The Use of Art Therapy in Alleviating Mental Health Symptoms in Refugees: A Literature Review

There are over thirty million refugees globally with severe experiences of trauma.Art therapy intervention allows for nonverbal expression and could alleviate mental health symptomatology among refugees.The present review’s aim was to integrate and summarize the previous research which examined the effects of visual arts on alleviating psychological conditions of refugees.However,due to the paucity of studies which solely used visual arts,we included studies that used visual arts alongside other modalities as part of an expressive arts therapy intervention.The present review synthesizes studies that examined the effect of art therapy on mental health issues of refugees from January 2000 to March 2021.Seven studies(child and adolescent sample,N=5 and adult sample,N=2)with a total of 298 refugee participants(n=298)met our inclusion criteria.The participants were from the Middle East and North Africa(MENA),Southeast Asia,and Europe.We found three commonly reported mental health disorders,namely Post Traumatic Stress Disorder(PTSD),anxiety,and Major Depression Disorder.The research highlights how art therapy interventions could be a great starting point to alleviate symptomatology among refu-gees.Four additional benefits of art therapy which were commonly reported across the seven studies emerged from this review:working with traumatic experience/loss,rebuilding social connection and trust,nonverbal com-munication and self-expression of loss and trauma,and retelling stories.Art therapy interventions could be used as a starting point in the healing process of traumatized refugees to encourage verbal articulation of their feelings and reduce mental health symptoms.Despite these promisingfindings,due to a dearth of robust methodologies,further research is required to assess the long-term effectiveness of art therapy.

Changes in Autonomic Nervous System Activity and Mood of Healthy People after Mindfulness Art Therapy Short Version

The aim of this study was to investigate changes in autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity and mood caused by Mindfulness Art Therapy Short version (MATS). The participants were 20 Japanese college students who were separated into high and low risk groups based on the median score of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). MATS consisted of mindfulness exercise and making of art in one session. ANS activity (TP: total energy, LF/HF: sympathetic nervous, HF: parasympathetic nervous system, LF: both sympathetic and parasympathetic) and mood (TA: tension arousal, EA: energy arousal) were measured psychologically before and after MATS. In the high risk group, TP significantly decreased and LF, HF, and LF/HF did not change significantly;while TA significantly decreased and EA significantly increased. In the low risk group, TP and LF significantly increased and HF and LF/HF did not change significantly;while TA significantly decreased and EA showed a non-significant increase. These results suggest that MATS affects the ANS differently for participants with different states of mental health, and particularly promotes activity in low-risk participants. Psychologically, MATS decreased tension or anxiety and increased energy. These findings justify further use of this therapy.

Comparison Study of Art Therapy and Play Therapy in Reducing Anxiety on Pre-School Children Who Experience Hospitalization

Pain and hospitalization caused a crisis in the child’s life. At the pre-school children, the stress of the disease makes children become less able to cope with separation. As a result, many children show anxious behavior though more vague than toddler age children. Various ways have been conducted by nurses to treat anxiety in children, but the most effective types of the intervention have not be found. Types of intervention that can be done are art therapy and play therapy. This study aims to compare the effects of art therapy and play therapy in reducing anxiety on children who experience hospitalization. A quasi-experimental research design with pre-post test two group design is used. The sample was 23 children pre-school age for art therapy group and 25 children for play therapy with sampling techniques performed purposive sampling. Intervention of art therapy and play therapy each performed for 3 days with duration about 30 minutes. Anxiety levels before and after the intervention were measured by using the facial affective scale. The results show that there is a difference in anxiety between before and after the action in the art therapy group (p = 0.00) and that there are differences in anxiety before and after the action in the play therapy group (0.00). But statistical tests using Man Whitney U indicate that there is no difference in anxiety levels in pre-school children who do art therapy and play therapy (p = 0.26). So, it is concluded that the art therapy and the play therapy can reduce the level of anxiety on pre-school school children that experience hospitalization. Based on these conclusions, it is recommended that the art therapy and the play therapy can be used by nurses and the choice of the intervention should be submitted to the child.

