Using participatory action research to reimagine community mental health services in Colombia: a mixed-method study protocol

Burgess, Rochelle, Dedios Sanguineti, María Cecilia, Maldonado-Carrizosa, Darío, Fonseca, Laura, Vera San Juan, Norha, Lucumí, Diego, González-Gort, Mónica, Melgar, Mónica Carreño, Gaviria, María Fanny, Tovar, Diego Ferney and Jovchelovitch, Sandra ORCID: 0000-0002-0073-2792 (2022) Using participatory action research to reimagine community mental health services in Colombia: a mixed-method study protocol. BMJ Open, 12 (12). e069329. ISSN 2044-6055

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Abstract

Introduction Mental healthcare systems are challenged by how they hear and respond to what marginalised communities experience as drivers of mental distress. In Colombia, this challenge intersects with wider challenges facing post-conflict reconstruction. Our pilot study will explore the feasibility and acceptability of a participatory approach to developing community-led participatory interventions for community mental health systems strengthening and mental health improvement, in two sites in Caquetá, Colombia. Methods and analysis The project is divided into three distinct phases aligned with community participatory action research cycles: diagnostic, intervention and evaluation. This allows us to use a participatory approach to design a community-led, bottom-up intervention for mental health systems strengthening and the promotion of mental health and well-being. The diagnostic phase explores local understandings of mental health, mental distress and access to mental health services from community members and health providers. The intervention stage will be guided by a participatory Theory of Change process. Community priorities will inform the development of a participatory, learning and action (PLA) informed group intervention, with a community linkage forum. The pilot of the PLA intervention will be evaluated using MRC process evaluation guidelines. Ethics and dissemination This project has received ethical approval from two sources. Universidad de Los Andes (2021-1393) and the University College London (16127/005). Dissemination of findings will include academic publications, community forums, policy briefs and visual media (cartoons, pod casts and short films).

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	© 2022 Author(s).
Divisions:	Psychological and Behavioural Science
Subjects:	R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine H Social Sciences B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Date Deposited:	06 Jan 2023 13:57
Last Modified:	18 Apr 2024 04:57
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/117759

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