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Culturally Adapted Psychological Support for Conflict-Affected Afghans: Study Protocol on Mental Health & Violence
Sponsor: Peace of Mind Association (PoMA)
Summary
This pilot study examines the feasibility and acceptability of a culturally adapted psychological intervention-Problem Management Plus with Emotional Processing (PM+ EP)-for young Afghans aged 16-30 experiencing high psychological distress. Through a pilot randomized control trial and qualitative interviews, the study explores whether PM+ EP can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and aggression, and improve daily functioning. Findings will inform the potential for a larger trial and address critical mental health and violence prevention needs in conflict-affected Afghan communities.
Official title: Feasibility and Acceptability of Culturally Adapted, Evidence-Informed Psychological Support on Mental Health Symptoms and Violence for Conflict-Affected Populations in Afghanistan: A Study Protocol
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
16 Years - 30 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
60
Start Date
2025-06
Completion Date
2026-12
Last Updated
2025-05-20
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
Problem Management Plus with Emotional Processing module
PM+ EP comprises of Problem Management Plus, an evidence-based low intensity psychological intervention developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), with an additional Emotional Processing module specifically to address psychological distress related to trauma exposure. The core of the intervention is designed for adults impaired by distress in communities exposed to conflict and adversity; it consists of CBT techniques that have been adapted for communities that do not have good availability of specialist care. The additional module was developed by researchers treating refugee youth (Alozkan Sever et al, 2021). For this study, PM+ EP will be a six-session individual and guided support program. The original sections of PM+ are available in many languages including Farsi, and the additional EP module will be translated by PoMA's Afghan translator. The sessions cover the topics of managing stress, strengthening social support, staying well and persevering.
Locations (1)
Peace of Mind Association (PoMA)
Kabul, Afghanistan