Advances in art therapy for patients with dementia

In this article, the theoretical basis and development status of art therapy are introduced, and the intervention methods and effectiveness of art therapy in patients with dementia are reviewed. To date,nursing intervention via art therapy with dementia patients in China has been rarely investigated, and the design of this type of investigation must be improved.

The Study of Art Therapy on College Students’ Life Education

The university stage is an important stage of life to acquire independent personality and establish three views.Life education is the most effective way to help college students establish correct and healthy three views.However,the theory of“life education”and the way of“strict and rigid”are too weak to carry out life education for college students.Art therapy is a therapeutic mode to understand human subconscious mind,heal mind and develop psychology by using art form.Through the combination of art therapy theory and life education theory,students’participation is high,teaching technology is rich,teaching process is relaxed and pleasant,which is an effective scientific method for college students’life education activities.It has special significance to promote college students to realize the ideal of life.

Changes in the Autonomic Nervous System and Moods of Advanced Cancer Patients by Mindfulness Art Therapy Short Version

The aim of this study was to investigate changes in the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) and moods before and after participation in a Mindfulness Art Therapy Short version (MATS). The study design was non-randomized controlled trial in intervention study. Participants were 10 Japanese patients with advanced cancer. They received the MATS in one session, which consisted of mindfulness practices and making arts. Their Autonomic Nervous System (sympathetic nervous, parasympathetic nervous) physiologically and mood (Tense Arousal: TA, Energetic Arousal: EA) psychologically were measured before and after the MATS. The results showed that the level of parasympathetic nervous system decreased and that the sympathetic nervous system increased in small effect size. The TA decreased in a large effect size and EA increased in a middle effect size. These results suggested that the MATS might activate physiologically, alleviate tension and increase energy psychologically.

Effects of Antiretroviral Therapy and HIV Exposure in Utero on Adverse Pregnancy and Infant Outcomes:A Prospective Cohort Study in Guangzhou, China

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the effects of in-utero exposure to HIV and ART on pregnancy outcome and early growth of children.Methods This cohort study enrolled 802 HIV-infected pregnant women between October 2009 and May 2018 in Guangzhou, China. The women were assigned to receive combination ART(c ART) or mono/dual ART or no treatment. The primary outcomes were the combined endpoints of any adverse pregnancy outcome [including ectopic pregnancy, spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, preterm birth, small for gestational age(SGA)] and adverse early growth outcome(including infant death, HIV infection of mother-to-child transmission, and underweight, wasting and stunting of infants at 4 weeks of age).Results Adverse pregnancy outcomes occurred in 202(35.1%) of all enrolled HIV-infected women, and121(31.3%) of all infants exhibited adverse effects on early growth at 4 weeks of age. The rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes, spontaneous abortion, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth, infant death and perinatal HIV infection were higher among women not receiving ART, compared to those treated with c ART or mono/dual ART(P < 0.05). However, women treated with c ART had a higher rate of SGA,compared to untreated women(P < 0.05). No differences in early infant growth were observed among the different treatment regimens.Conclusion Our findings underscore the essentiality of prioritizing HIV-positive pregnant women for ART, as even mono/dual ART available in resource-limited countries could improve pregnancy outcomes and infant survival.

A Baseline Studies on the Nutritional Interplay between HIV Drugs and Kidney, Liver and Heart Indices in Patients Receiving HIV Treatment in North-East Nigeria

