The prevalence of trauma exposure and subsequent post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among adolescents is a significant concern in South Africa. A recent study titled "A pilot randomised control study to investigate the effect of the South African Adolescence Group Sleep Intervention (SAASI) on adolescent sleep and PTSD" provides valuable insights into addressing these challenges through innovative interventions.
Understanding the SAASI Study
The SAASI study explored the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a group sleep intervention designed to improve sleep quality and reduce PTSD symptoms in adolescents. Conducted with 61 participants diagnosed with PTSD and sleep disturbances, the study divided them into an intervention group receiving the SAASI program and a control group. The intervention included one individual session and four group sessions focusing on cognitive-behavioral therapy principles tailored for adolescents.
Key Findings and Implications for Practitioners
- Dual Improvement: The study suggests a trend towards dual improvement in both sleep quality and PTSD symptom severity among adolescents receiving the SAASI intervention. Although there was no significant overall intervention effect on sleep quality, improvements were noted over time in both groups.
- Task-Shifting Feasibility: The study demonstrated that utilizing less specialized mental health resources such as nurses and counselors was feasible and effective in delivering the intervention. This approach can be particularly beneficial in low-resource settings where access to specialized care is limited.
- Encouraging Further Research: While preliminary results are promising, further research with a larger sample size and detailed retention planning is necessary to establish the efficacy of the SAASI intervention. Practitioners are encouraged to explore similar interventions in their settings to enhance adolescent mental health outcomes.
Practical Steps for Implementation
Practitioners looking to implement similar interventions can consider the following steps:
- Adopt a Task-Shifting Approach: Train nurses and counselors in cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques to deliver group interventions effectively.
- Focus on Group Interventions: Utilize group sessions to maximize resource efficiency while providing peer support among participants.
- Monitor Progress: Use tools like sleep diaries and symptom scales to track improvements in sleep quality and PTSD symptoms over time.
- Plan for Retention: Develop strategies to minimize dropout rates, such as flexible scheduling and addressing logistical barriers like transportation.
Conclusion
The SAASI study offers valuable insights into improving adolescent mental health through innovative interventions. By adopting task-shifting approaches and focusing on group interventions, practitioners can enhance their skills and contribute to better outcomes for adolescents with PTSD and sleep disturbances.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: A pilot randomised control study to investigate the effect of the South African Adolescence Group Sleep Intervention (SAASI) on adolescent sleep and PTSD*
