Masoumeh (Azi) Dejman, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H.

@article{pmid35377557,

title = {Determining the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy interventions based on the transdiagnostic approach in the treatment of common mental health problems: Presenting an experience from the Islamic Republic of Iran},

author = {Katayoun Falahat and Monir Baradarn Eftekhari and Masoumeh Dejman and Ameneh Setareh Forouzan and Zohreh Mahmoodi and Mojgan Padyab and Samira Tavassoli},

url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35377557/},

doi = {10.1002/brb3.2551},

issn = {2162-3279},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-05-01},

urldate = {2022-05-01},

journal = {Brain Behav},

volume = {12},

number = {5},

pages = {e2551},

abstract = {INTRODUCTION: There is growing support to develop transdiagnostic approaches that provide new insights into mental health problems and cut across the existing traditional diagnostic boundaries all over the world. The present study was conducted to test the transdiagnostic cognitive behavioral therapy (TCBT) approach in treating patients with common mental health problems and evaluate its effectiveness compared to the current treatment settings of the healthcare system.nnMETHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted in Semnan Province, north of Iran. The study took pace in urban health centers. A sample of 520 Iranian adults, tested as positive on the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, were enrolled. Participants who received a score above the cut-off point in any of the three mental health disorders (depression, anxiety, or obsessive compulsive disorder [OCD]) based on the locally validated study instrument were randomly allocated to the study. The intervention group received TCBT during eight sessions provided by trained general health service providers without previous mental health training; the standby control group received Mental Health Services as Usual (MHSU). The post-test interviews were conducted using the study instrument after the completion of both group treatments.nnRESULTS: A total of 459 individuals (87.8% female) ultimately entered the study. The withdrawal rate was 24% (53 participants in the TCBT and 56 in the MHSU). Reduction in depression, anxiety, and OCD symptoms was significant within each group and when comparing TCBT and MHSU (mean difference).nnCONCLUSION: This trial recommends that the transdiagnostic CBT approach can be effective in improving common mental health problems and functions among individuals by trained general healthcare providers in the primary healthcare system. The results can be more useful in decision making when defining the process of providing mental healthcare in the National Primary Healthcare System.},

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}

@article{doi:10.1089/vio.2020.0056,

title = {Physical and Sexual Intimate Partner Violence and Psychological Distress Among Injection Drug Users in Baltimore},

author = {Danielle German and Masoumeh Dejman and Yahya Salimi and Sarah Murray and Shervin Assari and Judith Bass and Colin Flynn and Zahra Jorjoran Shushtari},

url = {https://doi.org/10.1089/vio.2020.0056},

doi = {10.1089/vio.2020.0056},

year  = {2021},

date = {2021-01-01},

urldate = {2021-01-01},

journal = {Violence and Gender},

volume = {8},

number = {4},

pages = {198-207},

abstract = {Substance use and intimate partner violence (IPV) are both associated with psychological distress. This study examines the association between IPV victimization and psychological distress among people who inject drugs (PWID) to inform intervention programs aimed at reducing the violence and associated negative outcomes. As part of the 2012 National HIV Behavioral Surveillance System survey, 592 PWID were recruited in Baltimore by respondent-driven sampling. Study variables included sociodemographic variables, drug use characteristics, IPV, and psychological distress. Multivariable linear regression models were used to assess the association between IPV and psychological distress in men and women who inject drugs. Nearly 10% of participating PWID reported IPV during the past12 months. Sexual IPV was more common than physical IPV for women, while men reported physical IPV more frequently. Men and women PWID who experienced IPV had higher psychological distress than those without such a history. For men who inject drugs but not for women, drug use characteristics explained the association between IPV and psychological distress. These findings suggest that addressing the experience of IPV among women PWID may be important for improving their mental health.},

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pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{pmid32234023,

title = {Lifestyle interventions in the maritime settings: a systematic review},

author = {Fereshteh Baygi and Shirin Djalalinia and Mostafa Qorbani and Masoumeh Dejman and Jesper Bo Nielsen},

url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32234023/},

doi = {10.1186/s12199-020-00848-7},

issn = {1347-4715},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-03-01},

urldate = {2020-03-01},

journal = {Environ Health Prev Med},

volume = {25},

number = {1},

pages = {10},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: Evidence on workplace health promotion interventions at sea is scattered and includes different methodological approaches. The continued focus on lifestyle and health promotion on land-based industries makes it pertinent to evaluate available data from maritime settings to gain systematic knowledge on the field.nnMETHODS: In this systematic review, we systematically searched PubMed and NLM Gateway (for MEDLINE), Institute of Scientific Information/Web of Science (ISI/WOS), and SCOPUS up to January 2019 using standard keywords including lifestyle interventions in the maritime setting. Two independent reviewers assessed papers and extracted the data. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Due to significant heterogeneity between studies, the effectiveness of interventions was presented as a qualitative synthesis.nnRESULTS: After the initial search and refinement based on a total of 4432 records, ten articles met eligibility criteria and were included in the final review. Six studies originated from US maritime settings, 3 studies were conducted on Danish seafarers and one study came from Finland. The main focus of 6 studies was educational interventions including stress management, healthy eating, anti-smoking and anti-drinking sessions, sexual behavior program, and advice about preventive strategies. Four studies described the implementation of interventions, including micro-nutrient supplementation, physical activity, and pharmacotherapy. Follow-up assessments occurred over a time period ranging from 80 days to 2 years. Three studies found a positive though limited effect of structural and/or education interventions in maritime settings. The quality of all included studies was modest.nnCONCLUSION: Results of this systematic review show that a limited number of studies of lifestyle interventions in the maritime setting exist and that the quality of them is generally modest. Also, most of the interventions identified have failed to demonstrate substantial health benefits for seafarers. Systematic review registration number in PROSPERO: CRD42019134533.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{pmid30682677,

