Evaluating the effectiveness of Resilience and Coping psychosocial Intervention

Abstract

Covid-19 related psychosocial stress, both in Uganda and internationally, is known to be a major public health burden at many levels including the family (Gordon, 2020). This study explores the effectiveness of the Family Resilience and Coping Intervention (fRCI) in Kampala city in Uganda. .The study employed a two-group randomized, matched subjects, pre-test post-test control group design, investigator-blind, with a baseline, midline and end line spells that lasted for 3 months. Randomization was by family unit, using a 1: 1 allocation. The experimental group received the fRCI and the control group did not. There were 81 participants in the control and 92 in the intervention group. Instruments included a questionnaire that assessed demographic; coping, strengths and difficulties, depression, generalized anxiety, hope, and general family functioning. Evaluation of fRCI, and session feedback was assessed using forms. Data was analyzed using factor analysis, t-test, panel regression and thematic analysis. Across the baseline, mid and end line, results showed that the fRCI was effective in reducing family psychosocial stress. Significant predictors of family psychosocial stress included age, education and coping strategy. The youths, parents and counselors positively evaluated the fRCI and its sessions. It was recommended that the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Disaster Preparedness adopt the fRCI. Teachers and community leaders and health and disaster workers be trained in implementing the fRCI so that they can help individuals and communities impacted by pandemics like Covid-19.