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

• Published in: Global mental health 2016, Vol.3, p.e23-e23, Article e23
• Main Authors: Lewandowski, R. E., Bolton, P. A., Feighery, A., Bass, J., Hamba, C., Haroz, E., Stavrou, V., Ndogoni, L., Jean-Pierre, A., Verdeli, H.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acquired immune deficiency syndrome; AIDS; Antidepressants; Child & adolescent psychiatry; Community; community impact; Consent; depression; education; Entrepreneurship education; group interpersonal psychotherapy; HIV; Human immunodeficiency virus; Interventions; Interviews; low and middle-income countries (LMICs); Mental depression; Mental disorders; Mental health; Original Research Paper; Perceptions; Psychotherapy; Public health; Qualitative research; rapid ethnographic assessment; Rural areas; Uganda
• ISSN: 2054-4251; 2054-4251
• DOI: 10.1017/gmh.2016.15

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. 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. 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. 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.