This interventional, randomized controlled study tests the effects of a a brief psychological intervention (Narrative Exposure Therapy) against a wait list control group among refugees who have experienced trauma and have some symptoms of PTSD.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
63
3, 1-1/2 hour sessions, individual, meeting weekly.
Wayne State University
Detroit, Michigan, United States
Post traumatic stress disorder symptoms: Harvard Trauma Questionnaire
The number and severity of post traumatic stress disorder symptoms will be assessed using an Arabic adaptation of the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire. The Harvard Trauma Questionnaire will be administered at baseline prior to randomization and 4 months from baseline (about three months from last intervention session). Questions assess symptoms over the preceding one week.
Time frame: Baseline to 4 months.
Physical symptoms: Patient Health Questionnaire
Physical symptoms will be assessed using an Arabic translation of the Patient Health Questionnaire at baseline prior to randomization, and 4 months from baseline (about three months from last intervention session). Questions assess symptoms over the preceding 4 weeks.
Time frame: Baseline to 4 months
Depression symptoms: Beck Depression Inventory II
Depression symptoms will be assessed using an Arabic translation of the Beck Depression Inventory II. The scale will be administered at baseline prior to randomization, and 4 months from baseline (about three months from last intervention session). The questions assess symptoms over the preceding two weeks.
Time frame: Baseline to 4 months.
Quality of sleep: Karolinska Institute Sleep Questionnaire
Quality of sleep will be assessed using an Arabic translation of five items from the Karolinska Institute Sleep Questionnaire. The scale will be administered at baseline prior to randomization, and 4 months from baseline (about three months from last intervention session). The questions don't specify a time frame for the symptoms.
Time frame: Baseline to 4 months
Daily functioning
Daily functioning is assessed using 8 items developed by the Primary Investigator in collaboration with other colleagues. The items assess areas such as spending time with family and friends, utilizing health, immigration, language, and employment services, and participating in religious and social activities. The scale will be administered at baseline prior to randomization, and 4 months from baseline (about three months from last intervention session).The questions assess functioning over the preceding 4 weeks.
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Time frame: Baseline to 4 months
Post traumatic growth: Post Traumatic Growth Inventory
Positive and growth outcomes sometimes experienced by people who have experienced traumatic events will be assessed using an Arabic translation of the Post Traumatic Growth Inventory. The scale will be administered at baseline prior to randomization, and 4 months from baseline (about three months from last intervention session). The questions do not specify a time frame.
Time frame: Baseline to 4 months
General Psychological Well-being: WHO Well-being Index
Markers of mental well-being such as positive mood, vitality and interest will be assessed using the Arabic version of the World Health Organization's Well-being Index. The scale will be administered at baseline prior to randomization, and 4 months from baseline (about three months from last intervention session). The questions assess functioning in the preceding two weeks.
Time frame: Baseline to 4 months