African Evaluation Database

6750

Source

Scopus

Electronic ID

2-s2.0-84888644629

Authors

Nakimuli-Mpungu E., Okello J., Kinyanda E., Alderman S., Nakku J., Alderman J.S., Pavia A., Adaku A., Allden K., Musisi S.

Title

The impact of group counseling on depression, post-traumatic stress and function outcomes: A prospective comparison study in the Peter C. Alderman trauma clinics in northern Uganda

Publication Year

2013

Source Title

Journal of Affective Disorders

Volume

151

Issue

Citations

DOI

10.1016/j.jad.2013.05.055

URL

https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84888644629&partnerID=40&md5=e28d5d47b4ac5bc315593ce41baf50c6

Affiliations

Makerere University College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda; Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital, Kampala, Uganda; Peter C. Alderman Foundation, Bedford, NY, United States; Gulu University, Department of Psychiatry, Gulu, Uganda; Medical Research Council, Entebbe, Uganda; Arua Regional Referral Hospitals, Arua, Uganda; University, Geisel School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, NH, United States

Authors with Affiliations

Nakimuli-Mpungu, E., Makerere University College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda, Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital, Kampala, Uganda, Peter C. Alderman Foundation, Bedford, NY, United States; Okello, J., Peter C. Alderman Foundation, Bedford, NY, United States, Gulu University, Department of Psychiatry, Gulu, Uganda; Kinyanda, E., Makerere University College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda, Peter C. Alderman Foundation, Bedford, NY, United States, Medical Research Council, Entebbe, Uganda; Alderman, S., Peter C. Alderman Foundation, Bedford, NY, United States; Nakku, J., Makerere University College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda, Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital, Kampala, Uganda, Peter C. Alderman Foundation, Bedford, NY, United States; Alderman, J.S., Peter C. Alderman Foundation, Bedford, NY, United States; Pavia, A., Peter C. Alderman Foundation, Bedford, NY, United States; Adaku, A., Peter C. Alderman Foundation, Bedford, NY, United States, Arua Regional Referral Hospitals, Arua, Uganda; Allden, K., Peter C. Alderman Foundation, Bedford, NY, United States, University, Geisel School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, NH, United States; Musisi, S., Makerere University College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda, Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital, Kampala, Uganda, Peter C. Alderman Foundation, Bedford, NY, United States

Abstract

Background: The effectiveness of group interventions for adults with mental distress in post-conflict settings is less clear in sub-Saharan Africa. Aim: To assess the impact of group counseling intervention on depression, post-traumatic stress and function outcomes among adults attending the Peter C. Alderman Foundation (PCAF) trauma clinics in northern Uganda. Methods: 631 War affected adults were enrolled into PCAF trauma clinics. Using a quasi-experimental design, assessments were conducted at baseline, at 3 and 6 months following initiation of care. Multivariate longitudinal regression models were used to determine change in depression, post- traumatic stress and function scores over time among group counseling participants and non- participants. Results: In comparison to non-participants, participants had faster reduction in depression scores during the 6-month follow-up period l/3=-184, 95%CI (-338 to -030), p=°°I91 and faster reduction in post- traumatic stress scores during the 3-month follow-up period 1/3= -214. 95%CI (-421 to -010). p=°°421. At 3-month follow up, participants who attended two or more sessions had faster increase in function scores 1/3=351, 95%CI (061-640), p=°°181 than participants who attended only one session. Limitations: Selection bias due to the use of non-random samples. Substantial attrition rates and small sample sizes may have resulted in insufficient statistical power to determine meaningful differences. Conclusion: The group counseling intervention offered in the PCAF clinics may have considerable mental health benefits over time. There is need for more research to structure, standardize and test the efficacy of this intervention using a randomized controlled trial. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Author Keywords

Depression; Function; Group counseling; Northern Uganda; Post-traumatic stress; War trauma

Index Keywords

anticonvulsive agent; antidepressant agent; benzodiazepine derivative; neuroleptic agent; psychotropic agent; adult; article; coping behavior; counseling; depression; employment status; family counseling; female; follow up; human; major clinical study; male; medication compliance; mental health; posttraumatic stress disorder; priority journal; professional practice; prospective study; psychoeducation; psychopharmacotherapy; relaxation training; sexual violence; spiritual healing; Depression; Function; Group counseling; Northern Uganda; Post-traumatic stress; War trauma; Adult; Counseling; Depression; Female; Humans; Male; Prospective Studies; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Psychotherapy, Group; Questionnaires; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Treatment Outcome; Uganda

Funding Details

None