Knowledge Hub
-
01/01/2017
The Relationship between War Trauma and Anxiety and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder among Preschool Children in the Gaza strip
This study investigated the relationship between war trauma, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among preschool children in the Gaza Strip. It found that preschool children exposed to war-related incidents are at risk of developing PTSD and anxiety problems, which highlights the need to establish programs for preschool children affected by traumatic events associated with war.
Read more
-
11/07/2017
Strengthening mental health care systems for Syrian refugees in Europe and the Middle East: integrating scalable psychological interventions in eight countries
This paper provides an evidence-based rationale for the use of the scalable Problem Management Plus (PM+) oriented programmes being adapted for Syrian refugees. Additionally, it provides information on the newly launched STRENGTHS programme for adapting, testing and scaling up of PM+ in various modalities in both neighbouring and European countries hosting Syrian refugees.
Read more
-
09/02/2019
Early Adolescent Skills for Emotions (EASE) intervention for the treatment of psychological distress in adolescents: study protocol for randomised controlled trials in Lebanon and Jordan
There are significant barriers to providing accessible, quality mental health care for young adolescents affected by adversity. In an attempt to overcome this, the World Health Organization (WHO) has developed the Early Adolescent Skills for Emotions (EASE) psychological intervention for young adolescents with internalising problems. EASE is group-based (seven sessions for adolescents, three sessions for their caregivers) and can be delivered by non-specialist providers. This paper outlines the study protocols for two trials of EASE in the Middle East - one in Lebanon and one in Jordan.
Read more
-
02/01/2020
Guided self-help to reduce psychological distress in South Sudanese female refugees in Uganda: a cluster randomised trial
Innovative solutions are required to provide mental health support at scale in low-resource humanitarian contexts. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a facilitator-guided, group-based, self-help intervention (Self-Help Plus) to reduce psychological distress in female refugees.
Read more
-
03/18/2020
Protocol for a randomized control trial of the caregiver support intervention with Syrian refugees in Lebanon
The Caregiver Support Intervention (CSI) aims to strengthen quality of parenting skills by lowering stress and improving psychosocial wellbeing among refugee caregivers of children aged 3–12 years, while also increasing knowledge and skills related to positive parenting. The CSI is a nine-session psychosocial group intervention delivered by non-specialist providers. It is intended for all adult primary caregivers of children in high-adversity communities, rather than specifically targeting caregivers already showing signs of elevated distress.
Read more
-
10/03/2020
Understanding Stigmatisation: Results of a Qualitative Formative Study with Adolescents and Adults in DR Congo
While stigmatisation is universal, stigma research in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) is limited. LMIC stigma research predominantly concerns health-related stigma, primarily regarding HIV/AIDS or mental illness from an adult perspective. While there are commonalities in stigmatisation, there are also contextual differences. The aim of this study in DR Congo (DRC), as a formative part in the development of a common stigma reduction intervention, was to gain insight into the commonalities and differences of stigma drivers (triggers of stigmatisation), facilitators (factors positively or negatively influencing stigmatisation), and manifestations (practices and experiences of stigmatisation) with regard to three populations: unmarried mothers, children formerly associated with armed forces and groups (CAAFAG), and an indigenous population.
Read more
-
03/23/2020
The Cultural and Contextual Adaptation Process of an Intervention to Reduce Psychological Distress in Young Adolescents Living in Lebanon
Armed conflict leads to increased risk of emotional distress among children and adolescents, and increased exposure to significant daily stressors such as poverty and community and family violence. Unfortunately, these increased risks usually occur in the context of largely unavailable mental health services. There is growing empirical support that evidence-based treatment techniques can be adapted and delivered by non-specialists with high fidelity and effectiveness. However, in order to improve feasibility, applicability, and outcomes, appropriate cultural and contextual adaptation is essential when delivering in different settings and cultures. This paper reports the adaptation process conducted on a new World Health Organization psychological intervention—Early Adolescent Skills for Emotions (EASE)—for use in the north of Lebanon.
Read more