Peer-delivered Problem-solving Therapy for Adolescent Mental Health in Kenya: Adaptation for Context and Training of Peer-counselors

Peer-delivered Problem-solving Therapy for Adolescent Mental Health in Kenya: Adaptation for Context and Training of Peer-counselors

Peer-delivered interventions for adolescent mental health can help address poor access to mental health interventions. Questions remain about how interventions can be adapted for peer delivery and whether peers can be trained. In this study, we adapted problem solving therapy (PST) for peer-delivery...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of abnormal child psychology Vol. 51; no. 9; pp. 1243 - 1256
Main Authors: Giusto, Ali, Vander Missen, Marissa R, Kosgei, Gilliane, Njiriri, Faith, Puffer, Eve, Kamaru Kwobah, Edith, Barasa, Julius, Turissini, Matthew, Rasmussen, Justin, Ott, Mary, Binayo, Joseph, Rono, Wilter, Jaguga, Florence
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: United States Springer Nature B.V 01-09-2023
Subjects:
Adaptation
Adolescent
Adolescents
African Languages
Audiovisual materials
Case studies
Child & adolescent mental health
Competence
Counseling
Counselors
Humans
India
Intervention
Kenya
Mental Health
Mental health services
Patients
Peer Counseling
Peers
Problem solving
Psychotherapy
Role playing
Secondary schools
Teachers
Training
Kenya
India
Adolescents
Lay-counselors
Mental health
Peers
Adaptation
Problem-solving therapy
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Summary:Peer-delivered interventions for adolescent mental health can help address poor access to mental health interventions. Questions remain about how interventions can be adapted for peer delivery and whether peers can be trained. In this study, we adapted problem solving therapy (PST) for peer-delivery with adolescents in Kenya and explored whether peer counselors can be trained in PST. We adapted treatment prior to and during training using the Cultural Adaptation and Contextualization for Implementation framework. Nine peer counselors (Ages 20-24) were selected and trained over 10 days. Peer competencies and knowledge were measured pre-post using a written exam, a written case study, and role plays rated using a standardized competency measure. We chose a version of PST used in India with secondary school adolescents originally delivered by teachers. All materials were translated into Kiswahili. Language and format were adapted to Kenyan adolescents as well as for delivery by peers with a focus on understandability and relevance (e.g., noting shared experience). Metaphors, examples, and visual materials were adapted for the context to reflect the culture and vernacular of Kenyan youth. Peer counselors were able to be trained in PST. Pre-post competencies and understanding of content showed improvements with peers minimally meeting patient needs (pre) on average to moderate/fully meeting patient needs (post). Post-training written exam score showed an average 90% correct. There is an adapted version of PST for Kenyan adolescents and peer delivery. Peer counselors can be trained to deliver a 5-session PST in a community context.
ISSN:2730-7166
2730-7174
DOI:10.1007/s10802-023-01075-8