Sessions Of Psychoeducation Research Articles

The Effect of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy-Based Psychoeducation on Medication Adherence and Aggression in Individuals Diagnosed With Schizophrenia: An Experimental Study.

It is known that treatment compliance is low and aggression is higher in individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia compared to the normal population. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is known to reduce relapse and hospitalisation and increase well-being in individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia. However, there are almost no studies on increasing treatment compliance and decreasing aggression. This study was conducted to determine how CBT-based psychoeducation affects medication adherence and aggression in individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia. The study was conducted as a quasi-experimental model with the pre-test-post-test control group with 73 schizophrenic patients (33 experimental, 40 control) between June 2022 and July 2023. Data were collected using the Descriptive Characteristics Form, Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS) and Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPSQ). The schizophrenic patients in the experimental group were given eight sessions of CBT-based psychoeducation, while the schizophrenic patients in the control group were not given any training. The data were analysed using mean, standard deviation, chi-squared test, dependent samples t-test and independent samples t-test. It was determined that the aggression level of the experimental group before the training was 80.51 ± 19.38, and after the CBT-based psychoeducation, it was 73.12 ± 15.28. It was determined that the aggression level of the control group before the training was 84.22 ± 12.13, and after the post-test, it was 85.60 ± 11.72. It was determined that the medication adherence level of the experimental group before the training was 2.75 ± 1.25, and after the CBT-based psychoeducation, it was 3.57 ± 0.67. It was determined that the medication adherence level of the control group before the training was 2.05 ± 1.33, and after the post-test, it was 2.17 ± 1.36. The psychoeducation based on CBT caused a statistically significant difference (p = 0.001) in medication adherence and aggression levels in the experimental group. It was determined that CBT applied to individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia was effective on increasing their medication adherence and reducing their aggression. It is recommended for psychiatric nurses to include CBT-based psychoeducation in their nursing practices in order to increase medication adherence and reduce aggression in individuals with schizophrenia. The findings emphasise that CBT-based psychoeducation increases treatment adherence and significantly decreases the level of aggression in individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia. Psychiatric nurses should include CBT-based psychoeducation in their treatments.

An Evaluative Study of a Nurse-Led Surgical Information Initiative for Gender Diverse Individuals Seeking Genital Surgery.

To evaluate the impact of nurse-led one-on-one psychoeducation sessions on gender diverse individuals seeking gender-affirming genital surgery. A quasi-experimental, pre- and post-test research design was employed to examine the impact of a nurse-led initiative on improving patients self-perceived knowledge and confidence pertaining to gender affirming genital surgery. The study followed the SQUIRE 2.0 (Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence) guidelines and the COREQ (Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research) guidelines. The curriculum for the initiative was crafted through literature reviews, expert panel engagements, multidisciplinary team input and was delivered by two specialist gender nurses. The results indicated a statistically significant increase in all participants' self-perceived knowledge and confidence scores. Furthermore, the study increased confidence in the ability to ask questions and plan for the logistical and financial aspects of surgery. Participants reported that the sessions were very useful, and for most, the information did not change their desire to seek surgery but did help them make more informed choices about the procedure, timing and preferred surgeon. The study underscores the imperative role of support networks and recommends interventions to facilitate open communication within families. The study emphasises the importance of customising healthcare approaches to align with the preferences of patients. The study addressed the need for psychoeducation sessions for individuals considering gender-affirming genital surgery. The main findings revealed a significant increase in participants' self-perceived knowledge and confidence, following a nurse-led intervention. The research's impact extends to gender-diverse individuals seeking surgery globally. Four individuals who had undergone gender-affirming surgeries contributed their perspectives to the study design, ensuring that the educational content addressed specific information needs and concerns.

A Pilot Randomized Control Trial of the Motivational Interviewing to Increase PrEP Uptake Intervention Among Black Women in the United States.

