Evaluating effects of community-based social healing model on Ubuntu, mental health and psychosocial functioning in post-genocide Rwanda: protocol for cluster randomized control trial
Abstract
Background: The community-based social healing (CBSH) model, developed by Ubuntu Centre for Peace, aims to support individuals with traumatic experiences and mental health challenges in achieving better mental health. CBSH combines BREATH-BODY-MIND™ (BBM) practices with collective narrative and rituals, facilitated by Community Healing Assistants in therapeutic groups. A previous pilot study involving 1889 Rwandan CBSH participants showed significant mental health improvements, including reductions in depression, anxiety, and PTSD, along with enhanced work productivity, and decreased intimate partner violence. The trial investigates the CBSH model's impact on Ubuntu and mental health. Ubuntu, a concept that encompasses humanness, compassion, and interconnectedness, is deeply rooted in the African philosophy.
Methods/design: This cluster randomized controlled trial will involve 54 villages randomly selected in the Kirehe district, with 1080 participants randomly allocated equally to the CBSH intervention or a wait-list control group. While the trial will be conducted at the village (cluster) level, both primary and secondary outcomes will be measured individually for participants within each cluster. The Primary outcome "Ubuntu" will be measured using a context-adapted Ubuntu measurement scale. Secondary outcomes include psychosocial indicators which will be assessed through standardized tools such as the Patient Health Questionnaire for depression (PHQ-9), Generalized…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 1,889 participants or records.
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