A behavioral intervention for war-affected youth in Sierra Leone: a randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Youth in war-affected regions are at risk for poor psychological, social, and educational outcomes. Effective interventions are needed to improve mental health, social behavior, and school functioning. This randomized controlled trial tested the effectiveness of a 10-session cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)-based group mental health intervention for multisymptomatic war-affected youth (aged 15-24 years) in Sierra Leone.

Method

War-affected youth identified by elevated distress and impairment via community screening were randomized (stratified by sex and age) to the Youth Readiness Intervention (YRI) (n = 222) or to a control condition (n = 214). After treatment, youth were again randomized and offered an education subsidy immediately (n = 220) or waitlisted (n =

SUBMITTER: Betancourt TS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5022359 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature