Integrated Psychological Intervention for Amelioration of Mental Health Problems of Individuals with Physical Disabilities in Pakistan

Abstract

Background

This study aimed to explore an effective treatment strategy to improve common mental health issues in a population with physical disabilities. This population did not receive enough attention from the healthcare system in Pakistan.

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of an integrated psychological intervention for managing common psychological problems among individuals with physical disabilities.

Method

Sixty participants were recruited from the Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) of Aid to Leprosy Patients (ALP) Rawalpindi-Pakistan from November 2021 to July 2022. The participants were recruited purposively and received comprehensive rehabilitation services with an integrated psychological intervention. The duration of the study was 2 months, including the screening and outcome sessions.

Results

The results indicated clinically significant improvements in psychosocial disability (p<0.001, cohen’s d = 0.93), emotional problems (p<0.001), depression, anxiety, stress and post-traumatic stress disorder (p<0.001).

Conclusion

Integrated psychological intervention is an effective form of rehabilitation that enables individuals with physical disabilities to resume community functioning, particularly those who were previously unable to do so.

Keywords: Integrated healthcare, disability, mental health, psychological intervention