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) patients on Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) have shown impressive improvement and death rates have drastically reduced, even though complications still exist. This research carried out a baseline study to determine the nutritional interplay between HIV-drugs and kidney, liver, and heart indices among subjects undergoing HIV treatment and attending the Medical Out-Patient Department of a Federal Medical Center in the North-Eastern part of Nigeria, using a sample size of 50 individuals both male and female, who have been shown to be HIV positive and have been on ART for over 12 months. Anthropometric data was collected in triplicate, two from patients’ file, and one was measured directly and the average was obtained. The electrolytes were determined by the colorimetric method while total protein and albumin in blood concentration were determined by spectrophotometric method, but globulin and A/G ratio were determined by calculation. TC was determined using Spectrophotometric method while HDL was determined after precipitation of LDL with phosphotungstate and magnesium were calculated from Friedwaldís formular, and TG was measured using the colorimetric enzymatic method. The results showed that the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure which were 119.9 mmHg ± 17.5, and 76. 6 mmHg ± 10.1 respectively, were with the range of the reference values. The mean body mass index was 25.1 ± 4.9;also within range of the reference value. Major indices from the liver function test were mean ALT which was 36.5 ± 29.4 with a reference value of 7 - 55 U/L;AST was 40.0 ± 32.3, with a reference value of 8 - 48 U/L. The mean value for albumin was 4.6 ± 7.1 with a reference range of 3.5 - 5.0 g/dl, these values also were within the reference range values. The electrolyte test showed all other electrolytes to be within the reference range values except for Zinc which was 19.5 μmol/L, with a normal range of 70 - 100 μmol/L and magnesium which was found to be 0.7 mEq/L, with a normal range of 1.5 - 2.0 mEq/L;Zinc and magnesium play vital roles in over 300 enzymatic reactions, and are known to be important in the immune response. Shortfalls in these minerals could compromise the patients’ recovery process and place them at risk of hearts conditions such as arrhythmia or heart attack among many other conditions. There is a need for an immediate review of these treatments in the direction of Zinc and magnesium, either by supplementation or by diet therapy. HIV patients undergoing ART should be placed under strict Zinc and magnesium-rich diet to avert untimely death among these patients. The controlled study should be done to ascertain the best approach to quell the residue of malnutrition in these patients in order to further improve their nutritional status.

CD4+ T-Cell Count, Serum Zinc, Copper and Selenium Levels in HIV Sero-Positive Subjects on ART and ART Naïve Subjects in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Background: HIV infection results in depletion of immunocompetent cells such as CD4+ T-cells. Trace elements such as Copper, Zinc and selenium are known to be involved in immune function. In recent times, HIV-positive patients are treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART), with significant progress. This study was aimed at evaluating CD4+ T-cells levels, serum Copper, Zinc and Selenium levels in HIV seropositive subjects on ART and ART naive subjects (HIV positive subjects that have not started ART treatment) in Rivers State, Nigeria. Methods: 150 subjects aged 20 to 79 years were recruited after informed consent. 70 subjects were HIV-positive on ART, 30 subjects were HIV-positive ART naïve subjects, while 50 subjects were apparently healthy subjects. Ten (10) milliliters of blood was collected using a standard venipuncture technique from each subject for the analysis of CD4 T-cells using BD fluorescent activated cell sorter (FACSC count), serum Copper and Zinc were analyzed colorimetrically using semi auto-analyzer WP 21E, while selenium was analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer ELICO, SL173. Data generated were analyzed using Graph-Pad Prism version 8.0.2 and p Result: This study revealed a significant reduction in mean zinc, selenium and CD4+ T-cell level respectively (p = 0.0006;0.0001;0.0001) in HIV-Positive subjects on ART and ART naive. There was also a significant increase in mean serum copper level in the HIV-positive subject as compared to control subjects (p = 0.0001). ART treatment improved the CD4+ T cell count and serum levels of selenium and zinc;however, ART did not correct the imbalance. Furthermore, female subjects on ART have a significantly higher CD4+ T-cell count than the males (p Conclusion: Selenium and Zinc deficiency are associated with HIV disease despite the role of ART hence micronutrient supplementation is advised for HIV-positive subjects on ART.

