Local perceptions of the impact of group interpersonal psychotherapy in rural Uganda

R. E. Lewandowski; P. A. Bolton; A. Feighery; J. Bass; C. Hamba; E. Haroz; V. Stavrou; L. Ndogoni; A. Jean-Pierre; H. Verdeli

doi:10.1017/gmh.2016.15

Cambridge Prisms: Global Mental Health (Jan 2016)

Local perceptions of the impact of group interpersonal psychotherapy in rural Uganda

R. E. Lewandowski,
P. A. Bolton,
A. Feighery,
J. Bass,
C. Hamba,
E. Haroz,
V. Stavrou,
L. Ndogoni,
A. Jean-Pierre,
H. Verdeli

Affiliations

R. E. Lewandowski: Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University, 1 Park Avenue, 7th Floor Reception, New York, NY, USA
P. A. Bolton: Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, USA
A. Feighery: Department of Health and Behavior Studies, Teachers College, Columbia University, 525 West 120th Street, New York, NY, USA
J. Bass: Department of Mental Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, USA
C. Hamba: World Vision Uganda, Plot 15B, Nakasero Road, P.O. Box 5319 Kampala, Uganda
E. Haroz: Department of Mental Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, USA
V. Stavrou: Columbia Group for Children in Adversity, 5 River Road, Suite 116 Wilton, CT, USA
L. Ndogoni: World Vision East Africa Regional Office, P.O. Box 133 – 00502 Karen, Nairobi, Kenya
A. Jean-Pierre: Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University, 525 West 120th Street, New York, NY, USA
H. Verdeli: ORCiD; Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University, 525 West 120th Street, New York, NY, USA

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/gmh.2016.15
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 3

Abstract

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Background. This study investigated local perceptions of changes stemming from a long-standing Group Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT-G) program for the treatment of depression in rural Uganda. The study was conducted in a low-income, severely HIV/AIDS-affected area where in 2001 the prevalence of depression was estimated at 21% among adults. Method. Data were collected using free-listing and key informant qualitative interviews. A convenience sample of 60 free-list respondents was selected from among IPT-G participants, their families, and other community members from 10 Ugandan villages. Twenty-two key informants and six IPT-G facilitators were also interviewed. Results. Content analysis yielded five primary categories of change in the community related to the IPT-G program: (1) improved school attendance for children; (2) improved productivity; (3) improved sanitation in communities; (4) greater cohesion among community members; and (5) reduced conflict in families. Community members and IPT-G facilitators suggested that as depression remitted, IPT-G participants became more hopeful, motivated and productive. Conclusion. Results suggest that providing treatment for depression in communities with high depression prevalence rates may lead to positive changes in a range of non-mental health outcomes.

Published in Cambridge Prisms: Global Mental Health

ISSN: 2054-4251 (Online)
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Country of publisher: United Kingdom
LCC subjects: Medicine: Internal medicine: Neurosciences. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry
Website: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/global-mental-health

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Abstract

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