Journal article
Successfully treating refugees’ post-traumatic stress symptoms in a Ugandan settlement with group cognitive behaviour therapy
Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, Vol.49, pp.35-49
2021
PMID: 32867883
Abstract
Background: High rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are documented within refugee populations. Although research supports effectiveness of trauma-focused cognitive behaviour therapy (TF-CBT) among Western populations, little research exists for its efficacy among refugees living in camps and settlements in developing nations. Aims: To investigate whether a culturally sensitive, group-based TF-CBT programme (EMPOWER) delivered in a Ugandan refugee settlement effectively reduced refugees’ post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), and whether sociodemographic factors, trauma characteristics, or PTSS severity related to programme completion or treatment outcomes. Method and Results: Data linkages were conducted on information provided by 174 Congolese refugees living in a Ugandan settlement (mean age = 33.4 years, SD = 11.7; 49% male). Using a quasi-experimental design, participants who initially completed the intervention (n = 43) delivered across nine 90-minute sessions, reported significant reductions in self-reported PTSS with a large effect size. The delayed treatment group (n = 55) also reported significant treatment gains once they received the intervention. Participants who completed the programme reported significantly greater initial PTSS severity than those who dropped out, while no sociodemographic factors, trauma characteristics or PTSS were associated with better treatment outcomes. Discussion: A culturally sensitive, group-based TF-CBT programme delivered in a refugee settlement meaningfully reduces refugees’ PTSS severity and is equally effective for all participants, with the highest retention rates found among those in greatest need of treatment. Programmes such as this, with capacity to treat hundreds of people simultaneously, represent highly cost-effective, accessible, disseminable and effective treatment for PTSS among refugees living in humanitarian settings in developing nations.
Details
- Title
- Successfully treating refugees’ post-traumatic stress symptoms in a Ugandan settlement with group cognitive behaviour therapy
- Authors
- Elsa J Goninon (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Social Sciences - LegacyLee Kannis-Dymand (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Social Sciences - LegacyRobi Sonderegger (Author) - Family Challenge AustraliaDoddy Mugisha (Author)Geoff P Lovell (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Social Sciences - Legacy
- Publication details
- Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, Vol.49, pp.35-49
- Publisher
- Cambridge University Press
- Date published
- 2021
- DOI
- 10.1017/S1352465820000478
- ISSN
- 1469-1833
- PMID
- 32867883
- Organisation Unit
- Tropical Forests and People Research Centre; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Forest Research Institute; School of Health - Psychology; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy; Sustainability Research Cluster
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99482296102621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Psychology, Clinical
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