HELP@APP: study design for the development and evaluation of a self-help app for traumatized Syrian refugees in Germany

Einleitung:

Syrians represent the largest group among refugees in Germany. Many of them were exposed to sequential traumatizing events including war, escape and post-migration stressors, increasing the risk of posttraumatic stress and mental disorders. Adequate treatment options are lacking and access to psychosocial care is often restricted due to legal regulation, language barriers, and unclear cost coverage. We therefore developed a low-threshold supportive self-help app for Syrian refugees with posttraumatic stress symptoms.

Methoden:

The modular, interactive self-help app in Arabic language is grounded on cognitive-behavioral models for the treatment of posttraumatic stress. The app will be evaluated through a randomized controlled trial. Accordingly, screened positive participants (i.e., Syrian refugees, 18 – 65 years old, mild to moderate posttraumatic stress symptomatology) will be randomly allocated to an intervention (IG) and control group (CG). Participants in the IG will gain access to the app for one month, while participants in the CG will receive psychoeducational reading material. Measurements are scheduled before the intervention (T0), directly after the intervention (T1) and three months after the intervention (T2). Using linear mixed effect models, we will investigate change in posttraumatic symptomatology and secondary outcomes (i.e. depression, anxiety, and quality of life). Usability and user acceptance of the app, its economic health benefit and cost-effectiveness will be inspected.

Ergebnisse:

Diskussion:

We plan to make the app freely available to the general public after evaluation. Thus, the app can help to add-on to routine care, which currently lacks sufficient and appropriate treatment options for Syrian refugees.