Need for improving quality of operating structures and processes for better ARV adherence for patients with HIV/AIDS in Tanzania and other African countries:an experience from Tanzania

Objective:The study was carried out in order to determine the following objectives:(1) To determine the proportion of patients who state achieving or not achieving optimal adherence to antiretroviral therapy(ART) in selected Care and Treatment Sites in Arusha and Dares Salaam regions in Tanzania.(2) To identify factors such as structural,cultural or disease related contributing to sub-optimal adherence to antiretroviral(ARVs). (3) To assess quality of operating structures and processes for provision of antiretroviral(ARVs) in the selected healthcare facilities.(4) To document suggestions and proposals for improving ART adherence among ARV users.Methods:Data from 7 studied facilities(3 public and 4 private/or faith based) includes 207 interviews from ARV users,28 staff interview staff,26 observations during consultations,8 focus group discussions,10 key informant interviews,and stock checks in 6 facilities.The study design was a cross-sectional using both qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques.Quantitative data were collected by using an adherence tool check list,while qualitative data were obtained using a consultation observation checklist,semi-structured interviews,focus group discussions(FGDs) and key informant interviews.Results:There were slight variations in the quality of operating structures and processes in the two studied regions.However results indicate that ARV adherence in Arusha region was comparatively similar to that of Dares Salaam.The composite adherence for one month in seven facilities was 90%and only 21%of ARV users achieved optimal adherence. Conclusion:The overall mean composite adherence rate of 90%in the two areas surveyed is encouraging. More efforts to improve the quality and processes of operating structures in our study facilities and others in Tanzania are heeded to ensure optimal adherence among the larger group(79%) of ARV users who are currently taking less than the critical 95%of their medications.

HIV在人体免疫网络中传播的动力学研究

虽然抗逆转录病毒疗法(antiretroviral therapy,ART)能够有效地抑制人类免疫缺陷病毒(human immunodeficiency virus,HIV)的复制,但病毒血症现象依然存在.基于此,主要探讨病毒避难所是否存在.研究发现:由于存在血脑屏障,在接受治疗的状况下,大脑中的病毒载量仍然保持在较高稳态,表明大脑确是HIV病毒的避难所;外周血中的病毒水平并不能正确反映身体内其他组织中的病毒载量状况.

A Retrospective Study of Impact of PPTCT on HIV Trends, Maternal and Perinatal Outcome

Background: Women diagnosed with HIV/AIDS may transmit the infection to their child during pregnancy. The infection may spread during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. However, the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV may be reduced by the use of HIV medications known as antiretroviral therapy (ART). Infection with HIV/AIDS is not a contraindication to pregnancy. Some women are unaware they have the disease until they become pregnant. In this case, they should begin antiretroviral therapy as soon as possible [1]. With the appropriate treatment, the risk of mother-to-child infection can be reduced to below 1% [2]. Without treatment, the risk of transmission is 15% - 45% [3]. Objective: The main aim of the study is to appreciate the declining trend of HIV in babies with HIV positive mother by implementation of PPTCT services. Methods: A retrospective study of detection of HIV positive mothers among all the antenatal patients attending OPD and including the patients coming in Emergency services and delivered in Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at MGMMC & M. Y. Hospital, Indore, Madhya Pradesh (India) from Jan 2006 to Dec 2015 was included in the study. They were screened for HIV status and further management of all HIV positive patients.

Modulation of Antiviral Immunity and Therapeutic Efficacy by 25-Hydroxycholesterol in Chronically SIV-Infected, ART-Treated Rhesus Macaques

Cholesterol-25-hydroxylase(CH25 H)and its enzymatic product 25-hydroxy cholesterol(25 HC)exert broadly antiviral activity including inhibiting HIV-1 infection.However,their antiviral immunity and therapeutic efficacy in a nonhuman primate model are unknown.Here,we report that the regimen of 25 HC combined with antiretroviral therapy(ART),provides profound immunological modulation towards inhibiting viral replication in chronically SIVmac239-infected rhesus macaques(RMs).Compared to the ART alone,this regimen more effectively controlled SIV replication,enhanced SIVspecific cellular immune responses,restored the ratio of CD4/CD8 cells,reversed the hyperactivation state of CD4^(+)T cells,and inhibited the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines by CD4^(^(+))and CD8^(+)T lymphocytes in chronically SIVinfected RMs.Furthermore,the in vivo safety and the preliminary pharmacokinetics of the 25 HC compound were assessed in this RM model.Taken together,these assessments help explain the profound relationship between cholesterol metabolism,immune modulation,and antiviral activities by 25 HC.These results provide insight for developing novel therapeutic drug candidates against HIV-1 infection and other related diseases.