

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