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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2023 Nov:127:152421.
doi: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2023.152421. Epub 2023 Sep 9.

The effect of a low-level psychological intervention (PM+) on post-migration living difficulties - Results from two studies in Switzerland and in the Netherlands

Julia Spaaij  1 , Anne M de Graaff  2 , Aemal Akhtar  3 , Nikolai Kiselev  4 , David McDaid  5 , Hanspeter Moergeli  1 , Monique C Pfaltz  6 , Matthis Schick  1 , Ulrich Schnyder  7 , Richard A Bryant  8 , Pim Cuijpers  2 , Marit Sijbrandij  2 , Naser Morina  9 ; STRENGTHS consortium
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Free article
Randomized Controlled Trial

The effect of a low-level psychological intervention (PM+) on post-migration living difficulties - Results from two studies in Switzerland and in the Netherlands

Julia Spaaij et al. Compr Psychiatry. 2023 Nov.
Free article

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).

Keywords: Common mental disorders; Exile-related stressors; Post-migration living difficulties; Problem management plus; Psychosocial interventions; Refugees.

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