Mental health and psychosocial support for people affected by humanitarian crises: barriers and facilitators for its implementation
Citation: Dickson K, Bangpan M. What are the barriers to, and facilitators of, implementing and receiving MHPSS programmes delivered to populations affected by humanitarian emergencies? A qualitative evidence synthesis. Global Mental Health. 2018;5:e21.
Language: Abstract and full text only available in EN.
Free to view: Yes.
Funding sources: Oxfam and Feinstein International Centre (FIC), Tufts University, USA.
What is this? People affected by humanitarian crises are likely to need mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS).
In this systematic review, the authors searched for studies on the barriers and facilitators for MHPSS in populations affected by humanitarian emergencies in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). They restricted their searches to articles published in English from 1980 onwards. They included 14 studies, which were from Burundi (1 study), Guatemala (1), Haiti (1), Iran (1), Mozambique (1), Palestine/Israel (1), Rwanda (3), Sierra Leone (2), Sri Lanka (1), Turley (1) and Uganda (1).
What was found: Community engagement was found to be essential in supporting the effective delivery and use of MHPSS programs in humanitarian settings.
Critical factors for addressing the MHPSS needs of communities were maximizing resources and focusing efforts without waste with the help of mental health agencies, investing in mental health support in healthcare settings and working with governments to implement and provide services.
In humanitarian settings with limited resources, recruitment and retention of workers is important for ensuring that MHPSS programs are adequately staffed.
To increase access to MHPSS programs and effectively reach communities, program features such as sensitization to various mental health experiences are essential.
Group-based programs were helpful, providing individuals with an outlet to connect with others who have shared and similar experiences, promoting better social inclusion and social cohesion.
Considering the holistic needs of communities (such as the inclusivity of diverse cultural and ethical issues) is a key challenge to implementing MHPSS programs, particularly in humanitarian emergencies.
Implications: The authors of the review stated that appropriately trained professionals are needed if MHPSS programs are to be successfully implemented. They also stated that further research should build on the findings of their review and on current practice.
Other considerations: The authors of the review discussed their findings in the context of occupation, culture, age and social capital.
This summary was prepared by Yasmeen Saeed and edited and finalized by Mike Clarke.