Feasibility evaluation of psychosocial intervention for internally displaced youth in Kenya

Abstract

Background: There is limited evidence on the cultural appropriateness of first-stage psychosocial interventions for youth with mental health problems who experience conflict and disadvantage in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC).

Aims: To evaluate the feasibility of such an intervention (Writing for Recovery - WfR) among youth with emerging emotional problems following internal displacement in Kenya.

Method: Fifty-four youth aged 14-17 years were randomly allocated to a six-session intervention or a waiting list control group. They completed measures of stressful life events; post-traumatic stress, depressive and anxiety symptoms; quality of life; and free text on their experience of the intervention.

Results: Young participants reported high levels of trauma exposure and emotional problems. The intervention was perceived as flexible and culturally acceptable, with reported short-term impact. This was found to have promising post-intervention effect in reducing post-traumatic stress, but not depressive or anxiety symptoms; and in enhancing quality of life scores.

Conclusions: Similar psychosocial interventions that can be delivered by paraprofessionals are important for resource-constrained LMIC settings, but need to be integrated within a comprehensive scaled service model.

Keywords: Youth; children; feasibility; interventions; low-income countries; mental health; psychosocial.