“My home is (now) at peace”: Evaluating the relevance, acceptability and potential scalability of a guided self-help intervention for male refugees in Uganda

In humanitarian crises, male refugees face significant mental health challenges, including high rates of depression and alcohol misuse, yet access to services remains limited. This study evaluated the relevance, acceptability and potential scalability of a combined guided self-help intervention for mental health and alcohol use among male South Sudanese refugees in Uganda’s Rhino and Imvepi settlements.

Researchers conducted a qualitative process evaluation using thematic network analysis of 28 in-depth interviews with participants, family members and facilitators. Participants had received enhanced usual care, Self-Help Plus (SH+) alone or SH+ combined with a brief alcohol intervention (ASSIST-BI).

Findings underscored the intervention’s relevance, particularly in relation to participants’ roles as providers and productive citizens. Acceptability was reinforced by a sense of community and social support, especially during SH+ group sessions. Facilitators highlighted the importance of the group format for scalability, despite barriers such as competing priorities and limited resources.

The study emphasises the need for a comprehensive approach to address mental health and alcohol use together, and to integrate additional support mechanisms such as livelihoods to enhance impact while maintaining the core components of the intervention.

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