Despite the disproportional impact of HIV, Black individuals are benefiting the least from pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Motivational interviewing (MI) for PrEP uptake (MI-PrEP) is a two-session culturally tailored intervention incorporating MI strategies to improve PrEP motivation and uptake among cisgender Black women. A pilot randomized control trial was conducted in the Southeastern United States, and 41 women were randomized to MI-PrEP (session 1 with PrEP psychoeducation and MI and session 2 with MI and light case management) or enhanced treatment as usual (ETAU; two sessions of PrEP psychoeducation [videos explaining PrEP]). Women completed one follow-up assessment (1 month after visit 2). Measures captured primary (motivation [via contemplation and readiness ruler] and PrEP uptake via medical records) and secondary outcomes (e.g., PrEP knowledge, barriers to PrEP, and speaking to a provider about PrEP). Difference-in-differences analyses comparing MI-PrEP with ETAU as well as t-tests for within-group changes over time were conducted. Women who completed MI-PrEP (90.5% retained) compared with ETAU (100% retained) had a significantly higher likelihood of speaking to a provider about PrEP (OR = 4.42e7, CI [8.55e6, 2.29e8], DiD = 17.60, se = 0.84, p < 0.001). Within the MI-PrEP group, women had significant increases in PrEP prescription, knowledge, and motivation/contemplation, and significant decreases in financial resources as a PrEP barrier and medical mistrust (MMT). ETAU had within-group increases in PrEP prescription and speaking to a provider, no changes in motivation and MMT, and increases in specific barriers to care (e.g., transportation). MI-PrEP shows promise, and a large-scale study may be beneficial to further assess efficacy and examine implementation.

Introducing a new social cognition online therapy: SoCoBo

ABSTRACT Integrating technology-based therapies into existing treatment approaches has proven useful in the endeavour to improve impaired social cognition in patients with neurological diseases. To this end, we present a novel online-based therapy programme for the treatment of impairments of social cognition (“SoCoBo”), particularly tailored for patients with acquired brain injuries (ABIs). This study was designed to investigate the online therapy's feasibility including processing time and acceptability in a healthy older sample as, according to previous studies, older individuals show subtle impairments of social cognition. Between 50 and 52 participants (depending on outcome measures) underwent pre–post assessments, completed one out of three therapy modules (emotion recognition, perspective taking, social problem-solving) over a period of four weeks (four sessions per week) and evaluated the therapy concerning feasibility, acceptability and content aspects with a newly developed questionnaire. All modules showed comparable ratings on a low to moderate level in terms of feasibility, acceptability and content aspects, which seems plausible due to the sample under investigation. Processing time of the three modules was comparable for psychoeducation (mean 17.45 min) and training sessions (mean 21.91 min). The results provided important indications for necessary adjustments regarding a subsequently completed randomized controlled trial involving patients with ABIs.

Physical Activity in young female outpatients with BORderline personality Disorder (PABORD): a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial (RCT)

BackgroundCurrent treatments for mental disorders, like pharmacotherapy or psychological approaches, do not lead to full remission in all individuals. Physical activity (PA) is effective at improving psycho-physical health in major depressive and anxiety disorders. However, the efficacy of PA as an adjunctive treatment for borderline personality disorder (BPD) has not been studied. To date, there are no approved pharmacological treatments for this severe condition and limited accessibility to effective psychotherapeutic interventions. This study tests the efficacy of a structured PA programme as an additional treatment for BPD outpatients.MethodsThe PABORD is a randomised controlled trial for female outpatients (18–40 years) with a BPD diagnosis. The intervention group (n = 32) will participate in a 12-week structured PA programme supervised by a sport medicine physician and preceded by three psychoeducation sessions on healthy eating habits. The control group (n = 32) will receive a 12-week psychoeducation programme on PA, diet, and health risks of a sedentary lifestyle for a total of 8 sessions. The study aims to determine if the PA intervention is superior to the control in reducing BPD symptoms. Secondary aims include improving PA levels and physical and psychological health. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, post-intervention, and 3 months post-intervention.DiscussionThe structured PA programme is expected to outperform the control group in terms of health and PA outcomes at the end of the intervention. Repeated assessments will also help to identify psychosocial factors that influence PA maintenance. Findings will support the potential widespread implementation of PA programmes for BPD treatment.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT06461104. Registered on 6 June 2024 {2a}.

