Findings from the Tushirikiane-4-MH (supporting each other for mental health) mobile health-supported virtual reality randomized controlled trial among urban refugee youth in Kampala, Uganda.

ABSTRACT: Virtual reality (VR) for mental health promotion remains understudied in low-income humanitarian settings. We examined the effectiveness of VR in reducing depression with urban refugee youth in Kampala, Uganda. This randomized controlled trial assessed VR alone (Arm 1), VR followed by Group Problem Management Plus (GPM+) (Arm 2) and a control group (Arm 3), with a peer-driven and convenience sample of refugee youth aged 16-25 in Kampala. The primary outcome, depression, was measured with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Secondary outcomes included: mental health literacy, mental health stigma, self-compassion, mental well-being and adaptive coping. Analyses were conducted at three time points (baseline, 8 weeks, 16 weeks) using generalized estimating equations. Among participants (n<

SUBMITTER: Logie CH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11810762 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature