Integrating mental health and disaster preparedness in intervention: a randomized controlled trial

This article summarises the findings of a study which assessed effectiveness of an integrated mental health and disaster preparedness intervention in Haiti.

The randomised controlled trial demonstrates that a community-based mental health-integrated disaster preparedness intervention successfully reduced symptoms associated with depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and functional impairment. The intervention also increased disaster preparedness, and increased peer-based help-giving and help-seeking.

The study concludes that the intervention is effective in improving mental health and preparedness among community members in Haiti vulnerable to natural hazards. This brief intervention has the potential to be scaled up for use with other communities vulnerable to earthquakes, seasonal flooding, and other natural hazards.