The Effectiveness of Brief Multidisciplinary Outpatient Treatment for Functional Neurological Disorder: A Pilot Study

Background: Functional neurological disorder (FND) is a common, costly, and debilitating condition with a guarded prognosis. Limited evidence supports providers about which treatment approaches to undertake. Evidence-based care for FND is urgently needed to improve patient outcomes. The objective of this study was to evaluate functional and psychological outcomes associated with a novel outpatient multidisciplinary treatment program for adults with FND. Methods: Participants included 18 sequentially referred adults who attended the five-day FND treatment program, including those who completed ( N = 13) and who were available for follow-up at six months ( N = 9). Intervention included assessment and up to five consecutive days of treatment including two group-administered psychoeducation sessions. Primary measures included the Timed Up and Go (TUG), the EQ-5D-5L index score, and the visual analogue scale (VAS), and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). Secondary outcomes included Battery for Health Improvement-2 (BHI-2) Depression and Anxiety subscales. Results: Significant improvement observed on COPM performance and COPM satisfaction; EQ-5D-5L index (as well as VAS) and TUG (p = &lt; 0.05) immediately following five-day treatment. Improvement was gained at six months for BHI-2 Depression and Anxiety, and maintained for COPM performance, COPM satisfaction, EQ-5D-5L index, EQ-5D-5L VAS, and TUG. Conclusions: The findings of this preliminary work suggest that multidisciplinary treatment for FND has a positive impact on psychological and physical outcomes with results sustained up to six months.

The effect of the peer support intervention on internalized stigma among Thai patients with tuberculosis: A repeated measures design.

Internalized stigma among patients with tuberculosis (TB) significantly affects delayed diagnosis, increased disease transmission, and poor treatment outcomes. However, conclusive empirical evidence on psychosocial interventions to reduce internalized stigma among patients with TB in Thailand remains scarce. This study aimed to examine the impact of a peer support intervention on reducing internalized stigma among patients with TB in Thailand. A one-group within-subjects repeated-measure design was conducted in the Muang Maha Sarakham district, Thailand, from February 2023 to July 2023. The study included 26 participants who met specified criteria. Measurements were taken at baseline, three months, and six months following TB diagnosis and medication treatment. The peer support intervention comprised TB health education, psycho-educational sessions, self-management support, and home visits. The Internalized Stigma of Tuberculosis Scale Thai Version was used to measure internalized stigma. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and repeated measures ANOVA. Mean scores of total internalized stigma and its sub-dimensions (alienation, stereotype endorsement, discrimination experience, social withdrawal, and stigma resistance) differed significantly across the three-time points (p <0.001, p <0.001, p <0.001, p <0.001, p <0.001, p = 0.002, respectively). Furthermore, stigma resistance scores significantly increased from pre-intervention to three months (p = 0.005) and from pre-intervention to six months (p = 0.007). However, no significant increase was observed from three to six months (p = 0.079). The study underlines the positive impact of peer support intervention in reducing internalized stigma among patients with TB in Thailand over time. The findings suggest that interventions focusing on peer support can potentially address internalized stigma, highlighting the importance of integrating these strategies into healthcare practices to enhance patient care and improve TB management outcomes.

Pilot trial protocol: community intervention to improve depressive symptoms among Peruvian older adults