title = {Challenges on the road to recovery: Exploring attitudes and experiences of clients in a community-based buprenorphine program in Baltimore City},

author = {C Truong and N Krawczyk and M Dejman and S Marshall-Shah and K Tormohlen and D Agus and J Bass},

url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30682677/},

doi = {10.1016/j.addbeh.2019.01.020},

issn = {1873-6327},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-06-01},

urldate = {2019-06-01},

journal = {Addict Behav},

volume = {93},

pages = {14--19},

abstract = {OBJECTIVE: This qualitative study identifies and describes experiences and challenges to retention of individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) who participated in a low-threshold combined buprenorphine-peer support treatment program in Baltimore.nnMETHODS: In-depth semi-structured interviews with staff and former clients of the Project Connections Buprenorphine Program (PCBP) (9 people) and focus group discussions with current and previous clients of PCBP (7 people) were conducted. Content analysis was used to extract themes regarding barriers to enrolling and remaining in, and transitioning from the program.nnRESULTS: Primary challenges identified by the participants included struggles with cravings and symptoms of withdrawal, comorbid mental health issues, criminal justice system involvement, medication stigma, and conflicts over level of flexibility regarding program requirements and the role of employment.nnCONCLUSIONS: This study identified several obstacles clients face when seeking care through a combined buprenorphine-peer support model. Findings highlight potential programmatic factors that can be improved and additional resources that may support treatment retention rates and better outcomes. Despite challenges, low-threshold and community-based programs can increase access to effective maintenance treatment for OUD, especially among vulnerable populations who may not have access to formal health services.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{pmid27294736,

title = {Ethnic Differences in Separate and Additive Effects of Anxiety and Depression on Self-rated Mental Health Among Blacks},

author = {Shervin Assari and Masoumeh Dejman and Harold W Neighbors},

url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27294736/},

doi = {10.1007/s40615-015-0154-3},

issn = {2196-8837},

year  = {2016},

date = {2016-09-01},

urldate = {2016-09-01},

journal = {J Racial Ethn Health Disparities},

volume = {3},

number = {3},

pages = {423--430},

abstract = {AIM: The aim of this study was to explore ethnic differences in the separate and additive effects of anxiety and depression on self-rated mental health (SRMH) of Blacks in the USA.nnMETHODS: With a cross-sectional design, we used data from a national household probability sample of African Americans (n = 3570) and Caribbean Blacks (n = 1621) who participated in the National Survey of American Life, 2001-2003. Demographic factors, socio-economic factors, 12-month general anxiety disorder (GAD) and major depressive disorder (MDD), and current SRMH were measured. In each ethnic group, three logistic regressions were used to assess the effects of GAD, MDD, and their combinations on SRMH.nnRESULTS: Among African Americans, GAD and MDD had separate effects on SRMH. Among Caribbean Blacks, only MDD but not GAD had separate effect on SRMH. Among African Americans, when the combined effects of GAD and MDD were tested, GAD but not MDD was associated with SRMH.nnCONCLUSION: The separate and additive effects of GAD and MDD on SRMH among Blacks depend on ethnicity. Although single-item SRMH measures are easy methods for the screening of mental health need, community-based programs that aim to meet the need for mental health services among Blacks in the USA should consider within-race ethnic differences in the applicability of such instruments.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{pmid20439448,

title = {Bridging the gaps between research, policy and practice in low- and middle-income countries: a survey of health care providers},

author = {G Emmanuel Guindon and John N Lavis and Francisco Becerra-Posada and Hossein Malek-Afzali and Guang Shi and C Ashok K Yesudian and Steven J Hoffman},

url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20439448/},

doi = {10.1503/cmaj.081165},

issn = {1488-2329},

year  = {2010},

date = {2010-06-01},

urldate = {2010-06-01},

journal = {CMAJ},

volume = {182},

number = {9},

pages = {E362--E372},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: Gaps continue to exist between research-based evidence and clinical practice. We surveyed health care providers in 10 low- and middle-income countries about their use of research-based evidence and examined factors that may facilitate or impede such use.nnMETHODS: We surveyed 1499 health care providers practising in one of four areas relevant to the Millennium Development Goals (prevention of malaria, care of women seeking contraception, care of children with diarrhea and care of patients with tuberculosis) in each of China, Ghana, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Laos, Mexico, Pakistan, Senegal and Tanzania.nnRESULTS: The proportion of respondents who reported that research was likely to change their clinical practice if performed and published in their own country (84.6% and 86.0% respectively) was higher than the proportion who reported the same about research and publications from their region (66.4% and 63.1%) or from high-income countries (55.8% and 55.5%). Respondents who were most likely to report that the use of research-based evidence led to changes in their practice included those who reported using clinical practice guidelines in paper format (odds ratio [OR] 1.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03-2.28), using scientific journals from their own country in paper format (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.26-2.28), viewing the quality of research performed in their country as above average or excellent (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.16-3.22); trusting systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.08-2.35); and having easy access to the Internet (OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.19-3.02).nnINTERPRETATION: Locally conducted or published research has played an important role in changing the professional practice of health care providers surveyed in low- and middle-income countries. Increased investments in local research, or at least in locally adapted publications of research-based evidence from other settings, are therefore needed. Although access to the Internet was viewed as a significant factor in whether research-based evidence led to concrete changes in practice, few respondents reported having easy access to the Internet. Therefore, efforts to improve Internet access in clinical settings need to be accelerated.},

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}