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Open Access 01-12-2022 | Study protocol

Evaluating the impact of Community-Based Sociotherapy on social dignity in post-genocide Rwanda: study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial

Authors: Stefan Jansen, Japhet Niyonsenga, Chantal Marie Ingabire, Angela Jansen, Emmanuel Nzabonimpa, Noella Ingabire, Jeannette Kangabe, Emmanuel Sarabwe, Annemiek Richters, Theoneste Rutayisire, Epaphrodite Nsabimana

Published in: Trials | Issue 1/2022

Abstract

Background

Community-Based Sociotherapy (CBS) is an approach that was introduced in Rwanda in 2005, with the aim of improving psychosocial well-being among its participants and facilitating reconciliation processes. Over the years, CBS has been adapted contextually and the effectiveness of the approach has been measured in different ways, using qualitative and quantitative study designs. This study specifically assesses the effectiveness of CBS in terms of fostering the social dignity of participants as the primary outcome.

Methods/design

A cluster randomized controlled trial design with person-level outcomes whereas the CBS treatment is delivered at the cluster level. A total of 1200 eligible participants will be randomly assigned to two groups in a 1:1 ratio. Participants in the intervention group will receive the CBS intervention, while the control group will be waitlisted. The primary outcome measure is a self-designed and psychometrically validated Social Dignity Scale. The secondary outcome measures will be the WHO (Five) Well-Being Index (WHO-5), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), the Self-reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20), and the perceived parental self-efficacy scale. The primary analysis will be performed following an intention to treat analysis, using generalized estimating equation modeling.

Discussion

We expect this cluster randomized controlled trial to provide insight into the effectiveness of CBS on social dignity and secondary psychosocial outcomes among its group participants, who have different socio-historical backgrounds including genocide survivors, perpetrators, bystanders and their descendants, people in conflicts (family/community), and local leaders. This study will inform CBS implementers, policymakers, practitioners, and other stakeholders on the role of social dignity in interventions that focus on psychosocial healing.

Trial registration

ISRCTN ISRCTN11199072. It was registered on 2 April 2022.

Available only for authorised users

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Title: Evaluating the impact of Community-Based Sociotherapy on social dignity in post-genocide Rwanda: study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Stefan Jansen
Japhet Niyonsenga
Chantal Marie Ingabire
Angela Jansen
Emmanuel Nzabonimpa
Noella Ingabire
Jeannette Kangabe
Emmanuel Sarabwe
Annemiek Richters
Theoneste Rutayisire
Epaphrodite Nsabimana
Publication date: 01-12-2022
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Trials / Issue 1/2022
Electronic ISSN: 1745-6215
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-022-06994-3

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Evaluating the impact of Community-Based Sociotherapy on social dignity in post-genocide Rwanda: study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background

Methods/design

Discussion

Trial registration

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods/design

Discussion

Trial registration

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