BackgroundNon-pharmacological interventions have proven effective at alleviating depression and anxiety symptoms in older adults. Methodological refinement and testing of these interventions in new contexts are needed on a small scale before their effectiveness and implementation can be evaluated. The purpose of this pilot study is to assess the feasibility of a future large-scale trial comparing an adapted mental health multi-component evidence-based intervention (VIDACTIVA) versus standard care for older adults experiencing depression symptoms in urban, resource-limited settings in Lima, Peru. Furthermore, this study will explore the acceptability, feasibility, and fidelity of implementing the intervention.MethodsWe will conduct an open-label, mixed methods pilot feasibility study with two parallel groups. A total of 64 older adults, stratified by sex, will be randomized at a 1:1 ratio to either the “intervention” or “control.” Participants will be followed for 22 weeks after enrollment. Those in the intervention group will receive eight VIDACTIVA sessions administered by community health workers (CHWs) over 14 weeks, with an additional eight weeks of follow-up. Participants in the control group will receive two psychoeducation sessions from a study fieldworker and will be directed to health care centers. Standard care does not involve CHWs. We will evaluate screening rates, recruitment strategies, retention rates, the acceptability of randomization, and assessments. Additionally, we will assess preliminary implementation outcomes—acceptability, feasibility, and fidelity—from the perspectives of CHWs (interventionists), older adults (main participants), older adults’ relatives, and healthcare professionals.DiscussionIf the findings from this feasibility trial are favorable, a fully powered randomized controlled trial will be conducted to evaluate `both the effectiveness and implementation of the intervention. This research will make a substantial contribution to the field of mental health in older adults, particularly by emphasizing a meticulous examination and documentation of the implementation process. By doing so, this study will offer valuable methodologies and metrics for adapting and assessing mental health interventions tailored to the unique needs of older adults in resource-constrained contexts and diverse cultural settings.Trial registrationThe current trial registration number is NCT06065020, which was registered on 26th September 2023.

Transformative Resilience: Harnessing ICT for Trauma Recovery and Community Empowerment among Eritrean Refugees

This study investigates the effectiveness of the TRUST intervention, delivered through Information and Communication Technology (ICT), in addressing trauma and enhancing resilience among Eritrean refugees in impoverished camps. The research aims to explore whether the comprehensive TRUST program, compared to a shorter psycho-education session, can reduce traumatic stress levels and improve social and economic resilience and social capital, indicating a reduction in collective trauma. Ethical approval was obtained, and participants were randomly assigned to intervention groups. Livelihood support availability was assessed, and psychometric tests were administered before and after the intervention. Results indicate a significant decrease in traumatic stress levels and improvements in social and economic resilience among participants receiving the full TRUST intervention. Interestingly, the availability of livelihood support did not significantly impact trauma levels or associated improvements. Challenges in delivering therapy via ICT, such as connectivity issues, were identified. This study underscores the potential of ICT-enabled interventions in addressing mental health challenges in resource-constrained environments but highlights the importance of addressing connectivity issues for effective implementation.

The effect of cognitive behavioral therapy-based psychoeducation on substance abuse proclivity in adolescent smokers

ABSTRACT Aim The aim of this study is to determine how CBT-based psychoeducation affects substance abuse proclivity in adolescent smokers. Materials and Methods The study is an experimental study model with pretest–posttest control group. As a result of the power analysis carried out for the sample of the study, the sample size was calculated to be 110 adolescent smokers at a significance level of 0.05, confidence interval of 95%, an effect size of 0.7, and power of population representation of 0.95. A Descriptive Characteristics Form and SAPS were used to collect the data. The experimental group received eight sessions of cognitive-behavioral therapy-based psychoeducation. No educational program was applied to the control group. The data were analyzed using number, percentage, mean, standard deviation, chi-square, dependent samples t-test and independent samples t-test. Results Substance abuse proclivity was determined in adolescents who smoked cigarettes in the experimental and control groups. The SAPS total score average of the individuals in the experimental group decreased after psychoeducation compared to before psychoeducation. The difference between the posttest SAPS total mean scores of the control and experimental groups was statistically significant. Conclusion CBT-based psychoeducation was found to be effective in reducing substance use proclivities in adolescent smokers.

Improving parental self-efficacy in parents of children awaiting neurodevelopmental assessment: A parent group waiting list intervention

Background: Increased parental self-efficacy has been found to have positive effects on parental skills and stress levels, as well as behavioural outcomes for children. This is particularly relevant in relation to neurodivergent children and young people, who tend to present with more behavioural challenges related to emotion regulation difficulties. To assist with the issue of long wait times, a pilot parent group intervention was delivered to parents of children awaiting neurodevelopmental assessment who were presenting with emotion regulation difficulties. The aim of this study was to increase parental self-efficacy. Method: Psychoeducational parent group sessions were delivered online over five sessions to nine families. The sessions included psychoeducation around emotion regulation difficulties and strategies for managing these at home. Results: Parental self-efficacy scores significantly increased following intervention. Conclusions: Parental self-efficacy can be increased via group psychoeducation sessions aimed at understanding and improving emotion regulation.

