Clinical Trial Details
— Status: Completed
Administrative data
| NCT number |
NCT05136105 |
| Other study ID # |
UKAC2021 |
| Secondary ID |
|
| Status |
Completed |
| Phase |
N/A
|
| First received |
|
| Last updated |
|
| Start date |
March 10, 2021 |
| Est. completion date |
November 10, 2022 |
Study information
| Verified date |
May 2023 |
| Source |
University of Konstanz |
| Contact |
n/a |
| Is FDA regulated |
No |
| Health authority |
|
| Study type |
Interventional
|
Clinical Trial Summary
Survivors of sexual violence are particularly vulnerable to develop psychological as well as
physical health problems, Burundian children and adolescents being at elevated risk.
Psychosocial care, and trauma-focused interventions, nevertheless, are near absent in
Burundi.
The purpose of this project is to ameliorate psychosocial care for survivors of sexual
violence in strengthening health care competencies by implementing evidence-based
intervention strategies. We intend to develop an approach identifying particularly vulnerable
children and adolescents and testing a preventive family-oriented psychotherapeutic approach.
The latter aims at reducing stigmatization and at promoting the processing of the event
within families. The project involves two cohorts, which are assessed enrolling them in the
study, during a three-months and a 12-months follow-up.
Description:
Survivors of sexual violence are particularly vulnerable to develop psychological as well as
physical health problems, children and adolescents being at particular risk. Residing in
conflict zones with disrupted community structures and social norms, substantially increases
the risk for interpersonal violence, especially sexual abuse. The post-war country Burundi
shows high prevalence rates for childhood sexual abuse. Adequate psychosocial care and
trauma-focused interventions, however, are near absent, especially in rural areas.
Furthermore, talking about sexual activities remains a taboo-topic in Burundi, and
particularly talking about sexual abuse. Survivors often suffer from stigmatization and
therefore conceal their abusive experience. Recent studies, however, accentuate the
importance of social support, notably parental acceptance, in the aftermath of sexual abuse.
Parental acceptance shows buffering effects of sequelae following sexual abuse. Conversely,
parental rejection, especially coming from the father, lowers the self-esteem and leads to
emotional unresponsiveness and negative self-cognitions. Rejection thus risks to exacerbate
feelings of shame and the internalization of stigma. Hence, the implementation of
family-oriented interventions is crucial for effective treatment outcomes.
The purpose of this project is thus to ameliorate psychosocial care for survivors of sexual
violence in strengthening health care competencies by implementing evidence-based
intervention strategies. Combining insights from the aforementioned research, cognitive
behavioural strategies, and cultural aspects we developed a preventive treatment approach
aiming to address (1) the building block effect using trauma-therapeutic methods, (2) social
exclusion by family members and society, and (3) communication about the incident and
associated emotions within the family. The intervention consisted of three sessions. The
first cohort included in the study does not receive the intervention in order to establish a
baseline assessment of the course of mental health symptoms in the aftermath of sexual
violence, and to help identify those in need of psychosocial assistance. The second cohort is
offered the family intervention.
Follow-up assessments are planned at 3 and 12 months.
