JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

A majority of forcibly displaced refugees in Sweden originate from the Arab Republic of Syria and Iraq. Approximately half of all refugees are between the ages of 15-26. This particular group of youth is at a higher risk for developing various mental disorders. However, low utilization of mental health services across Europe has been found. Previous research indicate that culturally adapted psychological interventions may be suitable for refugee youth. Nevertheless, little is known about the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of such psychological interventions.

Objective:

The aim of the current study was to explore the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of an individually tailored and culturally adapted internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) for Arabic-speaking refugee and immigrant youth in Sweden.

Methods:

Seventeen participants were included to participate in an open-trial study of an individually tailored and culturally adapted iCBT targeting common mental health problems. To assess the intervention outcome, the Hopkins Symptoms Checklist (HSCL-25) was utilized. To explore the acceptability of the intervention, in-depth interviews were conducted with twelve participants analyzed using thematic analysis. Feasibility was assessed by measuring treatment adherence and by calculating recruitment and retention rates.

Results:

The intervention suffered from a high drop-out rate and low feasibility. Among completers, a significant reduction in anxiety and depressive symptoms was found on the HSCL-25. Three overarching categories emerged from the thematic analysis: experiences regarding SahaUng (the treatment), attitudes toward psychological interventions and personal factors important for adherence.

Conclusions:

The findings from the present study indicate that the feasibility and acceptability of the current intervention could be increased by a refinement of recruitment strategies, further simplification of the treatment content and modifications to the cultural adaptation. The within-group treatment effects among treatment completers suggest that iCBT has potential to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression among Arabic-speaking refugee youth.