Design of a nursing psychoeducation program to reduce preoperative anxiety in adults.

IntroductionPreoperative anxiety, with its multifactorial origins, affects a wide range of surgical patients, leading to adverse physiological and psychological effects in the perioperative period. Customized, autonomous nursing interventions are needed to address individual person needs. The shift toward outpatient surgery emphasizes the need for restructured nursing approaches. Existing literature suggests that preoperative nursing consultations offer opportunities for assessing needs, providing information, and prescribing anxiety-reduction strategies. Psychoeducation, a specialized skill within mental health and psychiatric nursing, has proven effective in alleviating preoperative anxiety and reducing postoperative complications. The aim is to obtain and analyze the information reflecting nurses’ understanding of the design, structure, and operationalization of a psychoeducation program to reduce preoperative anxiety in adults.MethodsA qualitative, exploratory, descriptive study was conducted. Data were collected through a 90-min focus group session held online via Zoom Meetings videoconferencing platform. Inclusion criteria for the participant’s selection were established. The focus group was guided to deliberate on potential strategies for crafting effective psychoeducational interventions. Data collection ceased upon reaching theoretical saturation and gathered information was submitted for content analysis. Ethical procedures were ensured.ResultsOf the participants, 10 were specialist nurses (7 working in mental health and psychiatric nursing and the remaining in medical-surgical nursing), with an average age of 41 and an average of 15 years working in surgical services. The nurses selected the target population, the structure and content of the psychoeducation sessions, and the resources and addressed the perceived importance, effectiveness, and feasibility of the designed psychoeducation program.DiscussionThe study revealed the nurses’ understanding of the design of a psychoeducation program potentially effective in reducing preoperative anxiety in adults, in an outpatient surgery context. This result will allow the transfer of the produced knowledge to nurses’ professional practice reflecting lower levels of anxiety and promoting a better surgical recovery. This is an unprecedented study conducted in Portugal, adding substantial knowledge to the nursing discipline. However, further research into implementing psychoeducation in a surgical context is suggested aiming to consolidate the results of research already carried out internationally.

Web-based interpretation bias training to reduce anxiety: A sequential, multiple-assignment randomized trial.

Web-based cognitive bias modification for interpretation (CBM-I) can improve interpretation biases and anxiety symptoms but faces high rates of dropout. This study tested the effectiveness of web-based CBM-I relative to an active psychoeducation condition and the addition of low-intensity telecoaching for a subset of CBM-I participants. 1,234 anxious community adults (Mage = 35.09 years, 81.2% female, 72.1% white, 82.6% not Hispanic) were randomly assigned at Stage 1 of a sequential, multiple-assignment randomized trial to complete five weekly sessions of CBM-I or psychoeducation on our team's public research website. After the first session, for Stage 2, an algorithm attempted to classify CBM-I participants as higher (vs. lower) risk for dropping out; those classified as higher risk were then randomly assigned to complete four brief weekly telecoaching check-ins (vs. no coaching). As hypothesized (https://doi.org/j2xr; Daniel, Eberle, & Teachman, 2020), CBM-I significantly outperformed psychoeducation at improving positive and negative interpretation biases (Recognition Ratings, Brief Body Sensations Interpretation Questionnaire) and anxiety symptoms (Overall Anxiety Severity and Impairment Scale, Anxiety Scale from Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-Short Form), with smaller treatment gains remaining significant at 2-month follow-up. Unexpectedly, CBM-I had significantly worse treatment dropout outcomes than psychoeducation, and adding coaching (vs. no coaching) did not significantly improve efficacy or dropout outcomes (notably, many participants chose not to interact with their coach). Web-based CBM-I appears effective, but supplemental coaching may not mitigate the challenge of dropout. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Impact of a comprehensive rehabilitation palliative care program on the quality of life of patients with terminal cancer and their informal caregivers: a quasi-experimental study

