A scoping review of substance use brief interventions in Africa

Authors

Florence Jaguga, Moi Teaching & Referral Hospital, Kenya
Sarah Kiburi, Aga Khan UniversityFollow
Eunice Temet, Moi Teaching & Referral Hospital, Kenya
Matthew Aalsma, Indiana University, Indiana
Mary Ott, Arnhold Institute for Global Health, USA
Rachel Maina, Aga Khan UniversityFollow
Cyprian Mostert, Aga Khan UniversityFollow
Lukoye Atwoli, Aga Khan UniversityFollow
Juddy Wachira, Moi University, Kenya
Gilliane Kosgei, Afya ya Akili Mashinani, Kenya

Document Type

Article

Department

Internal Medicine (East Africa)

Abstract

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 1st 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.

Publication (Name of Journal)

PLOS Global Public Health

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgph.0003340

Recommended Citation

Jaguga, F., Kiburi, S., Temet, E., Aalsma, M., Ott, M., Maina, R., Mostert, C., Atwoli, L., Wachira, J., Kosgei, G. (2024). A scoping review of substance use brief interventions in Africa. PLOS Global Public Health, 4(10), 1-46.
Available at: https://ecommons.aku.edu/eastafrica_fhs_mc_intern_med/439

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.