Effectiveness of community-based interventions for PTSD among youth in low- and middle-income countries affected by humanitarian emergencies: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Humanitarian emergencies expose millions of young people to adversity each year, with particularly severe consequences in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) where mental health resources are scarce. In these contexts, community-based interventions (CBIs) can fill treatment gaps by leveraging local strengths to address mental health symptoms and sustainably foster resilience. Although these interventions demonstrate therapeutic potential, evidence regarding their effectiveness in reducing youth Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms remains mixed, particularly in LMICs affected by humanitarian emergencies. To examine the efficacy of CBIs for this population, a systematic review of five databases (Cochrane, Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Scopus) was completed. Of the 1,687 records screened, 22 records met the inclusion criteria, 21 of which were included in analyses. Findings suggest a statistically significant, moderate effect of CBIs in reducing symptoms of PTSD in children and adolescents (g = -0.5). Further, exploratory moderator analyses suggests that incorporating individual sessions and culturally adapting interventions may enhance treatment outcomes. However, substantial heterogeneity across studies indicate that study effects vary widely. The findings from this review suggest that community-driven approaches are viable treatment options for traumatized youth in low-resource settings, offering valuable insights into the effectiveness of CBIs in high-risk contexts.