Disseminating evidence-based research on mental health and coping to adolescents facing adversity in Lebanon: a pilot of
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RESEARCH
Open Access
Disseminating evidence-based research on mental health and coping to adolescents facing adversity in Lebanon: a pilot of a psychoeducational comic book ‘Somoud’ Tania Bosqui1* , Anas Mayya1, Liliane Younes2, Myriam Claire Baker1 and Ismat Maktabi Annan1
Abstract Background: Despite advances in the evidence base and scaling up of mental health and psychosocial interventions for children and adolescents affected by conflict and adversity, a theory-practice gap remains, with limited translation of research findings to affected communities. Methods: In order to disseminate findings from a review on mental health and coping for children and adolescents, a psychoeducational comic book ‘Somoud’ was developed and piloted with adolescents and their caregivers in Lebanon, using a qualitative Grounded Theory approach. Results: In total, 10 participants (5 adolescents, 5 parents), took part in the study. Using Thematic Content Analysis, 6 themes were identified; 1) psychoeducation versus misinterpretation, 2) balancing depth with accessibility, 3) aesthetic appeal, 4) contextual relevance and realism, 5) daily stressors, and 6) parental and social relationships. Conclusions: The findings demonstrate the importance of cultural and contextual piloting of psychoeducational content, and the potential usefulness and accessibility of a comic book format to disseminate information to adolescents. Data from the pilot was used to inform the development of a new version of ‘Somoud’ for sharing with adolescents in Lebanon. Further research is required to establish the effectiveness of the psychoeducational book as a ‘self-help’ tool, and to further improve knowledge exchange between researchers and communities. Keywords: Mental health, Wellbeing, Adolescents, Dissemination, Psychoeducation
Background Research has consistently found worse mental health and a higher prevalence rate of mental disorders in populations affected by war and armed conflict [1], as well in populations facing poverty, inequality, and social injustices [2]. Despite major advances in the evidencebase and scaling up of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) for these populations [3, 4] there * Correspondence: [email protected] 1 Department of Psychology, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1007202, Lebanon Full list of author information is available at the end of the article
remains a large theory-practice gap. This gap is comprised of both the lack of dissemination and application of findings from research into practice [5], and of practice and lived experiences informing research needs and priorities [6]. Systematic reviews of MHPSS and health systems in low and middle income countries or humanitarian contexts have consistently highlighted the poor translation of research findings into practice in the field, and inversely, academics’ poor engagement with local services, communities, and affected populations [5, 7]. This is exacerbated by the measurement of research impact using
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