Integrating an evidence-based mental health intervention into non-communicable disease care

Project overview

This research will examine the integration of an evidenced-based mental health intervention into existing non-communicable disease (NCD) care models, implemented by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Thailand refugee camps to compare health outcomes, factors influencing treatment compliance and costs, between intervention and control groups.

Countries
Thailand
Organisations
International Rescue Committee
Partners
Johns Hopkins University, Khon Kaen University
Area of funding
Humanitarian Research
Grant amount
£647,431
Start date
01
December
2020
End date
01
March
2025
Project length (in months)
51
Funding calls
R2HC Annual Funding Call
Topics
No items found.
Status
Live

Project solution

This project offers [specific solution or intervention] to tackle [challenge]. By implementing [strategies, tools, or innovations], the project aims to achieve [desired outcomes]. The approach is designed to [specific actions or methods] to bring about meaningful change in [community, region, or issue area].

Expected outcomes

This project aims to achieve [specific outcomes], such as [measurable results, improvements, or changes]. The expected impact includes [benefits to the target community, advancements in research or innovation, or long-term effects]. By the end of the project, we anticipate [specific changes or milestones] that will contribute to [broader goals or objectives].

Dr. Judy Bass

Co-Principal Investigator

Common mental disorders can impact whether people with comorbid diseases, like hypertension and diabetes, seek care and maintain treatment compliance. We are integrating an intervention that can treat common mental and behavioural disorders into a care system for non-communicable diseases to improve treatment outcomes for both sets of conditions.

Dr. Ye Htut Oo

Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Research Manager

By weaving mental health support into the fabric of NCD care, we are promoting a patient-centered model that recognizes the unique needs of hypertensive and diabetic patients affected by humanitarian crises. This integrated approach will improve not only overall health outcomes but also the quality of care provided.

Dr. Wongsa Laohasiriwong

Principal Investigator

Diabetes and Hypertension are the most common chronic diseases nowadays, requiring both treatment adherence and behavior modification. Our intervention aims to improve mental health status which is necessary for both treatment compliance and behavioral change. We aim to scale up or integrate these mental health interventions into the health-care system for the benefit of the broader community in the future.

Principal Investigators: Dr. Wongsa Laohasiriwong, Khon Kaen University and Dr Judy Bass, Johns Hopkins University.

Purpose




Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of mortality worldwide. There is an increasing burden of NCDs within humanitarian contexts, but a lack of evidence of effective NCD interventions in humanitarian settings outside the Middle East. Mental disorders and major NCDs often share risk factors such as sedentary life style and alcohol misuse, and can coexist, leading to high care costs care and premature mortality. Mental health conditions significantly impact NCD risk factors and treatment compliance. This study integrates the evidence-based intervention Common Elements Treatment Approach (CETA) , into existing care models for people with hypertension, diabetes and epilepsy. Its objectives are to assess factors influencing treatment compliance, determine improvement in health outcomes, and evaluate potential cost savings.

Expected Outcomes


In the short term this study aims to (1) assess the impact of the intervention on mental health outcomes including wellbeing, mental and physical health status, (2) assess the differences between intervention and control group behavioral risk factors.

In the long term the research is expected to inform the role of mental health care as part of comprehensive NCD care in humanitarian settings.

If the intervention is found effective this will:

  • Contribute to the evidence base for strengthening NCD care service models, programatic standards and policies.
  • Support integration of evidence based mental health interventions into NCD care plans as standard practice within humanitarian settings.
  • Support mental health programmes in prioritizing people living with NCDs as groups who can improve physical and mental health outcomes when appropriate care is provided.

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Mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS)
International Rescue Committee
Thailand