Barriers to Accessing Community Based Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Management in Post Conflict Acholi Sub-region

Abstract

Purpose: The study aimed at assessing barriers in accessing Community-Based Trauma- Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) management in post-conflict Acholi sub-region with interest in providing solutions to those barriers. Methodology: The study adopted a survey approach which was qualitative. This was done through interviews. This was supplemented by the pragmatic paradigm that concerned assessing effectiveness of community-based TF-CBT. The research design used to assess barriers and facilitators of TF-CBT was cross sectional. The use of cross-sectional survey design involved the elements of comparative, exploratory and descriptive approaches.  Sample selection of participants involved organizational staff comprising of, social workers, clinical psychologists, Village Health Team (VHTs). Beneficiaries who included 120 men and 299 women. The 419 beneficiaries were interrogated using a questionnaire, 36 participants for Focused Group Discussions (FGDs), four social workers and, one clinical psychologist and 25 in-depth interviews with beneficiaries. Findings: Results indicated; limited mobilization, stigmatization, lack of enough human resource, alcoholism, lack of commitment and economic crisis amongst others as barriers to accessing TF-CBT for PTSD management. The study suggests that these can be handled through sensitization, radio talk shows, visiting clients in their homes and increasing number of staff. The study suggests community sensitization, recruiting more staff to handle TF-CBT, visitations by staff to clients, family support from spouses & caregivers and increased infrastructure as the recommended measure to handle this problem.