1 - (SYM 32) Effectiveness of Islamic Trauma Healing on PTSD and Mental Health Outcomes

Innovative approaches are needed to empower non-professionals and utilize faith-based community infrastructure to support individuals and communities affected by war and conflict-related trauma. In regions like Somalia, where trauma and posttraumatic stress are prevalent, access to care is hindered by provider shortages, stigma, and the lack of faith-integrated mental health services. This hybrid effectiveness-implementation clinical trial (NCT05890482, Zoellner et al., 2023) examined the implementation of Islamic Trauma Healing, a brief, group-based intervention led by mosque leaders to address trauma-related psychological distress and promote community reconciliation among survivors (N = 238) in Somaliland, Somalia. Leaders received a two-day training, with remote supervision provided via WhatsApp. The six-session intervention integrates evidence-based trauma-focused psychotherapy with Islamic teachings, drawing on the wisdom of the Prophets and encouraging supplication (dua) as a means of approaching trauma memories.  In a cluster randomized design, comparing ITH to repeated assessment waitlist, participants received ITH across three cities and nine mosques.  

Based on preliminary results for masked interviewer-rated PTSD severity (PSS-I-5), at post-intervention, PTSD severity was lower for those receiving ITH than WL, p < .001, d = 0.49. For ITH, there was a pre- to post-effect size for gold standard masked interviewer-rated PTSD severity of d = 1.15.  Depression severity was lower for those receiving ITH than WL, p = .005, d = 0.41. Somatic symptoms were lower for those receiving ITH than WL, p = .006, d = 0.38. Finally, well-being was higher for those receiving ITH than WL, p < .001, d = 0.63. Gains were maintained through 3 month follow-up.

After receiving ITH, participant satisfaction was rated from 1 [poor] to 4 [excellent]. Positive ratings were observed for ITH helping community reconciliation (M = 3.41, SD = 0.84), matching with religious beliefs and cultural practices (M = 3.41, SD = 0.83), and willing to recommend the program for a friend who wanted trauma-related healing (M = 3.70, SD = 0.56). From qualitative focus group feedback after each of the groups, common comments include statements such as, "I realize that this program is a valuable program based on Islamic principles. I have received tangible benefits from this program," "It is a program that helps many people who have suffered, and it treats the trauma that affects the brain," and "I learned patience, perseverance, and good prayer from this program."