Effects of lay trauma counseling on rape survivors: A communitybased interventional study in Thika and Naivasha sub-counties –Kenya

Abstract

The negative psychological consequences of rape are profound and long-term. The psychological dysfunctional consequences of rape are more serious than its physical effects. The objective of this study was to determine effects of lay trauma counseling on rape survivors. Survivors were consecutively recruited (n=410), 128 in Thika sub-county the intervention arm and 282 in Naivasha sub-county the Non-intervention arm. Intervention group received both the ‘standard care’ and ICLRTC intervention for nine months. Data was analyzed using descriptive, Pearson’s Chi-square test or Fisher Exact test to determine factors associated with each dependent variable, OR and 95% CI were used to estimate strength of association between independent and dependent variable. Results at baseline revealed a significant difference in the distribution of survivors’ residence by study arm (p<0.001). ‘Safety’ and ‘dissatisfaction needs were significantly different (p=0.004) and (p=0.001) respectively, in distribution among survivors by study arm at baseline. There was baseline equivalence in all selected psychological distress characteristics between the study arms (p>0.05). The magnitude of change in improvement of positive psychological outcomes by 3rd, 6th, and 9th month of ICLRTC intervention was higher in Non-intervention arm compared to intervention arm. Conclusion: the main needs among survivors were ‘safety’ and ‘dissatisfaction’; and the main psychological distress characteristics were depression and RTS. The predictors of depression were Age ≥ 12 years old, self blame and RTS; and predictors of RTS were depression and shame. Recommendations: The legal-justice system and the African ‘Clan of Elders Courts’ ought to protect women and girls from perpetrators who live within or near their homes. PRC providers ought to be friendly while they deliver services in a sensitive manner. There is need to replicate this study under normal circumstances to find out if there will be significant difference of findings from results of this study.