MEmory Training for Recovery- Adolescent (METRA): A brief intervention targeting psychological distress in Iraqi adolescents
Monash UniversityDataset description
METRA: Module 1: Memory specificity training is a manualized training delivered over five 60-minute face-to-face sessions (3-5 times per week based on local security situations) to groups of 6-8 adolescents. It is delivered by a group facilitator. Session 1 provides psycho-education about mental health and memory. Participants practice recalling memories in response to positive and neutral cues, with support from the group facilitator. Session 2 follows the same format with further practice focusing on recalling memories in response to positive and neutral cues. In Session 3, practice in response to negative cues is introduced. Session 4 involves further exercises. Session 5 includes further practice and a summary. Module 1 focuses on everyday remembering.Module 2: Writing for Recovery is a written exposure training that involves 5 face-to-face sessions (delivered 3-5 times per week based on local security situations). It is delivered by the same group facilitator that delivered Module 1 and is delivered immediately following Module 1 (i.e., week following last session of Module 1). In the first session, the purpose of Module 2 is outlined. Then the facilitator simply reads the instructions and the participant completes the writing task; writing about their trauma including thoughts and feelings. After 30 minutes, the facilitator instructs the participants to stop writing. This writing task is repeated in the following four sessions. Each session takes 45-60 minutes.
Adherence will be monitored using session attendance checklists.
Identifiers
Source Study
Trial name (public)
MEmory Training for Recovery- Adolescent (METRA): A brief intervention targeting psychological distress among adolescents in AfghanistanTrial acronym
METRA Trial
Trial ID
ACTRN12621001160820
Purpose
Treatment
Phase
Not Applicable
Funding
Charities/Societies/Foundations,ELRHA
Scientific enquiries
A/Prof Laura Jobson
Brief Summary
Adolescent refugees in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) experience concerning levels of psychological distress, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. These symptoms severely affect an adolescent’s life, including long-lasting cognitive, emotional, social and academic/vocational problems. Addressing psychological concerns in the critical developmental period of adolescence is imperative. However, very few adolescent refugees in LMICs receive evidence-bas .... Read more
Key Inclusion Criteria
Afghan adolescents aged 10-19 years with elevated psychological distress. This age range aligns with our pilot work and definitions of ‘adolescent’. As in our pilot studies, elevated psychological distress is defined as >30 on the Persian Child Revised Impact of Event Scale-13 and/or >25 on the Persian Mood and Feeling Questionnaire.
Key Exclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria: a) high levels of suicidality, b) unmanaged psychosis/manic episodes in past month, and c) presence of head trauma/organic brain damage.
Can healthy volunteers participate?
No
Population
Sample Size 120
Min. age 10 Years
Max. age 19 Years
Sex Females
Condition category depression , posttraumatic stress disorder
Condition code Mental Health
Intervention
Intervention code Treatment: Other
METRA: Module 1: Memory specificity training is a manualized training delivered over five 60-minute face-to-face sessions (3-5 times per week based on local security situations) to groups of 6-8 adolescents. It is delivered by a group facilitator. Session 1 provides psycho-education about mental health and memory. Participants practice recalling memories in response to positive and neutral cues, with support from the group facilitator. Session 2 follows the same format with further practice focu .... Read more
Comparison
Control group Active
Treatment as usual (TAU): Local NGOs will provide the course of intervention that they deem appropriate (e.g., counselling, skills training). No specific instructions will be given as to what TAU should entail, except not including elements specific to METRA. TAU will be documented ensuring understanding of the duration, frequency and type of treatment administered.
Outcomes
Outcome: Self-reported symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) - assessed using the Child Revised Impact of Event Scale-13 Timepoint: The primary time point is post-Module 2. Assessments will be at baseline, post-Module 1, post-Module 2 (primary timepoint) and 3-month follow-up.
Outcome: Self-reported symptoms of depression - assessed using the Mood and Feeling Questionnaire - Child Self-reportTimepoint: The primary time point is post-Module 2. Assessments will be at baseline, post-Module 1, post-Module 2 (primary timepoint) and 3-month follow-up.
Will individual participant data (IPD) for this trial be available?
yes
What data in particular will be shared?
Anonymised participant baseline and outcome data
When will data be available?
At the end of the trial - December 2024 No end date
Available to whom?
All researchers
Available for what types of analyses?
Any purpose