BackgroundPalliative care schemes, which include pain management, symptom control, psychosocial support and rehabilitation, aim to boost patients’ quality of life, ease the burden and anxiety of informal caregivers, and ultimately provide a comprehensive approach to enhance well-being during this challenging and sensitive period. This study aims to evaluate the impact of a comprehensive rehabilitation palliative care program on the quality of life of patients with terminal cancer and their informal caregivers.MethodsThis quasi-experimental study, conducted from August 2023 to January 2024 at outpatient clinics affiliated with the Oncology Center at Mansoura University, Egypt, focused on cancer patients and their caregivers in the palliative care department. Employing pre- and post-test phases, data were gathered using a questionnaire, EORTC QLQ C30, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Short Form Health Survey, Caregiver Burden Inventory, and Beck Anxiety Inventory. The investigation evaluated a 16-week rehabilitation program comprising exercise, psychoeducation, individual counselling, and spiritual support. Exercises, led by a physiotherapist, targeted fatigue and stress through tailored aerobic and resistance training. Psychoeducation sessions aimed to bolster coping abilities, covering fatigue management and nutrition. Trained counsellors addressed spiritual and existential concerns. Personal advisory sessions were available for individual support. Caregivers received education on rehabilitation and palliative care protocols, ensuring comprehensive patient care.ResultsThe mean age for cancer patients was 65.79 ± 13.85. In contrast, the mean age for primary carers was 42.05 ± 11.15. The QOL for cancer patients during the pre-test phase was 77.8 ± 7.16 and rose to 87.34 ± 14.56 during the post-test phase. Additionally, the total anxiety level of patients before the rehabilitation palliative care program was conducted was 15.45 ± 3.05 compared to 6.12 ± 3.21 after the post test phase. Furthermore, the total depression levels of the patients during the pre-test phase were 20.89 ± 9.21. However, after implementing the rehabilitation palliative care program, it decreased to 15.5 ± 6.86. In regards to the total quality of life of informal caregivers, it was measured at 67.28 ± 32.09 before conducting the program. Nevertheless, it increased to 25.95 ± 40.29 after conducting it. Additionally, the total Caregiver Burden Inventory before implementing the program was 37.45 ± 25.7, and it decreased to 29.36 ± 16.4 after conducting it. Additionally, the total score on the Beck Anxiety Inventory decreased from 45.7 ± 4.3 during the initial testing phase to 17.35 ± 23.67.ConclusionThe program for rehabilitation palliative care successfully achieved its goals by enhancing the overall quality of life for cancer patients and their caregivers. Additionally, it reduced the anxiety and depression levels among the patients, as well as the anxiety and caregiver burden among the caregivers. Continue research into the effectiveness of rehabilitation palliative care programs to identify best practices, improve existing programs, and expand access to these services.

Comparing the effectiveness of narrative therapy and EMDR-GTEP protocols in the treatment of post-traumatic stress in children exposed to humanitarian crises

BackgroundThe mental health of children living in humanitarian crisis situations is a major issue. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) causes great psychological suffering and has negative consequences on children's development. The aim of the study was to analyze retrospective data collected in a mental health and psychosocial support program for children in the Central African Republic, and to compare results of two trauma-focused treatment interventions: the narrative protocol Action contre la Faim (ACF)/KONO; and the EMDR-based Group Trauma Episode Protocol (G-TEP). Both protocols are proposed in a group setting and led by paraprofessionals.MethodsIn the program, 884 children attended a psychoeducation session and after that, 661 children (290 for ACF/KONO and 371 for G-TEP) benefited from all treatment sessions. PTSD was measured by the Children's Revised Impact of Event Scale (CRIES-8). General distress was measured by the Child Psychosocial Distress Screener (CPDS). Data were collected before and after treatment, and measured 5 months after the end of treatment for 185 children.ResultsParticipants in the ACF/KONO group show a significant reduction on CRIES-8 (t = 44.8; p &amp;lt; 0.001, effect size = 2.63) and CPDS (t = 38.2; p &amp;lt; 0.001, effect size = 2.24). Participants to the G-TEP protocol show a significant effect with reduced scores on the CRIES-8 (t = 49.2; p &amp;lt; 0.001, effect size = 2.55) and CPDS (t = 57.2; p &amp;lt; 0.001, effect size = 2.97). A Student's t-test comparing the ACF/KONO and G-TEP groups shows no significant difference between the two types of treatment between pre- and post-treatment CRIES-8 scores (t = 1.744; p = 0.514, effect size = 0.040) and CPDS scores (t = 1.688; p = 0.092, effect size = 0.323). An analysis of the follow-up data for the 185 children shows that the effects of both protocols are maintained over time with mean scores after treatment and follow-up below the clinical cut-off for both CPDS (&amp;lt;8) and CRIES-8 (&amp;lt;17).ConclusionsBoth protocols have been shown to be effective in reducing traumatic symptoms in children exposed to conflict; they can be conducted by paraprofessionals and used in humanitarian crisis situations.

