The effect of a low-level psychological intervention (PM+) on post-migration living difficulties - Results from two studies in Switzerland and in the Netherlands.
Compr Psychiatry
; 127: 152421, 2023 11.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-37708580
ABSTRACT
AIMS OF THE STUDY After arriving in host countries, most refugees are confronted with numerous post-migration stressors (e.g., separation from family, discrimination, and employment difficulties). Post-migration living difficulties (PMLDs) significantly contribute to the development and persistence of mental disorders. Effective treatment approaches focusing on reducing post-migration stress are urgently needed. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of a brief psychological intervention, Problem Management Plus (PM+), on PMLDs among Syrian refugees in two European countries. METHODS:
We merged data from two single-blind feasibility trials with Syrian refugees experiencing elevated levels of psychological distress and impaired functioning in Switzerland (N = 59) and the Netherlands (N = 60). Participants were randomised to receive either five sessions of PM+ or an enhanced care-as-usual control condition. PMLDs were assessed at baseline and 3 months after the intervention. To estimate treatment effect on PMLD, linear mixed model analysis was performed.RESULTS:
Three months after the intervention, participants in the PM+ condition reported significantly fewer PMLDs compared to the control condition. Further analyses at item-level showed that interpersonal and family related PMLDs, such as "worries about family back home" significantly improved over time in the PM+ condition.CONCLUSIONS:
This exploratory study suggests that brief psychological interventions have the potential to reduce PMLDs in refugees and asylum seekers. The reduction of post-migration stress in turn may subsequently lead to an overall reduction in psychological distress. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBERS BASEC Nr. 2017-0117 (Swiss trial) and NL61361.029.17, 7 September 2017 (Dutch trial).Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Refugees
/
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
/
Mental Disorders
Type of study:
Clinical_trials
Limits:
Humans
Country/Region as subject:
Europa
Language:
En
Journal:
Compr Psychiatry
Year:
2023
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Switzerland