Randomised clinical trial investigating memory training for recovery-adolescents in addressing psychiatric concerns among adolescents in Iraq

Bibliographic Data

ID19550796
AuthorsLaura Jobson (0000-0002-1534-897X, Monash University), Hussain Malallah (University of Kirkuk), Sayed Jafar Ahmadi (0000-0001-9158-2437, Bard College), Daniel McAvoy (0000-0002-2984-3840, Deakin University), Arul Earnest (0000-0003-2693-5034, Monash University), Kelsey Vaughan (0009-0002-0603-7368, Bang for Buck Consulting, Amsterdam, the Netherlands), Latef Berzenji (University of Kirkuk), Latef S Berzenji, Shkofa Mohammad (University of Kirkuk), Azi Berzengi (University of East Anglia)
Year2025
Volume15
Pages04111-04111
Publication date2025-05-05
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Global Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2047-2978 • E-ISSN: 2047-2986
PublisherInternational Society of Global Health (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.7189/jogh.15.04111
PMID40319505
OpenAlexW4410067121
LanguageEN
References cited51

Background: In this randomised clinical trial, we investigated the efficacy of MEmory Training for Recovery-Adolescent (METRA) in improving psychiatric symptoms among adolescents in Iraq. Methods: In the study, we included adolescents aged 10-19 years with heightened psychiatric distress living in Kirkuk. It was a parallel-group trial comparing METRA with treatment as usual (TAU), with a three-month follow-up. The study occurred between July 2023 and January 2024. Participants assigned to METRA received a 10-session group-intervention comprised of memory specificity training and writing for recovery. Assessments occurred at baseline, post-intervention, and three months after treatment. Primary outcome measures were self-reported posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression symptoms post-intervention. Secondary outcomes were measures of anxiety and psychiatric difficulties. We also examined the costs and affordability of METRA in a humanitarian context. The sample size for primary analyses included 67 adolescents in the METRA group and 65 adolescents in TAU. Results: Following the intention-to-treat principle, linear mixed effects models found at post-intervention the METRA group had a 10.96-point decrease (95% confidence interval (CI) = -13.82, -8.09) in PTSD symptoms and a 3.27-point decrease (95% CI = -4.67, -1.87) in depression symptoms. Improvements were maintained at the three-month follow-up. While the time main effects were significant (P < 0.001), the group × time interactions were not significant (P = 0.61 for PTSD and P = 0.71 for depression); thus, there was no evidence that these improvements were superior to the symptom improvements observed in TAU. Conclusions: In this study, we found that while METRA was not more effective than TAU, it was less costly, offering an option for replacing current practice. The findings highlight a need for further research in this area of global mental health. Registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12622001413718)

Clinical trial · MEDLINE · Psychiatry · Clinical Psychology · Grief, Bereavement, and Mental Health · Identity, Memory, and Therapy · Medicine · Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research · Psychology

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