[Peer-to-Peer Self-help Interventions for Refugees: A Pilot Study]

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Mental Health Services Research
• Sociology

Background:

• Increased refugee arrivals in Germany since 2015 have strained mental health care systems.
• A need exists to improve refugees' awareness and access to mental health services.
• Peer-to-peer (P2P) counseling offers a potential solution to bridge gaps in care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and perceived benefits of a P2P counseling intervention for refugees.
• To gather insights on refugees' experiences, expectations, and preferences regarding P2P mental health support.
• To assess the P2P model's potential to enhance mental health care access for forcibly displaced populations.

Main Methods:

• Development of a P2P counseling manual and training program for refugee peer counselors at Charité-University Medical Center Berlin.
• Qualitative pilot study involving four P2P groups with Farsi/Dari and Arabic-speaking refugees (male and female).
• Individual interviews to assess perceived benefits, challenges, preferences, and expectations, with data analyzed using MAXQDA.

Main Results:

• All P2P participants reported satisfaction with the intervention.
• The P2P groups facilitated social connection and strengthened social support networks among participants.
• Participants suggested tailoring group sessions to individual needs for optimal effectiveness.

Conclusions:

• P2P counseling is a valuable approach for enhancing mental health support among refugees.
• Integrating P2P models into mental health services can increase healthcare access and reduce barriers for refugees.
• The study highlights the potential of P2P interventions to improve the well-being of forcibly displaced individuals.