Authors: J. F. Magidson, C. W. Lejueza, T. Kamala, E. J. Blevinsa, L. K. Murraya, J. K. Bassa, P. Boltona and S. Pagoto
Growing evidence supports the use of Western therapies for the treatment of depression, trauma, and stress delivered by community health workers in conflict-affected, resource-limited countries. A recent randomized control trial (Bolton et al 2014a) supported the efficacy of two CHW-delivered interventions, cognitive processing therapy (CPT) and brief behavioral activation treatment for depression (BATD), for reducing depressive symptoms and functional impairment among torture survivors in the Kurdish region of Iraq. After training eleven CHWs, a study psychiatrist, and the CHW clinical supervisor in BATD in a resource-poor, conflict affected area in Kurdistan, Iraq– with some important modifications, including low-literacy adaptations, increased cultural relevancy of clinical materials, and tailored training and supervision for CHWs. Study investigators discuss barriers to implementation, lessons learned, and recommendations for future efforts to adapt behavioral therapies for resource-limited, conflict-affected areas.
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Resource Topic: CHWs and Mental Health, Human Resources Management/Workforce Development, Training
Resource Type: Case studies
Year: 2015
Region: Asia
Country: Iraq
Publisher May Restrict Access: No