Authors: Neuner F, Onyut PL, Ertl V, Odenwald M, Schauer E, Elbert T.
Traumatic stress due to conflict and war causes major mental health problems in many resource-poor countries. The objective of this study was to examine whether trained lay counselors can carry out effective treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a refugee settlement. In a randomized controlled dissemination trial in Uganda with 277 Rwandan and Somalian refugees who were diagnosed with PTSD the authors investigated the effectiveness of psychotherapy administered by lay counselors. Results showed that short-term psychotherapy carried out by lay counselors with limited training can be effective to treat war-related PTSD in a refugee settlement.
Download Resource
Resource Topic: CHW Role, CHWs and Mental Health, Care Teams, Chronic conditions, Community Health Workers/Volunteers, Task shifting
Resource Type: Journal articles
Year: 2008
Region: Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)
Country:
Publisher May Restrict Access: No

