Family functioning and mental health changes following a family therapy intervention in Kenya: Results of a pilot trial

Abstract

Family violence and the high burden of mental health disorders are two multifaceted and15inextricably linked public health problems globally. Family-centered interventions offer a16promising avenue for addressing both of these challenges simultaneously. The purpose of this17study was to conduct a mixed methods, single group pre-post pilot trial of a family therapy18intervention delivered by lay counselors in Kenya. Results from 10 families completing19treatment suggest that the intervention improved family relationship quality and mental20health according to both caregivers and children. Point estimates represent change of more21than two standard deviations from baseline for the majority of primary outcomes. Treated 22 families also reported a decrease in child maltreatment, intimate partner violence, and23alcohol-related problems. These results were corroberated by findings from an observational24measure of family functioning and in-depth interviews. This study provides preliminary25evidence for the efficacy of a family-based intervention consisting of streamlined core clinical26strategies to target multiple domains including both child mental health and family27dysfunction.