PSYCHOLOGICAL INTERVENTION AND PATIENTS DEPRESSION RECOVERY IN RWANDA. A CASE OF NDERA NEURO-PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of psychological interventions on depression recovery among patients in Rwanda using the case of Ndera Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital. The specific objectives were to examine the effects of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on depression recovery, to analyze the effects of interpersonal therapy (IPT) on depression recovery, and to establish the effects of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) on depression recovery . A descriptive research design with a correlation regression size effect was used and a mixed method approach was adopted for both qualitative and quantitative research approaches. The sample size was determined using Slovin’s formula after determining the recovered patients of depression from the annual report 2020 of Ndera Hospital. Outgoing patients were targeted because they were observed and interviewed to get information on their change behaviours. Data was collected using a questionnaire survey, interview guide, and field observation checklist from outgoing patients with depression and their counsellors. Counsellors were interviewed because they provided information on the types of therapies used to recover from depression. Qualitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics in term of mean and standard deviation, and inferential statistics in terms of correlation, Chi-Square and regression analysis. Data entry, coding, cleaning and analysis were done with the help of SPSS software version 25. Tables, figures and textual models were used to present analyzed data. A Cronbach alpha test was also conducted to measure the internal consistency and reliability of the data collection instruments. The findings indicate that that holding Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy and Functional Analytic Psychotherapy to a constant zero, depression recovery among patients in Rwanda would be at 0.421. In Addition, any unit increase on Cognitive behavior therapy would increase depression recovery among patients in Rwanda by a factor of 0.224. Any unit increase in Interpersonal Therapy would increase depression recovery among patients in Rwanda by a factor of 0.222. Any unit increase in Functional Analytic Psychotherapy would increase depression recovery among patients in Rwanda by a factor of 0.359. Very good and positive linear relationships were established between psychological interventions on depression recovery among patients in Rwanda: Cognitive behavior therapy (r=0.690, p= .023); Interpersonal behavior therapy (r=0.719, p= .005) and Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (r=0.538, p= .001). In conclusion Psychological therapies are effective in the treatment of depression in primary care, have longer lasting effects than drugs, are preferred by the majority of patients, and can be applied flexibly with different formats and across different target groups. The study recommends that given that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has shown significant potential in reducing symptoms of depression, it would be beneficial to promote awareness about CBT among mental health professionals in Rwanda. Offering training and workshops on CBT techniques and principles can enhance the capacity of therapists to deliver effective treatment . Keywords: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Functional Analytic Psychotherapy, Depression Recovery CITATION : Ntakirutimana, D., & Irechukwu,E. N. (2023). Psychological intervention and patient’s depression recovery in Rwanda. A case of Ndera Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital. The Strategic Journal of Business & Change Management, 10 (3), 263 – 278.