A counsellor-supported ‘PTSD Coach’ intervention versus enhanced treatment as usual in a resource-constrained setting

A randomised controlled trial

Bibliographic Data

ID15700523
AuthorsErine Bröcker (0000-0002-9861-9527, Stellenbosch University, corresponding author), Miranda Olff (0000-0003-1016-9515, Stellenbosch University), Sharain Suliman (0000-0001-5510-3128, Stellenbosch University), Martin Kidd (0000-0002-0221-1245), L Greyvenstein (Stellenbosch University), Soraya Seedat (0000-0002-5118-786X, Stellenbosch University)
Year2024
Volume11
Pages1-25
Publication date2024-01-03
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueCambridge Prisms Global Mental Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2054-4251 • E-ISSN: 2054-4251
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/gmh.2023.92
PMID38283877
OpenAlexW4390540137
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited18

To widen treatment access for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in resource-constrained South Africa, we evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of a counsellor-supported PTSD Coach mobile application (app) (PTSD Coach-CS) intervention on PTSD and associated sequelae in a community sample. Participants (female = 89%; black = 77%; aged 19-61) with PTSD were randomised to PTSD Coach-CS ( n = 32) or enhanced Treatment-as-Usual ( n = 30), and assessed with the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-5), PTSD Checklist (PCL-5) and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 items, at pre- to post-treatment and follow-up (1 and 3 months). We also collected data on user experiences of the PTSD Coach app with self-administered surveys. We conducted an intent-to-treat analysis and linear mixed models. A significant (group × time) effect for the CAPS-5 (F 3.136 = 3.33, p = 0.02) indicated a greater reduction in PTSD symptom severity over time for the intervention group with a significant between-group effect size detected at 3-month follow-up. Significant between-group effect sizes were detected in self-reported stress symptom reduction in the intervention group at post-treatment and 3-month follow-up. Participants perceived the app as helpful and were satisfied with the app. Findings suggest PTSD Coach-CS as a suitable low-cost intervention and potential treatment alternative for adults with PTSD in a resource-constrained country. Replication in larger samples is needed to fully support effectiveness. Pan African Trial Registry: PACTR202108755066871

Computer network · Intervention (counseling · Psychiatry · Randomized controlled trial · Resource (disambiguation · Applied Psychology · Child Therapy and Development · Clinical Psychology · Computer Science · Counseling Practices and Supervision · Medicine · Psychology · Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications · Surgery

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