Effect of Psychoeducation on Reducing Burden Among Primary Caregivers of People with Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a serious psychological illness that needs long-term treatment. Family members, especially those who care for a patient at home, experience the burden of providing long-term care. Psychoeducational intervention may enhance the caregiver’s outcomes. The major goal of the study was to explore the effect of psychoeducation on reducing the burden among primary carers of people with schizophrenia. In this study, thirty-two participants (32 caregivers) were purposefully selected based on the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). A personal information form and the Bangla version of the Zarit Burden Interview scale were administered. Total participants were divided by simple randomization into two groups (i.e., experimental and control groups). Following the baseline evaluation by questionnaire, the experimental group of 16 caregivers received two sessions of psychoeducation, but the control group of the same number of caregivers did not. The effectiveness of psychoeducation was evaluated using a pretest-posttest control group design. Findings suggested that psychoeducation decreased the level of burden, and after the intervention, the mean score of the experimental group was lower than that of the control group. These findings found that the psychoeducation intervention had a positive outcome in reducing the burden on caregivers of patients who deal with schizophrenia. Jagannath University Journal of Life and Earth Sciences, 9(1): 81–94, 2023 (June)

Race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status as predictors of outcome following family therapy in youth at clinical high risk for psychosis.

There is limited research on the effects of sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors on treatment outcomes in youth at clinical high risk for psychosis (CHRp). This study examined sociodemographic factors that may affect functional outcomes within this population. Specifically, we investigated the influence of race/ethnicity (dichotomized as non-Hispanic whites [NHW] vs. people of colour [POC]), socioeconomic status (SES; operationalized as parental years of education), and their interaction on change in psychosocial functioning and symptoms over 6 months in a randomized trial of family-focused therapy. CHRp youth (N = 128) participated in a randomized trial of family therapy (18 sessions of family therapy vs. 3 sessions of family psychoeducation). Sixty-four participants who self-identified as POC and 64 self-identified NHW participants completed baseline and 6-month follow-up measures of positive and negative symptoms and psychosocial (global, role, and social) functioning. Multiple regression models were conducted to test the main effect of race/ethnicity on changes in positive and negative symptoms and functioning, and whether this effect was moderated by parental education. There was a significant interaction between race/ethnicity and parental education, such that higher parental education was associated with greater improvement in global functioning in NHW participants, but there was no relationship between parental education and global functioning in POC. Additionally, higher parental education was associated with a decrease in negative symptoms in NHW participants but not in POC. There were no significant effects of race/ethnicity or parental education on positive symptoms, nor on social or role functioning. Clinicians may consider tailoring psychosocial treatments according to the needs of diverse families who vary in sociodemographic factors such as educational attainment and race/ethnicity.

Effectiveness of structured group psychoeducation for people with bipolar disorder in Rwanda: A randomized open-label superiority trial

BackgroundPsychoeducation is a cornerstone as an add-on to pharmacotherapy in standard care for individuals with bipolar disorder. However, evidence of the effectiveness of psychoeducation in low-resource settings is scarce. AimsWe aimed to assess the effectiveness of structured group psychoeducation versus waiting list on relapse prevention for individuals with bipolar disorder in Rwanda, a low-income country. MethodsThis was a randomized open-label superiority trial. Participants aged 18 years or older with bipolar disorder were recruited at the two referral hospitals for mental health in Rwanda and randomly assigned 12 sessions of group psychoeducation or a waiting list. The program was tailored to the setting and co-designed with patients and clinicians. The follow-up period was 12 months, and the primary outcome mean number of psychiatric hospitalizations. ResultsIn February and March 2021, 154 participants were randomly assigned to receive group psychoeducation (n = 78) or to a waiting list (n = 76). The retention rate was high, with only three discontinuing the psychoeducation once they had received a session. Despite limited use of first-line pharmacotherapy, the psychoeducation reduced the risk of hospitalization by half during the 12-month follow-up (RR: 0.50(95 % CI 0.26–0.95)). Yet, no change in medical adherence was observed. LimitationWeekly assessment of clinical status was not feasible. ConclusionStructured group psychoeducation for bipolar disorder in a low-resource setting has a protective effect against readmission despite limited access to first-line pharmacotherapy. Further studies are needed to assess the effectiveness of the program in more decentralized settings with less highly trained staff.Trial registration: NCT04671225

