scholarly journals Community-level Mental Health and Psychosocial Support During Armed Conflict: A Cohort Study from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali and Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ida Andersen ◽  
Rodolfo Rossi ◽  
Ives Hubloue
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Psychosocial Support ◽  
Democratic Republic Of Congo ◽  
Physical Violence ◽  
Community Level ◽  
Daily Functioning ◽  
Republic Of Congo ◽  
Victims Of Violence

Abstract Introduction: Community-level mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) was the first type of MHPSS program launched by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) back in 2004. Standardized beneficiary-level monitoring was put in place in late 2018. This is the first study to explore whether this type of program correlates, as intended, with reduced psychological distress and increased daily functioning.Methods: Between December 2018 and June 2020, 6,413 victims of violence received MHPSS through 32 community-level projects in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali and Nigeria. Symptoms of psychological distress (IES-R or DASS21) and daily functioning (ICRC scale) were assessed before and after the intervention and logistical regression models were used to identify predictors of these symptoms. Results: The most predominant perpetrators were weapon-bearers (76%) and the most common type of violence was rape (46%). Victims of violence committed by weapon-bearers were more likely to show high levels of anxiety prior to MHPSS (aOR 3.51; p<0.0001). Also, victims of physical violence were more likely to show high levels of stress (aOR 1.49; p<0.0001) whereas victims who had witnessed physical violence were more like to report high levels of depression (aOR 2.54; <0.0001). Lack of social support stood out as a predictor of both high anxiety (aOR 2.10; p<0.0001) and post-traumatic stress (aOR 2.04; p<0.0001) prior to MHPSS. Following MHPSS, the vast majority of beneficiaries reported a reduction in distress on the DASS21 (96.58%) and the IES-R scales (92.70%) as well as an increase of functioning (82.26%). Adherence to group therapy (7 sessions on average) was stronger than individual therapy (4 sessions on average). A linear trend was found between length of treatment and likelihood of reporting reduced symptoms of depression. Having suffered destruction or loss of property or income was predicted less improvement of functioning following MHPSS (aOR 0.90; p=0.044). Conclusion: Community-level MHPSS is associated with increased well-being among the vast majority of beneficiaries. To further increase intended health outcomes, it is recommended to increase the number of sessions per beneficiary and address, where relevant, the financial consequences of violence. Also, a longitudinal study is recommended to assess the longer-term changes in symptoms.

scholarly journals Psychological work in humanitarian emergencies in Haiti and Democratic Republic of Congo: some considerations based on two work experiences

2011 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 811-820 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Cecilia Andrade de Moraes Weintraub
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Psychosocial Support ◽  
Democratic Republic Of Congo ◽  
Work Experiences ◽  
Republic Of Congo ◽  
Humanitarian Emergencies ◽  
Mental Health Interventions ◽  
National Mental Health ◽  
Gender Based

Through the description of two examples of psychological interventions in humanitarian emergencies, this article aims to problematize the work of the psychologist in those situations. The concepts of "humanitarianism" and "emergency" are discussed based on two interventions made in Haiti and in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In both countries the mental health interventions happened inside a humanitarian organization and the objective of those interventions was to offer psychosocial support to the population of concern through a national mental health team. Cultural specificities, as well as theoretical and methodological challenges to the work of the psychologist in those situations are presented, especially those related to moral issues, to gender-based conflicts and to the insertion of the psychological work in a context where there is very little institutional support. Considerations related to theories and techniques of the area are presented, emphasizing the importance of interpreting the contents of the discourses taking into account the culture from where each person comes.

scholarly journals Impact of the Healing in Harmony program on women's mental health in a rural area in South Kivu province, Democratic Republic of Congo

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justin Cikuru ◽  
Ali Bitenga ◽  
Juvenal Bazilashe Mukungu Balegamire ◽  
Prince Mujumbe Salama ◽  
Michelle M. Hood ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Democratic Republic Of Congo ◽  
Women’S Mental Health ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Republic Of Congo ◽  
Women's Mental Health ◽  
Relative Risks ◽  
Post Test

Abstract Background To assess whether Healing in Harmony (HiH), a form of music therapy, improved women's mental health following conflict-related trauma and sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Methods This study used a step-wedged design and included 167 women, who completed up to two pre-tests, a post-test, and up to two follow-up interviews at 3 and 6 months after completing the program. The Hopkins Symptoms Checklist was used to measure anxiety and depression. The Harvard Trauma Questionnaire was used to measure post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Generalized estimating equations with unstructured covariance were used to estimate mean change in mental health scores and relative risks (RRs) for screening positive. Results Prior to starting the HiH program, 73.9, 84.2, and 68.5% screened positive with median scores being 2.20, 2.70, and 2.06 for depression, anxiety, and PTSD, respectively. The RR for screening positive declined significantly (RR = 0.49 for depression, 0.61 for anxiety, and 0.54 for PTSD) and mean scores declined significantly by −0.54, −0.67, and −0.53 points, respectively, from the pre- to the post-test, declines that were sustained at the 3-month and 6-month follow-up interviews. Conclusion The HiH program was associated with significant improvement in women's mental health that was sustained up to 6 months post completion of the program despite instability in the region and evidence of continued experience of conflict-related trauma during the study. These data support the value of providing psychological care in the context of ongoing humanitarian crises.

scholarly journals The relationship between parent mental health and intimate partner violence on adolescent behavior, stigma and school attendance in families in rural Democratic Republic of Congo

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy Glass ◽  
Anjalee Kohli ◽  
Pamela J. Surkan ◽  
Mitma Mpanano Remy ◽  
Nancy Perrin
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Intimate Partner Violence ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Democratic Republic Of Congo ◽  
School Attendance ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Republic Of Congo ◽  
Parent Mental Health ◽  
The Relationship

Background.Prolonged conflict and economic instability challenge the existing support networks in families and society places significant stress on both adults and adolescents. Exploring individual, family and social factors that increase the likelihood of or protect adolescents from negative outcomes are important to the development of evidence-based prevention and response programing in global settings.Objective.Examine the relationship between parent mental health and experience/perpetration of intimate partner violence (IPV) and adolescent behaviors, stigma, and school attendance. The relationship is further examined for differences by gender.Methods.Secondary analysis of data from an ongoing comparative effectiveness trial of a productive asset transfer program in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).Results.Three hundred and eighty-eight adolescent and parent dyads were included in the analysis. The analysis demonstrated that parent mental health and IPV can have a negative impact their children's well-being and the impact is different for boys and girls, likely linked to gender roles and responsibilities in the home and community. Social relationships of adolescents, as reported through experienced stigma, were negatively impacted for both boys and girls. Parent report of symptoms of PTSD and depression had a stronger negative effect on girls’ outcomes, including experienced stigma, externalizing behaviors, and missed days of school than boys. For adolescent boys, their parent's report of IPV victimization/perpetration was associated with more negative behaviors at the 8-month follow-up assessment.Conclusion.The findings reinforce the critical importance of interventions that engage parents and their children in activities that advance health and improve relationships within the family.

scholarly journals Mental health in the Democratic Republic of Congo: a post-crisis country challenge

2010 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 41-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michel Okitapoy On'okoko ◽  
Rachel Jenkins ◽  
Samuel Mampunza Ma Miezi ◽  
Daniel Okitundu Luwa E Andjafono ◽  
Ildephonse Muteba Mushidi
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health System ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Democratic Republic Of Congo ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Traditional Beliefs ◽  
Republic Of Congo

The delivery of mental healthcare in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), formerly Zaire, is influenced by geography, politics, legislation and the structure of the health system, as well as traditional beliefs and culture.

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