Feasibility Evaluation of the Listen Protect Connect (LPC) Intervention for School Students in Pakistan: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

 

Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a prevalent global mental health condition. Numerous prior studies have illustrated the efficacy of various psychosocial interventions designed to alleviate PTSD symptoms in children. Given the rising incidence of trauma-exposed students in schools, the current study endeavors to culturally adapt a school-centered intervention known as the 'Listen Protect Connect Model and Teach (LPC)' to specifically address trauma-exposed children and facilitate the mitigation of PTSD symptoms.

Methods: The study employed two psychological assessment tools, namely the Life Events Checklist-5 and the Child PTSD Symptom Scale. The research design encompassed pre- and post-follow-up assessments. To assess the acceptability and feasibility of the LPC intervention, a double-blinded, cluster-randomized controlled trial was conducted using a parallel two-arm design. A total of 64 students from eight private schools in Rawalpindi and Islamabad were selected, with a 1:1 randomization ratio for the intervention and control groups. To gauge the acceptability of the LPC intervention, a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed.

Results: The findings demonstrated a noteworthy reduction in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among students who underwent the intervention. This decrease in PTSD symptoms was associated with the successful reintegration of these students into the school environment following their exposure to traumatic events. Additionally, the intervention had a positive impact on students' attendance and academic performance.

Conclusions: The study's results and findings indicate that integrating the LPC intervention into school settings effectively promotes a sustained enhancement of the psychosocial well-being of trauma-exposed students in Pakistan. Moreover, it offers benefits by reducing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among these students.