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Brief Multi-Disciplinary Treatment for Torture Survivors in Nepal: a Naturalistic Comparative Study

Author

Listed:
  • Wietse A. Tol

    (HealthNet TPO, Department of Public Health and Research, Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and Vrije University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands, wtol@healthnettpo.org)

  • Ivan H. Komproe

    (HealthNet TPO, Department of Public Health and Research, Amsterdam, the Netherlands)

  • Mark J.D. Jordans

    (HealthNet TPO, Department of Public Health and Research, Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and Vrije University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands)

  • Suraj B. Thapa

    (Institute of Psychiatry, University of Oslo, Norway)

  • Bhogendra Sharma

    (Centre for Victims of Torture, Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal)

  • Joop T.V.M. De Jong

    (Vrije University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands, GGD Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and Boston University, School of Medicine, United States of America)

Abstract

Background: Little is known about the effectiveness of treatment for torture survivors in low-income settings. Multi-disciplinary treatment is an often used approach for this target group. Aims: This study was aimed at examining the effectiveness of brief multi-disciplinary treatment for torture survivors in Nepal. Methods: A naturalistic comparative design with help-seeking torture survivors and internally displaced persons assigned to a treatment and a comparison group respectively ( n = 192; treatment group n = 111, comparison group n = 81), with baseline measurements on psychiatric symptomatology, disability, and functioning and a five-month follow-up ( n = 107; treatment group n = 62; comparison group n = 45), was employed. Intervention consisted of brief psychosocial services, minimal medical services and/or legal assistance. Results: Study groups were generally comparable and non-completers did not significantly differ from completers. The treatment group improved more than the comparison group on somatic symptoms, subjective well-being, disability and functioning, with mostly moderate effect sizes. Conclusion: Treatment was moderately effective, with regards to reducing the nonspecific mental health consequences of torture, but disability scores remained high. For clients presenting with more severe mental health problems, other treatments that are realistic in the resource-poor Nepali context need to be sought.

Suggested Citation

  • Wietse A. Tol & Ivan H. Komproe & Mark J.D. Jordans & Suraj B. Thapa & Bhogendra Sharma & Joop T.V.M. De Jong, 2009. "Brief Multi-Disciplinary Treatment for Torture Survivors in Nepal: a Naturalistic Comparative Study," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 55(1), pages 39-56, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:55:y:2009:i:1:p:39-56
    DOI: 10.1177/0020764008091525
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kagee, Ashraf, 2004. "Present concerns of survivors of human rights violations in South Africa," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 59(3), pages 625-635, August.
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    Cited by:

    1. Tol, Wietse A. & Kohrt, Brandon A. & Jordans, Mark J.D. & Thapa, Suraj B. & Pettigrew, Judith & Upadhaya, Nawaraj & de Jong, Joop T.V.M., 2010. "Political violence and mental health: A multi-disciplinary review of the literature on Nepal," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 70(1), pages 35-44, January.

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