Presentation Information
[P-8-02]Examining the efficacy, feasibility and acceptability of MEmory Training for Recovery Adolescents (METRA) on Psychiatric Symptoms among Adolescents in Humanitarian Contexts
*Laura Anne Jobson1, Sayed Jafar Ahmadi2, Azi Berzengi3 (1.Monash University(Australia), 2.Bard College(United States of America), 3.University of East Anglia(UK))
Keywords:
trauma,adolescence,humanitarian
Humanitarian crises disproportionately impact adolescents, heightening their risk of developing psychiatric conditions such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. Despite this significant burden, access to evidence-based mental health care remains limited—largely due to high costs, inadequate services, and scarce resources—with treatment gaps reaching up to 85% in low- and middle-income countries.
In response, we developed and evaluated MEmory Training for Recovery–Adolescent (METRA)—a low-intensity, low-cost intervention designed to reduce psychiatric distress. METRA can be delivered in group settings by local community health practitioners in humanitarian settings.
In this presentation, we share findings from three studies assessing the efficacy, acceptability, and feasibility of METRA. Study 1 and Study 2 evaluated METRA among adolescent girls and boys in Kabul, Afghanistan, while Study 3 included adolescents in Kirkuk, Iraq. Across all three studies, adolescents who received METRA showed significant reductions in psychiatric symptoms. METRA was also found to be cost-effective and feasible to implement in humanitarian contexts.
We will also reflect on key lessons learned from delivering mental health interventions and conducting research in complex humanitarian environments.
In response, we developed and evaluated MEmory Training for Recovery–Adolescent (METRA)—a low-intensity, low-cost intervention designed to reduce psychiatric distress. METRA can be delivered in group settings by local community health practitioners in humanitarian settings.
In this presentation, we share findings from three studies assessing the efficacy, acceptability, and feasibility of METRA. Study 1 and Study 2 evaluated METRA among adolescent girls and boys in Kabul, Afghanistan, while Study 3 included adolescents in Kirkuk, Iraq. Across all three studies, adolescents who received METRA showed significant reductions in psychiatric symptoms. METRA was also found to be cost-effective and feasible to implement in humanitarian contexts.
We will also reflect on key lessons learned from delivering mental health interventions and conducting research in complex humanitarian environments.