Implementing a stabilizing intervention for traumatized refugees in temporary accommodations in South-West Germany -...

Area of Science:

• Mental Health
• Refugee Health
• Psychological Interventions

Background:

• Refugees experience higher rates of trauma-related disorders like PTSD, depression, and anxiety due to pre- and post-migration stressors.
• Limited access to mental health treatment for refugees is often caused by legal uncertainties, language barriers, and cultural differences.
• Self-applied digital interventions offer a potential solution to overcome these barriers in refugee mental healthcare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of audio-based mindfulness and guided imagery techniques for refugees experiencing PTSD symptoms.
• To evaluate the impact of these self-applied techniques on depression, anxiety, perceived stress, and emotional state.
• To explore the feasibility and adherence of self-administered digital mental health interventions for refugees in temporary accommodations.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled pilot trial involving 32 refugees with PTSD symptoms living in temporary accommodations.
• Participants were assigned to an intervention group receiving audio-based mindfulness and guided imagery or a waiting list control group.
• Symptom severity was measured using validated scales (PC-PTSD-5, PHQ-4) and self-assessment tools (Self-Assessment Manikin, Stress Thermometer) over a 4-week period.

Main Results:

• No significant changes were observed in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, or anxiety symptoms between the intervention and control groups.
• Perceived stress and emotional state also showed no significant improvements following the intervention.
• Low participant engagement with the self-administered exercises was noted, primarily due to ongoing post-migratory stressors like job searching and residence status concerns.

Conclusions:

• Audio-based self-applied mindfulness and guided imagery interventions showed limited effectiveness in reducing mental health symptoms among refugees in temporary accommodations.
• The self-administered nature and potentially insufficient intervention intensity, coupled with significant external stressors, may have limited the impact.
• Future research should consider tailored, supported interventions and address the practical challenges faced by refugees in accessing and utilizing mental health resources.