Comparative study of the effectiveness of EMDR G-TEP and CBT group protocols for the treatment of trauma in children exposed to a conflict context

Introduction357 million children live in conflict zones. Children’s mental health is a major but complex issue as needs and interventions depend on the age of the child, caregivers, daily safety and protection, etc. EMDR and CBT are the recommended therapies to treat PTSD according to the WHO, but there is not enough standardized evidence-based protocol for children. Testing and evaluating trauma management systems for children is essential for trauma treatment interventions to be implemented in emergency contexts, such as war and conflict situations.Objectives This research compares two intervention protocols for children aged 6 to 17 years suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after exposure to conflict traumatic events in the Central African Republic: the protocol “Kôno” developed by Action contre la Faim, based on a CBT and narrative approaches and the EMDR/G-TEP (Group Traumatic Events Protocol). After a psychoeducation session, the children were assigned to the ACF-KONO or EMDR/G-TEP groups for 5 sessions. The Child Psychosocial Distress Screener (CPDS) to measure general well-being and functioning and the Child Revised Impact of Events Scale (CRIES) to assess trauma, were administered before and after treatment.Methods 793 children participated in the research, 391 were included in the ACF-KONO protocol and 402 in the EMDR/G-TEP protocol. Both protocols have been shown to be equally effective in improving well-being and reducing traumatic symptoms. 185 children (90 ACF-KONO and 95 EMDR/G-TEP) were also re-evaluated after 5 months. The CPDS and CRIES-8 measurements reveal that the results are stable over time, with the use of both protocols. Detailed results will be presented.Results This research contributes to the discussion on a framework for group protocols for children in mental health and psychosocial support interventions in humanitarian programs. The two protocols tested showed very good results in reducing symptoms of PTSD in children. How to choose between EMDR/G-TEP and CBT? What contextual and cultural adaptations are to be expected? Are there differences in children’s appreciation? And in that of mental health practitioners? Ideas for reflection will be shared.ConclusionsIt is possible to widen access to therapeutic treatment of PTSD for children in emergency situations such as war and conflict. Further research in other contexts is needed. These studies should explore qualitative elements, such as children’s appreciations, but also the impact of these different protocols on the vicarious trauma of professionals involved in the treatment of children’s trauma.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

The Effect of Mindfulness-based Psychoeducation on Negative Automatic Thoughts and Medication Adherence in Individuals with Cannabis Use Disorder: a Randomized Controlled Trial

AbstractThe aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of mindfulness-based psychoeducation on negative automatic thoughts and medication adherence in individuals with cannabis use disorder. The randomized controlled study was conducted between September 2021 and December 2022 in the psychiatry clinic of a university hospital in Turkey. The sample size of the study consisted of 60 individuals (30 experimental groups, 30 control groups). Descriptive Characteristics Form, Negative Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire, and Morisky Medication Adherence Scale were used to collect data. In the study, while eight sessions of mindfulness-based psychoeducation were given to the experimental group, no intervention was applied to the control group. Experimental group posttest negative automatic thoughts and medication adherence scale total mean scores were found to be statistically significant (p &lt; 0.05). It was determined that the posttest negative automatic thoughts scale total score mean in the experimental group decreased compared to the control group, and the medication adherence scale total score mean increased compared to the control group. It was determined that mindfulness-based psychoeducation given to individuals with cannabis use disorder was effective in negative automatic thoughts and adherence to treatment.