A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Trauma-Informed Support, Skills, and Psychoeducation Intervention for Survivors of Torture and Related Trauma in Kurdistan, Northern Iraq

Authors: Judith Bass, Sarah McIvor Murray, Thikra Ahmed Mohammed, Mary Bunn, William Gorman, Ahmed Mohammed Amin Ahmed, Laura Murray, Paul Boltone

An evaluation of trauma-informed support, skills, and psychoeducation interventions provided by CHWs on depressive symptoms, dysfunction, post-traumatic stress, traumatic grief and anxiety symptoms was conducted in the northern Dohuk region of Kurdistan Iraq. Recruited community health workers included pharmacists, nurses, and physician assistants without any prior formal mental health training. The supportive counseling program had statistically and clinical significant impacts on the primary outcomes of depression and dysfunction and significant, but smaller impacts on anxiety.