A Scalable Psychological Intervention for Earthquake Survivors in Türkiye

On the 6th February, 2023, Türkiye experienced two consecutive earthquakes with magnitudes of 7.7 and 7.6. As a consequence of such a disaster, the increasing prevalence of mental health issues has resulted in increased need and demand for mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services in the country. In order to reach a higher number of people on time, implementation of brief, scalable interventions addressing common mental health problems has garnered significant importance. One such intervention is Problem Management Plus that is developed by World Health Organization for communities that experienced adversities. PM+ is a 5-session psychological intervention that aims to improve common mental health problems by teaching participants evidence-based behavioral strategies (i.e., stress management, problem solving, behavioral activation and strengthening social support). Both the individual and group versions of PM+ were tested for feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness in various countries among different populations, including the earthquake-affected communities in Nepal.

This study will be the first to test the potential effectiveness of individual PM+ among earthquake survivors in Türkiye. The study will be designed as a pilot randomized controlled trial and the potential effectiveness of individual PM+ will be tested compared to Enhanced-Care as Usual (E-CAU) control group. The study is planned to be conducted at container cities in different earthquake regions (e.g.,Hatay, Adıyaman or Malatya). After the baseline assessment, eligible 60 participants will be randomized to two arms: in either the PM+ (n=30) or only control group (E-CAU; n=30). If they will be randomized into the PM+ condition, the facilitator will plan five consecutive sessions with the participants. The first session will take place no longer than one week after the pre-intervention assessment. The post-intervention assessment through the same measures used in the pretest will take place within 1 week after completion of the fifth session. Follow-up assessment will be conducted one month after the last-session. All study participants including drop-outs will be invited to all outcome assessments. After completion of the follow-up assessment, those in the E-CAU condition will be offered with PM+. The primary outcome measure will be depression and anxiety, posttraumatic stress, psychological distress, psychosocial functioning and self-identified problems will be included as secondary outcome measures.

In order to assess feasibility and acceptability of these interventions, and the possibility of scaling up as well, we will assess the recruitment and consent rates, the percentages of attendance of sessions, the protocol adherence, drop-out rates and qualitative assessments from the process evaluation.

Inclusion criteria

• Being 18 years or above
• Being experienced the Kahramanmaraş earthquake
• Elevated level of psychological distress indicated by having a score of 15 or above on Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10)
• Impaired daily functioning indicated by having a score of 16 or above on WHO Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS)

Exclusion criteria

• imminent suicide risk (assessed with the PM+ manual suicidal thoughts interview),
• indications of severe mental disorders (e.g., psychotic disorders) or cognitive impairment (e.g., severe intellectual disability; assessed by the PM+ manual observation checklist),
• ongoing treatment in specialized mental health care.