Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy
Volume 7, Issue 6, 2015, Pages 533-538

Psychological first aid training for Lebanese field workers in the emergency context of the Syrian refugees in Lebanon (Article)

Akoury-Dirani L.* , Sahakian T.S. , Hassan F.Y. , Hajjar R.V. , Asmar K.E.
  • a American University of Beirut, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Program, Medical Center, Riad El Solh, Beirut, Beirut, 1107 2020, Lebanon
  • b American University of Beirut, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Program, Medical Center, Riad El Solh, Beirut, Beirut, 1107 2020, Lebanon
  • c American University of Beirut, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Program, Medical Center, Riad El Solh, Beirut, Beirut, 1107 2020, Lebanon
  • d American University of Beirut, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Program, Medical Center, Riad El Solh, Beirut, Beirut, 1107 2020, Lebanon
  • e American University of Beirut, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Program, Medical Center, Riad El Solh, Beirut, Beirut, 1107 2020, Lebanon

Abstract

The Syrian refugee crisis in Lebanon required a fast and efficient comprehensive rescue strategy. Professionals working in emergency response were neither prepared to provide psychological first aid nor prepared to screen for mental health disorders in child refugees. This article examines the efficacy of a national training program in psychological first aid (PFA) to enhance the readiness of mental health field workers in the Syrian refugee response. Participant (N 109) were recruited from Lebanese ministries and nongovernmental organizations. They received a 2.5-day training on PFA and on screening for mental health disorders in children. Their knowledge and perceived readiness were assessed before the training, immediately after the training, and 1 month after the training using 2 evaluation forms. Evaluation Form A was a multiple choice questionnaire composed of 20 questions and created on the basis of the content of the training, and Evaluation Form B was a Likert-type scale of 20 items created based on the core components of PFA. The data of 60 participants were analyzed. The results showed a significant increase in knowledge and readiness, specifically on the components related to the principles and techniques of PFA. © 2015 American Psychological Association.

Author Keywords

Syrian refugee Children Training Emergency response Psychological first aid

Index Keywords

Syria education Health Personnel refugee Child first aid Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice procedures Mental Disorders health care personnel Syrian Arab Republic attitude to health Lebanon human Humans Refugees psychology Treatment Outcome
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84927127198&doi=10.1037%2ftra0000028&partnerID=40&md5=fe4a31872f1c7ff5ae8d8e6c63b71a86
DOI: 10.1037/tra0000028
ISSN: 19429681
Cited by: 6
Original Language: English