“I decided to participate….because I saw it as benefiting our community and families”: a qualitative study of lay providers’ experiences with delivering an evidence-based mental health intervention for families in Uganda

Authors: Sensoy Bahar O, Byansi W, Nabayinda J, Kiyingi J, Namatovu P, Embaye F, McKay M, Hoagwood K, Ssewamala F

This study examined the experiences of community health workers and parent peers in Uganda who participated in a program to deliver a family strengthening intervention for children with behavioral challenges. Despite initial concerns, participants were motivated by the intervention’s relevance and financial incentives. They found the training comprehensive and felt prepared to deliver the intervention. Challenges included family attendance and engagement. However, participants reported increased self-efficacy and competence over time, with high satisfaction with supervision. Overall, their positive experiences suggest the acceptability and appropriateness of task-shifting this intervention to lay providers in low-resource settings, offering a promising solution to mental health care gaps.