The effectiveness of Problem Management Plus at 1-year follow-up for Syrian refugees in a high-income setting
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Aims Problem Management Plus (PM+) has been effective in reducing mental health problems among refugees at three-month follow-up, but there is a lack of research on its long-term effectiveness. This study examined the effectiveness of PM+ in reducing symptoms of common mental disorders at 12-month follow-up among Syrian refugees in the Netherlands. Methods This single-blind, parallel, controlled trial randomised 206 adult Syrians who screened positive for psychological distress and impaired functioning to either PM+ in addition to care as usual (PM+/CAU) or CAU alone. Assessments were at baseline, 1 week and 3 months after the intervention and 12 months after baseline. Outcomes were psychological distress (Hopkins Symptom Checklist [HSCL-25]), depression (HSCL-25 subscale), anxiety (HSCL-25 subscale), posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms (PCL-5), functional impairment (WHODAS 2.0) and self-identified problems (PSYCHLOPS). Results In March 2019–December 2022, 103 participants were assigned to PM+/CAU and 103 to CAU of which 169 (82.0%) were retained at 12 months. Intention-to-treat analyses showed greater reductions in psychological distress at 12 months for PM+/CAU compared to CAU (adjusted mean difference −0.17, 95% CI −0.310 to −0.027; p = 0.01, Cohen’s d = 0.28). Relative to CAU, PM+/CAU participants also showed significant reductions on anxiety (−0.19, 95% CI −0.344 to −0.047; p = 0.01, d = 0.31) but not on any of the other outcomes. Conclusions PM+ is effective in reducing psychological distress and symptoms of anxiety over a period up to 1 year. Additional support such as booster sessions or additional (trauma-focused) modules may be required to prolong and consolidate benefits gained through PM+ on other mental health and psychosocial outcomes.
DOI: 10.5167/uzh-265922
Authors: de Graaff, Anne M, Cuijpers, Pim, Elsawy, Mariam, Hunaidy, Sam, Kieft, Barbara, Gorgis, Noer, Twisk, Jos W R, Zakarian, Yenovk, Bouman, Theo K, Lommen, Miriam J J, Acarturk, Ceren, Bryant, Richard, McDaid, David, Morina, Naser, Park, A-La, Ventevogel, Peter, Sijbrandij, Marit
Language: English
Topic: Migration, Health and Trauma
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W6948474283
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